he_o to_o a_o great_a wisdom_n glory_n and_o excellency_n than_o his_o creator_n have_v place_v he_o in_o with_o which_o he_o consult_v out_o of_o the_o dependence_n upon_o his_o creator_n fall_v from_o that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o uphold_v he_o in_o the_o pure_a state_n wherein_o he_o be_v make_v thus_o be_v he_o take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o misery_n and_o bring_v to_o that_o loss_n which_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n lie_v grovel_v under_o to_o this_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n at_o any_o time_n awaken_v the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o they_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o and_o since_o the_o fall_n answ_n a_o state_n of_o darkness_n a_o state_n of_o death_n a_o state_n of_o deep_a captivity_n wherein_o his_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n be_v become_v dark_a as_o to_o the_o light_n of_o god_n dead_a as_o to_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o captive_a unto_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v enter_v they_o by_o their_o harken_v thereto_o who_o dwell_v and_o rule_v in_o they_o in_o the_o darkness_n as_o god_n do_v before_o in_o the_o light_n quest_n how_o be_v man_n dark_a how_o be_v man_n dead_a be_v his_o soul_n or_o body_n dead_a as_o to_o their_o be_v or_o how_o else_o be_v it_o answ_n man_n be_v not_o dead_a as_o to_o his_o being_n either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o as_o to_o the_o right_n pure_a and_o sanctify_a state_n of_o each_o the_o vessel_n still_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o be_v but_o they_o be_v empty_v of_o their_o proper_a liquor_n and_o fill_v with_o other_o wine_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o same_o the_o reason_n the_o same_o the_o will_v the_o same_o the_o memory_n the_o same_o the_o bodily_a member_n the_o same_o as_o to_o their_o be_v or_o matter_n but_o they_o be_v all_o otherwise_o leaven_v and_o another_o king_n now_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o reign_v over_o they_o quest_n then_o there_o need_v not_o any_o dissolution_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o bring_v it_o to_o nothing_o in_o relation_n to_o man_n recovery_n but_o only_o a_o change_n of_o the_o leaven_n answ_n man_n be_v become_v another_o thing_n by_o degeneration_n from_o the_o life_n he_o be_v so_o poison_a by_o sin_n and_o corruption_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v whole_o break_v down_o and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o even_o in_o the_o very_a natural_n that_o he_o may_v be_v new_o make_v and_o build_v up_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o he_o be_v to_o become_v as_o a_o fool_n as_o a_o little_a child_n or_o rather_o as_o a_o seed_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o womb_n of_o life_n there_o to_o be_v form_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o he_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o life_n he_o be_v to_o forget_v his_o own_o country_n live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n where_o watch_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o against_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o the_o pure_a childishess_n in_o the_o simple_a instinct_n and_o naturalness_n of_o the_o life_n he_o shall_v at_o length_n find_v a_o reason_n new_o form_v and_o spring_a up_o in_o he_o which_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o unity_n with_o the_o life_n but_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n open_a too_o fast_o and_o be_v not_o keep_v down_o to_o the_o light_n of_o life_n the_o betrayer_n will_v enter_v again_o at_o that_o door_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o death_n after_o it_o have_v have_v sweet_a and_o precious_a taste_n of_o the_o redeem_v virtue_n and_o power_n quest_n can_v man_n in_o the_o fall_n see_v his_o fall_a estate_n and_o so_o seek_v after_o a_o recovery_n out_o of_o it_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v without_o some_o light_n shine_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o redeemer_n how_o can_v darkness_n discover_v darkness_n that_o which_o make_v mamanife_v the_o darkness_n be_v light_n when_o the_o vessel_n be_v dark_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n fill_v it_o and_o dwell_v in_o it_o what_o can_v that_o eye_n see_v but_o according_a to_o the_o darkness_n judge_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n bitter_a sweet_a and_o sweet_a bitter_a quest_n but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o have_v some_o light_n no_o man_n but_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o see_v good_a or_o evil_a in_o some_o measure_n answ_n that_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o man_n nature_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v in_o the_o fall_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o enemie_n hand_n and_o be_v itself_o become_v darkness_n can_v at_o all_o give_v man_n notice_n of_o or_o light_v he_o out_o of_o the_o darkness_n but_o from_o a_o fresh_a visitation_n of_o the_o life_n which_o give_v all_o man_n a_o day_n of_o visitation_n by_o the_o shine_a of_o its_o light_n wherein_o be_v some_o manifestation_n to_o man_n and_o some_o certain_a sight_n by_o he_o both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o there_o be_v also_o the_o live_a spirit_n strive_v with_o he_o and_o attract_v he_o from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a pleasure_n who_o be_v both_o the_o light_n and_o also_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o proportion_n of_o every_o man_n visitation_n by_o it_o quest_n but_o have_v not_o man_n natural_o a_o light_n in_o the_o fall_v estate_n which_o discover_v unto_o he_o good_a and_o evil_a answ_n not_o a_o true_a light_n not_o a_o true_a discovery_n but_o only_o somewhat_o which_o the_o enemy_n set_v up_o in_o man_n as_o such_o to_o keep_v he_o in_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o deceit_n and_o out_o of_o the_o suspicion_n of_o it_o for_o the_o enemy_n enter_v into_o he_o by_o his_o subtlety_n blind_v and_o deceive_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a hold_v he_o captive_n in_o the_o deceit_n insomuch_o as_o he_o discern_v not_o the_o false_a image_n which_o the_o enemy_n have_v stamp_v upon_o he_o for_o though_o the_o enemy_n bring_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o real_a darkness_n death_n and_o captivity_n yet_o these_o do_v not_o at_o present_a appear_v to_o man_n what_o they_o be_v but_o be_v miscoloured_a or_o paint_a to_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v not_o the_o better_a to_o deceive_v bewitch_v and_o entangle_v man_n therein_o the_o enemy_n do_v not_o represent_v darkness_n in_o its_o black_a hue_n death_n and_o captivity_n in_o its_o dreadful_a appearance_n to_o adam_n but_o as_o wisdom_n as_o light_n as_o a_o better_a life_n as_o a_o great_a freedom_n and_o thus_o he_o still_o enter_v man_n and_o after_o this_o manner_n he_o still_o dwell_v in_o man_n until_o the_o true_a light_n pursue_v he_o open_v and_o discover_v his_o deceit_n and_o draw_v man_n back_o from_o this_o false_a paradise_n of_o pleasure_n in_o wisdom_n and_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o life_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o and_o breathe_n after_o the_o true_a garden_n of_o the_o live_a god_n q._n be_v man_n then_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a since_o the_o fall_n answ_n yes_o altogether_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n do_v he_o so_o pleas_o situate_a himself_n and_o take_v up_o his_o habitation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n wherein_o be_v strong_a hold_n and_o wise_a reason_n against_o the_o true_a god_n and_o for_o the_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n strong_o make_v man_n believe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o represent_v they_o for_o in_o the_o darkness_n thus_o in_o particular_a person_n and_o also_o in_o society_n evil_a be_v pursue_v after_o and_o advance_v for_o good_a and_o the_o true_a good_a suppress_v as_o evil_a through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o darkness_n in_o man_n heart_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o proper_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o fall_n answ_n a_o state_n of_o false_a light_n of_o false_a life_n of_o false_a liberty_n he_o seem_v to_o himself_o advance_v in_o wisdom_n above_o the_o low_a empty_a naked_a estate_n of_o innocency_n which_o be_v nothing_o and_o have_v nothing_o but_o by_o a_o continual_a dependence_n on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creator_n he_o seem_v also_o advance_v in_o life_n advance_v in_o liberty_n he_o can_v speak_v his_o own_o word_n think_v his_o own_o thought_n do_v his_o own_o will_n seek_v himself_o please_v himself_o satisfy_v himself_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v a_o yoke_n a_o bond_n in_o his_o eye_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o it_o he_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v exceed_o wise_a in_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o dominion_n thus_o do_v the_o enemy_n transform_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o death_n give_v fall_v man_n a_o share_n with_o he_o in_o it_o while_o he_o
he_o can_v still_o retain_v or_o gather_v in_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o here_o do_v deep_a traveller_n lose_v their_o way_n fall_v from_o their_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o life_n and_o from_o their_o enjoyment_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o life_n into_o the_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a spirit_n hold_v thing_n wise_o and_o rich_o there_o in_o the_o earthly_a principle_n not_o know_v the_o remove_n of_o their_o habitation_n thither_o nor_o think_v that_o they_o be_v there_o he_o that_o read_v these_o thing_n let_v he_o not_o strive_v to_o comprehend_v they_o but_o be_v content_a with_o what_o he_o feel_v thereof_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o present_a estate_n and_o as_o the_o life_n grow_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o the_o life_n and_o he_o come_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o exercise_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o experience_n concern_v they_o will_v of_o themselves_o open_a to_o he_o and_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o he_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n please_v he_o keep_v to_o the_o leading_n savour_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o in_o himself_o wherein_o alone_o his_o knowledge_n sight_n growth_n and_o experience_n be_v safe_a now_o he_o that_o will_v travel_v safe_o in_o spirit_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o life_n let_v he_o wait_v to_o have_v these_o thing_n follow_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o impression_n thereof_o preserve_v fresh_a in_o he_o first_o it_o be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o cause_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v which_o work_v the_o repentance_n or_o turn_v from_o the_o dead_a state_n and_o also_o the_o belief_n in_o and_o turn_v towards_o the_o live_a god_n second_o it_o be_v the_o same_o grace_n alone_o that_o can_v preserve_v and_o cause_v the_o plant_n of_o grace_n to_o grow_v if_o there_o be_v a_o withdraw_n of_o the_o light_n a_o withhold_v of_o the_o free_a influence_n that_o which_o depend_v thereupon_o can_v retain_v its_o freshness_n which_o the_o lord_n may_v do_v as_o often_o as_o he_o please_v for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o rebellious_a part_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o pure_a life_n and_o virtue_n in_o his_o plant_n three_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n visit_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o death_n in_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o fall_v estate_n beget_v life_n anew_o in_o it_o make_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n light_n in_o the_o lord_n open_v a_o eye_n in_o it_o to_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n a_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o sound_n of_o life_n and_o of_o death_n a_o heart_n to_o turn_v from_o and_o refuse_v the_o vanity_n and_o to_o turn_v towards_o and_o abide_v in_o the_o live_a substance_n four_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n by_o draw_v lead_v and_o act_v the_o quicken_a soul_n by_o exercise_v that_o which_o he_o have_v beget_v in_o the_o life_n under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o life_n thus_o the_o life_n draw_v the_o soul_n daily_o near_o and_o near_o towards_o the_o everlasting_a spring_n and_o from_o the_o fade_a emptiness_n of_o sin_n vanity_n and_o the_o creature-hood_n and_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o enliven_a virtue_n daily_o follow_v on_o after_o the_o life_n in_o the_o leading_n spirit_n and_o power_n thereof_o there_o be_v a_o live_a soul_n beget_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o live_a soul_n daily_o live_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o travel_n in_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o from_o the_o unbelief_n to_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o enmity_n to_o the_o love_n from_o the_o perverseness_n to_o the_o straitness_n from_o the_o iniquity_n to_o this_o righteousness_n even_o from_o all_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o darkness_n and_o also_o from_o the_o weak_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o life_n towards_o the_o fullness_n itself_o even_o until_o it_o perfect_o centre_n in_o and_o be_v full_o fill_v therewith_o five_o where_o there_o be_v a_o stop_n of_o the_o virtue_n receive_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o not_o a_o answer_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n there_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v stop_v if_o the_o soul_n follow_v not_o in_o the_o draw_n the_o drawing_z be_v lose_v as_o to_o it_o if_o the_o ear_n open_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n hear_v it_o prove_v ineffectual_a if_o strength_n issue_n forth_o from_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o the_o soul_n receive_v not_o the_o strength_n which_o issue_v forth_o and_o bubble_v up_o in_o it_o or_o answer_v it_o not_o in_o give_v up_o to_o it_o and_o travel_v on_o the_o soul_n abide_v where_o it_o be_v at_o least_o if_o it_o also_o retire_v not_o backward_o from_o that_o estate_n and_o condition_n whereto_o the_o life_n have_v advance_v it_o for_o if_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o life_n and_o grace_n be_v refuse_v there_o be_v a_o advantage_n give_v to_o death_n to_o re-enter_v and_o gain_v ground_n by_o its_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o power_n six_o mark_v therefore_o diligent_o how_o the_o lord_n do_v carry_v on_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o free_a grace_n even_o as_o if_o there_o be_v much_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o creature_n what_o wound_v of_o itself_o by_o repentance_n what_o strive_v to_o believe_v what_o wrestle_v against_o enemy_n and_o for_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o hope_n up_o and_o the_o distrust_n out_o what_o strict_a watch_n and_o wait_v even_o as_o if_o the_o creature_n do_v work_v out_o its_o whole_a salvation_n seven_o though_o the_o creature_n seem_v to_o do_v much_o itself_o have_v receive_v life_n from_o the_o grace_n and_o act_v abundant_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o grace_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o come_v from_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v also_o the_o redeemer_n which_o indeed_o do_v all_o for_o though_o the_o creature_n repent_v real_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o darkness_n with_o its_o whole_a heart_n yet_o the_o repentance_n be_v of_o the_o virtue_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o the_o creature_n which_o receive_v the_o grace_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n the_o love_n the_o obedience_n the_o meekness_n the_o patience_n the_o watch_v the_o wait_a the_o hope_v etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o very_a receive_v the_o grace_n be_v not_o of_o the_o creature_n but_o of_o the_o grace_n for_o the_o creature_n be_v dead_a until_o it_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o grace_n alone_o be_v make_v alive_a and_o able_a to_o receive_v it_o behold_v then_o the_o mystery_n of_o redemption_n god_n be_v all_o in_o redemption_n god_n do_v all_o therein_o as_o full_o as_o in_o creation_n it_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n even_o the_o whole_a work_n thereof_o yet_o the_o creature_n quicken_v and_o renew_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o he_o in_o his_o operation_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o he_o who_o eye_n be_v open_v can_v read_v the_o mystery_n and_o in_o true_a understanding_n say_v if_o he_o have_v be_v lead_v and_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o i_o now_o to_o bring_v the_o creature_n to_o this_o the_o lord_n exercise_v it_o daily_o in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n which_o flow_v forth_o from_o he_o cause_v it_o to_o feel_v its_o weakness_n as_o it_o forget_v the_o virtue_n or_o aspire_v to_o live_v of_o itself_o on_o the_o virtue_n receive_v out_o of_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o its_o dependence_n upon_o the_o spring_n and_o indeed_o the_o virtue_n that_o come_v from_o god_n can_v alone_o answer_v god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v only_o accept_v with_o the_o spring_n and_o father_n of_o life_n as_o it_o be_v find_v therein_o quest_n but_o if_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v wrought_v by_o god_n create_v power_n how_o come_v it_o to_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o rub_n and_o interruption_n and_o sometime_o overturning_n can_v any_o thing_n stop_v god_n create_a power_n answ_n so_o far_o as_o god_n absolute_o please_v to_o create_v nothing_o can_v stop_v or_o hinder_v but_o the_o entrance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o create_v into_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o get_v a_o be_v there_o as_o also_o the_o growth_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o force_n of_o spiritual_a enemy_n if_o the_o lord_n please_v to_o permit_v or_o by_o the_o grieve_n and_o provoke_v of_o that_o free_a power_n which_o alone_o beget_v and_o preserve_v life_n in_o
grace_n even_o as_o the_o jew_n table_n or_o gather_v knowledge_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n become_v their_o snare_n and_o trap._n the_o lord_n open_v their_o eye_n in_o his_o due_a time_n to_o discern_v it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o withstand_v that_o ministration_n and_o revelation_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o god_n see_v good_a to_o visit_v the_o apostatise_v world_n with_o after_o this_o long_a dark_a night_n of_o the_o apostasy_n whereof_o those_o that_o stick_v in_o form_n or_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n from_o the_o letter_n without_o the_o power_n can_v but_o prove_v the_o great_a enemy_n opposer_n and_o persecutor_n now_o to_o help_v they_o a_o little_a if_o the_o lord_n please_v in_o the_o roll_a of_o my_o bowel_n towards_o they_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n open_v to_o lay_v a_o few_o thing_n before_o they_o first_o with_o my_o heart_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v i_o own_o that_o principle_n which_o former_o wrought_v in_o some_o of_o they_o which_o i_o myself_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o and_o know_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a knowledge_n which_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o also_o the_o inward_a work_n and_o i_o also_o know_v what_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v not_o the_o other_o but_o differ_v as_o far_o as_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n secondâ—â—_n i_o also_o own_o all_o the_o open_n and_o refreshment_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a or_o private_a exercise_n and_o the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v from_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o i_o know_v that_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v true_a in_o their_o proportion_n however_o their_o present_a sense_n and_o hold_v of_o they_o out_o of_o that_o wherein_o they_o receive_v they_o may_v just_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o servant_n three_o though_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o their_o proportion_n and_o measure_n yet_o in_o they_o they_o may_v lose_v their_o virtue_n and_o die_v and_o so_o they_o not_o retain_v the_o thing_n in_o its_o life_n in_o its_o own_o principle_n in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o birth_n to_o which_o god_n give_v it_o but_o only_o a_o image_n of_o it_o in_o the_o natural_a understanding_n in_o the_o earthly_a part_n in_o the_o dead_a principle_n and_o then_o their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o their_o experience_n can_v but_o be_v corrupt_v and_o now_o become_v the_o possession_n of_o death_n and_o the_o engine_n of_o death_n in_o their_o heart_n again_o god_n have_v somewhat_o further_o to_o manifest_v even_o to_o bring_v forth_o that_o which_o they_o so_o earnest_o pray_v for_o in_o that_o day_n which_o they_o have_v abide_v in_o that_o virtue_n wherein_o they_o pray_v may_v easy_o have_v discern_v and_o embrace_v but_o be_v out_o of_o that_o and_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o then_o receive_v hold_v they_o in_o the_o wise_a earthly_a part_n that_o part_n can_v but_o stumble_v at_o the_o low_a and_o contemptible_a appearance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v still_o offensive_a to_o that_o part_n the_o great_a glory_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v in_o a_o little_a seed_n and_o how_o can_v the_o great_a eye_n of_o the_o fleshly-wise_a see_v it_o we_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o jew_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o as_o for_o this_o man_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o we_o know_v the_o relation_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v of_o god_n say_v the_o professor_n but_o as_o for_o this_o little_a seed_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o light_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v believe_v that_o all_o we_o want_v be_v to_o spring_v up_o in_o it_o now_o four_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o person_n to_o pass_v away_o and_o also_o of_o their_o experience_n to_o be_v give_v up_o and_o let_v fall_v in_o these_o two_o case_n follow_v first_o when_o the_o virtue_n be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o when_o death_n have_v catch_v they_o when_o they_o become_v death_n good_n for_o that_o which_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o life_n be_v only_o profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o life_n when_o the_o earthly_a part_n have_v catch_v they_o and_o seat_v itself_o there_o they_o then_o become_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o engine_n of_o death_n to_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o then_o life_n and_o true_a relief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o they_o but_o where_o the_o eternal_a virtue_n please_v next_o to_o appear_v second_o when_o god_n have_v somewhat_o to_o bring_v forth_o further_o in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o any_o particular_a heart_n to_o make_v way_n for_o it_o he_o bring_v death_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v before_o live_v thus_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bring_v forth_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o distress_v the_o heart_n make_v the_o foregoing_a faith_n and_o power_n appear_v weak_a and_o pass_v away_o and_o many_o time_n for_o a_o season_n shut_v up_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o unbelief_n until_o the_o fresh_a faith_n and_o fresh_a power_n spring_v up_o and_o arise_v and_o this_o cause_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o further_a dispensation_n of_o his_o eternal_a virtue_n to_o appear_v and_o the_o beauty_n of_o they_o to_o shine_v which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v so_o abundant_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o foregoing_a distress_n of_o the_o heaâ—_n theâ—â—â—â—â—e_v yet_o some_o thing_n further_o weighty_a upon_o my_o heart_n to_o lay_v before_o they_o needful_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v of_o which_o may_v be_v serviceable_a and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n if_o the_o lord_n please_v to_o open_v their_o heart_n and_o impress_v they_o thereon_o they_o be_v four_o proposition_n relate_v to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v alone_o give_v to_o any_o man_n which_o receive_v it_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o no_o man_n live_a can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o spirit_n speak_v but_o as_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o speak_v they_o gives_z the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o live_a knowledge_n the_o serviceable_a knowledge_n be_v 〈◊〉_d hold_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o birth_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n man_n natural_a part_n be_v not_o the_o true_a treasury_n nor_o be_v man_n reason_n to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o that_o which_o hold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o live_a experience_n be_v that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o man_n reason_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n further_o than_o it_o bow_n be_v limit_v and_o subject_v three_o that_o the_o knowledge_n receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n be_v still_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n alone_o can_v keep_v it_o live_v and_o the_o spirit_n alone_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n be_v still_o in_o it_o or_o whether_o death_n have_v catch_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v manna_n fit_a for_o the_o soul_n food_n or_o manna_n once_o give_v but_o now_o corrupt_v o_o my_o dear_a friend_n wait_v to_o understand_v my_o experience_n concern_v this_o thing_n which_o be_v this_o that_o which_o i_o have_v certain_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o which_o the_o true_a birth_n at_o first_o have_v feed_v on_o the_o earthly_a birth_n will_v be_v catch_v at_o lay_v hold_n of_o and_o treasure_v up_o to_o feed_v on_o at_o another_o time_n likewise_o in_o my_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o lay_v open_a to_o this_o great_a snare_n of_o read_v in_o my_o own_o will_n and_o of_o gather_v from_o thence_o in_o my_o own_o understanding_n &_o so_o grow_v wise_a concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n after_o the_o flesh_n for_o though_o at_o that_o time_n i_o be_v not_o without_o live_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o death_n nor_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o life_n and_o so_o the_o bad_a the_o lean_a the_o earthly_a the_o ill-favoured_a overgrew_n the_o good_a
remain_v his_o willing_a subject_n and_o here_o the_o good_n of_o the_o enemy_n the_o heart_n estrange_v from_o god_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o devout_a and_o zealous_a worshipper_n in_o invent_a form_n but_o also_o the_o gross_a sinner_n the_o envious_a lustful_a and_o wicked_a mind_n the_o perverse_a tongue_n the_o bloody_a hand_n and_o foot_n be_v at_o peace_n and_o have_v joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o their_o course_n and_o circuit_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o all_o this_o be_v but_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o enemy_n wherewith_o he_o have_v cheat_v man_n with_o false_a appearance_n and_o representation_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a as_o man_n himself_o will_v see_v when_o ever_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v thorough_o awaken_v by_o the_o eternal_a light_n whether_o here_o or_o hereafter_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n answ_n to_o purge_v this_o old_a leaven_n out_o of_o the_o vessel_n to_o purify_v the_o vessel_n from_o all_o the_o false_a appearance_n of_o light_n to_o batter_v down_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o mind_n all_o the_o reason_n thought_n imagination_n and_o consultation_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pure_a nor_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o so_o to_o new-create_a and_o new-form_n the_o vessel_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o purity_n wherein_o it_o be_v at_o first_o form_v quest_n who_o do_v this_o work_n or_o who_o be_v man_n redeemer_n out_o of_o the_o fall_n answ_n the_o eternal_a word_n or_o son_n of_o the_o father_n even_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o go_v forth_o from_o the_o fountain_n in_o the_o creation_n the_o same_o go_v forth_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n to_o purify_v the_o creature_n and_o so_o bring_v the_o creature_n back_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v into_o his_o bosom_n again_o quest_n with_o what_o do_v this_o word_n or_o redeemer_n redeem_v answ_n with_o his_o own_o life_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o his_o own_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o purity_n he_o descend_v into_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v flesh_n there_o sow_v his_o own_o seed_n in_o his_o prepare_a earth_n beget_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n and_o nourish_v up_o his_o birth_n with_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n unto_o life_n everlasting_a quest_n what_o be_v this_o life_n or_o how_o do_v it_o first_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o darkness_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o men._n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v light_n to_o adam_n at_o first_o and_o again_o to_o he_o after_o the_o fall_n and_o to_o all_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n it_o enlighten_v in_o nature_n it_o enlighten_v under_o the_o law_n it_o do_v enlighten_v under_o the_o gospel_n before_o the_o apostasy_n and_o again_o since_o the_o apostasy_n quest_n how_o do_v the_o light_n enlighten_v ans_fw-fr by_o its_o shine_a the_o eternal_a word_n move_v the_o life_n open_v the_o light_n shine_v this_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n be_v a_o beginning_n of_o redemption_n in_o its_o fullness_n it_o be_v redemption_n perfect_v quest_n how_o do_v the_o light_a work_n redemption_n in_o its_o shine_a ans_fw-fr two_o way_n first_o by_o turn_v the_o heart_n from_o the_o darkness_n towards_o itself_o second_o by_o exercise_v the_o heart_n be_v turn_v quest_n how_o do_v it_o turn_v the_o heart_n from_o the_o darkness_n answ_n the_o light_n by_o its_o shine_a and_o enlighten_v find_v out_o it_o be_v own_o open_v it_o touch_v it_o with_o a_o secret_a virtue_n which_o persuade_v out_o of_o and_o draw_v the_o heart_n from_o the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n towards_o its_o own_o native_a spring_n quest_n may_v not_o these_o drawing_n be_v quench_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n stop_v answ_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v exceed_o tender_a his_o pure_a spirit_n jealous_a the_o enemy_n very_o strong_a and_o subtle_a insomuch_o as_o the_o plant_n itself_o may_v easy_o be_v crush_v the_o spirit_n grieve_v and_o quench_v and_o the_o captivity_n redouble_v quest_n if_o adam_n be_v betray_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n how_o shall_v this_o poor_a weak_a plant_n spring_v up_o and_o grow_v without_o be_v supplant_v by_o the_o violence_n and_o treachery_n of_o the_o enemy_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o grieve_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v avoid_v by_o a_o heart_n so_o full_a of_o corruption_n and_o provocation_n we_o man_n in_o the_o alienate_v state_n be_v when_o the_o light_n first_o visit_v he_o answ_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v nigh_o to_o help_v nigh_o to_o pity_v nigh_o to_o pardon_v nigh_o to_o watch_v over_o and_o support_v worm_n jacob_n yea_o nigh_o to_o revive_v life_n and_o spirit_n in_o he_o free_o and_o to_o heal_v his_o backslide_n and_o multiply_v pardon_n or_o it_o can_v never_o be_v yea_o the_o creature_n can_v never_o be_v bring_v so_o low_a or_o so_o far_o lose_v but_o there_o be_v still_o help_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o though_o there_o may_v not_o be_v help_n in_o any_o reveal_v promise_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n exercise_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v turn_v ans_fw-fr in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n through_o very_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o condition_n he_o exercise_v it_o in_o believe_v his_o voice_n and_o in_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o in_o what_o ever_o and_o into_o whatsoever_o he_o draw_v and_o require_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n know_v do_v not_o the_o enemy_n speak_v inward_o also_o and_o resemble_v his_o voice_n how_o then_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o redeemer_n distinguish_v from_o he_o who_o counterfeit_v the_o shepherd_n and_o his_o voice_n ans_fw-fr by_o these_o two_o mean_n first_o the_o soul_n lie_v low_a out_o of_o the_o wisdom_n in_o which_o the_o enemy_n appear_v and_o form_n his_o likeness_n in_o the_o simplicity_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v beget_v the_o life_n open_v to_o it_o and_o the_o true_a light_n appear_v which_o manifest_v the_o false_a light_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o the_o deceiver_n second_o in_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o a_o hastiness_n or_o suddenness_n to_o determine_v but_o a_o silent_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n in_o subjection_n till_o the_o life_n speak_v and_o make_v thing_n manifest_a thus_o the_o knowledge_n and_o light_n of_o the_o child_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n and_o receive_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n thus_o what_o he_o will_v he_o hide_v and_o what_o he_o will_v he_o make_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o his_o will_n be_v content_a with_o his_o will_n and_o lie_v down_o there_o it_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o enemie_n territory_n and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o temptation_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o several_a estate_n or_o condition_n wherein_o god_n exercise_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n answ_n the_o particular_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v innumerable_a but_o they_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n first_o a_o estate_n of_o break_v down_o the_o former_a building_n second_o a_o estate_n of_o devastation_n or_o preparation_n to_o be_v new-built_a three_o a_o estate_n of_o rebuilding_n god_n do_v not_o forget_v but_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o egypt_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o bondage_n before_o they_o come_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n he_o be_v visit_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a land_n open_v the_o eye_n that_o can_v see_v the_o captivity_n cause_v groan_n and_o sigh_n in_o their_o oppress_a spirit_n and_o then_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o the_o promise_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o departure_n from_o that_o land_n second_o he_o have_v a_o time_n of_o strip_v they_o of_o nurture_v and_o bring_v they_o up_o under_o his_o discipline_n and_o close_a exercise_n wherein_o they_o be_v desolate_a and_o ready_a to_o sin_n and_o perish_v every_o moment_n but_o as_o they_o be_v wonderful_o provide_v for_o and_o abundant_o help_v and_o pardon_v three_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o rebuild_v the_o stone_n when_o they_o be_v prepare_v therefore_o into_o a_o new-building_n for_o the_o life_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o for_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o life_n quest_n declare_v these_o estate_n and_o the_o exercise_n therein_o more_o plain_o and_o first_o show_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o egypt_n spiritual_o when_o the_o lord_n visit_v it_o there_o with_o his_o light_n ans_fw-fr a_o estate_n of_o deep_a bondage_n and_o groan_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n who_o bitter_a oppression_n thereof_o increase_v even_o as_o the_o sensibleness_n and_o tyredness_n of_o the_o soul_n increase_v the_o soul_n than_o see_v its_o captivity_n from_o the_o life_n and_o find_v a_o build_n
inroad_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n dash_v against_o the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a law_n of_o life_n the_o over-bearing_a the_o strong_a desire_n after_o purity_n and_o force_n into_o the_o defilement_n hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o do_v what_o it_o love_v and_o make_v it_o to_o do_v what_o it_o hate_v and_o will_v not_o this_o make_v it_o become_v poor_a and_o poor_a and_o more_o afflict_a day_n by_o day_n upon_o some_o visitation_n of_o the_o pure_a life_n and_o some_o fresh_a virtue_n receive_v oh_o how_o strong_a do_v the_o soul_n seem_v but_o when_o it_o sudden_o forfeit_v its_o mercy_n lose_v its_o freshness_n and_o be_v plunge_v deep_a in_o the_o pit_n than_o before_o how_o poor_a and_o weak_a do_v it_o then_o feel_v itself_o tremble_v at_o the_o next_o open_n of_o the_o life_n and_o springing_n up_o of_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o in_o it_o not_o know_v what_o weakness_n captivity_n entanglement_n and_o misery_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n remain_v to_o follow_v second_o they_o bring_v into_o a_o mourn_a estate_n they_o fill_v the_o eye_n with_o tear_n and_o the_o heart_n with_o sorrow_n yea_o they_o cause_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n to_o be_v accustom_v to_o wound_n bruise_n snare_n grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n provoke_v of_o the_o deliverer_n further_a and_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o this_o overwhelm_v the_o heart_n with_o grief_n and_o cause_v continual_a sorrow_n and_o lamentation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v upright_o towards_o god_n three_o they_o bring_v into_o a_o meek_a merciful_a and_o tenderhearted_a frame_v towards_o other_o he_o that_o be_v tempt_v he_o that_o often_o fall_v and_o be_v so_o often_o wound_v and_o make_v miserable_a he_o pity_v those_o that_o err_v he_o mourn_v over_o the_o miserable_a his_o heart_n be_v break_v with_o the_o sin_n and_o affliction_n of_o other_o and_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o be_v hard_o towards_o they_o feel_v such_o continual_a need_n of_o abundant_a mercy_n himself_o it_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n the_o sound_a man_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v rough_a and_o hard_a but_o he_o that_o be_v once_o thorough_o melt_v in_o the_o furnace_n and_o make_v up_o again_o be_v make_v up_o tender_a and_o retain_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o meekness_n love_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o now_o a_o break_a estate_n in_o religion_n or_o a_o state_n of_o wait_v for_o the_o life_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o that_o which_o be_v rich_a and_o full_a by_o what_o it_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o still_o hold_v out_o of_o the_o immediate_a feel_n and_o fresh_a virtue_n of_o the_o life_n four_o they_o bring_v into_o a_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a state_n after_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n o_o how_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o filth_n long_v to_o be_v wash_v how_o it_o pant_v after_o the_o pasture_n of_o life_n the_o food_n of_o life_n the_o live_a water_n to_o appear_v before_o and_o enjoy_v god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n o_o how_o do_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v daily_o afflict_v with_o its_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n long_o for_o the_o faith_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o power_n and_o the_o obedience_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n o_o teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n show_v i_o the_o pure_a path_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n guide_v my_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a o_o write_v thy_o fear_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o create_v a_o clean_a heart_n in_o i_o and_o put_v thy_o spirit_n within_o i_o to_o be_v my_o strength_n o_o continue_v thy_o lovingkindness_n to_o they_o that_o know_v thou_o and_o thy_o righteousness_n to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n o_o what_o unutterable_a breathe_n daily_o issue_v out_o from_o the_o break_a spirit_n towards_o the_o spring_n of_o its_o life_n five_o they_o bring_v into_o a_o pure_a frame_n into_o a_o cleanness_n of_o inside_n cleanse_v first_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n say_v christ_n to_o the_o pharisee_n and_o he_o do_v so_o in_o his_o disciple_n with_o the_o mind_n i_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n say_v paul_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a what_o purity_n of_o heart_n be_v form_v by_o god_n in_o his_o israel_n by_o the_o fire_n which_o he_o kindle_v in_o his_o zion_n and_o by_o the_o furnace_n which_o he_o set_v up_o in_o his_o jerusalem_n for_o though_o in_o the_o furnace_n the_o dross_n still_o appear_v the_o sight_n whereof_o be_v apt_a to_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o precious_a heart_n yet_o the_o melt_a and_o purify_n sweet_o go_v on_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o abide_v the_o heat_n be_v effectual_o cleanse_v thereby_o as_o be_v very_o manifest_a afterward_o when_o righteousness_n spring_v up_o with_o the_o quiet_a fruit_n thereof_o but_o this_o can_v be_v discern_v while_o the_o flame_n be_v discover_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o unrighteousness_n six_o they_o bring_v into_o a_o patient_a frame_n fit_a to_o bear_v reproach_n and_o persecution_n from_o the_o world_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o weakness_n misery_n and_o distress_n lay_v load_n upon_o the_o poor_a soul_n persecute_v he_o who_o god_n have_v smite_v and_o speak_v to_o the_o grief_n of_o he_o who_o god_n have_v wound_v god_n smite_v for_o want_v of_o obedience_n for_o too_o much_o propensity_n to_o please_v the_o world_n for_o not_o come_v soon_o enough_o out_o of_o their_o custom_n vanity_n earthly_a way_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o heart_n and_o conversation_n be_v give_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o world_n be_v discontent_n and_o they_o smite_v and_o persecute_v because_o of_o the_o obedience_n now_o the_o more_o the_o spirit_n be_v break_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o teach_v thereby_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o the_o less_o strength_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o to_o grapple_v with_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a it_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o god_n counsel_n to_o wait_v for_o his_o strength_n and_o preservation_n which_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o its_o head_n above_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o swell_a of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o worldly_a spirit_n in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v but_o this_o may_v suffice_v what_o be_v behind_o will_v be_v feel_v inward_o as_o the_o soul_n wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o leading_n of_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o teach_n chastisement_n and_o distress_n of_o the_o law_n quest_n with_o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n do_v the_o lord_n exercise_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o israel_n to_o bring_v their_o heart_n into_o these_o and_o such_o other_o like_o precious_a frame_n ans_fw-fr with_o several_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o thing_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a as_o first_o with_o opposition_n reproach_n and_o interruption_n from_o the_o earthly_a part_n both_o in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o in_o themselves_o there_o be_v abundance_n within_o and_o abundance_n without_o to_o resist_v disdain_n and_o interrupt_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v that_o which_o he_o have_v beget_v there_o his_o leading_n of_o it_o and_o its_o obedience_n to_o he_o second_o with_o temptation_n from_o the_o enemy_n even_o of_o many_o kind_n nature_n and_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o either_o to_o doubt_v and_o so_o despair_n or_o be_v confident_a in_o the_o flesh_n from_o knowledge_n receive_v out_o of_o the_o pure_a fear_n and_o fresh_a feel_n of_o the_o life_n so_o again_o either_o to_o halt_v and_o draw_v back_o or_o to_o be_v overhasty_a and_o forward_a so_o likewise_o either_o not_o to_o obey_v and_o act_n for_o god_n or_o to_o act_n in_o that_o will_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v against_o god_n now_o these_o with_o such_o like_a be_v very_o numerous_a frequent_a and_o sometime_o very_o violent_a 〈◊〉_d impetuous_a three_o by_o withdrawing_n oâ—_n 〈◊〉_d life_n and_o sweet_a presence_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n these_o be_v very_o frequent_a from_o the_o lord_n towards_o his_o people_n insomuch_o as_o he_o be_v call_v by_o this_o title_n the_o god_n that_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n isai_n 8.17_o chap._n 45.15_o four_o by_o buffet_n and_o prevailing_n of_o the_o enemy_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v the_o life_n wound_v and_o withdraw_v inward_a the_o enemy_n often_o get_v ground_n give_v wound_n and_o cause_v bruise_n to_o the_o soul_n not_o only_o tempt_v but_o find_v entrance_n and_o take_n in_o the_o snare_n the_o bird_n which_o once_o escape_v &_o be_v deliver_v five_o by_o doubt_n
fear_n and_o confuse_a reason_v concern_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n when_o the_o lord_n see_v good_a to_o let_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o and_o to_o withdraw_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o light_n how_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—at_v be_v clear_o distinguish_v 〈◊〉_d alone_o be_v know_v and_o see_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d how_o can_v the_o motion_n drawâ—â—â—â—_n and_o pure_a low-working_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v discern_v from_o the_o false_a image_n and_o transforming_n of_o the_o enemy_n o_o the_o misery_n and_o anguish_n of_o the_o poor_a soul_n in_o this_o condition_n how_o be_v the_o poor_a upright-heart_n pain_v between_o faith_n and_o unbelief_n obedience_n &_o disobedience_n &c_n &c_n not_o know_v when_o it_o be_v draw_v forward_o or_o backward_o or_o by_o who_o quest_n when_o do_v these_o exercise_n begin_v and_o how_o long_o do_v they_o continue_v answ_n the_o lord_n do_v begin_v to_o exercise_v the_o soul_n even_o in_o egypt_n for_o after_o the_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n from_o spiritual_a pharaoh_n the_o bond_n increase_v the_o yoke_n grow_v more_o heavy_a pharaoh_n grow_v more_o violent_a and_o furious_a the_o captivity_n increase_v much_o but_o there_o be_v no_o sight_n of_o redemption_n at_o all_o save_v to_o that_o eye_n which_o be_v weak_a and_o easy_o overbear_v in_o israel_n but_o the_o exercise_n be_v much_o more_o full_a 〈◊〉_d sharp_a in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o isâ—â—â—â—_n be_v lead_v about_o try_v afflict_a consumed_a day_n by_o day_n as_o if_o he_o shoâ—â—â—_n never_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a land_n 〈◊〉_d any_o of_o israel_n be_v leave_v to_o enter_v therein_o yea_o in_o canaan_n in_o the_o rich_a possession_n in_o the_o plenteous_a overflowing_n of_o the_o life_n there_o be_v still_o somewhat_o leave_v to_o try_v israel_n and_o bring_v he_o low_o with_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v exalt_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o fullness_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n and_o begin_v to_o forget_v his_o god_n quest_n why_o do_v god_n thus_o exercise_v his_o israel_n why_o do_v he_o lead_v they_o in_o such_o a_o knotty_a and_o not_o in_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o everlasting_a possession_n and_o to_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o answ_n because_o their_o estate_n and_o condition_n require_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o purify_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o life_n their_o vessel_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enlarge_v to_o receive_v it_o in_o nor_o they_o so_o safe_o enjoy_v it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o course_n of_o wisdom_n wherein_o god_n â—â—â—â—â—ises_v and_o try_v every_o cranny_n of_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n until_o he_o have_v perfect_v 〈◊〉_d and_o stop_v up_o the_o entrance_n of_o â—â—â—th_o every_o where_o quest_n how_o do_v these_o exercise_n puriâ—â—_n and_o enlarge_v they_o ans_fw-fr first_o they_o try_v the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o life_n in_o they_o and_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o further_a want_n thereof_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v enough_o but_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n make_v manifest_v the_o estate_n and_o condition_n as_o it_o be_v then_o the_o faith_n the_o love_n the_o patience_n the_o meekness_n the_o constancy_n and_o chasteness_n to_o the_o spouse_n love_v he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o above_o all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o time_n be_v find_v to_o be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v second_o it_o bring_v to_o a_o wait_a on_o god_n for_o support_v and_o for_o receive_v of_o more_o from_o he_o then_o the_o life_n breathe_v vigorous_o and_o the_o soul_n hanker_n after_o cleave_v to_o and_o see_v its_o need_n both_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o life_n then_o he_o that_o be_v rich_a become_v poor_a and_o he_o that_o be_v full_a become_v empty_a and_o nothing_o yea_o he_o that_o have_v enough_o to_o live_v on_o and_o to_o spare_v be_v now_o press_v with_o hunger_n want_n and_o penury_n three_o it_o prepare_v for_o a_o clearâ—â—_n entrance_n into_o and_o safe_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o fullness_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o empty_v of_o the_o strength_n and_o riches_n it_o receive_v from_o god_n so_o it_o be_v more_o prepare_v to_o enter_v into_o and_o live_v in_o the_o pure_a be_v itself_o for_o nothing_o can_v live_v there_o which_o vail_n in_o the_o life_n god_n be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o for_o ever_o that_o therefore_o which_o enter_v there_o and_o life_n and_o abide_v there_o must_v be_v poor_a empty_a naked_a nothing_o and_o remain_v nothing_o for_o ever_o as_o it_o gather_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o fullness_n and_o become_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o thereby_o it_o be_v shut_v out_o quest_n how_o do_v god_n heal_v and_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o he_o have_v wound_v and_o break_v to_o piece_n with_o his_o various_a and_o frequent_a exercise_n answ_n by_o open_v the_o power_n of_o the_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o vessel_n which_o he_o have_v thorough_o purify_v and_o prepare_v and_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o power_n the_o free_a power_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o meek_a to_o the_o brokenhearted_a to_o the_o cleanse_v it_o be_v promise_v and_o when_o the_o work_n of_o cleanse_v be_v finish_v the_o wound_n make_v wide_o enough_o and_o keep_v open_v long_o enough_o and_o the_o death_n to_o the_o first_o husband_n full_o accomplish_v than_o the_o perfect_a oil_n be_v perfect_o pour_v in_o and_o everlasting_a health_n and_o salvation_n obtain_v this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o visitation_n and_o leading_n of_o his_o seed_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o pass_v through_o the_o veil_n of_o misery_n and_o drink_v off_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o cup_n of_o tremble_v not_o faint_v nor_o sit_v down_o by_o the_o way_n but_o follow_v the_o faithful_a shepherd_n and_o leader_n of_o israel_n till_o they_o arrive_v here_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n in_o the_o path_n of_o life_n answ_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v of_o ascend_v a_o step_n high_o than_o the_o present_a estate_n and_o condition_n will_v bear_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o aspire_a mind_n get_v up_o and_o be_v exalt_v and_o hold_v somewhat_o receive_v from_o the_o life_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a fear_n which_o preserve_v the_o heart_n clean_o and_o out_o of_o the_o sensible_a feel_n which_o keep_v fresh_a and_o live_a to_o god_n and_o then_o the_o simplicity_n be_v betray_v and_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n live_v and_o a_o wrong_a eye_n be_v open_v so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o now_o but_o whoredom_n from_o the_o life_n and_o the_o heart_n exalt_v and_o conceit_v in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o whoredom_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a bed_n and_o most_o excellent_a way_n of_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n quest_n what_o way_n be_v there_o of_o preservation_n here-from_a ans_fw-fr watch_v to_o the_o life_n keep_v low_a in_o the_o fear_n and_o close_o to_o the_o feel_n here_o the_o aspirer_n be_v shut_v out_o or_o soon_o espy_v at_o his_o beginning_n to_o enter_v and_o then_o the_o live_a cross_n receive_v which_o crucifi_v and_o drive_v he_o back_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o safety_n in_o the_o travel_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n or_o under_o any_o enjoyment_n before_o the_o state_n of_o perfect_a death_n but_o under_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o spirit_n and_o nature_n which_o will_v dwell_v there_o and_o please_v itself_o therewith_o and_o be_v somewhat_o therein_o and_o so_o forget_v the_o pure_a everlasting_a spring_n adulterate_v with_o the_o streaming_n forth_o of_o it_o man_n be_v make_v for_o god_n to_o be_v a_o vessel_n of_o his_o pleasure_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o content_n enjoyment_n and_o happiness_n by_o reflection_n so_o that_o man_n proper_a work_n be_v to_o watch_v to_o the_o spring_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o order_v and_o to_o be_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n this_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n till_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n by_o deceit_n enter_v he_o &_o corrupt_v he_o and_o while_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n or_o fall_v nature_n remain_v he_o be_v apt_a to_o aspire_v in_o the_o self-hood_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o fountain_n itself_o also_o in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o selfhood_n and_o here_o let_v man_n receive_v what_o gift_n soever_o from_o god_n be_v advance_v to_o never_o so_o high_a a_o habitation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o life_n yea_o have_v the_o very_a fountain_n itself_o give_v he_o yet_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v corrupt_v lose_v the_o gift_n or_o spring_n be_v separate_v from_o it_o and_o adulterate_a with_o what_o