must_v only_o be_v owe_v to_o such_o divine_a revelation_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o particular_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o three_o main_a branch_n of_o our_o present_a method_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n in_o religion_n 1._o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n be_v sow_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o some_o small_a and_o dim_a stricture_n cast_v into_o man_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n direct_v man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o by_o orderly_a progression_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 4._o to_o this_o end_n antiquity_n not_o without_o competent_a ground_n in_o holy_a scripture_n have_v pitch_v upon_o three_o more_o considerable_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o religion_n though_o not_o absolute_a yet_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o saint_n john_n word_n 1_o epist_n 12_o 13_o 14._o seem_v to_o tend_v to_o this_o distinguish_v little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n or_o beginner_n proficient_n and_o perfect_a not_o so_o absolute_a as_o god_n may_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o yet_o so_o as_o before_o man_n they_o may_v be_v irreprehensible_a and_o allowable_a by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scantling_n and_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o cassian_n in_o his_o collation_n with_o some_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o solomon_n write_v three_o book_n one_o for_o instruction_n and_o illumination_n in_o wisdom_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n initiate_a young_a beginner_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n lay_v the_o foundation_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o other_o book_n of_o solomon_n call_v 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and_o action_n about_o virtue_n meditation_n conduct_v to_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god._n 2._o such_o concurrence_n then_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o humane_a wisdom_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o the_o repute_a dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n take_v hold_v of_o such_o a_o occasion_n give_v to_o he_o to_o commend_v this_o tripartite_a doctrine_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o unitive_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n in_o which_o many_o have_v imitate_v he_o and_o much_o and_o perhaps_o too_o far_o advance_v it_o from_o who_o i_o take_v the_o liberty_n so_o far_o to_o vary_v as_o to_o make_v illumination_n the_o foundation_n and_o first_o step_n to_o all_o regular_a ascent_n to_o godward_o as_o proceed_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n for_o by_o it_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v and_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o purge_v ourselves_o and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o a_o high_a and_o near_a conjunction_n with_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n proper_o conduce_v thereunto_o 1._o famous_a be_v the_o distinction_n of_o st._n paul_n of_o theological_a virtue_n into_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n be_v found_v and_o move_v towards_o that_o perfection_n compatible_a to_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n faith_n illuminate_v hope_v purge_v and_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n we_o unto_o god._n for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n teach_v we_o and_o natural_o we_o all_o lie_v pollute_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o so_o natural_o be_v alien_n from_o god_n and_o unreconcilable_a by_o any_o other_o name_n or_o mean_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v proverb_n 19_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a faith_n with_o christian_n beget_v knowledge_n proper_o divine_a in_o christian_n be_v the_o light_n and_o eye_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n regenerate_v so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o blind_a man_n to_o work_v any_o curious_a work_n without_o the_o use_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o every_o act_n tend_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o fault_n and_o error_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v sew_v well_o that_o can_v thread_v his_o needle_n so_o they_o on_o who_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v not_o who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o god_n produce_v in_o create_v the_o world_n be_v light_a not_o that_o he_o absolute_o need_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n do_v and_o to_o intimate_v unto_o we_o the_o order_n of_o true_a regeneration_n that_o it_o must_v begin_v with_o illumination_n and_o therefore_o god_n who_o more_o immediate_o of_o old_a reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o choose_a servant_n do_v in_o follow_v age_n set_v up_o and_o fix_v a_o light_n in_o his_o church_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v by_o faith_n shall_v become_v a_o constant_a guide_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n pass_v through_o this_o dark_a vale_n towards_o the_o mount_n and_o true_a city_n of_o god._n 2._o for_o without_o this_o the_o philosopher_n of_o this_o world_n profess_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom_n 1._o 22._o wise_a become_v fool_n err_v in_o the_o very_a first_o step_n and_o prime_a principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o teach_v the_o only_a true_a god_n they_o for_o their_o part_n in_o grope_v after_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorcorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o corruptible_a man_n as_o st._n paul_n also_o observe_v v._o 23._o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o image_n or_o very_a substance_n of_o man_n into_o god._n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o be_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o do_v the_o shadow_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n flee_v away_o holy_a david_n have_v foretell_v of_o this_o when_o he_o say_v psalm_n 36._o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v in_o like_a manner_n may_v it_o true_o be_v say_v whoso_o enlighten_v not_o with_o by_z and_o from_o he_o darken_v as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o subtle_a and_o wise_a disputant_n job_n friend_n job_n 38._o who_o darken_a counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n 3._o and_o too_o near_o do_v they_o approach_v to_o the_o like_a error_n who_o darken_v of_o late_a the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o imagine_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o light_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o shall_v work_v be_v the_o work_n itself_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o such_o in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v acquiesce_v as_o have_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n
the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o a_o true_a spiritual_a life_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n agreeable_a to_o the_o ancient_a way_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a matthew_n scrivener_n vicar_n of_o haselingfield_n in_o cambridge-shire_n clear_v from_o modern_a abuse_n and_o render_v more_o easy_a and_o practical_a feb._n 1._o 1688._o imprimatur_fw-la jo._n batte_o london_n print_v for_o james_n knapton_n at_o the_o queen_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1688._o to_o the_o reader_n consider_v with_o myself_o and_o lament_v the_o many_o polemicall_a or_o contentious_a discourse_n about_o religion_n and_o that_o christian_a this_o unhappy_a age_n have_v produce_v it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n such_o strife_n may_v have_v the_o mortal_a event_n upon_o too_o many_o of_o like_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o to_o prevent_v or_o obviate_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a i_o find_v myself_o incline_v very_o much_o to_o treat_v of_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o might_n by_o god_n blessing_n conduce_v much_o as_o well_o to_o the_o oblige_v of_o man_n mind_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o general_a as_o to_o reconcile_v christian_n one_o to_o another_o rather_o than_o divide_v they_o far_o or_o increase_v animosity_n between_o they_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v a_o more_o special_a reason_n hereunto_o exciting_a i_n how_o insufficient_a soever_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o the_o worthy_a performance_n of_o so_o good_a work_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o some_o person_n of_o our_o communion_n i_o mean_v the_o establish_a religion_n in_o this_o isle_n who_o though_o shine_a with_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o fantastic_a light_n late_o appear_v do_v keep_v up_o that_o temper_n of_o spirit_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v affix_v this_o beatitude_n matth._n 5._o bless_a be_v they_o who_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v for_o as_o gregory_n the_o great_a have_v it_o in_o a_o homily_n on_o the_o gospel_n herein_o differ_v the_o delight_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o bodily_a pleasure_n while_o we_o have_v they_o not_o enkindle_v in_o we_o a_o sore_a desire_n of_o they_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o devour_v they_o greedy_o they_o turn_v to_o loathe_v through_o satiety_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a spiritual_a pleasure_n be_v only_o loathe_v when_o we_o have_v they_o not_o and_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o thirst_v after_o by_o how_o much_o more_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o hunger_a soul_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o hunger_n observe_v to_o increase_v in_o they_o by_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a book_n write_v by_o other_o i_o conceive_v my_o general_a office_n and_o particular_a obligation_n to_o such_o person_n in_o a_o manner_n demand_v of_o i_o a_o endeavour_n to_o gratify_v such_o religious_a appetite_n and_o hereupon_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o publish_v my_o own_o inability_n than_o to_o frustrate_v the_o expectation_n of_o such_o christian_a spirit_n intend_v hereby_o to_o divert_v they_o with_o a_o mean_a view_n and_o sense_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 4._o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o method_n i_o have_v here_o choose_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o my_o proceed_n in_o this_o discourse_n that_o it_o be_v not_o my_o principal_n much_o less_o only_o design_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o great_a person_n or_o sublime_a christian_n but_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o both_o order_n i_o have_v lay_v my_o foundation_n so_o low_a as_o the_o weak_a may_v rest_v on_o and_o improve_v by_o and_o so_o raise_v themselves_o by_o orderly_a gradation_n to_o a_o more_o considerable_a height_n which_o course_n i_o have_v take_v not_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n as_o some_o may_v conjecture_v who_o be_v either_o whole_o ignorant_a that_o this_o be_v of_o very_o long_o stand_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o do_v know_v that_o book_n of_o devotion_n in_o our_o mother-tongue_n have_v very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o insist_v on_o this_o subject_a or_o tread_v the_o same_o path_n with_o i_o and_o they_o of_o the_o unreformed_a church_n who_o have_v often_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n have_v very_o seldom_o handle_v all_o these_o part_n of_o piety_n together_o but_o pass_v over_o light_o the_o illuminative_a and_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n have_v ambitious_o to_o my_o apprehension_n strive_v to_o abound_v and_o excel_v in_o the_o unitive-way_n and_o their_o mystical_a theology_n soar_v very_o high_a if_o not_o exorbitant_o towards_o heaven_n and_o gain_v to_o themselves_o and_o church_n no_o small_a estimation_n for_o divine_a contemplation_n strange_a notion_n and_o language_n as_o if_o they_o have_v themselves_o be_v wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n as_o be_v saint_n paul_n and_o be_v privilege_v to_o do_v what_o be_v deny_v he_o viz._n to_o utter_v those_o unspeakable_a word_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o 2_o corinth_n 12._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o utter_v and_o exalt_v contemplation_n to_o the_o undervalue_v of_o operation_n and_o active_a life_n under_o pretence_n that_o marie_n who_o sit_v still_o not_o attend_v christ_n be_v present_a choose_v the_o better_a part_n and_o martha_n the_o inferior_a in_o serve_v of_o christ_n which_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v and_o applaud_v by_o scholastical_a as_o well_o as_o mystical_a doctor_n auntienter_fw-la and_o late_a seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o otherwise_o true_a than_o as_o mary_v represent_v the_o state_n of_o bliss_n hereafter_o consist_v altogether_o of_o contemplation_n and_o affection_n and_o martha_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n in_o which_o unactive_a contemplation_n and_o barren_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v scarce_o laudable_a and_o as_o the_o quietist_n be_v say_v to_o magnify_v it_o not_o tolerable_a they_o among_o other_o notorious_a error_n charge_v upon_o they_o exclude_v divine_a meditation_n from_o their_o contemplation_n by_o too_o great_a niceness_n though_o we_o ourselves_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n distinguish_v they_o as_o degree_n consistent_a one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n we_o now_o live_v for_o according_a to_o our_o present_a subject_n we_o first_o not_o without_o good_a advice_n consider_v simple_a intelligence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n acquire_v by_o illumination_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n whereby_o a_o christian_a come_v to_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o god_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o discerner_n in_o good_a measure_n of_o spirit_n and_o fallacious_a vision_n and_o revelation_n this_o be_v competent_o attain_v unto_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o right_a reformation_n of_o itself_o from_o the_o inveterate_a evil_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o afflict_v it_o which_o be_v the_o purgative_n way_n every_o true_a christian_n shall_v exercise_v himself_o in_o until_o he_o have_v purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n and_o cast_v out_o the_o old_a man_n of_o which_o saint_n paul_n speak_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o because_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o deny_v and_o even_o to_o die_v unto_o worldly_a lust_n if_o this_o may_v be_v suppose_v unless_o we_o also_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v true_o unite_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o and_o that_o by_o those_o proper_a help_n and_o ascent_n prescribe_v by_o he_o and_o in_o some_o manner_n by_o we_o describe_v here_o therefore_o do_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a common_o call_v the_o unitive_a wherein_o be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o true_a rest_n of_o the_o soul_n promise_v by_o christ_n not_o so_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v or_o suffer_v perturbation_n as_o late_a quietist_n be_v also_o report_v wicked_o to_o maintain_v but_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v god_n and_o godliness_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o love_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o to_o persevere_v immutable_o to_o perfect_a consummation_n in_o bliss_n hereafter_o and_o have_v thus_o give_v thou_o christian_a reader_n a_o brief_a account_n and_o prospect_n of_o my_o present_a design_n i_o commit_v myself_o to_o thy_o favourable_a acceptance_n and_o commend_v thou_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v thou_o up_o and_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o part._n sect_n i._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o usefullnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a page_n 1_o sect_n
of_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v various_o canvas_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n without_o resolution_n satisfactory_a and_o that_o he_o and_o not_o natural_a generation_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o he_o work_v john_n 5._o 17._o 7._o seven_o we_o learn_v from_o holy_a writ_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n lead_v not_o such_o a_o sedentarie_a and_o careless_a life_n as_o some_o philosopher_n imagine_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o great_a man_n who_o build_v fair_a and_o stately_a house_n and_o furnish_v they_o rich_o but_o so_o leave_v they_o to_o fall_v to_o decay_v and_o the_o thing_n therein_o to_o be_v lose_v and_o spoil_v neither_o do_v he_o trouble_v his_o head_n or_o vex_v his_o heart_n as_o some_o man_n do_v about_o the_o management_n of_o their_o house_n and_o land_n but_o by_o a_o mean_a way_n of_o sufficient_a protection_n and_o providence_n dispose_v all_o thing_n even_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o wise_o and_o harmonious_o that_o no_o molestation_n be_v give_v to_o himself_o nor_o any_o damage_n to_o the_o universe_n itself_o though_o innumerable_a change_n be_v constant_o wrought_v to_o the_o detriment_n of_o some_o particular_n there_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n to_o other_o thing_n not_o before_o note_a so_o that_o what_o for_o its_o time_n lay_v hide_v and_o contemptible_a be_v raise_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o exalt_v to_o greatness_n and_o splendour_n and_o for_o a_o season_n have_v so_o continue_v by_o the_o same_o all-disposing_a hand_n relapse_n into_o its_o ancient_a obscurity_n and_o this_o by_o a_o perpetual_a vicissitude_n which_o some_o time_n a_o age_n or_o two_o declare_v some_o time_n not_o many_o century_n of_o year_n and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o according_a to_o st._n peter_n doctrine_n 2_o ep._n 3._o 7._o understand_v that_o as_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v form_v and_o stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n so_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 8._o by_o faith_n likewise_o we_o know_v that_o the_o fine_a and_o admirable_a masterpiece_n of_o god_n himself_o man_n create_v in_o the_o foresay_a perfection_n and_o be_v in_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n through_o his_o own_o folly_n as_o do_v the_o angel_n before_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o steadfastness_n into_o blindesse_n poverty_n and_o general_a misery_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n contract_v thereby_o disorder_n of_o affection_n inward_a and_o disease_n and_o death_n outward_a the_o seed_n of_o all_o which_o he_o transmit_v to_o his_o posterity_n and_o be_v that_o original_a sin_n all_o be_v infect_v and_o infest_a with_o this_o the_o learning_n of_o this_o world_n can_v hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o instruct_v we_o in_o but_o be_v the_o office_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o inform_v we_o from_o whence_o also_o we_o can_v only_o give_v account_n of_o the_o many_o and_o strange_a exorbitance_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a infirmity_n distemper_n and_o pain_n of_o our_o body_n before_o our_o reason_n come_v to_o that_o ripeness_n as_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o erroneous_a action_n or_o free_a election_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 9_o neither_o can_v humane_a learning_n or_o book_n of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n inform_v we_o how_o tie_v and_o bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o common_a destruction_n we_o shall_v recover_v our_o loss_n and_o repair_v our_o breach_n neither_o can_v we_o ourselves_o devise_v any_o more_o than_o we_o can_v real_o desire_v to_o evade_v the_o evil_n we_o be_v surround_v with_o but_o that_o light_a from_o above_o which_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n show_v that_o god_n out_o of_o the_o abyss_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n towards_o mankind_n first_o determine_v the_o redemption_n of_o he_o and_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v actual_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n to_o condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 8._o 3._o galat._n 4._o 4._o 10._o and_o this_o salvation_n be_v ratify_v to_o man_n soon_o after_o his_o fall_n god_n enter_v then_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o man_n to_o the_o re-enstating_a he_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o salvation_n eternal_a upon_o evangelicall_n faith_n and_o obedience_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o that_o these_o term_n of_o this_o covenant_n may_v as_o well_o as_o aught_o be_v perform_v on_o man_n part_n though_o not_o upon_o his_o own_o strength_n be_v a_o material_a point_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o a_o prime_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n for_o be_v it_o not_o that_o man_n bind_v thus_o to_o god_n may_v come_v up_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o god_n to_o have_v perform_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v trouble_v himself_o to_o begin_v such_o a_o impossible_a work_n and_o no_o faithful_a man_n or_o true_a believer_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o salvation_n as_o be_v often_o teach_v we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o rather_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o damnation_n know_v thar_z he_o can_v in_o no_o way_n do_v that_o upon_o which_o his_o salvation_n depend_v 11._o furthermore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o believe_v right_o the_o incarnation_n of_o out_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o take_v flesh_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n become_v a_o apt_a and_o sufficient_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o administratour_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man._n 12._o and_o this_o administration_n be_v wrought_v two_o way_n principal_o first_o by_o the_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o knowledge_n reveal_v unto_o the_o world_n deliver_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o elect_a servant_n to_o that_o end_n inspire_v extraordinary_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o by_o his_o passion_n and_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o lamb_n of_o god_n offer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o which_o god_n rest_v satisfy_v and_o become_v appease_v and_o believer_n have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o become_v accept_v in_o the_o belove_a 13._o but_o to_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o benefit_n as_o this_o be_v somewhat_o more_o require_v of_o all_o true_a believer_n than_o a_o faith_n passive_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o first_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o that_o great_a end_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o sound_a hope_n of_o attain_v the_o same_o and_o suppose_v faith_n precede_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o remain_v and_o to_o which_o other_o duty_n may_v be_v reduce_v may_v be_v three_o fold_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n institute_v as_o a_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o form_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o covenant_n without_o which_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o infidel_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n and_o without_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o natural_a blindness_n which_o hereby_o be_v so_o cure_v that_o the_o new_o baptise_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v illuminate_v or_o enlighten_v heb._n 6._o 4._o hebr._n 10._o 32._o 2._o and_o unto_o this_o come_v in_o as_o a_o auxiliary_a improve_n and_o perfect_v the_o low_a beginning_n of_o those_o once_o initiate_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o ratification_n of_o our_o covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n passion_n and_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o and_o our_o being_n more_o strict_o and_o intimate_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v more_o full_o declare_v 3._o a_o three_o most_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o apply_v christ_n merit_n to_o we_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n term_v it_o act_n 5._o 31._o act_n 11._o 18._o repentance_n of_o which_o with_o the_o concomitant_n of_o it_o likewise_o we_o may_v speak_v far_o hereafter_o 14._o of_o the_o resurrection_n likewise_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o reunite_a of_o the_o soul_n unto_o it_o and_o upon_o such_o restauration_n the_o receive_n of_o the_o proper_a
christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o derive_v unto_o his_o faithful_a member_n from_o he_o the_o head_n mention_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 11._o such_o as_o quick_a understanding_n wisdom_n counsel_n may_v or_o fortitude_n knowledge_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o distinct_a from_o these_o into_o which_o quarrel_n i_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v sure_o they_o be_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n for_o his_o instruction_n direction_n guidance_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o soul_n sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o a_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state_n 1._o by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n a_o man_n attain_v to_o many_o rare_a and_o useful_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o god_n and_o by_o common_a revelation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o all_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a but_o scarce_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n towards_o god_n to_o which_o a_o twofold_a revelation_n be_v require_v the_o first_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o holy_a life_n principle_n of_o well_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o the_o second_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o sense_n of_o a_o man_n particular_a and_o inward_a man_n which_o tend_v to_o a_o censure_v and_o condemn_v himself_o or_o a_o peaceable_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n as_o end_n in_o immortal_a bliss_n 2._o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n so_o may_v we_o say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o christian_n to_o know_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o to_o know_v the_o heaven_n themselves_o and_o their_o nature_n and_o number_n and_o various_a motion_n be_v no_o heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o to_o know_v god_n himself_o by_o extraordinary_a speculation_n be_v no_o godly_a knowledge_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o the_o particular_a relation_n he_o have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o himself_o especial_o for_o this_o knowledge_n god_n seem_v to_o reserve_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v communicate_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o as_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o matth._n 11._o 27._o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o soever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o it_o may_v no_o less_o true_o be_v say_v no_o man_n know_v himself_o in_o his_o religious_a or_o spiritual_a capacity_n but_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n a_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a to_o as_o he_o be_v prone_a to_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o industrious_a speculation_n for_o who_o desire_v to_o find_v a_o hole_n or_o spot_n in_o his_o own_o coat_n yea_o who_o can_v patient_o be_v tell_v of_o any_o blemish_n in_o his_o face_n that_o his_o nose_n be_v too_o big_a and_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v too_o little_a or_o that_o his_o face_n be_v pimple_v and_o high_a colour_v or_o that_o his_o mouth_n be_v too_o wide_a or_o that_o one_o leg_n be_v short_a than_o another_o or_o such_o like_a imperfection_n of_o nature_n or_o deformity_n and_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v more_o near_o unto_o we_o and_o value_v by_o we_o than_o our_o visible_a part_n much_o more_o trouble_v be_v we_o when_o any_o defect_n be_v in_o they_o note_v for_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o nature_n have_v make_v all_o man_n handsome_a enough_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a person_n so_o have_v it_o make_v all_o man_n wise_a enough_o virtuous_a enough_o and_o holy_a enough_o and_o though_o a_o current_a principle_n of_o religion_n teach_v many_o man_n sometime_o and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n in_o a_o manner_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o another_o affirm_v the_o like_a thing_n of_o they_o they_o be_v much_o molest_v and_o offend_v conceive_v some_o ill_a will_n or_o spite_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o censure_n and_o man_n do_v natural_o but_o jest_n with_o themselves_o to_o other_o when_o they_o undervalue_v themselves_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o such_o as_o hear_v they_o will_v take_v a_o occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o refute_v they_o by_o the_o return_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n for_o that_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o they_o disparage_v themselves_o more_o than_o recompense_v such_o defect_n 3._o religion_n then_o and_o that_o not_o in_o book_n but_o write_v in_o the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affect_v rather_o than_o advise_v can_v alone_o sufficient_o imprint_v in_o a_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o towards_o god_n to_o which_o notwithstanding_o a_o good_a preparation_n be_v make_v by_o god_n word_n until_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o illumination_n true_o supernatural_a shall_v open_v more_o full_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n self_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n what_o we_o be_v not_o what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o we_o certain_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o 4._o by_o what_o we_o be_v not_o i_o mean_v that_o once_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o which_o divine_a revelation_n have_v only_o infallible_o teach_v we_o and_o determine_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o some_o and_o against_o the_o philosophy_n of_o other_o and_o once_o it_o be_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o nature_n man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o all_o we_o at_o present_a may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n before_o we_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n for_o adam_n himself_o be_v not_o where_o among_o natural_a cause_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o slender_a be_v of_o all_o until_o god_n have_v produce_v he_o absolute_o nothing_o of_o itself_o produce_v only_a nothing_o and_o be_v worse_o than_o that_o vile_a lump_n of_o earth_n out_o of_o which_o man_n be_v shape_v all_o these_o thing_n concur_v to_o humble_a man_n upon_o the_o review_n of_o his_o base_a extraction_n by_o his_o mother_n side_n and_o be_v no_o better_o by_o his_o father_n side_n god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n than_o other_o ugly_a and_o odious_a creature_n in_o his_o eye_n but_o much_o the_o worse_o as_o the_o mass_n of_o humane_a flesh_n be_v leaven_v with_o the_o vain_a cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o inordinate_a concupiscence_n and_o affectation_n corrupt_v himself_o above_o other_o creature_n and_o by_o that_o contagion_n infect_v he_o with_o what_o great_a blush_n and_o confusion_n than_o shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o frustrate_v god_n design_n and_o order_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n unto_o other_o inferior_a creature_n have_v render_v they_o more_o vile_a and_o disorderly_a and_o which_o be_v more_o lamentable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o shameful_a in_o the_o state_n degencrate_v into_o which_o man_n be_v fall_v by_o his_o free_a frailty_n for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o puff_v up_o and_o fancy_n to_o himself_o a_o empire_n even_o while_o he_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o rebel_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n this_o be_v that_o which_o require_v his_o severe_a examination_n and_o judicature_n of_o he_o and_o not_o as_o the_o common_a manner_n be_v with_o modest_a christian_n to_o shuffle_v up_o account_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n other_o taking_z little_a notice_n of_o one_o way_n or_o other_o their_o past_a perfection_n or_o present_a imperfection_n and_o to_o confess_v we_o be_v all_o to_o blame_v we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o be_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o general_o carry_v about_o we_o a_o body_n full_a of_o spiritual_a infirmity_n and_o subject_a to_o fail_n and_o fall_n but_o these_o thing_n touch_v we_o not_o more_o particular_o or_o that_o beside_o the_o confuse_a mass_n of_o sin_n acknowledge_v to_o dwell_v in_o we_o we_o have_v some_o proper_a and_o special_a passion_n or_o addiction_n to_o sin_n this_o we_o either_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o or_o through_o selfe-conceitednesse_a natural_a to_o all_o
never_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n nor_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o the_o servilitie_n of_o the_o sin._n but_o for_o any_o man_n to_o connive_v at_o lesser_a fail_n in_o he_o in_o this_o kind_n as_o but_o wander_a thought_n affect_a admiration_n of_o beauty_n evil_a intention_n and_o inward_a concupiscence_n without_o execution_n and_o much_o more_o action_n impure_a be_v to_o be_v overcome_v and_o loose_v all_o unless_o renew_v by_o repentance_n again_o 7._o neither_o ought_v a_o man_n to_o intermitt_v act_n of_o austerity_n as_o cold_a hunger_n and_o severe_a treatment_n outward_a of_o the_o flesh_n because_o sometime_o evil_a event_n quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o expectation_n have_v happen_v to_o he_o the_o reason_n whereof_o may_v be_v better_o omit_v than_o inquire_v into_o yet_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o constant_a subjugation_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o corinth_n 9_o 27._o or_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n be_v useful_a to_o that_o end_n by_o the_o judgement_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a saint_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o vain_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o modern_a director_n who_o do_v exhort_v to_o the_o principal_a work_n without_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o so_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a alone_a to_o effect_v this_o as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o it_o or_o may_v not_o better_o be_v hope_v for_o by_o such_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n use_v and_o when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o deny_v this_o fall_v to_o revile_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v inseparable_a from_o superstition_n and_o opinion_n of_o merit_v with_o the_o like_a folly_n for_o what_o a_o miserable_a shuffle_n and_o evasion_n be_v that_o and_o plain_a injustice_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n and_o defect_n of_o person_n upon_o the_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o no_o doubt_n therefore_o the_o universal_a church_n judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a and_o private_a apologist_n for_o illimited_a use_n of_o sensual_a gratification_n and_o opposer_n of_o bodily_a exercise_n and_o discipline_v of_o the_o appetite_n even_o to_o the_o deny_v of_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a as_o conduce_v to_o chastity_n though_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o inward_a affection_n and_o lust_n be_v more_o noble_a more_o necessary_a more_o desirable_a as_o that_o to_o which_o the_o other_o shall_v tend_v and_o in_o which_o end_n it_o be_v the_o course_n saint_n hierom_n write_v he_o take_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o find_v his_o flesh_n to_o rebel_v against_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o bethleem_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o beautiful_a lady_n he_o have_v see_v at_o rome_n and_o begin_v to_o desire_v he_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o briar_n as_o gideon_n use_v the_o man_n of_o penuel_n and_o succoth_n judge_n 8._o 7._o 16._o who_o withstand_v he_o and_o teach_v his_o flesh_n better_a obedience_n the_o like_a to_o which_o write_v gregory_n of_o saint_n benedict_n dialog_n lib._n 2._o that_o he_o throw_v himself_o among_o thorn_n to_o turn_v his_o light_a cogitation_n another_o way_n 8._o and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o universal_a instrument_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n descend_v to_o we_o from_o above_o prayer_n and_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o from_o thence_o and_o by_o that_o not_o neglect_v other_o mean_n chastity_n may_v be_v obtain_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la 8._o 21._o thus_o write_v nevertheless_o when_o i_o perceive_v i_o can_v not_o otherwise_o obtain_v her_o wisdom_n or_o as_o some_o render_v it_o undefilednesse_n mention_v before_o except_o god_n give_v she_o i_o and_o that_o be_v a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n also_o to_o know_v who_o gift_n she_o be_v i_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o beseech_v he_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n 9_o three_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a to_o avoid_v vain_a and_o vile_a communication_n which_o saint_n paul_n ratify_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o gentile_a poet_n assure_v we_o beget_v evil_a manner_n and_o therefore_o advise_v far_o ephes_n 4._o 29._o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n shall_v a_o man_n let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n enter_v into_o his_o ear_n and_o suffer_v no_o light_n obscene_a book_n or_o sonnet_n or_o object_n of_o any_o creature_n tend_v that_o way_n to_o draw_v his_o eye_n to_o they_o for_o all_o these_o like_o the_o ostrich_n egg_n cover_v perhaps_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o sand_n until_o the_o warm_a sun_n shall_v ripen_v and_o enliven_v they_o will_v quicken_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o temptation_n or_o perhaps_o will_v of_o themselves_o break_v forth_o into_o a_o temptation_n and_o receive_v consummation_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1._o a_o man_n be_v draw_v away_o thus_o and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n and_o in_o avoid_v evil_a book_n and_o direct_o obscene_a let_v more_o especial_a care_n be_v have_v of_o such_o good_a book_n of_o modern_a casuist_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o perfect_a information_n of_o confessor_n and_o penitent_a abound_v with_o curious_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o sinful_a concupiscence_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o view_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o exciting_a of_o unclean_a passion_n for_o all_o these_o sensible_a insinuation_n of_o unlawful_a lust_n yea_o act_n lawful_a to_o they_o that_o use_v they_o in_o a_o regular_a way_n become_v image_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n turn_v to_o upon_o occasion_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o worship_v they_o and_o idolize_v they_o to_o his_o shame_n and_o fall_v 10._o four_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v what_o honour_n god_n do_v to_o the_o chaste_a soul_n and_o body_n in_o that_o he_o esteem_v they_o as_o his_o own_o temple_n christ_n and_o look_n upon_o they_o as_o his_o own_o member_n in_o especial_a manner_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o ill_o he_o take_v transgressing_n in_o this_o kind_n know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o if_o any_o man_n defile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v 1_o corinth_n 3._o 16_o 17._o and_o in_o another_o place_n with_o what_o indignation_n do_v the_o same_o saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 15._o argue_v against_o such_o affront_n offer_v to_o christ_n himself_o by_o such_o practice_n as_o these_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o then_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n what_o monster_n of_o confound_a kind_n do_v ever_o match_v this_o prodigious_a mixture_n whereby_o christ_n and_o a_o harlot_n christ_n and_o a_o fornicatour_n be_v make_v one_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o ephes_n 5._o 5._o that_o no_o whoremonger_n or_o unclean_a person_n have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o suffice_v not_o this_o to_o quench_v the_o flame_n of_o lust_n in_o we_o and_o to_o repent_v thorough_o for_o it_o 11._o last_o of_o all_o consider_v we_o what_o a_o concatenation_n of_o other_o vice_n be_v find_v too_o often_o in_o this_o one_o and_o the_o reason_n will_v be_v apparent_a why_o it_o be_v account_v a_o mother-sin_n for_o though_o harlot_n be_v seldom_o fruitful_a the_o sin_n of_o whoredom_n be_v we_o hear_v much_o speak_v of_o simple_a fornication_n as_o minutely_o peccant_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o divers_a but_o do_v not_o that_o beget_v baseness_n of_o spirit_n and_o as_o saint_n austin_n say_v lowness_n of_o understanding_n nothing_o cast_v down_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n more_o from_o its_o top_n and_o tower_n than_o such_o inordinate_a love_n of_o woman_n nothing_o make_v a_o man_n more_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a than_o that_o know_v vice._n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o for_o from_o hence_o come_v waste_v of_o estate_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o prodigal_n clear_o prove_v hence_o also_o proceed_v quarrel_v and_o duel_v as_o it_o be_v among_o dog_n when_o they_o follow_v a_o bitch_n that_o run_v proud_a and_o murder_n follow_v they_o and_o too_o often_o to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n be_v destroy_v with_o murder_a potion_n or_o pill_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n before_o it_o ripen_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o that_o more_o heinous_a sin_n in_o cover_v sin_n
they_o present_o feel_v most_o grievous_a torment_n and_o this_o i_o rehearse_v very_o believe_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v elevate_v some_o man_n so_o extraordinary_o as_o that_o they_o exceed_v humane_a order_n in_o contemplation_n and_o sensation_n heavenly_a and_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v counterfeit_v notable_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o their_o servant_n and_o hereupon_o i_o leave_v these_o few_o rule_n to_o all_o sober_a faithful_a and_o devout_a christian_n tend_v to_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n good_a and_o evil_a 5._o first_o they_o who_o pursue_v the_o great_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o height_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n they_o to_o god_n and_o cause_v a_o acquiescence_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o in_o effect_v their_o reason_n and_o sense_n natural_a inconsi_v with_o such_o perfection_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n undisturbed_a by_o it_o be_v laudable_o and_o safe_o extaticall_a 6._o second_o that_o they_o who_o may_v have_v surpass_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o the_o unitive_a way_n with_o god_n and_o no_o way_n aim_v at_o such_o perfection_n or_o desire_v they_o as_o at_o the_o best_a not_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o good_a but_o more_o great_a rather_o and_o not_o more_o dear_a or_o acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v every_o prime_a christian_n study_n and_o endeavour_v may_v have_v exaltation_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o importunate_o covet_v may_v provoke_v god_n to_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n 7._o three_o see_v counterfeit_a ware_n come_v too_o often_o under_o the_o countenance_n and_o resemblance_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o pass_o good_a the_o soundness_n of_o the_o faith_n profess_v by_o such_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o such_o excess_n but_o such_o excess_n must_v be_v rather_o judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 8._o upon_o which_o faith_n be_v ground_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v for_o no_o otherwise_o true_a be_v that_o description_n of_o ecstasy_n give_v by_o that_o ancient_a author_n call_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n that_o ecstasy_n be_v a_o wisdom_n put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o than_o that_o suspension_n or_o absorption_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o dominion_n of_o divine_a irradiation_n true_o so_o call_v so_o that_o this_o excess_n of_o light_n and_o love_n must_v be_v itself_o subject_a to_o trial_n and_o that_o twofold_a principal_o the_o one_o take_v from_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o consequent_a circumstance_n for_o if_o soberness_n of_o believe_v and_o divinenesse_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o lead_v not_o to_o these_o ecstasy_n they_o be_v spurious_a and_o dangerous_a again_o if_o such_o transport_v mind_n thereupon_o fall_v into_o unreasonable_a unjust_a or_o ridiculous_a action_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o gravity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n there_o suppose_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suspect_v the_o scene_n to_o be_v manage_v by_o idle_a spirit_n for_o rapt_n of_o a_o royal_a stamp_n be_v such_o as_o gerson_n describe_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n obtain_v by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o unitive_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n may_v be_v have_v without_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n and_o may_v also_o dissetle_v it_o so_o as_o to_o depend_v for_o some_o time_n whole_o upon_o god_n supportation_n and_o transportation_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a judgement_n for_o thus_o be_v christ_n judge_v to_o be_v mark_v 3._o 21._o and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o friend_n beside_o himself_o and_o saint_n paul_n also_o by_o festus_n and_o by_o some_o other_o believer_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 2_o corinth_n 5._o 13._o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n of_o this_o latter_a 1._o when_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n be_v distinguish_v as_o sometime_o they_o be_v contemplation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v direct_v immediate_o to_o god_n and_o the_o fix_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o he_o and_o from_o and_o through_o he_o to_o cast_v a_o eye_n on_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o various_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o which_o he_o be_v see_v also_o with_o a_o evening_n light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v with_o a_o morning_n light_n as_o saint_n austin_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v by_o that_o immediate_a intuition_n which_o yet_o proper_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n but_o meditation_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o create_a thing_n not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o natural_a philosopher_n but_o as_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o design_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o dull_a and_o weak_a eye_n which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o as_o man_n do_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o water_n and_o yet_o from_o hence_o ascent_n be_v make_v to_o a_o faithful_a and_o fruitful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n himself_o where_o the_o soul_n mount_v as_o be_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n desire_v to_o abide_v and_o have_v its_o residence_n for_o ever_o 2._o but_o grace_n and_o goodness_n here_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n yea_o and_o under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v galat_n 4._o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o promise_a and_o expect_a inheritance_n in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o method_n hereunto_o be_v this_o which_o we_o find_v exemplify_v in_o david_n speak_v thus_o psalm_n 17._o i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n in_o righteousness_n here_o when_o i_o awake_v i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o likeness_n for_o as_o saint_n paul_n also_o say_v 1_o corinth_n 13._o 12._o 2_o corinth_n 3._o 18._o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v as_o into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n meaning_n hereby_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o the_o glass_n of_o god_n creature_n and_o his_o reveal_v word_n give_v we_o a_o true_a but_o a_o distant_a and_o so_o dim_a representation_n of_o god_n as_o through_o perspective_n and_o these_o to_o improve_v to_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o advantage_n be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o present_a state_n here_o as_o whereby_o we_o be_v daily_o wrought_v to_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n deface_v in_o we_o and_o return_v unto_o his_o likeness_n and_o a_o like_n of_o he_o which_o two_o be_v both_o unitive_a of_o we_o to_o god_n and_o actual_a union_n with_o he_o according_a to_o our_o present_a capacity_n for_o it_o be_v true_a in_o religion_n what_o philosophy_n in_o her_o sphere_n teach_v that_o the_o understanding_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n answerable_a to_o its_o object_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n wonderful_o conform_v itself_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o ear_n or_o eye_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n figure_v by_o they_o as_o we_o see_v that_o water_n admit_v any_o body_n more_o solid_a than_o itself_o into_o itself_o give_v way_n to_o it_o and_o receive_v the_o shape_n thereof_o within_o itself_o as_o do_v the_o air_n also_o though_o not_o so_o visible_o to_o our_o sense_n so_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n contemplate_v and_o conceive_v god_n and_o divine_a matter_n be_v form_v or_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o moral_o lose_v its_o natural_a shape_n and_o posture_n and_o propensity_n which_o be_v thus_o express_v by_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a that_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god._n for_o instance_n a_o man_n hear_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o absurd_a riotous_a and_o obscene_a discourse_n or_o book_n as_o be_v in_o part_n note_v before_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o and_o corrupt_v therewith_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n so_o imbibe_v or_o impress_v be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o with_o great_a facility_n and_o promptitude_n stir_v up_o or_o at_o least_o yield_v to_o sinful_a temptation_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v agreeable_o and_o so_o in_o man_n read_v of_o the_o history_n of_o far_a and_o unknown_a country_n and_o the_o strange_a fruit_n of_o