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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n call_v church_n see_v 1,558 5 3.3758 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B10083 Tracts theological. I. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and vertue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites. II. The life of St. Antony out of the Greek of Sr. Athanasius. III. The antiquity and tradition of mystical divinity among the Gentiles. IV. Of the guidance of the spirit of God, upon a discourse of Sir Matthew Hale's concerning it. V. An invitation to the Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into. Stephens, Edward, d. 1706.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and virtue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Life of St. Antony.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Antiquity, tradition, and succession of mystical divinity among the Gentiles.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Enthusiasmus divinus: the guidance of the spirit of God.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Apology for, and an invitation to, the people call'd Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into. 1697 (1697) Wing S5444E; Wing S5444E; ESTC R184630 221,170 486

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their_o prophet_n be_v testimony_n of_o this_o all_o along_o from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o of_o this_o height_n of_o the_o disease_n to_o be_v most_o offend_v and_o enrage_v against_o their_o best_a friend_n such_o as_o most_o earnest_o desire_v and_o most_o faithful_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v their_o good_a and_o recovery_n they_o reckon_v they_o their_o enemy_n who_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n isa_n 29.21_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o a_o word_n and_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o he_o who_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n that_o be_v public_o for_o national_a sin_n and_o those_o of_o the_o great_a one_o act._n 7.52_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v say_v saint_n stephen_n beside_o this_o common_a infirmity_n it_o be_v very_o obserauble_a in_o the_o unhappy_a division_n which_o be_v now_o among_o christian_n that_o general_o in_o all_o there_o be_v a_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o own_o church_n or_o party_n than_o for_o the_o 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to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n fix_v whether_o we_o ought_v every_o moment_n to_o hope_v to_o arrive_v we_o must_v therefore_o beware_v that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o any_o time_n resume_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o at_o our_o renounce_v the_o world_n we_o have_v forsake_v for_o the_o crafty_a serpent_n do_v always_o watch_v our_o step_n that_o be_v he_o lay_v snare_n for_o our_o go_v out_o and_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n do_v always_o endeavour_v to_o supplant_v we_o and_o therefore_o to_o have_v begin_v well_o profit_v nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o finish_v wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o prepare_v thy_o soul_n not_o for_o ease_n not_o for_o delight_n but_o for_o temptation_n and_o strait_n for_o we_o must_v through_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o narrow_a be_v the_o gate_n and_o straight_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v who_o find_v it_o the_o beginning_n therefore_o of_o our_o salvation_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o by_o this_o be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o virtue_n obtain_v which_o when_o it_o have_v once_o pierce_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o produce_v a_o contempt_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o beget_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o contempt_n and_o forsake_v of_o our_o riches_n be_v true_a humility_n obtain_v and_o humility_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o token_n 1._o if_o the_o religious_a person_n have_v in_o he_o all_o his_o will_n mortify_v 2._o if_o he_o conceil_v not_o his_o act_n nor_o his_o thought_n
same_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n above_o my_o mind_n the_o unchangeable_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o this_o vulgar_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o as_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n great_a as_o if_o it_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o clear_a than_o it_o and_o fill_v all_o with_o its_o greatness_n this_o be_v not_o that_o but_o another_o quite_o another_o from_o all_o those_o nor_o be_v it_o so_o above_o my_o mind_n as_o oil_n above_o water_n nor_o as_o heaven_n above_o earth_n but_o superior_a because_o he_o make_v i_o and_o i_o inferior_a because_o i_o be_v make_v by_o it_o he_o who_o know_v truth_n know_v it_o and_o he_o who_o know_v it_o know_v eternity_n charity_n know_v it_o o_o eternal_a truth_n and_o true_a charity_n and_o dear_a eternity_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n for_o thou_o do_v i_o sigh_v day_n and_o night_n and_o when_o i_o first_o know_v thou_o thou_o do_v assume_v i_o or_o take_v i_o up_o that_o i_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v which_o i_o do_v see_v and_o myself_o not_o to_o be_v who_o do_v see_v and_o thou_o do_v beat_v back_o my_o weak_a sight_n shine_v vehement_o upon_o i_o and_o i_o tremble_v with_o love_n and_o horror_n and_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o in_o the_o region_n of_o dissimilitude_n or_o unlikeness_n as_o if_o i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n from_o on_o high_a i_o be_o the_o food_n of_o grow_v person_n grow_v and_o thou_o shall_v feed_v on_o i_o nor_o shall_v thou_o change_v i_o into_o thou_o as_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o flesh_n but_o thou_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o i_o and_o i_o know_v that_o for_o iniquity_n thou_o do_v tutor_v man_n and_o make_v my_o soul_n to_o pine_v away_o like_o a_o spider_n and_o i_o say_v be_v truth_n nothing_o because_o it_o be_v diffuse_v neither_o through_o finite_a nor_o through_o infinite_a space_n and_o thou_o cry_v from_o a_o far_o yes_o indeed_o i_o be_o that_o i_o am._n and_o i_o hear_v as_o it_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o doubt_n at_o all_o left_a and_o i_o can_v easy_o doubt_v that_o i_o be_v alive_a than_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o which_o be_v see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v 7_o confess_v c._n 10._o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v note_v out_o of_o these_o and_o other_o of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o ancient_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v very_o cautious_a not_o to_o express_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o profane_a or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a according_a to_o our_o saviour_n admonition_n mat._n 7.6_o and_o out_o of_o that_o caution_n and_o a_o like_a caution_n to_o avoid_v all_o ostentation_n and_o secure_v their_o humility_n be_v more_o spare_v in_o their_o expression_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o their_o write_n than_o those_o of_o after-age_n who_o by_o degree_n begin_v to_o write_v more_o open_o and_o at_o last_o to_o compose_v whole_a book_n of_o what_o be_v before_o teach_v more_o secret_o to_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a by_o this_o taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o holy_a people_n together_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o excellent_a person_n as_o be_v contempory_o with_o they_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o manner_n and_o exercise_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rashness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o many_o of_o late_a time_n who_o have_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o despise_v vilify_v and_o reproach_v the_o monastic_a state_n in_o general_a and_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o such_o as_o have_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o dirt_n and_o raise_v all_o the_o calumny_n and_o slander_n they_o can_v against_o they_o if_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o in_o late_a time_n have_v increase_v among_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v provoke_v the_o indignation_n of_o man_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o must_v the_o whole_a state_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v condemn_v for_o they_o if_o the_o serpent_n cast_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o false_a and_o hypocritical_a pretender_n such_o as_o those_o describe_v by_o piammon_n before_o pag._n 59_o and_o hierom_n pag._n 65._o call_v sarabite_n and_o remoboth_n to_o drown_v and_o obscure_v the_o excellence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a do_v it_o become_v christian_n to_o help_v the_o serpent_n in_o that_o attempt_n there_o be_v also_o say_v st._n austin_n who_o be_v false_a monk_n and_o we_o have_v know_v such_o sed_fw-la non_fw-la periit_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la pia_fw-la propter_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la profitentur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la but_o the_o pious_a fraternity_n be_v not_o therefore_o lose_v because_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o in_o psal_n 132._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n he_o note_v such_o a_o mixture_n among_o they_o and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o censure_n all_o for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o action_n of_o too_o many_o of_o that_o order_n which_o may_v be_v note_v even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o especial_o after_o they_o become_v not_o only_o secure_v but_o great_o honour_v by_o christian_a prince_n and_o emperor_n or_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n by_o what_o have_v be_v act_v by_o some_o among_o they_o or_o even_o of_o christianity_n by_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o too_o many_o call_v christian_n how_o unreasonable_a will_v that_o be_v if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o admire_v even_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o none_o but_o infidel_n heretic_n and_o apostate_n only_o one_o synesius_n be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n athanasius_n basil_n nazianzen_n chrysostom_n ambrose_n austin_n and_o innumerable_a more_o and_o who_o be_v this_o synesius_n a_o bishop_n indeed_o and_o a_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o as_o a_o learned_a doctor_n of_o this_o church_n and_o no_o friend_n to_o enthusiasm_n have_v observe_v a_o better_a platonist_n than_o sound_a christian_a one_o who_o live_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a in_o they_o one_o who_o pass_v a_o harsh_a censure_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o in_o it_o give_v a_o remarkable_a testimony_n for_o they_o he_o know_v indeed_o what_o every_o rustic_a can_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o they_o practise_v themselves_o and_o recommend_v to_o other_o temperance_n and_o continence_n and_o great_a austerity_n and_o thereof_o he_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a witness_n but_o the_o reason_n thereof_o he_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o call_v their_o way_n of_o live_v barbarous_a adamantine_a and_o contrary_a to_o humane_a nature_n a_o ample_a testimony_n right_o understand_v he_o know_v their_o diligent_a labour_n and_o work_n and_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o thereof_o be_v a_o undeniable_a witness_n but_o how_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o twist_v of_o reed_n and_o make_v of_o basket_n that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v he_o know_v that_o they_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o motion_n impulse_n transport_v etc._n etc._n and_o thereof_o he_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n but_o what_o to_o make_v of_o they_o he_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o think_v that_o they_o do_v thereby_o hope_n for_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o thereof_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n but_o what_o they_o be_v he_o understand_v not_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v attain_v any_o such_o knowledge_n without_o learning_n and_o study_n and_o therefore_o think_v they_o do_v very_o arrogant_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n than_o other_o have_v and_o what_o wonder_v if_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o the_o know_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o acquaint_v with_o such_o mystery_n and_o secret_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a but_o reveal_v unto_o babe_n than_o some_o of_o our_o learned_a doctor_n be_v at_o this_o time_n undoubted_o have_v those_o great_a man_n mention_v before_o no_o way_n inferior_a to_o this_o in_o any_o part_n of_o learning_n understand_v no_o more_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o he_o do_v they_o have_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n or_o have_v he_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o they_o he_o have_v
be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o synesius_n a_o very_a competent_a witness_n of_o what_o he_o know_v in_o this_o case_n but_o a_o most_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o what_o he_o understand_v not_o if_o we_o come_v near_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o monastery_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dissolution_n stow_n the_o historian_n write_v of_o the_o year_n 1536._o 28._o hen._n 8._o say_v the_o poor_a do_v much_o lament_v the_o downfall_n of_o monastery_n for_o the_o great_a hospitality_n which_o be_v keep_v there_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o till_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o monastery_n there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o england_n to_o enforce_v any_o man_n to_o pay_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o way_n of_o temporal_a coercion_n the_o stat._n of_o ed._n 1._o call_v the_o stat._n de_fw-fr asportatis_fw-la religiosorum_fw-la recite_v it_o to_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o build_v monastery_n that_o hospitality_n and_o almsgiving_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o the_o sick_a and_o feeble_n maintain_v the_o clergy_n then_o scarce_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v proprietor_n but_o rather_o vsufructuarii_a and_o as_o mr._n selden_n say_v that_o parsonage_n and_o vicarage_n be_v elemosynae_fw-la laicorum_fw-la so_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v use_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o reserve_n for_o the_o laity_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o poverty_n again_o that_o be_v the_o surplus_n be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v always_o to_o be_v deduct_v the_o maintenance_n of_o he_o who_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o person_n order_n and_o function_n this_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o very_a good_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o late_a lord_n chancellor_n finch_n but_o as_o to_o the_o monastery_n certain_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a provision_n for_o the_o poor_a where_o they_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o corporal_a alm_n and_o such_o as_o it_o seem_v do_v not_o fail_v till_o the_o last_o so_o that_o we_o need_v no_o law_n for_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a till_o the_o monastery_n be_v dissolve_v which_o be_v that_o sin_n whereof_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n joseph_n meed_n say_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a which_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o be_v account_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n ever_o pass_v by_o without_o some_o visible_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n ep._n 14._o p._n 760._o v._n ep._n 58._o p._n 829._o disc_n 2._o p._n 15_o 17._o &_o disc_n 27._o p._n 119_o ..._o and_o the_o judgement_n he_o think_v begin_v upon_o some_o v._n p._n 17._o &_o 829._o and_o expect_v more_o to_o follow_v and_o since_o the_o righteous_a god_n be_v a_o severe_a revenger_n of_o the_o indignity_n and_o injury_n do_v to_o his_o saint_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v think_v to_o have_v less_o regard_n to_o sacred_a person_n than_o to_o sacred_a thing_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a defect_n of_o pious_a and_o a_o complete_a christian_a education_n which_o be_v now_o notorious_a in_o our_o university_n and_o that_o blindness_n and_o spirit_n of_o sloth_n and_o slumber_n which_o from_o thence_o seem_v to_o have_v seize_v and_o possess_v all_o rank_n and_o quality_n of_o person_n and_o party_n among_o we_o may_v not_o be_v a_o special_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o that_o universal_a prejudice_n and_o contempt_n which_o upon_o the_o scandal_n of_o some_o the_o profane_a sacrilegious_a impiety_n of_o other_o and_o the_o inconsiderate_a rashness_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o many_o more_o have_v raise_v against_o it_o finis_fw-la the_o life_n of_o st._n antony_z original_o write_v in_o greek_a by_o st._n athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n faithful_o translate_v out_o of_o the_o greek_a by_o d._n s._n to_o which_o the_o life_n of_o some_o other_o of_o those_o holy_a man_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v add_v out_o of_o the_o best_a approve_a author_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a society_n 1697._o the_o preface_n the_o great_a prejudice_n which_o in_o this_o last_o age_n be_v raise_v against_o monastic_a life_n and_o monk_n so_o great_o esteem_v in_o the_o most_o flourish_a age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o in_o the_o person_n at_o that_o time_n though_o much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o from_o the_o wickedness_n and_o sacrilege_n of_o such_o as_o be_v greedy_a of_o their_o revenue_n and_o riches_n and_o vnwillingness_n of_o other_o to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o whoever_o shall_v proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o disingenuity_n and_o impudence_n as_o to_o deny_v it_o will_v just_o forfeit_v all_o credit_n with_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o impartiality_n afterward_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v too_o much_o occasion_n give_v for_o such_o as_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o dirt_n they_o can_v against_o they_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o scarce_o any_o who_o have_v set_v themselves_o to_o that_o work_n have_v contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o truth_n and_o modesty_n much_o less_o of_o charity_n but_o their_o malice_n and_o prejudice_n may_v be_v perceive_v upon_o a_o very_a small_a inspection_n into_o their_o write_n in_o this_o wicked_a work_n beside_o all_o those_o who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o it_o many_o other_o engage_v partly_o as_o advocate_n in_o hope_n of_o some_o preferment_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o prey_n partly_o to_o ingratiate_v themselves_o with_o the_o party_n and_o partly_o through_o a_o indiscreet_a ignorant_a zeal_n easy_o carry_v with_o a_o overflow_a stream_n the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v many_o and_o great_a of_o which_o to_o pass_v by_o other_o one_o be_v no_o less_o than_o want_n of_o sound_a education_n in_o true_a christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n even_o in_o our_o university_n ever_o since_o but_o too_o manifest_a in_o the_o effect_n and_o another_o no_o less_o than_o that_o even_o the_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n by_o discommend_v and_o disparage_v and_o elude_v even_o what_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o all_o though_o enjoin_v to_o none_o undermine_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o the_o most_o heroic_a virtue_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a christian_n by_o a_o abominable_a antichristian_a presumption_n require_v no_o less_o than_o a_o public_a humiliation_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n for_o these_o and_o other_o of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o reformation_n but_o only_o a_o protection_n nor_o be_v it_o probable_a ever_o will_v till_o the_o reformation_n itself_o be_v reform_v but_o that_o they_o will_v either_o dwindle_v away_o as_o they_o have_v hitherto_o till_o they_o come_v to_o nothing_o or_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n till_o they_o bring_v some_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o such_o inconsiderate_a factious_a zealote_n as_o call_v this_o popery_n know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v but_o do_v honour_n to_o popery_n injury_n to_o christianity_n and_o prejudice_n to_o their_o own_o cause_n but_o so_o mad_a and_o heady_a have_v they_o be_v that_o sober_a man_n who_o understand_v better_a thing_n have_v be_v force_v to_o apologise_v for_o bare_o mention_v the_o monastery_n as_o mr._n tanner_n have_v true_o observe_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o notitia_fw-la monastica_fw-la who_o notwithstanding_o have_v very_o worthy_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o monastery_n be_v in_o those_o dark_a age_n the_o only_a preserver_n of_o learning_n and_o maintainer_n of_o hospitality_n that_o order_n and_o statute_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v never_o know_v till_o after_o their_o dissolution_n and_o that_o their_o founder_n be_v man_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o virtue_n in_o their_o respective_a age_n in_o his_o epistle_n dedicatory_a the_o antiquity_n of_o monastery_n among_o christian_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a which_o mr._n tanner_n say_v after_o sir_n george_n mackensy_n that_o the_o original_a of_o monk_n in_o britain_n may_v be_v date_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n therein_o and_o that_o some_o of_o the_o druid_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o pagan_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o priest_n become_v our_o first_o monk_n be_v thereunto_o much_o incline_v by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o former_a discipline_n and_o the_o same_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o probable_a concern_v egypt_n that_o the_o therapeut_n whatever_o they_o be_v before_o be_v convert_v some_o of_o
the_o first_o and_o continue_v their_o way_n of_o live_v afterward_o for_o none_o can_v be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o account_n be_v with_o any_o probability_n give_v of_o they_o and_o monastery_n there_o be_v in_o egypt_n before_o st._n antony_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o his_o life_n c._n 3._o p._n 6._o and_o more_o full_o by_o socrates_n lib._n 4._o c._n 23._o who_o say_v that_o monastery_n in_o egypt_n have_v their_o original_a from_o very_o great_a antiquity_n but_o they_o be_v enlarge_v and_o much_o increase_v by_o a_o pious_a man_n who_o name_n be_v ammon_n of_o who_o athanasius_n make_v mention_n in_o the_o life_n of_o antony_n c._n 32._o which_o socrates_n also_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o that_o the_o question_v mention_v by_o st._n hierom_n in_o his_o life_n of_o paul_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o who_o be_v the_o first_o monk_n nor_o who_o be_v the_o first_o anchoret_n but_o who_o be_v the_o first_o eremite_n who_o retire_v so_o far_o as_o into_o the_o desert_n for_o athanasius_n mention_n a_o old_a man_n when_o st._n antony_n begin_v who_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o solitary_a life_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o doubtless_o many_o such_o there_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n but_o such_o society_n there_o be_v also_o of_o woman_n before_o st._n antony_n time_n to_o one_o of_o which_o he_o commit_v his_o sister_n as_o appear_v in_o his_o life_n and_o of_o who_o st._n athanasius_n give_v we_o a_o noble_a testimony_n apolog._n p._n 698._o to_o 1._o but_o there_o be_v none_o of_o who_o we_o have_v any_o such_o particular_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n more_o ancient_a than_o st._n antony_n none_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o for_o example_n of_o the_o heroic_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n than_o he_o be_v write_v by_o so_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a a_o person_n as_o st._n athanasius_n who_o deserve_a character_n the_o english_a reader_n may_v peruse_v in_o dr._n cave_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o for_o the_o life_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o athanasius_n in_o greek_a and_o soon_o after_o translate_v by_o evagrius_n into_o latin_a be_v so_o attest_v by_o the_o ancient_n as_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o the_o agreement_n and_o disagreement_n too_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o liberty_n which_o evagrius_n say_v he_o take_v in_o translate_n of_o it_o which_o be_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o latin_a copy_n now_o extant_a be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o all_o so_o agreeable_a with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o it_o or_o out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o ancient_n as_o render_v all_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretend_a doubtfulness_n great_a blemish_n to_o their_o write_n candour_n and_o integrity_n who_o abuse_v people_n with_o such_o pretence_n than_o it_o can_v be_v to_o either_o the_o greek_a or_o latin_a copy_n which_o so_o mutual_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o other_o and_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o testimony_n make_v such_o a_o triple_a cord_n as_o nothing_o but_o great_a regard_n to_o faction_n and_o party_n than_o to_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v ever_o attempt_v to_o break_v why_o be_v not_o some_o other_o reckon_v doubtful_a for_o which_o there_o be_v more_o colour_n but_o that_o one_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o the_o other_o not_o but_o undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a secret_a cause_n of_o some_o people_n prejudice_n against_o this_o holy_a life_n his_o heroic_a virtue_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o tacit_n reproach_n to_o their_o laziness_n and_o tepidity_n his_o miracle_n to_o their_o want_n of_o grace_n which_o make_v that_o seem_v incredible_a to_o they_o which_o they_o see_v nothing_o of_o among_o themselves_o and_o hence_o they_o catch_v at_o any_o thing_n to_o bring_v all_o into_o question_n as_o his_o combat_n with_o devil_n c._n 7._o though_o certain_o write_v by_o st._n athanasius_n and_o cite_v out_o of_o he_o by_o ruffinus_n socrates_n and_o nicephorus_n and_o the_o like_v relate_v by_o other_o and_o even_o in_o our_o own_o time_n the_o smell_n of_o spirit_n c._n 35._o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o common_a for_o foul_a spirit_n to_o leave_v a_o stink_n behind_o they_o or_o that_o we_o must_v deny_v credit_n to_o all_o relation_n of_o that_o kind_n even_o among_o ourselves_o because_o not_o agree_v with_o our_o finespun_a imaginary_a notion_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n both_o recommend_v to_o other_o and_o practise_v by_o himself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o christian_n long_o before_o his_o time_n and_o the_o triumphant_a erect_v of_o cross_n ever_o since_o constantine_n time_n at_o the_o least_o see_v eusebius_n be_v life_n of_o constantine_n l._n 1._o c._n 28_o 31_o 40._o and_o l._n 2._o c._n 7._o and_o we_o have_v brave_o mend_v the_o matter_n by_o set_v up_o instead_o of_o it_o the_o effigy_n of_o the_o dragon_n upon_o our_o high_a spire_n without_o and_o the_o ensign_n of_o the_o beast_n over_o our_o altar_n within_o in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n as_o real_a emblem_n or_o representation_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o condition_n as_o if_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o magical_a enchantment_n in_o they_o we_o may_v argue_v and_o cavil_v at_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o but_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v that_o holy_a man_n if_o we_o judge_v by_o our_o saviour_n rule_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a but_o empty_a talker_n among_o those_o who_o exclaim_v most_o against_o these_o thing_n and_o magnify_v the_o active_a life_n above_o the_o contemplative_a what_o do_v their_o activity_n produce_v antony_n we_o see_v convert_v great_a number_n to_o forsake_v their_o estate_n and_o embrace_v the_o state_n recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o all_o who_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o how_o many_o do_v we_o see_v by_o these_o orator_n convert_v from_o their_o covetousness_n vanity_n and_o superfluity_n to_o obedience_n to_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n in_o antony_n the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n shine_v glorious_o even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o our_o little_a morality_n make_v ourselves_o suspect_v first_o and_o then_o our_o religion_n too_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o give_v great_a occasion_n to_o such_o as_o have_v more_o wit_n than_o solid_a virtue_n to_o turn_v atheist_n and_o deist_n and_o such_o as_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o religion_n to_o turn_v separatist_n or_o dissenter_n nay_o the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o life_n have_v produce_v more_o noble_a convertion_n than_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n put_v all_o together_o who_o cavil_v at_o it_o whereof_o we_o have_v particular_a instance_n in_o st._n augustin_n confession_n l._n 8._o c._n 6._o and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n who_o so_o unadvised_o oppose_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o general_n and_o resist_v his_o inspiration_n in_o such_o as_o consult_v they_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a case_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o shall_v answer_v when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o wary_a in_o such_o case_n that_o they_o do_v not_o obstruct_v the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o as_o they_o ought_v promote_v it_o a_o abstract_n of_o the_o life_n of_o st._n antony_z out_o of_o sozomon_n l._n 1._o c._n 13._o whether_o they_o be_v egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o who_o be_v the_o first_o beginner_n of_o that_o monastic_a philosophy_n this_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o that_o that_o great_a antony_z the_o monk_n do_v excellent_o practise_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n with_o proper_a exercise_n and_o action_n of_o diligence_n and_o perfection_n who_o at_o that_o time_n grow_v famous_a in_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n the_o emperor_n constantine_n in_o honour_n of_o his_o virtue_n receive_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o friendship_n honour_v he_o with_o his_o letter_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o write_v to_o he_o for_o what_o he_o have_v occasion_n he_o be_v a_o egyptian_a bear_v of_o a_o noble_a family_n at_o a_o place_n call_v coma_n which_o be_v a_o village_n near_o heraclea_n when_o he_o be_v a_o well-grown_a youth_n the_o land_n descend_v to_o he_o from_o his_o father_n he_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sell_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o estate_n he_o distribute_v the_o price_n among_o the_o poor_a for_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o student_n of_o philosophy_n not_o only_o to_o deprive_v himself_o
sentiment_n and_o this_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o over_o the_o world_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o perform_v every_o day_n in_o most_o of_o the_o great_a church_n and_o every_o lord's-day_n in_o all_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o benefit_n to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v that_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o satan_n transform_v than_o disrespect_n and_o neglect_v of_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o that_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n than_o to_o see_v that_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v most_o malicious_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honour_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o apply_v to_o his_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v he_o oppose_v it_o with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n he_o can_v possible_a beside_o for_o people_n to_o slight_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n so_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o another_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v what_o decay_v of_o charity_n and_o unanimity_n among_o man_n and_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n have_v in_o all_o part_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o may_v be_v another_o evidence_n of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o do_v neglect_v it_o whatever_o their_o pretence_n be_v but_o for_o all_o separatist_n and_o sectary_n in_o general_a it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a caution_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o admonition_n and_o prohibition_n against_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o of_o prediction_n both_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n both_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v that_o specious_a appearance_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n among_o any_o of_o any_o party_n of_o separatist_n but_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n or_o delusion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n or_o energy_n of_o some_o spirit_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o divers_a of_o these_o indication_n or_o sign_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v and_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a spirit_n be_v its_o appearance_n never_o so_o specious_a in_o other_o respect_n and_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v such_o as_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n find_v themselves_o to_o be_v sometime_o strange_o assault_v and_o tempt_v by_o the_o subtle_a adversary_n viz._n to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o person_n and_o to_o neglect_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o needless_a to_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a religious_a christian_n be_v general_o preserve_v from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a snare_n be_v that_o they_o be_v train_v up_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o ancient_a experience_a christian_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n of_o humility_n subjection_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o constant_a discovery_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o where_o both_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o among_o many_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v little_a of_o solidity_n especial_o where_o those_o noble_a heroic_a virtue_n of_o abstraction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v reject_v as_o monkery_n and_o superstition_n but_o all_o their_o goodly_a appearance_n and_o pretence_n end_v at_o last_o in_o emptiness_n and_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ancient_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o any_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n and_o elude_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o undermine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o much_o fanaticism_n as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a for_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v as_o all_o other_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v be_v genuine_a live_a christian_n but_o mere_a empty_a formal_a professor_n of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o great_a part_n both_o of_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n among_o we_o if_o judgement_n be_v make_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o their_o fruit_n and_o fruitfulness_n but_o lest_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o any_o doubt_n in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o between_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a distinguishable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o operation_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v often_o so_o subtle_a and_o secret_a in_o the_o manner_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o power_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n as_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o as_o the_o most_o desirable_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v regeneration_n and_o effectual_a sanctification_n so_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o always_o lead_v to_o mortification_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o celestial_a angelic_a and_o divine_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o soul_n due_o prepare_v purge_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o that_o bless_a guide_n do_v often_o manifest_v his_o presence_n by_o sensible_a attraction_n and_o restraint_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o plain_a suggestion_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o once_o find_v that_o i_o can_v give_v no_o better_a advice_n than_o what_o we_o have_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o and_o 6._o which_o i_o believe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o mystic_a theology_n of_o the_o ancient_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n for_o and_o a_o invitation_n to_o the_o people_z call_v quaker_n to_o rectify_v some_o error_n which_o through_o the_o scandal_n give_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o wherein_o the_o true_a original_a cause_n both_o humane_a and_o divine_a of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o state_n and_o among_o the_o people_n be_v plain_o and_o brief_o open_v and_o detect_v london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1697._o advertisement_n that_o whole_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmity_n which_o the_o individual_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v and_o often_o sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o mind_n blindness_n conceitedness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n incorrigibleness_n and_o impatience_n of_o reproof_n or_o even_o friendly_a admonition_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a but_o in_o none_o be_v it_o more_o manifest_a than_o in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o example_n admonition_n and_o warn_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n their_o whole_a history_n and_o all_o