womb_n of_o death_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o o_o vain_a man_n never_o be_v thou_o more_o deceive_v thou_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n of_o thy_o life_n secure_v while_o christ_n be_v die_v but_o discerne_v not_o how_o the_o foundation_n of_o thy_o death_n and_o of_o his_o life_n and_o glory_n be_v hereby_o lay_v use._n observe_v the_o difference_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n christ_n die_v and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v die_v too_o they_o that_o have_v life_n from_o christ_n must_v die_v with_o christ._n as_o christ_n lay_v down_o that_o life_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n in_o his_o flesh_n so_o must_v the_o people_n of_o god_n also_o lie_v down_o or_o sacrifice_v that_o life_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ._n every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n must_v taste_v of_o his_o cup_n drink_v of_o his_o baptism_n they_o that_o have_v live_v with_o he_o and_o taste_v the_o strength_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o life_n must_v also_o drink_v of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o death_n for_o that_o be_v their_o way_n to_o enter_v into_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o same_o life_n in_o they_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n so_o it_o require_v the_o same_o passage_n and_o how_o lovely_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o life_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o majesty_n wisdom_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o life_n how_o sweet_a and_o familiar_a soever_o their_o converse_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o these_o will_v run_v low_a enough_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n they_o will_v be_v weak_a enough_o and_o foolish_a enough_o and_o blind_a enough_o not_o be_v able_a either_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a or_o refuse_v the_o evil_n o_o how_o glorious_a be_v a_o christian_a in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n how_o he_o flourish_v with_o leaf_n and_o with_o fruit_n of_o several_a kind_n but_o he_o be_v bare_a enough_o of_o all_o in_o his_o death_n then_o he_o can_v be_v nothing_o than_o he_o can_v appear_v nothing_o then_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o then_o he_o can_v bear_v nothing_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o subsist_v nor_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v he_o but_o of_o this_o more_o under_o the_o next_o head_n xii_o of_o the_o low_a estate_n which_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n be_v reduce_v unto_o by_o their_o death_n and_o suffering_n prov_n 30.2_o sure_o i_o be_o more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n and_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o they_o in_o who_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v sow_o in_o their_o break_a state_n when_o that_o life_n spring_v up_o grow_v and_o flourish_v in_o they_o than_o they_o be_v exalt_v far_o beyond_o man_n then_o they_o have_v a_o deep_a understanding_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n than_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o life_n that_o glory_n which_o then_o shine_v in_o they_o man_n can_v but_o vail_v unto_o but_o according_a to_o their_o exaltation_n be_v their_o humiliation_n for_o when_o that_o life_n be_v shatter_v they_o fall_v far_o beneath_o man_n they_o have_v not_o that_o wisdom_n that_o strength_n that_o righteousness_n that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o man_n sure_o i_o more_o brutish_a than_o man_n and_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n man_n be_v very_o brutish_a man_n be_v very_o shallow_a he_o be_v brutish_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o affection_n shallow_a in_o his_o comprehension_n very_o little_a knowledge_n very_o little_a understanding_n have_v man_n so_o little_a it_o be_v that_o it_o can_v hardly_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o brute_n yea_o he_o be_v so_o brutish_a or_o rather_o worse_o that_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o that_o little_a he_o have_v man_n that_o excellent_a image_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v become_v like_o the_o perish_a beast_n his_o knowledge_n his_o affection_n his_o motion_n his_o course_n his_o end_n be_v just_a like_o they_o as_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o wise_a searcher_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n eccles._n 3.18_o 19_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o like_a god_n or_o like_o himself_o he_o have_v not_o a_o quick_a understanding_n or_o sense_n in_o the_o way_n or_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o in_o his_o spring_v up_o growth_n progress_n and_o behaviour_n in_o the_o world_n as_o also_o in_o his_o passage_n again_o out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v just_a like_o a_o brute_n but_o the_o child_n the_o heir_n in_o his_o break_a state_n fall_v beneath_o this_o brutish_a state_n of_o man_n man_n fall_v below_o the_o creature_n man_n lose_v that_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n in_o his_o kind_n which_o the_o very_a creature_n retain_v in_o their_o kind_n the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o life_n in_o the_o seed_n fall_v below_o man_n great_a be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o common_a creature_n greater_n be_v the_o death_n of_o man_n but_o o_o how_o deep_a how_o deadly_a be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o seed_n how_o deep_o in_o their_o grave_n how_o low_o do_v they_o sink_v into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o great_a abyss_n all_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o he_o cause_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n and_o their_o death_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o life_n none_o taste_v of_o such_o a_o life_n as_o christ_n none_o also_o of_o such_o a_o death_n save_v his_o seed_n who_o drink_v of_o his_o cup_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n o_o how_o low_o be_v christ_n bring_v in_o his_o break_a state_n when_o he_o be_v forsake_v of_o his_o god_n he_o be_v not_o inapprehensive_a himself_o of_o it_o what_o ever_o we_o now_o judge_v it_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n i_o be_o not_o a_o man_n i_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n the_o excellency_n of_o a_o man_n the_o defence_n of_o a_o man_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o fit_a to_o compare_v my_o meanness_n and_o misery_n unto_o but_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o the_o creature_n a_o worm_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n no_o excellency_n no_o ability_n no_o manner_n of_o loveliness_n in_o it_o now_o the_o servant_n be_v no_o better_a than_o his_o master_n the_o member_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n course_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o head_n the_o life_n in_o they_o must_v be_v break_v they_o must_v be_v bring_v low_a they_o must_v also_o be_v strip_v of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o vessel_n which_o be_v exalt_v hereby_o will_v feel_v pain_n shame_n and_o misery_n then_o they_o will_v become_v more_o brutish_a than_o man_n and_o want_v that_o common_a understanding_n of_o man_n the_o great_a tincture_n and_o excellency_n whereof_o they_o now_o so_o much_o despise_v well_o may_v they_o now_o flourish_v and_o be_v brisk_a over_o man_n but_o season_n of_o death_n will_v overtake_v they_o and_o then_o their_o spirit_n will_v be_v flat_a and_o low_a enough_o this_o condition_n of_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n a_o thorough_o break_a state_n in_o itself_o a_o through_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o and_o a_o through_o sight_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o by_o the_o world_n 1._o a_o thorough_o break_a state_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v true_a and_o through_o so_o be_v also_o their_o break_n there_o be_v a_o double_a break_n of_o they_o a_o break_n of_o the_o liquor_n and_o a_o break_n of_o the_o vessel_n there_o be_v a_o break_n of_o the_o seed_n or_o inward_a life_n or_o of_o the_o heavenly_a part_n and_o there_o be_v a_o break_n of_o the_o outward_a nature_n or_o earthly_a part_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o and_o which_o be_v transform_v and_o make_v happy_a by_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o new_a life_n no_o nor_o yet_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n leave_v whole_a when_o this_o death_n be_v perfect_v this_o quick_a spirit_n this_o quicken_a nature_n each_o be_v become_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o only_o like_o a_o lump_n of_o dead_a clay_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v skill_n and_o virtue_n to_o form_n this_o poor_a land_n which_o be_v once_o the_o pleasant_a habitation_n of_o god_n be_v make_v empty_a desolate_a and_o ruin_a this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o death_n and_o though_o man_n seem_v to_o himself_o both_o to_o desire_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o attain_v this_o condition_n yet_o he_o be_v as_o far_o off_o from_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o either_o as_o he_o
not_o at_o all_o satisfy_v thereby_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o so_o into_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o form_v in_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o fancy_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o here_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v but_o fancy_n after_o its_o manner_n comprehend_v be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v natural_a to_o the_o man_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a power_n and_o can_v make_v mighty_a change_n and_o do_v mighty_a thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o and_o work_v very_o like_o the_o truth_n insomuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_a man_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n neither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n or_o virtue_n in_o the_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v what_o it_o do_v whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o most_o natural_o be_v and_o produce_v its_o own_o most_o natural_a effect_n there_o be_v a_o true_a virtue_n in_o truth_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disperse_v and_o leaven_v the_o lump_n with_o where_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v he_o will_v know_v this_o power_n he_o will_v distinguish_v by_o this_o virtue_n the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v be_v observe_v obseru._n that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o notion_n not_o in_o apprehension_n not_o in_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n virtue_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n let_v a_o man_n have_v the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a expression_n of_o they_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o knowledge_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v in_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o self-denial_n of_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n there_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n neither_o be_v this_o religion_n reas._o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o because_o all_o outwardness_n be_v but_o a_o garment_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v clothe_v or_o not_o clothe_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o you_o know_v a_o garment_n neither_o be_v the_o thing_n nor_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n all_o outward_a building_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rear_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v also_o leave_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o build_v his_o everlasting_a tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o therefore_o those_o he_o do_v set_v up_o be_v but_o shadow_n his_o spirit_n may_v as_o well_o leave_v as_o enter_v into_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o may_v come_v into_o apprehension_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o notion_n or_o expression_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n at_o best_a it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o true_a garment_n but_o a_o true_a appearance_n but_o a_o true_a house_n for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o appear_v and_o abide_v in_o while_o the_o lord_n please_v but_o now_o where_o there_o be_v the_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o renew_a nature_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o renew_a nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v religion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v from_o it_o this_o be_v â—n_v it_o yea_o this_o be_v it_o what_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o god_n what_o be_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v it_o in_o which_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v life_n go_v forth_o and_o reside_v quest._n but_o what_o be_v this_o same_o nature_n life_n power_n or_o virtue_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n consist_v this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v for_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n life_n virtue_n or_o power_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n that_o which_o here_o the_o apostle_n call_v word_n have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o man_n call_v power_n let_v a_o man_n receive_v any_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n full_o let_v he_o but_o receive_v it_o serious_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o come_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n it_o bring_v virtue_n with_o it_o to_o make_v change_n in_o he_o change_v in_o his_o spirit_n change_n in_o his_o understanding_n change_v in_o his_o will_n change_v in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o look_v after_o all_o this_o be_v with_o he_o but_o word_n the_o great_a inwardness_n of_o man_n be_v but_o outwardness_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o then_o be_v this_o same_o power_n here_o or_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n of_o this_o virtue_n answ._n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v return_v this_o threefold_a description_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n 1._o for_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v divine_o spiritual_a it_o be_v not_o a_o birth_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n beget_v that_o which_o be_v spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o a_o true_o spiritual_a religion_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o he_o sow_v his_o seed_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o common_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v both_o kill_n and_o quicken_a and_o that_o both_o in_o one_o self_n and_o also_o towards_o other_o in_o every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v that_o virtue_n which_o continual_o kill_v and_o quicken_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o it_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n it_o lay_v flat_a all_o the_o corruption_n yea_o all_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n where_o ever_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v like_o a_o fire_n it_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o life_n of_o every_o thing_n it_o come_v near_o and_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v live_v in_o that_o fire_n i_o know_v man_n have_v his_o several_a way_n of_o kill_v and_o quicken_n by_o his_o notion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n in_o truth_n for_o under_o all_o the_o seem_a death_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o alive_a and_o under_o all_o the_o seem_o renew_v life_n be_v of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o dead_a in_o its_o root_n and_o principle_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o operation_n 3._o for_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o every_o particular_a truth_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n portion_n or_o member_n of_o life_n which_o be_v form_v in_o we_o thus_o the_o several_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o own_o particular_a nature_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n its_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n its_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o disciple_n have_v their_o particular_a nature_n self-denial_n it_o be_v faith_n it_o be_v love_v its_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o they_o
or_o with_o that_o reward_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o substance_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o every_o dispensation_n these_o thing_n be_v profitable_a in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n in_o any_o dispensation_n now_o in_o this_o thick_a cloudy_a darkness_n which_o man_n feel_v not_o because_o he_o want_v sense_n such_o kind_n of_o motion_n be_v of_o use_n here_o and_o shall_v have_v their_o reward_n hereafter_o for_o god_n will_v be_v just_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n give_v it_o what_o it_o deserve_v but_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o reward_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o new_a life_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n exceed_o hide_v from_o man_n be_v the_o working_n of_o that_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v therein_o in_o way_n of_o religion_n or_o devotion_n towards_o god_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o it_o be_v sow_o and_o break_v in_o adam_n yet_o among_o these_o break_a relic_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a motion_n progress_n and_o regress_n especial_o where_o there_o come_v forth_o any_o thing_n with_o life_n and_o power_n to_o quicken_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o i_o do_v not_o mean_a life_n and_o power_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n though_o that_o also_o have_v be_v and_o may_v again_o be_v but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v ordinary_a to_o and_o in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o man_n to_o make_v this_o the_o better_a evident_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n which_o may_v see_v the_o outward_a part_n of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o truth_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o few_o very_a eminent_a particular_n all_o which_o he_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v if_o he_o know_v but_o himself_o or_o have_v but_o have_v experience_n of_o himself_o herein_o but_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o know_v not_o neither_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n nor_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n on_o the_o other_o may_v very_o easy_o mistake_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o and_o confident_o bolster_v up_o himself_o in_o vanity_n 1._o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o strong_a desire_n after_o god_n fain_o will_v he_o know_v he_o fain_o will_v he_o enjoy_v he_o fain_o will_v he_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o if_o he_o know_v which_o way_n to_o please_v god_n he_o will_v lay_v out_o himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a he_o will_v spare_v no_o cost_n wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n etc._n etc._n micah_n 6.6_o man_n in_o his_o very_a frame_n be_v a_o vessel_n fit_v for_o god_n fit_v to_o be_v a_o live_a house_n for_o he_o and_o can_v but_o most_o natural_o long_a for_o his_o proper_a inhabitant_n he_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v worship_n and_o honour_n god_n other_o creature_n have_v neither_o such_o a_o capacity_n nor_o such_o a_o inclination_n and_o he_o can_v never_o be_v well_o till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o thorough_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o his_o nature_n 2._o there_o be_v also_o in_o he_o a_o strong_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o weak_a state_n he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v come_v near_o god_n that_o he_o can_v converse_v with_o god_n that_o he_o can_v enjoy_v god_n in_o this_o state_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o now_o he_o be_v he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n unless_o god_n condescend_v to_o teach_v he_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o present_a estate_n man_n be_v such_o a_o intelligent_a vessel_n as_o that_o he_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o break_a condition_n man_n after_o his_o many_o shatering_n yet_o have_v so_o much_o understanding_n leave_v he_o as_o in_o part_n to_o espy_v out_o his_o own_o brutishness_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o see_v he_o feel_v his_o darkness_n and_o that_o he_o can_v reach_v that_o light_n wherein_o his_o life_n lie_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a breathe_n in_o his_o spirit_n after_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n fain_o will_v he_o hear_v the_o true_a voice_n fain_o will_v he_o be_v lead_v by_o god_n into_o light_n and_o into_o life_n o_o how_o he_o pant_v o_o how_o he_o breathe_v after_o god_n after_o the_o live_a god_n a_o formal_a dead_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o live_a nature_n of_o man_n but_o as_o the_o life_n sow_o in_o he_o be_v true_a life_n in_o its_o kind_n so_o it_o must_v have_v true_a life_n to_o feed_v upon_o yet_o all_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v death_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v dead_a before_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a those_o object_n which_o be_v live_a object_n those_o motion_n which_o be_v live_a motion_n that_o principle_n which_o be_v a_o live_a principle_n in_o the_o region_n of_o man_n be_v all_o dead_a in_o the_o light_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o man_n live_v and_o move_v true_o in_o his_o way_n but_o not_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o which_o be_v life_n that_o which_o be_v truth_n with_o he_o be_v not_o so_o before_o god_n nor_o before_o that_o eye_n which_o be_v light_v by_o god_n in_o the_o truth_n man_n the_o flesh_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creature_n will_v enter_v into_o any_o way_n either_o of_o life_n or_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v prescribe_v he_o will_v come_v within_o the_o list_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n command_v he_o there_o will_v he_o do_v he_o will_v come_v within_o the_o list_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o live_v upon_o and_o obey_v god_n through_o christ._n it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n as_o to_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o god_n teach_n and_o to_o desire_v they_o so_o to_o follow_v they_o though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o corruption_n hang_v about_o his_o natural_a principle_n which_o make_v he_o juggle_v so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o walk_v even_o with_o god_n in_o any_o path_n yet_o this_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o every_o way_n he_o shall_v please_v to_o prescribe_v though_o through_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o corruption_n that_o hang_v about_o it_o it_o can_v rise_v to_o no_o great_a height_n it_o do_v rise_v indeed_o often_o very_o high_a in_o man_n esteem_n insomuch_o as_o he_o account_v his_o devotion_n very_o high_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o true_a light_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n yea_o 5_o thly_a the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v sow_v all_o his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n so_o often_o as_o he_o find_v any_o flaw_n in_o it_o if_o this_o or_o that_o present_a strain_n of_o religion_n appear_v faulty_a he_o will_v throw_v it_o away_o and_o if_o the_o next_o prove_v faulty_a likewise_o he_o will_v throw_v away_o that_o again_o the_o flesh_n seek_v that_o which_o be_v substance_n can_v but_o part_v with_o that_o which_o upon_o search_n it_o find_v not_o to_o be_v substance_n this_o be_v little_a thought_n of_o how_o eager_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v into_o the_o fire_n again_o and_o again_o that_o he_o may_v be_v purify_v how_o industrious_o he_o will_v seek_v out_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o crucify_v he_o upon_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ._n so_o far_o as_o the_o path_n of_o christ_n be_v visible_o excellent_a to_o man_n eye_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v itself_o can_v but_o pursue_v it_o yet_o all_o this_o profit_v nothing_o all_o this_o desire_n after_o god_n all_o this_o sense_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n all_o this_o breathe_n of_o his_o after_o the_o true_a teach_n all_o this_o seek_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o all_o this_o give_v up_o both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o new_a seed_n lose_v its_o old_a nature_n form_n shape_n and_o corruption_n all_o these_o motion_n of_o flesh_n all_o these_o motion_n of_o man_n spirit_n profit_n nothing_o it_o be_v true_a all_o these_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o very_a profitable_a in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o station_n but_o here_o in_o this_o place_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n they_o profit_v nothing_o for_o first_o these_o be_v not_o of_o the_o right_a kind_n what_o ever_o of_o these_o come_v from_o man_n or_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o mere_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o
that_o pass_v not_o away_o but_o purify_v perfect_v and_o preserve_v the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v a_o life_n which_o both_o endure_v in_o itself_o and_o lead_v to_o that_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o life_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o and_o through_o the_o seed_n shall_v settle_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o all_o adam_n nature_n all_o adam_n excellency_n all_o adam_n life_n all_o adam_n enjoyment_n content_a and_o blessedness_n thereby_o how_o soon_o do_v it_o fade_v but_o this_o nature_n this_o life_n this_o principle_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o this_o life_n be_v not_o write_v in_o adam_n nature_n or_o in_o the_o command_n to_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o command_n to_o christ_n nature_n and_o to_o man_n through_o that_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n to_o death_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v lead_v and_o be_v guide_v safe_o through_o this_o commandment_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o thirst_n of_o his_o nature_n even_o this_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v here_o mention_v 3._o what_o this_o same_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v ans._n this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o his_o comprehend_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o see_v of_o it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o measure_v it_o in_o his_o own_o understanding_n as_o man_n measure_v natural_a thing_n within_o his_o reach_n by_o his_o natural_a understanding_n so_o christ_n measure_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o spiritual_a light_n with_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o what_o he_o find_v proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v truth_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n as_o man_n what_o he_o true_o measure_v in_o the_o true_a light_n of_o reason_n with_o a_o true_o rational_a understanding_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n there_o so_o what_o christ_n measure_v after_o his_o way_n in_o this_o his_o spiritual_a region_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n here_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n with_o the_o true_a eye_n see_v the_o true_a thing_n in_o the_o true_a light_n so_o that_o his_o light_n his_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n i_o know_v etc._n etc._n man_n propose_v unto_o himself_o vain_a way_n and_o satan_n invent_v many_o device_n for_o he_o but_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n speak_v truth_n and_o propose_v only_a truth_n unto_o he_o he_o propose_v the_o letter_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o prophet_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o spirit_n thereof_o the_o word_n which_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n &_o they_o be_v life_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n so_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a ministration_n of_o it_o which_o he_o begin_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n and_o both_o he_o and_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o christ_n lay_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n before_o he_o come_v into_o this_o world_n there_o he_o see_v thing_n there_o he_o see_v this_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o when_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v in_o he_o before_o spring_v up_o here_o in_o he_o in_o this_o world_n he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o behold_v in_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o which_o now_o he_o receive_v quick_a lively_a pure_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o new_a state_n and_o station_n and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a let_v this_o seem_v what_o it_o will_v to_o you_o let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o he_o by_o moses_n let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o strange_a to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n also_o so_o much_o desire_v i_o know_v that_o life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v life_n and_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v and_o obey_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o can_v miss_v of_o life_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a 4._o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o what_o kind_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o which_o contain_v everlasting_a life_n in_o it_o which_o draw_v everlasting_a life_n along_o with_o it_o ans._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v exhort_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o son_n come_v not_o to_o save_v himself_o but_o to_o seek_v and_o save_v lose_v man_n it_o be_v for_o he_o he_o bring_v forth_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n but_o yet_o that_o way_n whereby_o he_o save_v he_o be_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v and_o act_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n in_o he_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v by_o man_n spirit_n or_o nature_n believe_v in_o the_o son_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o be_v comprehend_v and_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o motion_n of_o man_n that_o tend_v to_o life_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a come_v alone_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o only_a life_n and_o move_v and_o act_n aright_o in_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o repentance_n mourning_n joy_n hope_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v spiritual_a as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v from_o a_o new_a root_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v this_o old_a nature_n spring_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n he_o that_o be_v not_o new_o bear_v have_v not_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v life_n nor_o a_o heart_n to_o desire_v it_o nor_o a_o foot_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o so_o that_o though_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o most_o proper_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o also_o need_v salvation_n in_o this_o state_n wherein_o it_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o here_o in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o it_o enter_v into_o spring_v up_o in_o take_v possession_n of_o and_o leaven_n the_o man_n it_o become_v his_o also_o it_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a nature_n of_o the_o man_n and_o infuse_v this_o new_a insomuch_o as_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o man_n also_o so_o that_o not_o only_o now_o christ_n in_o the_o man_n believe_v but_o the_o man_n also_o believe_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o have_v change_v he_o into_o and_o communicate_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o observation_n itself_o will_v now_o appear_v more_o manifest_a which_o be_v this_o obser._n that_o christ_n hold_v out_o from_o true_a light_n from_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n christ_n do_v not_o guess_v at_o it_o or_o imagine_v it_o strong_o as_o we_o do_v at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o he_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o this_o four_o fold_n ground_n first_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n second_o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n three_o from_o his_o life_n and_o four_o from_o his_o light_n each_o of_o these_o contribute_v much_o towards_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v make_v up_o no_o less_o than_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n 1._o from_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o earth_n but_o from_o above_o he_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n
afterward_o how_o lofty_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o scorn_v they_o even_o as_o dog_n neither_o be_v the_o convert_v gentile_n altogether_o free_a from_o this_o snare_n but_o they_o be_v apt_a likewise_o to_o boast_v not_o only_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o over_o the_o jew_n also_o rom._n 11._o 2._o the_o flesh_n will_v also_o take_v advantage_n hereby_o to_o corrupt_v itself_o in_o its_o rest._n there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o rest_n from_o all_o the_o toilsome_a motion_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o the_o flesh_n will_v lay_v hold_v on_o to_o neglect_v what_o it_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o do_v whereof_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o interrupt_v this_o rest_n but_o flow_v from_o it_o the_o flesh_n by_o this_o liberty_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v become_v its_o own_o and_o may_v neglect_v any_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n duty_n of_o love_n and_o service_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o shall_v think_v good_a whereas_o the_o flesh_n have_v no_o more_o liherty_n in_o this_o respect_n then_o as_o it_o be_v drench_v into_o and_o true_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v free_a and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o spirit_n yea_o and_o as_o our_o flesh_n also_o be_v take_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o partake_v of_o this_o freedom_n but_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o part_n thus_o advance_v must_v know_v its_o place_n and_o distance_n it_o must_v know_v as_o well_o how_o to_o descend_v stand_v and_o walk_v in_o its_o present_a place_n relation_n and_o order_n as_o to_o ascend_v and_o maintain_v fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o the_o flesh_n till_o it_o be_v thorough_o mortify_v can_v learn_v to_o do_v but_o will_v be_v continual_o seek_v its_o own_o honour_n and_o ease_n and_o abuse_v all_o the_o light_n life_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v the_o flesh_n very_o short_a even_o in_o his_o choice_a one_o 3._o the_o flesh_n will_v also_o think_v it_o have_v liberty_n to_o do_v what_o it_o please_v and_o so_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o glut_v itself_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o vanity_n and_o sensuality_n the_o flesh_n which_o natural_o long_v to_o take_v its_o fill_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v as_o natural_o incline_v to_o take_v all_o advantage_n and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o bend_v aside_o the_o very_a light_n life_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n thereunto_o o_o what_o draught_n of_o vanity_n will_v it_o now_o swill_v down_o when_o once_o it_o feel_v itself_o fence_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o danger_n which_o be_v its_o only_a curb_n now_o will_v every_o fleshly_a spirit_n take_v its_o swinge_z according_a to_o its_o temper_n and_o inclination_n some_o in_o more_o gross_a and_o sensual_a some_o in_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a pollution_n thus_o that_o wherein_o the_o breath_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v a_o holy_a temper_n a_o holy_a rest_n and_o holy_a motion_n the_o flesh_n get_v into_o and_o corrupt_v and_o thereby_o eat_v out_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o vigour_n of_o life_n which_o be_v let_v out_o in_o the_o dispensation_n destroy_v that_o precious_a savour_n and_o leaven_n which_o it_o have_v from_o the_o life_n conceive_v with_o some_o new_a seed_n of_o spiritual_a filthiness_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v forth_o a_o more_o unclean_a filthy_a birth_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o its_o womb_n be_v capable_a of_o before_o but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o man_n will_v have_v liberty_n to_o reign_v he_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n serve_v he_o he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o light_n his_o life_n his_o liberty_n to_o serve_v himself_o and_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n else_o serve_v he_o but_o the_o life_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n delight_v to_o serve_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o every_o thing_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o this_o nature_n teach_v it_o not_o only_a self-love_n which_o every_o nature_n teach_v but_o also_o to_o love_v its_o neighbour_n here_o as_o itself_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v a_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o come_v not_o here_o to_o reign_v but_o to_o serve_v and_o all_o his_o seed_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o life_n follow_v he_o who_o be_v their_o guide_n in_o the_o same_o step_n as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n of_o love_n with_o he_o so_o the_o same_o nature_n guide_v they_o to_o the_o same_o service_n of_o love_n the_o love_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n that_o be_v in_o the_o saint_n make_v their_o humane_a spirit_n with_o all_o the_o life_n liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o it_o either_o have_v in_o itself_o or_o receive_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o serve_v both_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o the_o life_n in_o one_o another_o and_o that_o under_o all_o the_o weakness_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o or_o can_v grow_v up_o it_o be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o natural_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o deny_v their_o liberty_n and_o enter_v into_o bond_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o then_o to_o enjoy_v it_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o can_v lose_v and_o as_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o outward_a practice_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o much_o value_n as_o to_o be_v maintain_v to_o another_o prejudice_n liberty_n can_v exercise_v and_o enjoy_v itself_o as_o much_o in_o the_o forbearance_n as_o in_o the_o use_n nay_o it_o be_v direct_a bondage_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o wave_v it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o be_v a_o slave_n he_o be_v in_o bond_n he_o have_v not_o a_o large_a and_o free_a spirit_n who_o can_v only_o reign_v but_o can_v serve_v who_o can_v deny_v himself_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n and_o content_v wherewith_o he_o observe_v himself_o he_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v restrain_v in_o his_o liberty_n he_o be_v free_a but_o in_o part_n he_o have_v not_o arrive_v at_o the_o complete_a temper_n of_o the_o life_n for_o the_o life_n can_v do_v both_o and_o have_v a_o time_n and_o season_n for_o both_o xi_o of_o the_o low_a ebb_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bring_v to_o by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n psal._n 22.6_o but_o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n a_o reproach_n of_o man_n and_o despise_v of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n this_o be_v his_o die_a sense_n or_o his_o sense_n when_o he_o be_v die_v of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o posture_n therein_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o life_n while_o the_o power_n of_o god_n rest_v in_o he_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v upon_o he_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o no_o man_n he_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n one_o in_o substance_n one_o in_o life_n one_o in_o motion_n operation_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o now_o in_o the_o season_n of_o his_o death_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o desertion_n and_o affliction_n while_o that_o life_n fail_v and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n for_o want_v of_o the_o presence_n and_o influence_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v before_o lift_v up_o far_o above_o the_o state_n of_o man_n so_o now_o he_o fall_v far_o beneath_o it_o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o man_n that_o excellency_n which_o may_v yet_o be_v find_v in_o man_n even_o in_o his_o break_a state_n christ_n be_v strip_v of_o when_o his_o own_o life_n die_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o man_n this_o be_v not_o a_o hyperbolical_a or_o passionate_a expression_n but_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o true_a sense_n from_o a_o true_a understanding_n which_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o man_n as_o his_o beauty_n his_o majesty_n his_o wisdom_n his_o strength_n his_o intercourse_n with_o god_n all_o which_o christ_n be_v strip_v of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n in_o all_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v more_o like_a to_o a_o worm_n then_o a_o man_n 1._o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o man_n man_n be_v evident_o the_o most_o lovely_a the_o most_o comely_a piece_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o extract_n the_o quintessence_n of_o the_o creation_n
but_o he_o in_o natural_a motion_n he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o chief_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o god_n ey_v and_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o he_o ey_v in_o every_o thing_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v psal._n 16.8_o mark_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a conjunction_n a_o natural_a union_n between_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o this_o posture_n of_o each_o here_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o point_v at_o it_o they_o place_v themselves_o by_o one_o another_o they_o mind_v one_o another_o they_o stand_v by_o and_o to_o one_o another_o christ_n seat_v god_n before_o he_o and_o god_n place_v himself_o by_o christ_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o this_o be_v their_o mutual_a content_n delight_n and_o safety_n they_o be_v well_o secure_a and_o perfect_o at_o hearts-ease_n while_o they_o be_v together_o all_o misery_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n arise_v from_o their_o separation_n and_o distance_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v when_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o be_v perfect_o over_o thus_o christ_n be_v in_o his_o life_n but_o now_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n fall_v not_o only_o beneath_o this_o glory_n but_o also_o beneath_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n god_n when_o he_o break_v christ_n break_v he_o more_o terrible_o than_o he_o have_v yet_o break_v man_n leave_v not_o so_o much_o excellency_n in_o he_o as_o he_o have_v yet_o leave_v in_o man_n but_o he_o behold_v himself_o and_o who_o ever_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o shall_v find_v he_o more_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o worm_n then_o a_o man_n there_o be_v no_o more_o beauty_n in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o worm_n no_o more_o majesty_n in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o worm_n no_o more_o wisdom_n or_o strength_n in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o worm_n he_o have_v lose_v all_o his_o light_n and_o all_o his_o strength_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v hope_v pray_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o require_v life_n and_o assistance_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o his_o nature_n can_v but_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o very_a vehement_a manner_n though_o not_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o understanding_n and_o life_n which_o he_o possess_v before_o nor_o with_o the_o aid_n of_o so_o powerful_a a_o influence_n but_o in_o what_o ever_o he_o be_v or_o do_v or_o what_o ever_o befall_v he_o god_n regard_v he_o not_o god_n take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o he_o then_o of_o a_o worm_n christ_n who_o serve_v god_n with_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o life_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n what_o a_o stranger_n be_v god_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n call_v he_o may_v again_o and_o again_o in_o his_o extremity_n for_o relief_n for_o support_v for_o somewhat_o to_o stay_v his_o faint_a spirit_n but_o no_o news_n no_o return_n no_o regard_n from_o god_n no_o more_o than_o the_o worm_n have_v that_o craul_n upon_o the_o ground_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o why_o so_o far_o from_o help_v i_o and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o roar_n o_o my_o god_n i_o cry_v in_o the_o day_n time_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o and_o in_o the_o night_n and_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n to_o i_o psal._n 22.1_o 2._o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n a_o reproach_n of_o man_n that_o be_v somewhat_o more_o man_n be_v pity_v by_o man_n in_o his_o break_a estate_n but_o christ_n be_v reproach_v to_o have_v be_v high_a and_o then_o to_o fall_v low_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n especial_o where_o a_o further_a ascent_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o assert_v christ_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n talk_v of_o nearness_n to_o god_n and_o further_a advancement_n by_o god_n yea_o of_o perfection_n in_o god_n therefore_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o forsake_v as_o they_o be_v real_o and_o perfect_o forsake_v in_o that_o fleshly_a dispensation_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o first_o bring_v forth_o and_o for_o a_o season_n assist_v and_o own_v and_o their_o life_n break_v and_o slay_v they_o become_v a_o grievous_a reproach_n man_n can_v forbear_v upbraid_v christ_n when_o he_o behold_v he_o die_v when_o man_n feel_v his_o own_o life_n which_o christ_n so_o disdain_v and_o still_o testify_v against_o i_o say_v when_o man_n feel_v this_o so_o far_o above_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v and_o indeed_o be_v when_o christ_n be_v die_v he_o can_v but_o reproach_n christ._n christ_n be_v such_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o scorn_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n as_o can_v but_o draw_v forth_o scorn_v from_o he_o for_o man_n to_o see_v and_o feel_v himself_o alive_a and_o free_a from_o that_o death_n wherewith_o he_o be_v threaten_v and_o the_o death_n to_o fall_v upon_o christ_n who_o threaten_v it_o even_o such_o a_o death_n as_o conclude_v his_o death_n for_o ever_o to_o man_n eye_n and_o secure_v man_n from_o all_o that_o danger_n which_o may_v accrue_v to_o he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o which_o man_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o fear_n of_o this_o can_v but_o stir_v in_o man_n the_o spirit_n of_o derision_n and_o cause_v he_o in_o his_o very_a heart_n to_o reproach_n christ._n a_o reproach_n of_o man_n and_o despise_v of_o the_o people_n christ_n in_o his_o death_n be_v not_o only_o a_o reproach_n to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o very_a people_n of_o god_n also_o the_o fleshly_a people_n of_o god_n can_v but_o then_o despise_v this_o life_n as_o they_o can_v but_o in_o some_o degree_n honour_v it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a shine_v forth_o of_o it_o never_a man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o etc._n etc._n so_o they_o can_v but_o despise_v it_o when_o they_o see_v it_o decline_v such_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o fleshly_a israel_n and_o such_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appear_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o life_n be_v more_o hide_a from_o they_o then_o from_o the_o world_n and_o their_o despite_n of_o he_o in_o his_o death_n be_v great_a o_o how_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o fleshly_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n when_o they_o find_v the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n die_v in_o and_o pass_v through_o his_o flesh_n all_o they_o that_o see_v i_o laugh_v i_o to_o scorn_v there_o be_v nothing_o feel_v great_a contempt_n nor_o more_o universal_a then_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n universal_o contemn_v he_o yea_o the_o whole_a heart_n of_o man_n laugh_v at_o he_o with_o the_o great_a derision_n and_o disdain_n that_o can_v be_v hy_o low_a rich_a poor_a jew_z gentile_n and_o every_o sort_n and_o sect_n among_o each_o loath_a christ_n in_o this_o state_n he_o be_v now_o become_v the_o abhor_v of_o all_o flesh_n they_o jeer_v at_o he_o they_o trample_v upon_o he_o with_o the_o great_a laughter_n and_o scorn_n and_o without_o the_o least_o regret_n they_o spit_v in_o his_o face_n they_o buffet_v he_o they_o shoot_v out_o the_o lip_n they_o shake_v the_o head_n he_o be_v a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n with_o they_o too_o he_o trust_v on_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o this_o be_v one_o expression_n of_o the_o great_a contumely_n in_o their_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o trust_v on_o god_n for_o deliverance_n this_o be_v that_o great_a and_o glorious_a life_n which_o come_v from_o god_n which_o so_o depend_v upon_o god_n which_o be_v so_o sure_a to_o be_v secure_v by_o god_n the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n shall_v fall_v the_o strength_n of_o man_n shall_v fall_v but_o he_o shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v by_o god_n he_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o man_n nor_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o man_n god_n loathe_v man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o excellency_n but_o this_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n the_o delight_n of_o god_n behold_v now_o what_o he_o be_v behold_v now_o where_o he_o be_v now_o let_v god_n arise_v and_o save_v his_o choice_n one_o his_o belove_a one_o he_o trust_v on_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o let_v he_o deliver_v he_o if_o he_o delight_v in_o he_o o_o foolish_a man_n ought_v not_o christ_n to_o suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n if_o christ_n will_v reap_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o life_n ought_v he_o not_o to_o reduce_v it_o into_o a_o seed_n and_o to_o sow_v that_o seed_n in_o a_o
be_v from_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o man_n will_v fain_o be_v break_v there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n upon_o he_o that_o the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v through_o death_n for_o this_o which_o he_o possess_v he_o may_v see_v he_o may_v feel_v and_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v but_o long_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o pass_v through_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v at_o life_n but_o this_o baptism_n none_o can_v baptize_v himself_o with_o he_o alone_o can_v do_v it_o who_o baptize_v christ._n it_o be_v the_o life_n alone_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o break_n for_o the_o outward_a vessel_n belong_v to_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o have_v its_o capacity_n in_o and_o from_o the_o life_n and_o he_o alone_o can_v break_v it_o who_o form_v it_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v build_v and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v destroy_v this_o kind_n of_o fabric_n this_o wise_a and_o accurate_a destruction_n require_v the_o same_o skill_n and_o virtue_n which_o issue_v out_o and_o build_v up_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n can_v never_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o administer_v any_o degree_n of_o this_o death_n further_o than_o he_o be_v enable_v instruct_v and_o assist_v thereunto_o from_o the_o root_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o wisdom_n skill_n and_o power_n go_v along_o perfect_o in_o every_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o or_o apprehend_v by_o any_o thing_n now_o as_o all_o death_n and_o brokenness_n have_v affliction_n and_o misery_n in_o it_o so_o this_o beyond_o all_o and_o as_o man_n will_v aspire_v after_o this_o death_n so_o he_o will_v fancy_v that_o he_o have_v this_o kind_n of_o misery_n upon_o he_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o pang_n he_o know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o there_o be_v three_o great_a scene_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o various_a strain_n step_n and_o degree_n all_o which_o man_n can_v imitate_v very_o accurate_o but_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o they_o 1._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o corruption_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n come_v forth_o with_o power_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n slay_v it_o in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o in_o who_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o sow_o and_o spring_v up_o shall_v find_v himself_o die_v unto_o his_o sinful_a nature_n daily_o this_o be_v one_o scene_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n nature_n sin_n must_v die_v and_o righteousness_n must_v live_v yea_o and_o then_o righteouseness_n must_v die_v also_o when_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n at_o first_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n o_o say_v he_o that_o this_o filthy_a nature_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o little_o do_v he_o then_o think_v that_o all_o this_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o die_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v judge_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v but_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o plant_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o same_o god_n which_o sind_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o covenant_n can_v also_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o under_o that_o covenant_n and_o can_v so_o judge_v it_o unto_o death_n and_o destruction_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n even_o of_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o flesh_n eternal_a life_n in_o the_o life_n thus_o receive_v die_v christ_n thus_o alive_a die_v even_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o his_o life_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v he_o this_o life_n and_o who_o keep_v this_o life_n pure_a in_o he_o he_o slay_v it_o yea_o christ_n himself_o offer_v up_o this_o life_n without_o spot_n to_o god_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n or_o stage_n of_o death_n which_o god_n mention_v at_o the_o begin_n upon_o man_n fall_n namely_o the_o death_n of_o the_o serpent_n the_o death_n of_o man_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n now_o there_o be_v counterfeit_n of_o all_o these_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o their_o corruption_n who_o be_v not_o and_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o skill_n life_n and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o attain_v this_o seem_a death_n many_o also_o seem_v to_o drink_v very_o deep_a into_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n who_o never_o yet_o taste_v of_o that_o life_n of_o he_o which_o be_v to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n whereof_o this_o condition_n consist_v viz._n a_o thorough_o break_a state_n in_o itself_o 2._o to_o this_o there_o be_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n a_o through_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o only_o break_v but_o they_o feel_v themselves_o break_v they_o be_v not_o only_o strip_v and_o leave_v naked_a but_o they_o feel_v both_o their_o strip_v and_o nakedness_n in_o other_o case_n a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a yea_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o yet_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o happy_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o this_o kind_n of_o break_v be_v lively_a and_o of_o quick_a sense_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o be_v break_v this_o be_v such_o a_o death_n as_o he_o thorough_o feel_v who_o die_v christ_n feel_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o worm_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n feel_v their_o brutishness_n and_o want_n of_o understanding_n adam_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_o eve_n be_v form_v out_o of_o he_o but_o christ_n be_v awake_a and_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o his_o awaken_v spirit_n form_n his_o church_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o life_n in_o his_o church_n suffer_v in_o its_o death_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o a_o through_o sight_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o by_o the_o world_n and_o of_o they_o because_o of_o it_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n open_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o god_n kindle_v and_o set_v up_o this_o lamp_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o put_v it_o out_o also_o in_o their_o view_n the_o symptom_n of_o this_o death_n the_o symptom_n of_o this_o break_n be_v so_o visible_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v that_o life_n that_o power_n that_o activity_n that_o stir_v of_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n word_n behaviour_n whole_a course_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v out_o and_o go_v they_o as_o manifest_o appear_v all_o this_o season_n in_o the_o world_n without_o it_o as_o former_o they_o do_v with_o it_o and_o the_o world_n now_o despise_v they_o that_o which_o gain_v esteem_v and_o glory_n from_o the_o world_n be_v go_v they_o can_v but_o despise_v they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o begin_v to_o honour_v they_o there_o be_v such_o a_o lustre_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n when_o at_o any_o time_n it_o discover_v itself_o within_o man_n centre_n as_o man_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o subject_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o life_n and_o excellency_n before_o but_o when_o man_n see_v all_o this_o fall_v and_o himself_o still_o stand_v where_o he_o be_v this_o which_o make_v such_o a_o appearance_n above_o he_o be_v fall_v beneath_o he_o christ_n be_v dead_a and_o he_o alive_a how_o can_v he_o now_o but_o despise_v this_o appearance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o lustre_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o of_o its_o former_a glory_n the_o exceed_a low_a fall_n of_o the_o high_a glory_n be_v most_o contemptible_a never_o man_n speak_v as_o christ_n speak_v and_o never_o man_n do_v as_o christ_n do_v even_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o etc._n etc._n what_o power_n and_o authority_n do_v he_o bear_v in_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n how_o do_v he_o every_o where_o so_o take_v with_o the_o people_n that_o his_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a enemy_n dare_v never_o meddle_v with_o he_o but_o in_o his_o death_n in_o his_o break_a state_n he_o lose_v all_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n when_o he_o
be_v forsake_v of_o his_o god_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o condition_n but_o he_o also_o feel_v it_o and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o feel_v it_o himself_o but_o his_o enemy_n see_v it_o too_o yea_o it_o be_v palpable_a to_o the_o common_a eye_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o all_o that_o see_v i_o laugh_v i_o to_o scorn_v they_o shooâ—_n the_o lip_n they_o shake_v the_o head_n say_v he_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o the_o will_v deliver_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v this_o the_o man_n that_o have_v so_o much_o interest_n in_o god_n be_v this_o the_o man_n in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o appear_v and_o who_o can_v do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n be_v his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n his_o great_a union_n and_o communion_n come_v to_o this_o they_o shake_v their_o head_n as_o at_o a_o deceit_n as_o at_o a_o delusion_n as_o at_o a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n they_o mock_v they_o spit_v upon_o he_o they_o buffet_v he_o etc._n etc._n they_o crown_v he_o in_o derision_n they_o reproach_n yea_o they_o abhor_v in_o their_o spirit_n the_o very_a power_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n use._n behold_v o_o christian_n the_o death_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n behold_v the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n the_o miserable_a passage_n to_o the_o crown_n if_o you_o will_v become_v christ_n you_o must_v die_v not_o only_o to_o the_o corruption_n and_o shame_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o not_o stop_v there_o neither_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n will_v put_v out_o the_o life_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o when_o it_o have_v do_v so_o there_o be_v a_o death_n for_o it_o too_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o seed_n must_v pass_v through_o its_o own_o blood_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n alas_o sir_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o pass_v through_o but_o a_o death_n to_o this_o world_n what_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v it_o comparative_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v it_o to_o despise_v and_o trample_v upon_o this_o world_n by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a life_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o have_v that_o spirit_n in_o the_o seed_n break_v which_o delight_n or_o may_v delight_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v bitter_a indeed_o to_o man_n but_o alas_o that_o bitterness_n be_v nothing_o in_o compare_n with_o that_o bitterness_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o break_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o new_a spirit_n will_v you_o know_v what_o this_o be_v why_o measure_v it_o by_o this_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o life_n do_v you_o know_v how_o sweet_a it_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v and_o live_v upon_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o true_o know_v these_o thing_n the_o true_a sweetness_n of_o they_o than_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o guess_n at_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o break_v but_o as_o there_o have_v be_v counterfeit_a image_n all_o along_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n so_o be_v there_o also_o of_o his_o death_n o_o what_o pain_n do_v several_a sort_n of_o man_n take_v to_o find_v out_o this_o death_n yea_o and_o to_o meet_v with_o the_o anguish_n of_o it_o but_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v light_v and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v extinguish_v this_o lamp_n i_o kill_v and_o i_o make_v alive_a this_o hold_v true_a every_o where_n but_o here_o most_o especial_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v bring_v forth_o the_o next_o strain_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v bring_v into_o this_o narrow_a passage_n of_o death_n xiii_o the_o course_n and_o end_n of_o man._n deut._n 31.29_o for_o i_o know_v that_o after_o my_o death_n you_o will_v utter_o corrupt_v yourselves_o and_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o way_n which_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o evil_n will_v befall_v you_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n because_o you_o will_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n through_o the_o work_n of_o your_o hand_n this_o people_n who_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o god_n among_o who_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n be_v sow_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n true_o represent_v his_o nature_n and_o state_n more_o especial_o in_o these_o five_o particular_n follow_v 1._o in_o his_o difficulty_n to_o be_v wind_v up_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o any_o dispensation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n with_o this_o people_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o pass_n continual_a instruction_n continual_a correction_n a_o mighty_a current_n of_o power_n and_o providence_n do_v god_n both_o put_v forth_o and_o maintain_v to_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v both_o in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o yet_o it_o prove_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o wind_v they_o up_o to_o either_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n god_n be_v at_o a_o very_a great_a expense_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o let_v forth_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n of_o his_o own_o light_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o batter_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o fleshly_a hold_n before_o he_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n 2._o in_o his_o sudden_a backslide_n this_o people_n do_v natural_o fall_v from_o god_n they_o be_v hardly_o draw_v up_o but_o do_v slide_v down_o of_o themselves_o what_o a_o work_n have_v god_n with_o they_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o what_o a_o many_o wonderful_a work_n do_v he_o show_v to_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o trust_v he_o to_o follow_v he_o to_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n but_o alas_o how_o soon_o do_v they_o forget_v his_o work_n and_o retire_v back_o into_o the_o fleshly_a principle_n and_o course_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o this_o both_o in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o also_o in_o canaan_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n let_v god_n never_o so_o powerful_o convince_v and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o he_o natural_o slink_v back_o from_o it_o he_o corrupt_v himself_o in_o every_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v up_o his_o own_o lust_n there_o serve_v they_o and_o forget_v the_o lord_n his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n he_o make_v every_o path_n and_o truth_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n serve_v his_o own_o carnal_a spirit_n in_o so_o much_o as_o though_o he_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o account_v they_o yet_o he_o serve_v himself_o in_o all_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o man_n flesh_n man_n reason_n nay_o man_n vanity_n and_o corruption_n get_v into_o every_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n pollute_v itself_o there_o and_o profane_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n it_o turn_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o which_o though_o it_o still_o call_v it_o the_o way_n yet_o be_v not_o but_o only_o a_o way_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o very_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n have_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o mould_v they_o to_o his_o own_o bent_n god_n will_v no_o long_o own_v they_o but_o term_v they_o his_o way_n and_o invention_n 3._o in_o the_o season_n of_o man_n corrupt_a himself_o which_o be_v after_o moses_n his_o death_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o witness_n after_o the_o departure_n or_o death_n of_o that_o life_n in_o he_o which_o seize_v upon_o he_o overcome_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o man_n and_o overbear_v his_o spirit_n he_o can_v but_o follow_v it_o but_o when_o that_o light_n be_v go_v he_o return_v to_o himself_o again_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o life_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o into_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v retain_v only_o so_o much_o as_o will_v serve_v the_o ease_n quiet_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o corrupt_a spirit_n there_o be_v gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o descend_v upon_o this_o earth_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o these_o blow_n strong_o man_n be_v huge_o change_v he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a spirit_n in_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n natural_o lead_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v this_o breath_n his_o