through_o patience_n &_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o the_o fault_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v record_v take_v heed_n of_o too_o much_o admire_v the_o best_a man_n there_o be_v dross_n use_v 4_o mix_v with_o their_o pure_a mettle_n it_o be_v a_o error_n therefore_o in_o some_o person_n who_o take_v all_o for_o grant_v that_o some_o who_o they_o admire_v deliver_v in_o their_o sermon_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o follow_v their_o judgement_n and_o example_n because_o they_o let_v we_o trial_n thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.2_o the_o eighty_o nine_o observation_n in_o nature_n we_o see_v material_a fruit-tree_n that_o be_v ungraft_v wild_a tree_n as_o forward_o to_o bring_v forth_o their_o sower_n and_o naughty_a fruit_n as_o the_o graft_a tree_n be_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o good_a fruit_n crabtree_n and_o other_o of_o the_o worst_a kind_n be_v as_o forward_o in_o the_o spring_n in_o blossom_a and_o shoot_v forth_o as_o graft_v tree_n of_o the_o best_a kind_n this_o be_v another_o similitude_n of_o the_o state_n of_o spiritual_a fruit-tree_n and_o shadow_n out_o unto_o we_o this_o proposition_n which_o also_o concur_v with_o the_o word_n and_o experience_n that_o carnal_a person_n be_v as_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n as_o usual_o the_o godly_a be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n shadow_v proposition_n shadow_v all_o people_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o those_o way_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o principle_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o carnal_a papist_n &_o other_o superstitious_a person_n be_v as_o zealous_a in_o their_o way_n as_o usual_o man_n fear_v god_n be_v in_o god_n way_n the_o idolatrous_a people_n mention_v jer._n 44._o be_v very_o zealous_a and_o earnest_n in_o worship_v their_o false_a god_n insomuch_o that_o when_o the_o prophet_n from_o god_n tell_v they_o the_o danger_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o destruction_n to_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v so_o to_o provoke_v god_n their_o spirit_n rise_v against_o he_o they_o answer_v he_o bold_o and_o stout_o with_o one_o consent_n vers_fw-la 16.17_o the_o word_n that_o thou_o have_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o of_o thou_o but_o we_o will_v do_v whatsoever_o come_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n as_o to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o drink_v offering_n unto_o she_o as_o we_o have_v do_v both_o we_o and_o our_o father_n our_o king_n and_o our_o prince_n so_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o baal_n earnest_n and_o forward_a in_o call_v upon_o their_o idol_n cut_v and_o lance_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 19_o how_o earnest_n be_v they_o for_o uphold_v their_o diana_n vers_fw-la 28._o they_o be_v full_a of_o wrath_n and_o cry_v out_o say_v great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v full_a of_o confusion_n and_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o common_a place_n with_o one_o consent_n etc._n etc._n so_o vers_fw-la 24._o how_o vehement_o earnest_n have_v we_o see_v carnal_a person_n for_o uphold_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o easter_n &_o c_o wherein_o they_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v a_o experiment_n whereof_o we_o have_v late_o of_o some_o gross_o ignorant_a person_n who_o be_v prevent_v at_o one_o place_n from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o profane_a minister_n they_o go_v after_o he_o the_o same_o day_n to_o another_o place_n wade_v through_o the_o water_n which_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o great_a rain_n overflow_v the_o bank_n to_o come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o their_o blind_a zeal_n not_o know_v what_o they_o do_v and_o for_o all_o superstitious_a custom_n feast_n may-game_n merry_a meeting_n and_o such_o like_a who_o among_o the_o godly_a be_v more_o forward_o and_o ready_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n than_o these_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v in_o these_o way_n of_o sin_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v agreeable_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o carnal_a person_n and_o second_o because_o satan_n work_v mighty_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o person_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o and_o to_o carry_v they_o on_o in_o carnal_a course_n especial_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v in_o it_o but_o the_o least_o show_n of_o good_a use_v 1_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o shall_v make_v regenerate_v person_n to_o take_v shame_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o command_n of_o god_n divine_a principle_n the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o other_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n etc._n etc._n to_o carry_v they_o on_o and_o encourage_v they_o shall_v yet_o be_v no_o more_o forward_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o the_o way_n of_o god_n then_o ungodly_a one_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n o_o it_o shall_v humble_v we_o g_o eat_o that_o we_o be_v so_o dull_a cold_a and_o formal_a that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n spirit_n and_o life_n in_o the_o pleasant_a and_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o forward_o to_o bring_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a and_o pleasant_a fruit_n to_o god_n than_o wicked_a man_n be_v to_o bring_v forth_o poisonous_a and_o deadly_a fruit_n it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a shame_n to_o some_o professor_n especial_o to_o see_v they_o so_o likewarme_a and_o unactive_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o power_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o act_v for_o god_n and_o his_o people_n they_o move_v slow_o and_o feeble_o in_o his_o cause_n wicked_a man_n be_v common_o more_o zealous_a and_o active_a in_o the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o lust_n than_o god_n people_n be_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v bewail_v by_o we_o the_o nineti_v observation_n in_o nature_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o dimension_n or_o bigness_n of_o fruit-tree_n some_o be_v very_o high_a and_o large_a tree_n other_o but_o low_a and_o small_a some_o be_v huge_a strong_a tree_n other_o but_o weak_a and_o slender_a some_o grow_v upon_o poor_a barren_a ground_n they_o can_v never_o attain_v that_o bigness_n as_o other_o that_o grow_v upon_o strong_a fertile_a ground_n yet_o the_o husbandman_n order_v and_o preservethall_a of_o they_o this_o be_v another_o similitude_n of_o the_o state_n of_o mystical_a fruit-tree_n and_o shadow_n out_o unto_o we_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v much_o different_a yet_o god_n care_v for_o they_o all_o shadow_v proposition_n shadow_v the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v very_o various_a whether_o we_o consider_v they_o in_o natural_a civil_a moral_a and_o spiritual_a respect_n some_o be_v young_a some_o old_a some_o of_o weak_a some_o of_o strong_a constitution_n of_o body_n some_o but_o of_o weak_a and_o low_a natural_a part_n and_o ability_n of_o mind_n other_o of_o eminent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n some_o of_o poor_a and_o mean_a estate_n and_o live_v much_o upon_o contribution_n other_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n some_o be_v low_a and_o weak_a in_o grace_n babe_n in_o christ_n other_o be_v strong_a man_n father_n etc._n etc._n yet_o god_n care_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o all_o his_o love_n be_v towards_o all_o rich_a abraham_n and_o poor_a lazarus_n be_v both_o belove_v of_o god_n some_o be_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n general_o among_o the_o people_n as_o cornelius_n act_n 10.22_o a_o man_n of_o good_a report_n among_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n other_o lie_v in_o contempt_n and_o dishonour_n some_o have_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n matth._n 13.28_o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n so_o the_o centurion_n luk._n 7.9_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n other_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n matth._n 8.26_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n so_o matth._n 16.8_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n 14.1_o so_o rom._n 14.1_o in_o some_o grace_n be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n in_o some_o other_o it_o be_v grow_v high_a and_o strong_a stephen_n be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n act_v 6.5_o so_o of_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n some_o have_v much_o other_o but_o little_a simon_n mention_v luk._n 7.40_o have_v but_o a_o little_a love_n to_o our_o saviour_n but_o mary_n love_v much_o so_o of_o knowledge_n zeal_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o god_n people_n be_v very_o different_a in_o all_o respect_n yet_o the_o care_n
prayer_n and_o discourse_n because_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n as_o themselves_o four_o in_o discourage_v and_o hinder_v such_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o desire_v to_o improve_v their_o grace_n and_o gift_n for_o god_n endeavour_v to_o commend_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o other_o for_o their_o salvation_n five_o by_o endeavour_v to_o prejudice_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o such_o who_o yet_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n six_o in_o boast_v of_o their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o rest_v thereon_o forget_v god_n who_o give_v it_o seaventh_o in_o neglect_v to_o use_v their_o learning_n for_o that_o end_n for_o which_o god_n bestow_v it_o on_o they_o consider_v have_v god_n give_v you_o large_a opportunity_n and_o great_a help_n and_o advantage_n than_o other_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v more_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a than_o other_o the_o lord_n awaken_v you_o and_o make_v you_o zealous_a and_o active_a for_o your_o master_n in_o this_o time_n of_o need_n many_o place_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n destitute_a of_o godly_a able_a preacher_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v he_o may_v say_v unto_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o lord_n concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o follow_a observation_n and_o similitude_n what_o ever_o carnal_a man_n or_o the_o pride_n of_o spiritual_a man_n may_v object_v as_o who_o that_o be_v zealous_a and_o active_a for_o god_n can_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o some_o man_n it_o evident_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v carry_v he_o on_o in_o this_o work_n reject_v not_o the_o work_n because_o it_o be_v not_o do_v by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o many_o private_a experience_a christian_n have_v be_v in_o this_o way_n very_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o last_o time_n wherein_o god_n fulfil_v his_o great_a gospel_n promise_n in_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o those_o who_o god_n intend_v for_o any_o special_a service_n he_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o by_o some_o special_a preparation_n i_o have_v see_v a_o large_a particular_a relation_n compose_v by_o this_o author_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o for_o many_o year_n together_o wherein_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n begin_v betimes_o with_o he_o early_o even_o the_o first_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o he_o have_v be_v exercise_v with_o many_o temptation_n from_o his_o youth_n up_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o attain_v a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o he_o but_o afterward_o even_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o day_n upon_o the_o spirit_n withdraw_v and_o god_n hide_v of_o his_o face_n for_o some_o gracious_a end_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o long_a and_o sad_a desertion_n pass_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o measure_n but_o god_n by_o degree_n lift_v he_o up_o out_o of_o the_o deep_a pit_n out_o of_o the_o mire_n and_o clay_n and_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o have_v put_v a_o new_a song_n into_o his_o mouth_n and_o make_v he_o active_a for_o god_n in_o his_o generation_n as_o for_o his_o follow_a labour_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n will_v make_v they_o very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n what_o be_v more_o helpful_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o remember_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a similitude_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v daily_o conversant_a with_o all_o these_o be_v also_o enlarge_v upon_o by_o he_o and_o improve_v to_o spiritual_a end_n and_o advantage_n what_o be_v all_o the_o old_a ceremonial_a law_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n but_o teach_v the_o people_n by_o similitude_n tip_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v all_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v heb._n 10.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v similitude_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n host_n 12.10_o yea_o the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n frequent_o use_v similitude_n in_o his_o teach_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o day_n find_v they_o very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o teach_n wherefore_o reader_n i_o recommend_v the_o follow_a observation_n and_o similitude_n to_o thy_o use_n pray_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v engraft_v every_o truth_n into_o thy_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o good_a fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o everlasting_a good_a stephen_n ford_n pastor_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o chippin-norton_a proposition_n shadow_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o observation_n in_o nature_n and_o clear_v by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n 1._o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n make_v choice_n of_o what_o spiritual_a plant_n he_o please_v to_o plant_v in_o his_o garden_n the_o church_n and_o refuse_v other_o pag._n 1._o 2._o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o weak_a christian_n be_v more_o gentle_a than_o towards_o such_o as_o be_v strong_a p._n 3._o 3._o many_o spiritual_a fruit-tree_n bring_v forth_o fair_a and_o specious_a fruit_n to_o observation_n which_o yet_o be_v unpleasant_a to_o the_o husbandman_n p._n 5._o 4._o person_n join_v in_o any_o relation_n they_o have_v comfort_n or_o affliction_n together_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n p._n 6._o 5._o god_n call_v his_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o youth_n and_o more_o rare_o when_o they_o be_v old_a p._n 8._o 6._o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n withdraw_v then_o mystical_a fruit-tree_n cease_v grow_v their_o leave_n and_o fruit_n fall_v and_o they_o endure_v sore_a conflict_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o the_o return_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v restore_v to_o former_a comfort_n with_o advantage_n p._n 13._o 7._o general_o those_o person_n who_o be_v excessive_a and_o most_o curious_a about_o the_o form_n of_o duty_n have_v lest_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n p._n 18._o 8._o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o spiritual_a tree_n we_o may_v conclude_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o tree_n p._n 20._o 9_o some_o person_n flourish_v with_o a_o profession_n for_o a_o time_n but_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o affliction_n they_o fall_v off_o p._n 22._o 10._o we_o shall_v bend_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n that_o the_o best_a gift_n grace_n and_o fruit_n may_v especial_o increase_v p._n 23._o 11._o while_o the_o spiritual_a part_n in_o we_o act_n and_o grow_v strong_o the_o fleshly_a part_n act_v but_o weak_o so_o also_o if_o the_o flesh_n be_v strong_a the_o spirit_n be_v weak_a p._n 26._o 12._o the_o more_o close_o a_o christian_a walk_n with_o god_n the_o more_o steadfast_a he_o be_v and_o more_o free_a from_o spiritual_a enemy_n p._n 28._o 13._o corrupt_a nature_n abide_v in_o believer_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o be_v but_o in_o part_n subdue_v by_o grace_n p._n 29._o 14._o it_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a excellency_n but_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o person_n p._n 30._o 15._o there_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o every_o believer_n p._n 32._o 16._o university_n man_n ought_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o go_v forth_o into_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n except_o some_o choice_a person_n fit_a for_o government_n of_o the_o society_n p._n 33._o 17._o save_v grace_n or_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o believer_n abide_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o but_o common_a gift_n or_o grace_n may_v be_v lose_v p._n 37._o 18._o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o zealous_a and_o active_a instrument_n in_o his_o work_n but_o man_n of_o dull_a indifferent_a spirit_n he_o often_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_z puts_z other_o in_o their_o stead_n p._n 39_o 19_o the_o commotion_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v end_v in_o the_o settlement_n peace_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o p_o 41._o 20._o believer_n by_o engraft_v into_o christ_n do_v live_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o they_o and_o be_v thereby_o make_v one_o with_o he_o p._n 43._o 21._o all_o believer_n have_v a_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n p._n 45._o 22._o those_o who_o god_n purpose_v to_o bring_v hereafter_o into_o his_o celestial_a paradise_n he_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o here_o in_o this_o life_n p._n 47._o 23._o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o sudden_o strong_a but_o strength_n be_v get_v by_o degree_n p._n 49._o 24._o
the_o guide_n of_o all_o believer_n thereby_o they_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a fruit_n of_o wild_a and_o of_o engraft_a tree_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o one_o and_o fifty_o observation_n in_o nature_n some_o graft_n be_v in_o part_n prepare_v by_o the_o husbandman_n in_o order_n to_o engraft_v and_o yet_o through_o neglect_n or_o unskilfulnesse_n in_o order_v or_o hurt_v by_o man_n cattle_n hot_a sun_n dry_a wind_n or_o something_o else_o they_o be_v spoil_v and_o never_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o stock_n whereby_o they_o shall_v grow_v to_o perfection_n this_o shadow_n out_o unto_o we_o that_o shadow_v proposition_n shadow_v some_o person_n be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o part_n in_o something_n like_v to_o those_o that_o be_v ingraft_v tnto_o christ_n who_o yet_o never_o attain_v to_o be_v real_o unite_v to_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o reprobate_n as_o the_o elect_n they_o be_v sometime_o terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n and_o may_v for_o a_o time_n lie_v under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o common_a conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o may_v have_v knowledge_n &_o some_o common_a grace_n &_o reform_v in_o part_n &_o make_v a_o profession_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o throug_n negligence_n working_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n they_o come_v short_a of_o christ_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 19_o have_v same_o good_a beginning_n some_o civil_a righteousness_n &_o be_v by_o christ_n tell_v what_o to_o do_v more_o he_o slink_v back_o from_o christ_n and_o go_v his_o way_n to_o his_o earthly_a possession_n so_o the_o hearer_n luk._n 8.13_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n but_o in_o temptation_n fall_v away_o and_o many_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n john_n 6.66_o go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o mart_n with_o he_o also_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o hinder_v gal._n 5.7_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o etc._n etc._n so_o many_o in_o these_o day_n have_v begin_v well_o after_o a_o while_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o with_o demas_n embrace_v this_o present_a world_n use_v 1_o let_v we_o not_o hasty_o conclude_v of_o any_o one_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n because_o of_o some_o beginning_n and_o progress_n in_o a_o profession_n use_v 2_o this_o shall_v stir_v up_o every_o one_o to_o go_v on_o towards_o perfection_n not_o to_o rest_v in_o beginning_n but_o to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n and_o to_o give_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o to_o put_v that_o great_a question_n out_o of_o question_n whether_o arm_n we_o be_v real_o in_o christ_n whether_o we_o receive_v sap_n and_o life_n from_o that_o stock_n to_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n if_o so_o then_o certain_o we_o shall_v persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o two_o and_o fifty_o observation_n in_o nature_n the_o least_o and_o most_o crooked_a engraft_a tree_n bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n without_o any_o artificial_a help_n than_o the_o fair_a tree_n with_o all_o the_o art_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o it_o if_o ungraft_v this_o similitude_n shadow_n out_o unto_o we_o this_o proportion_n that_o the_o mean_a person_n in_o christ_n bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o the_o most_o accomplish_a unregenerate_a person_n in_o the_o world_n shadow_v proposition_n shadow_v every_o believer_n be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o all_o their_o spiritual_a fruit_n spring_v from_o christ_n their_o root_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o account_n with_o god_n but_o unregenerate_a person_n can_v do_v one_o good_a work_n can_v bring_v forth_o one_o good_a fruit_n because_o they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a principle_n they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o to_o any_o renew_n santify_a operation_n in_o they_o but_o be_v whoiy_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o they_o be_v so_o jo._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o tit_n 1.15_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v as_o from_o a_o muddy_a fountain_n flow_v impure_a stream_n or_o from_o a_o corrupt_a root_n spring_v naughty_a fruit_n so_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o carnal_a person_n proceed_v fleshly_a operation_n the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 87_o so_o then_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n vers_fw-la 8._o their_o grape_n be_v grape_n of_o gall_n their_o cluster_n be_v bitter_a deut._n 32.32_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o believer_n be_v sweet_a and_o pleasant_a fruit_n because_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o true_a vine_n joh._n 15._o so_o that_o the_o husbandman_n will_v come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n cant._n 4.16_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o most_o people_n in_o the_o use_n 1_o world_n who_o value_v spiritual_a fruit_n according_a to_o bulk_n and_o outward_a beauty_n the_o sermon_n book_n discourse_n etc._n etc._n of_o great_a man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n cry_v up_o and_o have_v in_o estimation_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o only_o eminent_a in_o place_n and_o office_n but_o also_o in_o learning_n and_o gift_n who_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v or_o slight_v the_o sermon_n prayer_n book_n and_o discourse_n of_o person_n low_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o gift_n and_o natural_a endowment_n though_o these_o proceed_v from_o a_o gracious_a heart_n a_o renew_a nature_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v a_o taste_n a_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o vein_n of_o holiness_n run_v through_o they_o which_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o people_n who_o be_v most_o spiritual_a be_v delight_v with_o but_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v perceive_v nor_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o use_v 2_o this_o may_v abate_v the_o pride_n of_o worldly_a wise_a man_n though_o eminent_a in_o all_o natural_a and_o acquire_v ability_n who_o like_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi boast_v of_o themselves_o and_o despise_v other_o who_o fruit_n be_v far_o better_o than_o they_o but_o know_v o_o vain_a man_n that_o not_o he_o that_o commend_v himself_o be_v approve_v but_o who_o the_o lord_n commend_v 2_o cor._n 10.18_o use_v 3_o this_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o great_a comfort_n to_o every_o gracious_a heart_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a in_o gift_n and_o natural_a endowment_n yet_o their_o grace_n may_v be_v eminent_a and_o their_o fruit_n precious_a though_o they_o be_v small_a as_o the_o poor_a widow_n mite_n yet_o they_o be_v better_o and_o of_o more_o esteem_n with_o god_n than_o all_o the_o great_a fruit_n of_o formal_a professor_n mark_n 12.41_o 42._o the_o three_o and_o fifty_o observation_n in_o nature_n the_o thrive_a root_n of_o a_o fruit-tree_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v up_o sap_n and_o nourishment_n to_o the_o branch_n and_o if_o the_o branch_n can_v draw_v sap_n continual_o the_o root_n will_v continual_o give_v it_o the_o spiritual_a lesson_n shadow_v shadow_v proposition_n shadow_v that_o christ_n be_v continual_o ready_a to_o communicate_v strength_n and_o refresh_v to_o his_o people_n and_o all_o defect_n thereof_o be_v from_o themselves_o believer_n receive_v all_o their_o life_n and_o power_n from_o christ_n whereby_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n spiritual_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n find_v not_o strength_n and_o refresh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o string_n of_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n from_o sathan_n and_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o the_o while_n christ_n be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v himself_o for_o it_o be_v his_o office_n as_o well_o as_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o give_v out_o all_o supply_v to_o his_o people_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n the_o soul_n be_v sometime_o sluggish_a and_o careless_a of_o seek_v or_o entertain_v christ_n yet_o christ_n be_v ready_a and_o call_v for_o entrance_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 3.20_o and_o again_o cant._n 5.2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o belove_a that_o knock_v say_v open_a to_o i_o my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a but_o how_o careless_a be_v the_o soul_n of_o entertain_v christ_n i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o
the_o lord_n mr._n r._n austin_n the_o author_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o fruit-tree_n sir_n the_o benefit_n myself_o and_o other_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o godly_a society_n and_o gospel_n conversation_n heretofore_o may_v be_v argument_n enough_o for_o we_o thankful_o to_o embrace_v your_o pregnant_a similitude_n and_o gospel_n observation_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n i_o former_o have_v and_o still_o have_v with_o you_o i_o seldom_o come_v to_o your_o garden_n but_o you_o make_v your_o tree_n speak_v something_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n your_o custom_n be_v to_o present_v your_o christian_a friend_n and_o visitor_n with_o such_o cluster_n of_o gospel_n grape_n which_o you_o now_o send_v abroad_o to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v admirable_a to_o see_v what_o spiritual_a improvement_n you_o have_v make_v of_o your_o nursery_n the_o reader_n if_o he_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o relish_n and_o distinguish_v will_v soon_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o your_o spiritual_a fruit_n especial_o consider_v 1._o jungantur_fw-la pares_fw-la cum_fw-la paribus_fw-la facillimè_fw-la con_fw-mi jungantur_fw-la that_o you_o take_v your_o rise_n from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v obvious_a and_o familiar_a to_o every_o man_n capacity_n which_o may_v easy_o set_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n on_o work_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n duoilla_fw-la nos_fw-la maximè_fw-la movent_fw-la similitudo_fw-la &_o exemplum_fw-la cic_fw-la 3._o de_fw-la orat._n bernard_n the_o creature_n all_o speak_v thus_o qui_fw-la fecit_fw-la i_o propter_fw-la te_fw-la fecâ—â—_n te_fw-la propter_fw-la se_fw-la bernard_n 2._o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v so_o much_o gospel_n gather_v from_o nature_n twig_n the_o natural_a voice_n of_o the_o creature_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v as_o aristotle_n and_o galen_n report_n but_o none_o ever_o make_v the_o creature_n in_o so_o plain_a and_o familiar_a a_o manner_n speak_v of_o christ_n before_o i_o must_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o here_o be_v in_o your_o similitude_n gospel_n profit_n with_o soul_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n the_o spiritual_a reader_n be_v here_o teach_v how_o to_o meet_v with_o christ_n among_o the_o myrtle_n tree_n sir_n we_o must_v all_o give_v you_o thanks_o for_o your_o pious_a explication_n of_o nature_n 1.21_o nature_n dicta_fw-la enim_fw-la hieroglyphica_fw-la apud_fw-la aegyptios_n sacra_fw-la quaedam_fw-la monumenta_fw-la sculptis_fw-la animalium_fw-la figuris_fw-la significantia_fw-la macrob._n satur._n lib._n 1.21_o hieroglyphic_n whereby_o you_o have_v make_v the_o creature_n speak_v plain_a it_o be_v gospel_n wisdom_n that_o must_v make_v your_o young_a plant_n to_o bear_v such_o apple_n of_o gold_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n say_v christ_n no_o natural_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v such_o kind_n of_o fruit_n but_o here_o be_v spiritual_a grape_n from_o nature_n wild_a tree_n that_o be_v admirable_a 3._o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o you_o make_v the_o dead_a to_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o the_o live_n 13.7_o joh._n 15.2.6_o mat._n 15.13_o luk._n 13.7_o i_o mean_v your_o wither_a and_o unprofitable_a plant_n which_o you_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o nursery_n yield_v most_o profitable_a observation_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v a_o time_n to_o root_v out_o every_o tree_n and_o cut_v off_o every_o branch_n which_o bear_v no_o fruit_n not_o a_o body_n only_o but_o sap_n not_o leaf_n but_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n like_v in_o professor_n 4._o your_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a fruit_n may_v exceed_o please_v the_o godly_a reader_n man_n mind_n natural_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o variety_n all_o the_o similitude_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o reach_v to_o that_o fullness_n and_o variety_n of_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o read_v revel_v 22.2_o of_o a_o tree_n that_o bear_v twelve_o manner_n of_o fruit_n which_o tree_n be_v christ_n diodati_n mr_n diodati_n say_v a_o reverend_a man_n in_o his_o pious_a annotation_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o the_o world_n that_o beleiver_n shall_v bring_v forth_o variety_n of_o fruit_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o receive_v all_o manner_n of_o fruit_n from_o christ_n 11.36_o rom._n 11.36_o of_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n our_o life_n be_v hide_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o root_n our_o grace_n be_v all_o from_o he_o 3.3_o coll._n 3.3_o our_o sap_n fruit_n and_o all_o therefore_o its_o observable_a what_o your_o drift_n be_v as_o christ_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v man_n to_o tree_n grow_v consider_v the_o lilly_n how_o they_o grow_v fruit_n and_o plant_n for_o divine_a consideration_n now_o least_o man_n shall_v fix_v too_o much_o here_o you_o strive_v to_o fetch_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n off_o from_o they_o all_o to_o christ_n again_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o same_o way_n the_o good_a lord_n open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v on_o in_o your_o path_n that_o as_o we_o have_v all_o feel_v the_o misery_n follow_v of_o our_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n we_o may_v eat_v now_o of_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n so_o pray_v sir_n your_o very_a love_a friend_n and_o brother_n in_o the_o lord_n j._n f._n a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n decemb._n 24._o 1656._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o bless_a god_n have_v a_o special_a work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o he_o employ_v his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o such_o oftentimes_o as_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o other_o but_o as_o babe_n in_o christ_n when_o such_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n esteem_v the_o only_a wise_a man_n be_v reject_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n be_v please_v to_o stain_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n to_o pull_v down_o such_o as_o lift_v up_o themselves_o and_o attribute_v that_o glory_n to_o themselves_o which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o god_n and_o exalt_v such_o as_o be_v of_o low_a degree_n luk._n 1.52_o 53._o such_o as_o see_v &_o be_v hearty_o affect_v with_o their_o own_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o role_n themselves_o on_o god_n for_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v his_o work_n faithful_o god_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v use_v of_o instrument_n to_o bring_v about_o his_o great_a design_n and_o interest_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n such_o as_o have_v be_v scorn_v and_o contemn_v by_o ungodly_a learned_a man_n who_o reject_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n because_o god_n send_v and_o employ_v such_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o dispense_v they_o unto_o man_n that_o have_v not_o such_o humane_a learning_n title_n and_o degree_n as_o themselves_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o a_o carnal_a eye_n but_o poor_a low_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o know_v and_o do_v free_o grant_v that_o human_a learning_n be_v a_o most_o choice_a and_o excellent_a gift_n when_o it_o be_v sanctify_v in_o any_o person_n and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o his_o servant_n sometime_o to_o carry_v on_o and_o promote_v his_o great_a work_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o do_v great_o honour_v such_o gracious_a learned_a man_n as_o improve_v their_o grace_n and_o learning_n for_o god_n and_o such_o person_n as_o have_v a_o low_a esteem_n of_o learning_n and_o speak_v slight_o of_o it_o or_o of_o learned_a man_n because_o such_o i_o dare_v affirm_v such_o man_n speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o they_o understand_v not_o i_o be_o no_o enemy_n to_o humane_a learning_n as_o some_o in_o the_o university_n have_v affirm_v and_o possess_v other_o in_o the_o country_n with_o the_o same_o opinion_n of_o i_o my_o practice_n can_v witness_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o i_o spend_v many_o year_n in_o the_o university_n and_o country_n to_o obtain_v a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v be_v the_o more_o serviceable_a to_o god_n in_o my_o generation_n and_o i_o find_v that_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o be_v very_o useful_a unto_o i_o in_o the_o work_n that_o i_o be_o call_v unto_o by_o god_n and_o man_n but_o i_o shall_v entreat_v and_o do_v earnest_o desire_v some_o learned_a man_n both_o in_o the_o university_n and_o country_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o do_v not_o great_o and_o apparent_o abuse_v their_o learning_n first_o in_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n second_o in_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o themselves_o than_o of_o other_o who_o it_o may_v be_v be_v more_o holy_a and_o humble_a and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o themselves_o three_o in_o despise_v and_o contemn_v their_o person_n sermon_n book_n