Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
book_n	holy_a	new_a	testament_n	4,806	5	7.9051	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A96266	The narrow path of divine truth described from living practice and experience of its three great steps, viz Purgation, illumination & union according to the testimony of the holy scriptures; as also of Thomas a Kempis, the German divinity, Thauler, and such like. Or the sayings of Matthew Weyer reduced into order in three books by J. Spee. Unto which are subjoyned his practical epistles, done above 120 years since in the Dutch, and after the author's death, printed in the German language at Frankfort 1579. And in Latin at Amsterdam 1658. and now in English.	Weyer, Matthias, 1521-1560.; Spee, J.	1683 (1683)	Wing W1525A; ESTC R231717	176,738	498

most_o bitter_a affliction_n so_o as_o his_o heart_n become_v as_o it_o be_v ground_n to_o powder_n for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o this_o poverty_n but_o be_v still_o rich_a can_v hold_v his_o tongue_n he_o that_o handle_v himself_o severe_o that_o he_o may_v break_v his_o nature_n and_o become_v harsh_a to_o his_o own_o sel●_n can_v difficult_o compassionate_v other_o who_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o he_o be_v himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o so_o drive_v other_o that_o they_o may_v be_v like_o he_o in_o state_n or_o condition_n and_o he_o be_v unmerciful_a nor_o also_o can_v he_o be_v silent_a although_o sometime_o he_o have_v his_o conscience_n press_v down_o with_o solicitous_a care_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o pierce_v quite_o through_o nor_o be_v dig_v down_o to_o its_o very_a bottom_n nor_o utter_o break_v with_o bitter_a affliction_n but_o he_o that_o have_v h●s_a heart_n ground_n to_o power_n and_o deep_o wound_v with_o great_a and_o bitter_a misery_n he_o can_v hold_v his_o tongue_n yea_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v silent_a although_o sometime_o necessity_n shall_v require_v it_o otherwise_o then_o to_o speak_v unless_o god_n shall_v compel_v he_o thereunto_o for_o such_o a_o one_o can_v so_o ready_o convert_v himself_o towards_o outward_a thing_n but_o what_o thing_n soever_o be_v in_o such_o a_o man_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o affliction_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o sorrow_n chap._n xxxiii_o i_o never_o find_v so_o clear_a a_o understanding_n nor_o so_o great_a experience_n as_o in_o grief_n sorrow_n misery_n affliction_n and_o in_o the_o death_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o time_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o cross_n pain_n grief_n misery_n and_o strait_n be_v gain_v but_o that_o which_o be_v spend_v in_o pleasure_n joy_n delight_n and_o play_n be_v lose_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v still_o float_v up_o and_o down_o and_o can_v still_o be_v move_v at_o thing_n pleasant_a or_o painful_a or_o in_o joy_n or_o in_o grief_n do_v not_o yet_o belong_v unto_o god_n for_o in_o god_n there_o be_v no_o mutation_n because_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a now_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v move_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a thing_n then_o be_v god_n present_a in_o that_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v he_o who_o work_v that_o in_o the_o man_n those_o six_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v first_o be_v accomplish_v then_o at_o length_n follow_v that_o seven_o gift_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o sweet_a calm_a because_o this_o spirit_n of_o fear_n preserve_v all_o the_o former_a gift_n that_o they_o may_v remain_v pure_a and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o all_o respect_n strike_v with_o a_o great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o he_o may_v right_o use_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o pure_a it_o be_v this_o last_o gift_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o keep_v steady_a in_o all_o thing_n that_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v it_o we_o be_v therefore_o earnest_o to_o endeavour_v to_o act_v right_o in_o all_o concern_v and_o to_o walk_v before_o god_n with_o holy_a fear_n our_o conscience_n be_v our_o book_n into_o which_o we_o ought_v every_o day_n to_o look_v and_o in_o which_o to_o diligent_o and_o serious_o read_v and_o study_v that_o we_o may_v most_o exact_o perform_v that_o which_o it_o witness_v conscience_n be_v a_o thousand_o witness_n about_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v our_o rule_n of_o direction_n chap._n xxxiv_o this_o year_n prove_v more_o difficult_a or_o hard_o to_o i_o than_o it_o be_v ever_o before_o in_o all_o my_o life_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v most_o accurate_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v on_o that_o same_o time_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o sublime_a any_o one_o ascend_v in_o affliction_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o accurate_o do_v he_o weigh_v and_o count_v his_o time_n and_o it_o prove_v thereby_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o all_o the_o forego_n time_n of_o i_o which_o i_o have_v spend_v before_o this_o year_n vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o even_o as_o this_o my_o present_a time_n also_o shall_v vapour_n away_o into_o nothing_o because_o my_o body_n be_v annihilate_v i_o have_v no_o support_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o time_n become_v so_o tedious_a to_o i_o but_o when_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o labour_n it_o produce_v no_o difficulty_n but_o when_o i_o be_o deprive_v of_o all_o my_o strength_n i_o can_v neither_o pray_v nor_o desire_n nor_o lift_v up_o one_o thought_n to_o god_n yea_o here_o i_o lie_v and_o corrupt_v in_o body_n mind_n and_o spirit_n as_o long_o as_o breath_n remain_v in_o i_o yea_o as_o to_o my_o understanding_n also_o and_o my_o reason_n i_o be_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o as_o for_o my_o understanding_n i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o whither_o viz._n i_o have_v a_o understanding_n or_o not_o for_o in_o this_o great_a gulf_n of_o misery_n all_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o dust_n and_o ash_n here_o i_o lie_v and_o be_o sensible_a of_o nothing_o but_o judgement_n death_n and_o condemnation_n and_o when_o one_o say_v to_o he_o be_v it_o so_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v accuse_v present_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o answer_v be_o i_o accuse_v not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v accuse_v but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o take_v up_o life_n in_o such_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n as_o that_o accusation_n may_v assault_v i_o in_o even_o in_o that_o very_a moment_n shall_v i_o be_v blow_v into_o mere_a atom_n but_o i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o time_n leave_v i_o because_o as_o many_o moment_n of_o my_o life_n as_o yet_o remain_v so_o many_o judgement_n and_o death_n do_v i_o suffer_v i_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o thick_a dark_a cloud_n and_o see_v nothing_o oh_o how_o very_a small_a weak_a and_o dim_a be_v that_o poor_a ray_n of_o light_n that_o be_v round_o about_o i_o i_o can_v see_v far_o before_o i_o yea_o neither_o do_v my_o way_n and_o path_n appear_v to_o my_o sight_n yea_o i_o be_o lead_v on_o where_o no_o way_n be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v life_n to_o another_o that_o be_v death_n to_o i_o and_o contrary_o that_o which_o be_v another_o death_n be_v my_o life_n judgement_n be_v so_o sharp_a to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v when_o one_o not_o think_v any_o thing_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o some_o place_n and_o present_o some_o body_n knock_v he_o on_o the_o finger_n when_o any_o will_v reply_v upon_o he_o that_o this_o case_n be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o preservation_n from_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n so_o faithful_o upon_o thou_o he_o still_o answer_v true_a indeed_o this_o condition_n be_v the_o most_o safe_a before_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n but_o the_o most_o afflict_v one_o in_o my_o sight_n for_o if_o i_o shall_v acknowledge_v this_o state_n to_o be_v safe_a forthwith_o another_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v undergo_v by_o i_o for_o plain_o i_o be_o lead_v without_o knowledge_n without_o be_v acquaint_v or_o understand_v the_o way_n for_o he_o who_o have_v experience_v the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o he_o that_o have_v be_v lead_n in_o this_o way_n only_o notional_o be_v vast_o differ_v because_o true_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v such_o a_o life_n such_o a_o prop_n that_o a_o man_n come_v then_o only_o to_o know_v they_o when_o god_n withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o just_o as_o when_o one_o labour_v with_o great_a thirst_n and_o see_v a_o pot_n stand_v before_o he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o his_o thirst_n can_v but_o afflict_v he_o still_o but_o than_o if_o there_o shall_v come_v one_o who_o shall_v take_v the_o pot_n quite_o away_o then_o remain_v no_o hope_n of_o ever_o attain_v to_o drink_v thereof_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v bring_v unto_o god_n through_o affliction_n but_o all_o do_v not_o tread_v this_o same_o path_n of_o the_o cross_n by_o which_o i_o be_o to_o pass_v chap._n xxxv_o all_o thing_n be_v transform_v and_o change_v whence_o i_o observe_v that_o ere_o long_o many_o wonderful_a thing_n will_v happen_v and_o the_o strange_a thing_n of_o god_n will_v spring_v forth_o i_o indeed_o have_v desire_v to_o see_v they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o arrive_v at_o they_o for_o i_o see_v my_o end_n before_o my_o eye_n yet_o i_o rejoice_v because_o of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o now_o be_v ready_a at_o the_o door_n and_o i_o rejoice_v concern_v that_o time_n when_o i_o look_v upon_o child_n remember_v i_o my_o mind_n presage_v not_o as_o if_o all_o i_o say_v be_v gospel_n it_o will_v be_v that_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o

then_o ●nto_o the_o understanding_n his_o salvation_n also_o ●n_v go_v no_o further_o then_o into_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o must_v at_o last_o need_v die_v in_o that_o death_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n viz._n wherein_o reason_n be_v destroy_v for_o in_o this_o death_n there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n only_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n do_v penetrate_v even_o into_o the_o most_o inward_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n i_o answer_v thereto_o that_o then_o also_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n when_o it_o shall_v live_v with_o such_o a_o estrangedness_n from_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o can_v but_o with_o great_a nauseousness_n and_o tedious_a disdain_n bear_v in_o its_o self_n all_o the_o desire_n and_o lust_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o nethermost_a part_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o it_o will_v rather_o die_v infinite_a death_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o then_o with_o pleasure_n even_o once_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o verv_v act_n behold_v my_o g._n this_o brief_a proposal_n how_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v h●●_n faith_n if_o any_o man_n believe_v in_o chri●●_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d must_v need_v be_v wrack_v with_o great_a do●lours_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n so_o th●_n he_o will_v account_v of_o sin_n for_o the_o most_o grievous_a torture_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o th●_n world_n and_o for_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o how_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o act_v it_o can_v he_o enter_v into_o a_o friendship_n with_o it_o although_o therefore_o the_o vulgar_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o glory_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v say_v on_o this_o wise_a sin_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v not_o perpetrate_v in_o the_o very_a act_n though_o it_o shall_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v we_o no_o hurt_n yet_o do_v thou_o i_o pray_v hear_v how_o christ_n do_v nevertheless_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o be_v already_o guilty_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o word_n sure_o christ_n excuse_v not_o but_o accuse_v the_o lust_a of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v real_o have_v it_o account_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n dearest_n g._n i_o beseech_v thou_o do_v not_o despond_v in_o thy_o mind_n because_o of_o this_o hard_a say_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n i_o only_o write_v this_o of_o purpose_n that_o thou_o may_v seasonable_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n lest_o thou_o shall_v consume_v thy_o youth_n unprofitable_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v bear_v fruit_n to_o god_n ●in_v thy_o own_o soul_n they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o be_v of_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o vulgar_a though_o they_o may_v have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o lie_v down_o tire_v in_o sloth_n nor_o do_v they_o oppose_v sin_n with_o the_o least_o burn_a zeal_n or_o brea●●_n its_o impetuous_a assault_n nor_o yet_o do_v this_o external_a abstinence_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o debilitate_v of_o they_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o descend_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n itself_o when_o even_o the_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n far_o therefore_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o commit_v sin_n in_o the_o very_a act_n also_o this_o my_o letter_n intend_v this_o at_o least_o that_o thy_o young_a limb_n be_v stir_v up_o both_o night_n and_o day_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o continue_a prayer_n in_o temperance_n purity_n meekness_n of_o heart_n long-suffering_a lou●_v of_o thy_o enemy_n as_o also_o in_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n in_o holy_a proficiency_n an●_n in_o other_o virtue_n conduce_v to_o christian_a discipline_n concern_v which_o thy_o ow●_n conscience_n will_v afford_v to_o thou_o a_o testimony_n all_o which_o be_v perform_v thou_o wi●●_n every_o day_n rejoice_v in_o thy_o great_a success_n i●_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o at_o last_o whe●_n thy_o most_o miserable_a condition_n be_v know_v thou_o will_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o thy_o own_o sel●_n and_o therefore_o thou_o will_v so_o much_o th●_n more_o diligent_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o help_v that_o his_o most_o powerful_a right_a hand_n ma●●_n at_o length_n gracious_o support_v thy_o soul_n and_o conquer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o a_o real_a victory_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o all_o and_o heal_v our_o disease_n and_o effectual_o cause_v we_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o his_o righteousness_n lest_o we_o be_v leave_v naked_a in_o our_o own_o impurity_n epist._n viii_o how_o any_o one_o who_o be_v studious_a concern_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n ought_v daily_o to_o exercise_v himself_o most_o belove_a niece_n because_o i_o understand_v that_o thou_o earnest_o desire_v such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n as_o true_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v not_o withhold_v myself_o but_o must_v write_v to_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n for_o thy_o great_a confirmation_n in_o they_o that_o thou_o be_v once_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o desist_v from_o vigorous_o proceed_v forward_o and_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n together_o with_o a_o total_a suppression_n of_o thy_o carnal_a part_n be_v therefore_o diligent_o studious_a that_o thy_o diligence_n be_v not_o tire_v out_o in_o read_v in_o humanity_n in_o silence_n in_o meekness_n in_o temperance_n forbearance_n patience_n and_o compassion_n also_o learn_v to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o all_o study_n of_o virtue_n that_o thou_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o little_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v ruler_n over_o much_o great_a for_o if_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o these_o few_o thing_n assure_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v entrust_v with_o more_o but_o i_o hope_v that_o thou_o will_v receive_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o thy_o own_o self_n lest_o some_o bitter_a root_n shall_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o so_o thou_o and_o thy_o soul_n tumble_v headlong_o into_o destruction_n for_o the_o flesh_n do_v very_o subtle_o assault_v a_o man_n to_o beguile_v he_o and_o turn_v he_o away_o from_o godliness_n wherefore_o make_v a_o strict_a watch_n upon_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n careful_o encompass_v thyself_o round_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o world_n and_o all_o wantonness_n of_o life_n speech_n and_o thought_n prefer_v every_o one_o with_o all_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n not_o only_o the_o good_a but_o also_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o immodest_a learn_v also_o to_o bridle_v in_o thyself_o and_o to_o humble_v thyself_o be_v always_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o thy_o heart_n never_o let_v vain_a evil_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n but_o always_o oppose_v they_o with_o great_a earnestness_n pour_v out_o to_o the_o lord_n fervent_a prayer_n and_o if_o thou_o get_v any_o spare_a time_n on_o holy_a day_n or_o otherways_o employ_v it_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o of_o that_o little_a book_n entitle_v of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o these_o exercise_n thyself_o and_o learn_v to_o ponder_v they_o often_o in_o thy_o mind_n if_o thou_o read_v any_o thing_n which_o thou_o do_v not_o understand_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n with_o ardent_a sigh_n and_o daily_a tear_n that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o thou_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n for_o to_o be_v the_o necessary_a food_n of_o thy_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v follow_v the_o lord_n the_o more_o thou_o shall_v understand_v of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o thou_o be_v intent_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o shall_v thou_o understand_v scripture_n therefore_o let_v thy_o constant_a endeavour_n be_v to_o approve_v thyself_o faithful_a in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v viz._n make_v know_v to_o thou_o in_o and_o by_o mortification_n and_o a_o continual_a access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n nor_o let_v any_o time_n slip_v by_o thou_o in_o vain_a and_o without_o thus_o do_v if_o thou_o reply_v that_o thou_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o read_v again_o say_v that_o though_o thou_o may_v no●_n understand_v all_o yet_o be_v it_o incumbent_a o●_n thou_o to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o to_o be_v unwearied_o solicitous_a about_o it_o for_o by_o these_o exercise_n thou_o shall_v soon_o be_v amend_v then_o by_o idleness_n and_o these_o be_v the_o be●●_n mean_v of_o institute_v and_o of_o exercise_v an●_n man_n

consideration_n of_o eternity_n according_a to_o his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n moreover_o my_o brother_n as_o to_o my_o state_n or_o condition_n that_o abide_v in_o perpetual_a agony_n of_o death_n with_o most_o sharp_a persecution_n perform_v within_o i_o after_o various_a manner_n yet_o to_o one_o only_a end_n for_o who_o sake_n all_o must_v be_v do_v what_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o time_n do_v with_o i_o be_v know_v only_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o eternal_a decree_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o i_o turn_v myself_o and_o whatsoever_o i_o consider_v or_o behold_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a abyss_n and_o a_o parch_a heat_n of_o all_o misery_n do_v continual_o represent_v themselves_o to_o my_o eye_n the_o lord_n in_o his_o commiseration_n lead_v most_o wretched_a i_o by_o his_o fatherly_a hand_n through_o thing_n present_a and_o to_o come_v in_o this_o unknown_a uncertain_a desert_n and_o desolate_a condition_n yet_o i_o give_v thanks_o to_o his_o goodness_n that_o under_o this_o his_o powerful_a hand_n he_o reveal_v to_o i_o his_o fatherly_a mind_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n and_o my_o conductor_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v i_o and_o teach_v i_o in_o his_o school_n and_o under_o his_o discipline_n his_o grace_n be_v over_o we_o all_o together_o with_o his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n amen_n epist_n xxxiii_o how_o ignorant_a nature_n well_o stumble_v in_o much_o dispute_v and_o will_v comdemn_v its_o neighbour_n also_o how_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o our_o own_o self_n under_o the_o cross_n most_o beloved_a n._n i_o pray_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v promote_v thou_o in_o his_o way_n in_o which_o thou_o may_v follow_v most_o diligent_o his_o will_n without_o much_o dispute_v by_o which_o the_o flesh_n rather_o than_o god_n spirit_n have_v to_o do_v we_o therefore_o must_v lay_v out_o our_o time_n with_o more_o advantage_n for_o when_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o think_v to_o speak_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perchance_o nature_n lurk_v under_o the_o fair_a show_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v still_o clothe_v about_o with_o flesh_n so_o that_o when_o we_o least_o believe_v it_o yet_o we_o then_o account_v of_o the_o flesh_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n with_o fear_n without_o any_o bold_a dispute_n and_o we_o must_v beware_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o walk_v innocent_o before_o god_n and_o before_o man_n lest_o we_o fall_v into_o our_o own_o condemnation_n whilst_o we_o be_v condemn_v other_o if_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o heart_n moreover_o most_o dear_a n._n that_o writing_n which_o i_o receive_v please_v i_o well_o although_o i_o have_v not_o read_v it_o through_o so_o accurate_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o head_n for_o though_o i_o can_v true_o reach_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o writing_n unless_o i_o can_v apprehend_v the_o virtue_n of_o they_o in_o my_o own_o self_n under_o the_o cross_n whence_o the_o true_a fruit_n be_v manifest_v see_v i_o tread_v no_o further_o then_o unto_o the_o state_n in_o which_o i_o then_o consist_v by_o suffer_v i_o always_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o chirst_n where_o the_o latter_a always_o discover_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o former_a yet_o let_v every_o man_n mind_n his_o own_o call_n and_o observe_v it_o diligent_o so_o all_o in_o time_n will_v clear_o appear_v and_o come_v forth_o into_o the_o light_n salute_v p._n n._n our_o friend_n hearty_o god_n will_v look_v upon_o he_o to_o his_o advantage_n and_o will_v make_v his_o daily_a sigh_n fruitful_a through_o his_o eternal_a mercy_n which_o we_o be_v all_o to_o expect_v none_o except_v the_o lord_n endow_v thou_o with_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n that_o thou_o may_v act_v aright_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o with_o tremble_v there_o be_v book_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o look_v into_o if_o we_o will_v but_o perpetual_o observe_v our_o own_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v most_o accurate_o follow_v their_o dictate_v moreover_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o our_o only_a external_a rule_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n above_o all_o these_o for_o our_o alone_a master_n or_o teacher_n bless_a be_v he_o who_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o own_o proper_a wisdom_n and_o be_v instruct_v and_o instigate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n alone_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o with_o we_o amen_n epist._n xxxiv_o concern_v a_o certain_a danger_n that_o hang_v over_o that_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o go_v dear_a brother_n may_v the_o omnipotent_a lord_n preserve_v my_o mortify_a body_n according_a to_o his_o mercy_n in_o his_o divine_a will_n i_o have_v purpose_v to_o go_v to_o that_o place_n and_o to_o expect_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v i_o beseech_v he_o from_o the_o most_o inward_a and_o deep_a bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v set_v i_o before_o the_o enemy_n and_o that_o the_o remnant_n of_o my_o life_n which_o be_v very_o small_a may_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n but_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o this_o i_o beg_v from_o his_o eternal_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n withal_o hope_v that_o this_o danger_n will_v prove_v destruction_n to_o i_o only_o and_o will_v go_v no_o further_o the_o lord_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o i_o in_o this_o one_o desire_n of_o i_o according_a to_o his_o commiseration_n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v suffer_v i_o in_o this_o tabernacle_n tolerable_o to_o pass_v through_o so_o as_o still_o to_o subsist_v as_o i_o have_v occasion_n i_o shall_v signify_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o brother_n which_o way_n soever_o i_o turn_v myself_o or_o look_v back_o all_o thing_n renounce_v i_o and_o of_o the_o present_a there_o remain_v no_o place_n more_o for_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o convert_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o the_o forsake_v of_o all_o creature_n show_v unto_o i_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n take_v care_n to_o secure_v i_o under_o his_o own_o protection_n epist._n xxxv_o a_o answer_n send_v to_o his_o brother_n concern_v a_o woman_n that_o die_v also_o concern_v his_o own_o condition_n together_o with_o a_o devout_a exhortation_n most_o belove_a brother_n a_o real_a grief_n have_v possess_v i_o for_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o woman_n out_o of_o this_o temporary_a world_n i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o will_v be_v do_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o from_o he_o i_o expect_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n with_o commiserate_v grace_n which_o we_o all_o hunt_v after_o and_o hearty_o seek_v for_o our_o soul_n together_o with_o a_o expectation_n of_o a_o eternity_n to_o come_v i_o find_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o be_o now_o oblige_v to_o her_o child_n and_o i_o love_v they_o with_o a_o true_a tendency_n of_o mind_n according_a to_o my_o poor_a slender_a ability_n may_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy-sake_n turn_v all_o for_o the_o better_a moreover_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v my_o condition_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o bond_n do_v always_o hold_v i_o bind_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o a_o disease_n and_o a_o infirmity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n may_v he_o direct_v my_o way_n and_o bow_v they_o down_o under_o his_o fear_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a will_n and_o may_v he_o bestow_v free_o his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o that_o we_o may_v continue_v our_o life_n in_o righteousness_n with_o devotion_n and_o a_o diligent_a observation_n of_o all_o our_o work_n and_o counsel_n lest_o in_o all_o our_o action_n there_o be_v somewhat_o find_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v the_o lord_n give_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o all_o that_o we_o may_v go_v forward_o in_o his_o way_n and_o bear_v such_o fruit_n as_o may_v be_v please_v to_o he_o in_o the_o eight_o follow_a epistle_n be_v somewhat_o describe_v of_o that_o great_a misery_n into_o which_o the_o lord_n cast_v he_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n i._o my_o brother_n my_o body_n have_v a_o increase_n of_o some_o strength_n just_a as_o a_o man_n grow_v but_o very_o slow_o so_o as_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v observe_v though_o yet_o it_o proceed_v on_o yet_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n unknown_a to_o i_o although_o like_o a_o pestiferous_a cloud_n a_o many_o difficulty_n and_o sorrow_n be_v set_v before_o my_o eye_n out_o of_o which_o i_o can_v spy_v no_o deliverance_n but_o by_o death_n that_o so_o i_o may_v whole_o penetrate_v even_o un●●_n god_n which_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o time_n shall_v prove_v prosperous_a yea_o and_o further_o also_o of_o all_o mean_n

the_o narrow_a path_n of_o divine_a truth_n describe_v from_o live_v practice_n and_o experience_n of_o its_o three_o great_a step_n viz._n purgation_n illumination_n &_o union_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o of_o thomas_n a_o kempis_n the_o german_a divinity_n thauler_n and_o such_o like_a of_o the_o say_n of_o matthew_n weyer_n reduce_v into_o order_n in_o three_o book_n by_o j._n spee_n unto_o which_o be_v subjoin_v his_o practical_a epistle_n do_v above_o 120_o year_n since_o in_o the_o dutch_a and_o after_o the_o author_n death_n print_v in_o the_o german_a language_n at_o francfort_n 1579._o and_o in_o latin_a at_o amsterdam_n 1658._o and_o now_o in_o english_a london_n print_v for_o ben._n clark_n in_o george-yard_n in_o lombard_n street_n 1683._o a._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n if_o job_n and_o the_o psalm_n reader_n thou_o do_v know_v then_o the_o same_o truth_n these_o line_n to_o thou_o will_v show_v god_n thou_o enlighten_v to_o sin_v the_o cross-way_n out_o which_o christ_n have_v tread_v thy_o way_n to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n i_o have_v determine_v to_o collect_v and_o put_v together_o some_o of_o the_o more_o notable_a say_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o make_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v please_v to_o consider_v they_o or_o such_o like_a he_o may_v be_v able_a thereby_o more_o easy_o and_o without_o scruple_n to_o turn_v over_o this_o small_a treatise_n especial_o if_o he_o come_v to_o those_o place_n by_o which_o the_o most_o illuminate_v matthew_n wyer_n complain_v of_o his_o inward_a pain_n and_o anguish_n which_o throughout_o the_o book_n he_o frequent_o do_v lest_o the_o reader_n thereby_o be_v fright_v from_o they_o or_o shall_v account_v such_o pang_n and_o desertion_n for_o absurd_a and_o fantastical_a therefore_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o he_o will_v remember_v and_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n although_o now_o adays_o it_o be_v almost_o utter_o unknown_a and_o forsake_v be_v even_o to_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n always_o accustom_v and_o tread_v in_o for_o this_o be_v that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o straight_a gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o life_n yea_o by_o this_o same_o way_n viz._n by_o sorrow_n suffering_n strait_n and_o death_n our_o forerunner_n jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n walk_v even_o to_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a to_o and_o for_o we_o all_o who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o suffer_v and_o so_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n of_o he_o isaiah_n say_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o we_o see_v he_o and_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o aspect_n so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v delight_v in_o he_o a_o man_n despise_v and_o the_o least_o of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o know_a infirmity_n etc._n etc._n observe_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o devout_a reader_n together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o true_o love_v jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o he_o how_o narrow_a and_o sharp_a and_o how_o many_o pang_n and_o desertion_n be_v this_o way_n fill_v with_o which_o yet_o christ_n enter_v into_o after_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o to_o the_o death_n than_o it_o be_v that_o for_o very_a agony_n he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o pray_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n thrice_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o be_v he_o hear_v nor_o w●●●_n any_o helper_n present_a with_o he_o the_o wine-press_n be_v to_o be_v tread_v and_o the_o cup_n to_o be_v drink_v down_o the_o flood_n be_v to_o be_v wade_v through_o and_o obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o that_o he_o be_v hang_v naked_a between_o two_o thieeve_n as_o the_o incendary_a &_o trumpeter_n of_o the_o seditious_a present_o after_o they_o divide_v his_o garment_n by_o lot_n even_o before_o his_o eye_n many_o also_o shake_v their_o head_n at_o he_o so_o that_o nothing_o else_o encompass_v he_o round_o but_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n and_o one_o sorrow_n tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o then_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n be_v so_o many_o that_o they_o enter_v even_o into_o his_o soul_n because_o he_o be_v desert_v of_o his_o father_n that_o out_o of_o mere_a pressure_n and_o dereliction_n he_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o all_o which_o be_v find_v describe_v at_o large_a in_o the_o evangelist_n prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n especial_o in_o the_o 22_o psalm_n where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n my_o god_n i_o call_v unto_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o a_o be_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n also_o in_o psalm_n 60._o save_v i_o o_o god_n because_o the_o flood_n have_v enter_v into_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o stick_v fast_o in_o the_o deep_a mire_n and_o there_o be_v no_o bottom_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o psalm_n moreover_o in_o psalm_n 88_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_a and_o my_o life_n approach_v unto_o the_o grave_n or_o hell_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o the_o like_a say_n express_v the_o torment_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a psalter_n with_o the_o prophet_n be_v perfect_o fill_v but_o now_o if_o thou_o shall_v say_v christ_n indeed_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v do_v suffer_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o fulfil_v they_o in_o his_o example_n yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o one_o can_v imitate_v he_o in_o such_o strait_n and_o desertion_n it_o be_v answer_v christ_n himself_o have_v say_v he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a of_o i_o also_o peter_n have_v say_v christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n now_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a will_v not_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n read_v every_o where_o up_o and_o down_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o what_o do_v paul_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n for_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v yield_v thyself_o therefore_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v thy_o cause_n unto_o he_o o_o man_n and_o hope_v in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v and_o fulfil_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o for_o he_o always_o even_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o combat_n of_o his_o people●_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v tempt_v beyond_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v never_o yet_o do_v such_o misery_n touch_v his_o elect_n but_o he_o still_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o escape_v as_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o all_o as_o also_o the_o author_n of_o these_o saying_n be_v lead_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n through_o misery_n and_o strait_n and_o through_o a_o total_a desertion_n yet_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n so_o as_o they_o become_v as_o gold_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o sin_n alas_o how_o vast_o great_a be_v that_o micsey_n in_o which_o david_n cry_v out_o ●nd_v complain_v the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n have_v make_v i_o afraid_a the_o snare_n of_o death_n have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o i_o also_o when_o jeremiah_n for_o mere_a anxiety_n and_o desertion_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o who_o can_v express_v in_o word_n that_o both_o internal_a and_o external_a misery_n wherewith_o job_n be_v afflict_v from_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v give_v unto_o i_o this_o say_v he_o that_o thou_o may_v cover_v i_o in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_a my_o dwelling_n be_v in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v make_v my_o bed_n in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n also_o in_o another_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o continual_a desertion_n he_o open_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n as_o do_v jeremiah_n to_o many_o more_o such_o

god_n will_v more_o adundant_o break_v forth_o hereafter_o but_o i_o must_v possess_v my_o end_n and_o departure_n hence_o and_o that_o be_v now_o at_o hand_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o stand_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o forspeak_v of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o pure_a god_n with_o who_o that_o one_o may_v be_v unite_v many_o thing_n be_v requisite_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o cry_v out_o too_o plain_o although_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v many_o great_a matter_n in_o a_o certain_a man_n for_o all_o as_o yet_o may_v have_v a_o ill_a conclusion_n this_o i_o say_v for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o abide_v in_o fear_n chap._n xxxvi_o contain_v the_o last_o exhortation_n of_o matthew_n wyer_n and_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v bid_v you_o farewell_o for_o perhaps_o it_o be_v determine_v that_o i_o may_v speak_v no_o more_o i_o will_v recommend_v myself_o to_o the_o lord_n see_v that_o you_o labour_v and_o walk_v in_o all_o conscience_n before_o god_n love_v your_o brother_n and_o sister_n as_o your_o own_o self_n and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o otherwise_o judgement_n will_v come_v upon_o you_o this_o you_o must_v do_v that_o when_o you_o shall_v lie_v as_o i_o now_o lie_v you_o may_v lie_v with_o a_o quiet_a heart_n behave_v yourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n upright_o and_o seek_v after_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n for_o salvation_n be_v of_o great_a price_n than_o money_n or_o all_o good_n money_n with_o its_o good_n perish_v together_o but_o salvation_n bring_v peace_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man._n let_v i_o depart_v from_o you_o in_o freedom_n from_o my_o death_n as_o i_o hope_v a_o live_a motion_n will_v spring_v up_o in_o you_o i_o recommend_v you_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v free_o bestow_v on_o you_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o all_o other_o necessary_n in_o a_o hundred_o fold_n the_o lord_n will_v present_o give_v i_o rest_n i_o expect_v and_o wait_v for_o eternal_a rest_n i_o be_o to_o suffer_v so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v i_o if_o i_o have_v know_v this_o affliction_n before_o now_o i_o shall_v have_v dye_v for_o mere_a grief_n o_o inward_a desertion_n o_o desolation_n wisdom_n 1_o which_o now_o stand_v ready_a at_o hand_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o most_o vile_a of_o all_o and_o only_o long_a for_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o the_o child_n table_n if_o i_o can_v have_v avoid_v this_o affliction_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o for_o my_o conscience_n have_v bind_v i_o to_o abide_v by_o it_o misery_n in_o affliction_n be_v great_a a_o man_n will_v willing_o be_v lead_v with_o certainty_n but_o yet_o be_v he_o lead_v with_o uncertianty_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v journey_n by_o night_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v the_o way_n when_o beside_o the_o water_n be_v out_o he_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v and_o yet_o he_o must_v go_v forward_o yet_o be_v he_o secret_o lead_v by_o god_n and_o when_o the_o morning_n arise_v he_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o business_n have_v succeed_v well_o enough_o in_o affliction_n nothing_o be_v know_v how_o that_o a_o man_n be_v sustain_v and_o take_v care_n of_o but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o then_o it_o be_v know_v that_o god_n be_v always_o present_a even_o in_o his_o desertion_n the_o high_a affliction_n do_v manifest_a that_o selfishness_n or_o propriety_n which_o yet_o be_v before_o undiscerned_a and_o god_n prepare_v a_o man_n for_o this_o high_a of_o affliction_n all_o thing_n be_v snatch_v from_o i_o even_o before_o my_o face_n yet_o i_o know_v what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v i_o will_v beg_v of_o god_n a_o favourable_a death_n for_o myself_o o_o lord_n behold_v thy_o miserable_a creature_n o_o lord_n embrace_v i_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v from_o thou_o o_o lord_n embrace_v all_o my_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o grant_v strength_n unto_o i_o in_o this_o my_o deep_a misery_n here_o i_o lie_v before_o thou_o like_o a_o most_o wretched_a worm_n all_o the_o affliction_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o suffer_v be_v nothing_o to_o this_o misery_n have_v finish_v these_o word_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n he_o fall_v asleep_a in_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a departure_n on_o the_o 25_o april_n in_o the_o year_n 1560_o about_o the_o four_o hour_n in_o the_o morning_n at_o wesel_n in_o the_o year_n 〈◊〉_d his_o age_n 39_o here_o end_v the_o say_n the_o epistle_n of_o m._n wyer_n which_o he_o send_v to_o his_o familiar_a friend_n write_a by_o the_o author_n in_o the_o low-dutch_a and_o publish_v after_o his_o death_n be_v afterward_o turn_v into_o latin_a and_o out_o of_o the_o latin_a now_o at_o last_o into_o the_o english_a tongue_n london_n print_v for_o benj._n clark_n in_o george-yard_n in_o lombardstreet_n 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n a_o brief_a narrative_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o this_o small_a treatise_n reader_n who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o good_a earnest_n before_o i_o shall_v begin_v to_o relate_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o little_a tract_n or_o of_o its_o original_n or_o subject_a i_o be_o willing_a faithful_o to_o exhort_v thou_o as_o also_o most_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v thou_o that_o thou_o diligent_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o illumination_n and_o for_o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o understanding_n whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v enable_v according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n right_o to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v which_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n perform_v thou_o shall_v in_o very_a deed_n experience_n that_o this_o book_n will_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a unto_o thou_o see_v it_o be_v every_o where_o fill_v with_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o choice_a expression_n which_o be_v able_a to_o lead_v thou_o unto_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o many_o point_n nor_o do_v it_o only_o bring_v most_o notable_a advantage_n to_o thou_o only_o but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o elect_n who_o due_o and_o according_a to_o true_a knowledge_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v perverse_a and_o behold_v all_o thing_n with_o perverse_a and_o blind_a eye_n these_o thing_n will_v without_o doubt_n seem_v to_o be_v full_a of_o dulness_n and_o foolishness_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n be_v single_a then_o certain_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o these_o epistle_n and_o say_n have_v not_o flow_v from_o humane_a wisdom_n nor_o through_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o to_o the_o more_o divine_a sense_n nor_o from_o the_o outward_a bark_n only_o but_o from_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o he_o who_o write_v and_o speak_v these_o to_o have_v be_v indeed_o a_o man_n divine_o illuminate_v and_o a_o very_a intimate_a friend_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o learn_v and_o draw_v these_o truth_n out_o from_o the_o book_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o inward_a sorrow_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v we_o make_v our_o approach_n near_o to_o the_o thing_n intend_v and_o that_o we_o may_v preface_n a_o few_o thing_n concern_v the_o original_n of_o this_o small_a treatise_n let_v the_o hearty_a reader_n know_v that_o the_o aforesaid-friend_n of_o god_n write_v these_o epistle_n to_o his_o familiar_n and_o friend_n separate_v from_o his_o dwell_n in_o divers_a place_n to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o condition_n to_o stir_v up_o their_o zeal_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o the_o study_n of_o simplicity_n with_o no_o intention_n to_o have_v they_o afterward_o print_v and_o publish_v insomuch_o as_o that_o after_o his_o death_n they_o be_v by_o some_o honest_a heart_a searcher_n collect_v together_o be_v thus_o put_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n but_o those_o say_n of_o he_o he_o himself_o write_v not_o but_o only_o utter_v they_o oral_o and_o this_o be_v his_o faithful_a counsel_n that_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n there_o where_o he_o himself_o have_v seek_v and_o find_v it_o and_o in_o which_o place_n only_o it_o can_v be_v find_v and_o get_v viz._n in_o god_n the_o ever_o spring_a fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o from_o who_o flow_v these_o live_a stream_n neither_o may_v any_o one_o who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v draw_v they_o from_o strange_a muddy_a cistern_n or_o lake_n now_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o his_o say_n be_v he_o not_o know_v it_o take_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o comprehend_v in_o one_o volume_n we_o shall_v brief_o declare_v this_o most_o religious_a matthew_n among_o those_o of_o his_o family_n breed_v up_o a_o honest_a young_a man_n who_o name_n be_v john_n spee_n fill_v with_o a_o earnest_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n this_o person_n