clear_a and_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o god_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v story_v of_o one_o of_o the_o persian_a king_n enshrine_v themselves_o in_o a_o temple_n of_o their_o own_o but_o what_o speak_v i_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o self-adoration_n to_o be_v find_v among_o many_o christian_n yea_o and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n too_o witness_v that_o whole_a brood_n those_o man_n who_o while_o they_o hang_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n freewill_n do_v rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n some_o of_o these_o have_v impudent_o give_v a_o short_a but_o unsavoury_a answer_n to_o the_o apostle_n question_n in_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o who_o make_v you_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o other_o ego_fw-la i_o ipsum_fw-la discerno_fw-la i_o make_v myself_o to_o differ_v these_o man_n while_o they_o pretend_v to_o high_a attainment_n do_v discover_v a_o low_a and_o most_o ignoble_a spirit_n to_o fasten_v and_o feed_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o low_a and_o degenerate_a spirit_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n not_o to_o be_v its_o own_o not_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o or_o any_o way_n distinct_a from_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n and_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n holy_a paul_n be_v all_o along_o in_o a_o different_a strain_n as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o ay_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o what_o a_o fair_a and_o honourable_a character_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v of_o holy_a david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n now_o you_o may_v also_o find_v a_o description_n of_o these_o man_n too_o in_o scripture_n not_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o in_o phrase_n but_o very_o much_o in_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o proud_a prince_n of_o tyrus_n ezek._n 28._o 2._o they_o set_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n but_o we_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v not_o dare_v to_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n if_o we_o conform_v to_o god_n image_n we_o shall_v not_o set_v up_o our_o own_o this_o self-glorying_a in_o the_o predominancy_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a religion_n as_o fire_n be_v with_o water_n for_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o shining_n forth_o of_o god_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o reflection_n of_o a_o beauty_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o it_o give_v all_o therefore_o unto_o god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v keep_v back_o be_v sacrilegious_o purloin_v from_o he_o glory_n we_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o in_o selfpenury_n and_o nothingness_n the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v of_o god_n do_v we_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v by_o that_o light_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o we_o 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for_o grace_n to_o advance_v itself_o against_o divine_a glory_n for_o grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o communication_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o god_n be_v then_o glorify_v when_o the_o soul_n in_o holy_a and_o gracious_a disposition_n become_v like_a unto_o he_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o grace_n shall_v be_v a_o shadow_n to_o obscure_v divine_a glory_n when_o itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o as_o it_o come_v from_o god_n but_o a_o beam_n of_o glory_n and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o reflection_n of_o it_o to_o conclude_v then_o be_v you_o persuade_v that_o a_o man_n have_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o self_n denial_n and_o self-nothingness_a and_o no_o more_o he_o be_v so_o far_o of_o god_n as_o he_o love_v he_o honour_v he_o imitate_v hâ—m_n and_o life_n to_o he_o and_o no_o further_o 3._o by_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o original_a of_o religion_n we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o original_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o here_o according_a to_o the_o method_n wherein_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o original_a of_o religion_n i_o may_v show_v you_o how_o the_o original_n of_o sin_n from_o without_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n that_o first_o usher_v it_o into_o the_o world_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o it_o continual_o as_o also_o of_o man_n who_o be_v his_o instrument_n and_o that_o it_o do_v in_o a_o sense_n spring_n from_o many_o occasion_n without_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o improper_o say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o inward_a cause_n be_v the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n that_o unclean_a spirit_n that_o devilish_a nature_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o pernicious_a devil_n in_o the_o world_n to_o man._n it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n homo_fw-la homini_fw-la daemon_n one_o man_n be_v a_o devil_n to_o another_o which_o though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o say_v homo_fw-la sibi_fw-la daemon_n man_n be_v a_o devil_n to_o himself_o take_v the_o spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o apostasy_n that_o rebellious_a nature_n for_o the_o devil_n which_o indeed_o do_v best_a deserve_v that_o name_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o inquire_v more_o strict_o into_o the_o original_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o monster_n we_o shall_v best_o know_v what_o to_o say_v of_o it_o and_o how_o to_o describe_v it_o by_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o religion_n sin_n then_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o degeneration_n from_o a_o holy_a state_n a_o apostasy_n from_o a_o holy_a god_n religion_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n be_v a_o straggle_a off_o from_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v define_v by_o negative_n a_o departure_n from_o god_n a_o forsake_v of_o he_o a_o live_n in_o the_o world_n without_o he_o etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n fall_v off_o from_o god_n do_v describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o sâ—n_n but_o then_o as_o it_o sink_v into_o itself_o or_o settle_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o fasten_v upon_o the_o creature_n or_o any_o thing_n therein_o so_o it_o become_v specify_v and_o be_v call_v pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n all_o soul_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n be_v original_o form_v into_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n and_o when_o they_o express_v the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a then_o be_v they_o call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o those_o impure_a spirit_n that_o do_v lapse_n and_o slide_v from_o god_n may_v be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o implant_v themselves_o into_o a_o other_o stock_n by_o their_o own_o low_a and_o earthly_a life_n and_o be_v no_o more_o own_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n john_n 10._o 44._o by_o which_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o low_a and_o base_a original_n of_o sin_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o vile_a as_o that_o which_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perfect_a fall_v off_o from_o glory_n itself_o by_o this_o you_o may_v also_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o unholy_a soul_n we_o need_v not_o call_v for_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o paint_v out_o the_o wretched_a state_n of_o sinful_a soul_n sin_n itself_o be_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o misery_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v a_o departure_n from_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n itself_o i_o mean_v from_o god_n in_o conjunction_n with_o who_o the_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n and_o heaven_n of_o a_o soul_n do_v consist_v avoid_v it_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v be_v miserable_a
immanvel_n or_o a_o discovery_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o import_v a_o live_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n ground_v upon_o christ_n discourse_n with_o the_o samaritaness_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 14._o be_v the_o latter_a clause_n of_o the_o voice_n cry_v in_o a_o wilderness_n or_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o angelical_a life_n most_o compose_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o s._n s._n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n jer._n 31._o 33._o 〈◊〉_d that_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n joh._n 7._o 38._o 〈◊〉_d itatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quaerunt_fw-la theologi_fw-la inveniunt_fw-la religiosi_fw-la possident_fw-la come_v mirandul_n london_n print_v anno_fw-la dom._n 1667._o a_o treat_v preface_n to_o the_o reader_n among_o the_o many_o stupendous_a spectacle_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o surprise_v and_o amuse_n inquisitive_a and_o considerative_a mind_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n of_o a_o sad_a and_o more_o astonish_a observation_n than_o the_o small_a progress_n and_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n this_o i_o call_v a_o sad_a observation_n because_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a importance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o immortal_a soul_n to_o be_v perfect_v and_o make_v happy_a i_o call_v it_o astonish_v because_o christian_n religion_n have_v in_o itself_o such_o advantage_n of_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o mighty_a engine_n to_o work_v they_o into_o a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o it_o and_o to_o captivate_v their_o reason_n unto_o itself_o as_o no_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v with_o any_o face_n pretend_v to_o i_o do_v earnest_o and_o i_o suppose_v rational_o and_o scriptural_o hope_v that_o this_o veritas_fw-la magna_fw-la those_o sacred_a oracle_n will_v yet_o much_o more_o prevail_v and_o that_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o most_o excellent_a religion_n who_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v more_o exalt_v to_o his_o throne_n will_v yet_o draw_v more_o man_n unto_o himself_o and_o this_o perhaps_o be_v all_o the_o millennium_n that_o we_o can_v warrantable_o look_v for_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n do_v more_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o the_o letter_n or_o power_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o former_a if_o we_o will_v receive_v the_o probable_a conjecture_n of_o learned_a enquirer_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v above_o one_o six_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n yet_o christianize_v or_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o external_a adoration_n to_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o make_v any_o arithmetical_a conjecture_n but_o judge_v it_o more_o necessary_a and_o more_o become_v a_o charitable_a and_o christian_a spirit_n to_o set_v down_o in_o secret_a and_o weep_v over_o that_o sad_a but_o true_a account_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n few_o be_v choose_v and_o again_o 14._o mat._n 20._o 26_o mat._n 7._o 14._o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o be_v grieve_v after_o the_o example_n of_o my_o compassionate_a redeemer_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o pray_v with_o joah_n in_o another_o case_n the_o lord_n make_v his_o people_n a_o hundred_o time_n so_o many_o more_o as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v beside_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o non-propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n only_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o guess_v that_o few_o will_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n when_o the_o same_o be_v guard_v with_o a_o flame_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o purge_v from_o a_o selfish_a bitterness_n fierce_a animosity_n and_o arbitrary_a sowrness_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o more_o free_a generous_a benign_a compassionate_a condescend_v candid_a charitable_a and_o christ-like_a spirit_n which_o will_v be_v indulgent_a towards_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o present_a under_o a_o less_o perfect_a dispensation_n as_o our_o 55._o luk._n 9_o 49_o 50_o 54_o 55._o saviour_n be_v will_v not_o impose_v any_o thing_n harsh_a or_o unnecessary_a upon_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a conscience_n of_o man_n but_o will_v allow_v and_o maintain_v that_o liberty_n to_o man_n which_o be_v just_a and_o natural_a to_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o way_n forfeit_v by_o they_o then_o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o the_o innate_a power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v prove_v most_o victorious_a judaisme_n mahumetism_n and_o paganism_n will_v melt_v away_o under_o its_o powerful_a influence_n and_o satan_n himself_o fall_v down_o as_o lightning_n before_o it_o as_o natural_o as_o the_o eyelid_n of_o the_o morning_n do_v chase_v away_o the_o blackness_n of_o the_o night_n when_o once_o they_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o earth_n but_o my_o design_n be_v chief_o to_o examine_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o the_o non-progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o its_o inefficaciousness_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v it_o and_o now_o in_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n hereof_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o be_v wise_a on_o this_o side_n heaven_n leave_v that_o dare_a course_n of_o search_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o riff_v into_o the_o hide_a roll_n of_o eternity_n to_o they_o who_o can_v digest_v the_o uncomfortable_a notion_n of_o a_o self-willed_a arbitrarious_fw-la and_o imperious_a deity_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o most_o vulgar_a apprehension_n of_o god_n man_n measure_v he_o most_o gross_o and_o unhappy_o by_o a_o self-standard_n and_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o soar_v so_o high_a so_o neither_o will_v i_o adventure_v to_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o rake_v into_o particular_n which_o be_v different_o assign_v according_a to_o the_o different_a humour_n and_o interest_n of_o they_o that_o do_v assign_v they_o each_o party_n in_o the_o world_n be_v â—o_o excellent_o favourable_a to_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o david_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o 3._o psal_n 75._o 3._o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v dissolve_v i_o bear_v up_o the_o pillar_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o the_o very_a interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o their_o persuasion_n and_o dogma_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v undo_v if_o but_o a_o hair_n fall_v from_o their_o head_n if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o injure_a or_o abridge_v which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o very_a great_a fondness_n and_o indeed_o the_o more_o unpardonable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o destroy_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o confine_v and_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o make_v god_n as_o topical_a as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o dwell_v no_o where_n upon_o earth_n but_o at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n waive_v these_o extreme_n therefore_o i_o conceive_v the_o true_a cause_n in_o general_a of_o the_o so_o little_o prevail_v of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n be_v the_o false_a notion_n that_o man_n have_v of_o it_o place_v it_o there_o where_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o do_v consist_v that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o not_o prevail_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v i_o suppose_v every_o body_n will_v grant_v and_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o everywhere_o to_o be_v find_v will_v i_o doubt_v too_o evident_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n which_o the_o most_o sacred_a author_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n make_v to_o the_o poor_a samaritaness_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o explain_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o small_a treatise_n which_o i_o first_o frame_v for_o private_a use_n in_o a_o season_n when_o it_o be_v most_o behooveful_a for_o i_o to_o understand_v the_o utmost_a secret_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o do_v the_o utmost_a service_n i_o be_v able_a towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o my_o roof_n expect_v every_o day_n to_o render_v up_o my_o own_o or_o their_o soul_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o most_o merciful_a redeemer_n and_o to_o be_v full_o swallow_v up_o into_o that_o eternal_a
a_o vanity_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o many_o pretender_n to_o nobility_n and_o learning_n when_o man_n seek_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o one_o by_o their_o coat_n of_o arm_n and_o the_o record_n of_o their_o family_n and_o the_o other_o by_o a_o gown_n or_o a_o title_n or_o their_o name_n stand_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o university_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o behaviour_n of_o gentleman_n or_o scholar_n a_o like_a vanity_n i_o doubt_v may_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o pretender_n to_o religion_n some_o be_v search_v god_n decretal_n to_o find_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v study_v to_o find_v god_n name_n write_v upon_o their_o heart_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n engrave_v upon_o their_o soul_n some_o be_v busy_a examine_v themselves_o by_o note_n and_o mark_n without_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o find_v the_o mark_n and_o print_n of_o god_n and_o his_o nature_n upon_o they_o some_o 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life_n oh_o labour_n to_o view_n god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o your_o own_o soul_n in_o those_o copy_n and_o transcript_n of_o they_o which_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o godly_a man_n this_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o god_n that_o any_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o desirable_a than_o that_o famous_a discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n exod._n 34._o nay_o i_o shall_v much_o either_o desire_n to_o see_v the_o real_a impression_n of_o a_o godlike_a nature_n upon_o my_o own_o soul_n to_o see_v the_o crucify_a of_o my_o own_o pride_n and_o self-will_n the_o mortify_n of_o the_o more_o sensual_a life_n and_o a_o divine_a life_n spring_v up_o in_o my_o soul_n instead_o of_o it_o i_o will_v much_o rather_o desire_v to_o see_v my_o soul_n glorify_v in_o the_o image_n and_o beauty_n of_o god_n put_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o pledge_n yea_o and_o a_o part_n of_o eternal_a glory_n than_o to_o have_v a_o vision_n from_o the_o almighty_a or_o hear_v a_o voice_n witness_v from_o heaven_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o my_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v this_o that_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o true_a foundation_n of_o heaven_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o real_a beginning_n of_o happiness_n for_o happiness_n heaven_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n a_o cheerful_a and_o eternal_a compliance_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o a_o godly_a soul_n be_v thus_o conform_v to_o god_n and_o fill_v with_o his_o fullness_n so_o far_o be_v he_o glorify_v upon_o earth_n sed_fw-la heu_fw-la quantum_fw-la distamus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la 2._o let_v wisdom_n then_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n let_v the_o child_n of_o god_n those_o that_o be_v his_o genuine_a offspring_n rise_v up_o and_o call_v he_o bless_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n that_o elder_a son_n of_o god_n that_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n who_o rejoice_v in_o spirit_n and_o say_v i_o thank_v thou_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o thou_o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n luk._n 10._o 21._o or_o according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o there_o be_v no_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n than_o a_o man_n pretend_v religion_n and_o yet_o ascribe_v it_o to_o himself_o whereas_o pure_a religion_n be_v pure_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a beside_o religion_n do_v principal_o consist_v in_o the_o subdue_a of_o self-will_n in_o conformity_n to_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o the_o world_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o may_v a_o soul_n be_v true_o call_v religious_a when_o god_n become_v great_a of_o all_o to_o it_o and_o in_o it_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n be_v so_o powerful_o plant_v in_o it_o that_o no_o other_o interest_n no_o self-interest_n no_o creature-love_n no_o particular_a private_a end_n can_v grow_v by_o it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o magician_n can_v stand_v before_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o work_v wonder_n so_o that_o solomon_n say_v of_o self-seeking_a prov._n 25._o 27._o for_o man_n to_o seek_v their_o own_o glory_n be_v not_o glory_n the_o like_a i_o may_v safe_o say_v upon_o that_o double_a ground_n that_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o self-religion_n be_v not_o religion_n how_o vain_o and_o mad_o do_v man_n dream_v of_o their_o self_n religion_n carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n when_o heaven_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o self-denial_n and_o god_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 28._o instead_o of_o advance_v man_n towards_o heaven_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v more_o direct_o make_v war_n against_o heaven_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o siracides_n call_v it_o that_o proud_a and_o petulant_a spirit_n of_o self-will_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n so_o that_o when_o the_o holy-ghost_n will_v describe_v david_n one_o of_o the_o best_a man_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n he_o describe_v he_o with_o opposition_n to_o self_n and_o self-will_n 1_o sam._n 13._o 14._o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o again_o act_v 13._o 36._o he_o serve_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o generation_n there_o have_v be_v of_o old_a a_o great_a number_n of_o philosophical_a man_n who_o be_v raise_v up_o above_o the_o speculation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o logical_a life_n unto_o a_o contemplation_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o be_v purge_v by_o a_o low_a kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n from_o the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o this_o world_n through_o lust_n do_v yet_o ultimate_o settle_v into_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o self-love_n they_o be_v full_a indeed_o but_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v but_o with_o a_o selfsufficiency_n the_o leaven_n of_o self-love_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n do_v make_v they_o swell_v with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n now_o these_o man_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o gross_a external_a enormity_n yet_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o true_a religion_n because_o they_o do_v set_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o own_o idol_n and_o carry_v such_o a_o image_n of_o themselves_o continual_o before_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o have_v no_o
know_v not_o how_o much_o but_o i_o think_v he_o have_v not_o very_o much_o of_o god_n neither_o fight_n of_o he_o nor_o love_n of_o he_o that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o imperfect_a mix_v low_a state_n and_o never_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o it_o seem_v that_o they_o in_o who_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v right_o predominant_a potent_a flourish_a do_v also_o look_v earnest_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n judas_n 2._o without_o doubt_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v 2_o peâ—_n 3._o 12._o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v you_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o haste_v unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n let_v this_o suffice_v by_o way_n of_o general_a reprehension_n 2._o more_o particular_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o active_a nature_n of_o true_a religion_n may_v well_o serve_v to_o correct_v a_o mistake_n about_o that_o noble_a grace_n of_o faith_n how_o dishonourable_o do_v some_o speak_v of_o this_o excellent_a and_o powerful_a grace_n when_o they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o slothful_a passive_a thing_n a_o idle_a kind_n of_o wait_v or_o a_o melancholic_a sit_v still_o which_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v life_n and_o power_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o so_o high_a and_o eminent_a a_o grace_n true_a faith_n do_v not_o only_o accept_v the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o justification_n but_o by_o a_o lively_a dependence_n upon_o god_n drink_v in_o divine_a influence_n and_o eager_o suck_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o life_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n for_o its_o more_o perfect_a sanctification_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o think_v a_o purify_n virtue_n be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o act._n 15._o 9_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o lazy_a languid_a thing_n content_a to_o wait_v for_o salvation_n till_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o it_o be_v even_o now_o gasp_v after_o it_o and_o accomplish_v it_o too_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o god_n it_o be_v not_o content_a to_o be_v a_o candidate_n wait_v for_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o be_v actual_o draw_v down_o heaven_n into_o the_o soul_n attract_v god_n to_o itself_o suck_v in_o participation_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o image_n into_o the_o soul_n its_o motto_n be_v that_o of_o the_o famous_a painter_n nulla_fw-la dies_fw-la sine_fw-la lineâ_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o find_v some_o divine_a lineament_n some_o line_n of_o god_n image_n draw_v upon_o the_o soul_n daily_o faith_n be_v a_o give_v grace_n as_o well_o as_o receive_n it_o give_v up_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o god_n and_o be_v trouble_v that_o it_o can_v give_v he_o no_o more_o it_o bind_v over_o the_o soul_n afresh_o to_o god_n every_o day_n and_o be_v trouble_v that_o it_o can_v bind_v it_o no_o fast_o nor_o close_o to_o he_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v weary_v because_o of_o muderer_n murder_v love_n lust_n care_n earthly_a pleasure_n and_o call_v mighty_o upon_o christ_n to_o come_v and_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v weary_v because_o of_o those_o robber_n that_o be_v daily_o steal_v away_o precious_a time_n and_o affection_n from_o god_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o and_o call_v upon_o christ_n to_o come_v and_o scourge_v these_o thief_n these_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o his_o own_o temple_n in_o a_o word_n the_o godly_a soul_n be_v active_a and_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o last_o let_v i_o exhort_v all_o christian_n from_o hence_o to_o be_v zealous_a to_o be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n and_o long_v after_o he_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o you_o quench_v not_o i._n e._n blow_v up_o inflame_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o you_o awake_v christian_a soul_n out_o of_o thy_o lethargy_n and_o rejoice_v as_o the_o sun_n to_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o thou_o and_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n refresh_v with_o wine_n to_o fight_v thy_o spiritual_a battle_n against_o the_o army_n of_o uncircumcised_a profane_a and_o earthly_a concupiscence_n love_n and_o passion_n eye_n god_n as_o your_o centre_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o happiness_n and_o full_a conformity_n to_o he_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o then_o say_v awake_v arise_v o_o my_o soul_n and_o hide_v not_o thy_o hand_n in_o thy_o bosom_n but_o throw_v thyself_o into_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n lay_v hold_v upon_o eternal_a life_n again_o observe_v how_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n pursue_v their_o several_a perfection_n with_o unwearied_a and_o impatient_a long_n and_o say_v come_v my_o soul_n and_o do_v thou_o likewise_o converse_v not_o with_o god_n so_o much_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o law_n giver_n but_o as_o with_o love_n itself_o nor_o with_o his_o command_n as_o have_v authority_n in_o they_o but_o as_o have_v goodness_n and_o life_n and_o sweetness_n in_o they_o again_o consider_v your_o poverty_n as_o creature_n and_o how_o utter_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o yourselves_o and_o say_v arise_v o_o my_o soul_n from_o off_o this_o weak_a and_o totter_a foundation_n and_o build_v thyself_o up_o in_o god_n cease_v pinch_v thyself_o within_o the_o strait_n of_o self-sufficiency_n and_o come_v stretch_v thyself_o upon_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o fullness_n again_o poor_a not_o upon_o your_o attainment_n do_v not_o sit_v brood_v upon_o your_o present_a accomplishment_n but_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o say_v awake_v o_o my_o soul_n there_o be_v yet_o infinite_o much_o more_o in_o god_n pursue_v after_o he_o for_o it_o till_o thou_o have_v get_v as_o much_o as_o a_o create_v be_v be_v capable_a to_o receive_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o a_o word_n take_v heed_n you_o live_v not_o by_o the_o low_a example_n which_o thing_n keep_v many_o in_o a_o dwindle_a state_n all_o their_o day_n but_o by_o the_o high_a read_v over_o the_o spouse_n her_o temper_n sick_a of_o love_n david_n temper_n wait_v for_o god_n more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n break_v in_o heart_n for_o the_o longing_n that_o he_o have_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v arise_v o_o my_o soul_n and_o live_v as_o high_a as_o the_o high_a it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o holy_a as_o happy_a as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o o_o my_o soul_n open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o fill_v thou_o chap._n vi_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o last_a and_o persevere_v principle_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n prove_v by_o several_a scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o perseverance_n assign_v first_o negative_o it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o absolute_a inamissability_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o creature_n nor_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n freewill_n second_o affirmative_o the_o grace_n of_o election_n can_v fail_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n be_v neither_o suspend_v nor_o violate_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v everlasting_a the_o mediator_n of_o this_o covenant_n live_v for_o ever_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o immutable_a the_o righteousness_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o messiab_n everlasting_a a_o objection_n answer_v concern_v a_o regenerate_a man_n willing_a his_o own_o apostasy_n a_o objection_n answer_v draw_v from_o the_o fall_v of_o saint_n in_o scripture_n as_o also_o from_o those_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o imply_v a_o man_n fall_v away_o a_o discovery_n of_o counterfeit_a religion_n and_o the_o shameful_a apostasy_n of_o false_a professor_n a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o holy_a diligence_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o doctrine_n the_o rather_o that_o we_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o that_o false_o affirm_v that_o the_o same_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o true_a godliness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o property_n of_o true_a religion_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o perseverance_n of_o it_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n shall_v be_v this_o proposition_n true_a religion_n be_v a_o last_a and_o persevere_v principle_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n that_o their_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o early_a dew_n that_o soon_o pass_v away_o hos_fw-la 6._o 4._o but_o that_o principle_n of_o true_a goodness_n which_o god_n plant_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o well_o of_o water_n evermore_o send_v forth_o fresh_a stream_n and_o incessant_o spring_v up_o towards_o god_n himself_o our_o saviour_n compare_v hypocritical_a professor_n to_o seed_v sow_o upon_o stony_a ground_n that_o spring_v up_o
of_o prayer_n faith_n can_v pray_v without_o word_n but_o the_o most_o elegant_a word_n the_o phrase_n of_o angel_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v prayer_n without_o faith_n i_o speak_v not_o so_o much_o of_o faith_n indite_v a_o prayer_n or_o give_v life_n to_o it_o as_o of_o its_o be_v virtual_o prayer_n if_o not_o something_o more_o for_o indeed_o faith_n be_v a_o real_a bring_v down_o of_o that_o god_n and_o suck_v in_o of_o those_o influence_n into_o the_o soul_n which_o prayer_n only_o look_v up_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o continual_a fast_o it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a and_o most_o excellent_a way_n of_o fast_v whereby_o the_o soul_n empty_v itself_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o self-fullness_n selfsufficiency_n selfconfidence_n receive_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o be_v fill_v therewith_o a_o soul_n commune_v right_o with_o god_n be_v a_o soul_n empty_v of_o and_o as_o it_o be_v fast_v from_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a way_n of_o fast_v it_o be_v a_o continual_a thanksgiving_n and_o indeed_o the_o best_a way_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o world_n to_o render_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n pure_o and_o entire_o to_o reflect_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a and_o godlike_a temper_n be_v a_o real_a and_o live_a thank-offering_n this_o be_v that_o haleluia_o so_o much_o speak_v of_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o glory_n do_v sing_v perpetual_o what_o other_o adjunct_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v this_o communion_n of_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v a_o constant_a and_o most_o excellent_a celebration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v real_o baptise_a into_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o feed_v upon_o god_n and_o be_v one_o with_o he_o keep_v a_o continual_a sacrament_n without_o which_o the_o sacramental_a eat_n and_o drink_v be_v but_o a_o jejune_n and_o dry_a devotion_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v it_o happy_a but_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v advance_v into_o the_o noble_a state_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o be_v true_o happy_a nay_o further_o i_o will_v add_v that_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v not_o only_o better_a than_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n but_o even_o better_o than_o all_o revelation_n evidence_n discovery_n that_o can_v be_v make_v or_o give_v to_o the_o soul_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la all_o that_o be_v from_o without_o a_o manifestation_n of_o god_n i._n e._n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o better_a than_o such_o a_o manifestation_n as_o moses_n have_v of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o cleave_a of_o the_o rock_n exod._n 34._o many_o think_v oh_o if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o fin_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n they_o shall_v be_v happy_a why_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o if_o you_o have_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o you_o be_v the_o belove_a child_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n have_v a_o angel_n send_v from_o god_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v belove_v and_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n as_o his_o mother_n mary_n have_v yet_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o these_o for_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o make_v a_o soul_n happy_a without_o real_a communion_n with_o god_n but_o communion_n with_o god_n can_v and_o do_v make_v a_o soul_n happy_a without_o these_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o suppose_v i_o may_v apply_v that_o famous_a speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o way_n of_o allusion_n it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v to_o give_v up_o one_o self_n one_o heart_n will_n interest_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n than_o to_o receive_v any_o external_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n from_o he_o why_o do_v we_o so_o earnest_o seek_v after_o sign_n from_o without_o we_o of_o god_n presence_n with_o we_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o or_o more_o desirable_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o emanuel_n god_n with_o we_o or_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v christ_n in_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n he_o that_o desire_v any_o other_o evidence_n of_o grace_n but_o more_o grace_n do_v not_o only_o light_v up_o a_o candle_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n by_o but_o indeed_o he_o act_v like_o one_o that_o think_v there_o be_v something_o better_a than_o god_n himself_o though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o do_v think_v so_o who_o be_v covetous_a of_o such_o manifestation_n but_o this_o i_o will_v say_v and_o you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o chew_v upon_o it_o that_o holy_a long_n after_o a_o true_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n do_v certain_o spring_v from_o a_o divine_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n whereas_o a_o thirst_n after_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o reconciliation_n of_o our_o person_n with_o he_o may_v be_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o self-love_n and_o interest_n let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a you_o know_v who_o wish_v it_o be_v 7._o though_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v concern_v the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n affection_n and_o motion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v god_n spread_v his_o influence_n and_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o their_o mutual_a spend_v of_o themselves_o upon_o he_o and_o conform_v to_o he_o yet_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o chief_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n be_v love_v and_o believe_v love_n be_v the_o join_n and_o knit_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n faith_n be_v the_o soul_n labour_v after_o more_o intimate_a conjunction_n with_o he_o a_o suck_a in_o influence_n from_o he_o and_o participation_n of_o he_o into_o the_o soul_n we_o may_v say_v that_o faith_n fetch_v in_o supply_n from_o heaven_n and_o love_n enjoy_v they_o faith_n suck_v in_o sweetness_n and_o virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o love_n feed_v upon_o it_o certain_o these_o two_o eminent_a grace_n grow_v and_o live_v and_o thrive_v together_o and_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o distinguish_v they_o or_o to_o assign_v to_o each_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o seem_v mutual_o to_o act_v and_o to_o be_v mutual_o act_v by_o each_o other_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o this_o mystery_n when_o he_o speak_v so_o doubtful_o gal._n 5._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n may_v be_v translate_v either_o faith_n act_v by_o love_n or_o faith_n act_v by_o love_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perfect_a communion_n which_o we_o call_v glory_n love_n shall_v abide_v and_o flourish_v more_o abundant_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o room_n for_o faith_n there_o not_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o have_v the_o great_a part_n in_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o easy_a nor_o indeed_o needful_a to_o determine_v the_o godly_a soul_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a temple_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v according_a to_o that_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o jachin_n and_o boaz_n the_o two_o great_a pillar_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o temple_n take_v away_o these_o and_o it_o remain_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o remain_v a_o temple_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o word_n these_o two_o be_v the_o soul_n principal_a handmaid_n which_o she_o use_v about_o this_o bless_a guest_n faith_n go_v out_o and_o bring_v he_o in_o and_o love_n entertain_v he_o by_o faith_n she_o find_v he_o who_o she_o seek_v and_o by_o love_n she_o kiss_v he_o who_o she_o find_v as_o the_o spouse_n be_v describe_v cant._n 8._o 1._o 8._o the_o communion_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o the_o godly_a soul_n be_v altogether_o different_a from_o that_o communion_n that_o be_v between_o creature_n here_o i_o may_v show_v you_o how_o it_o exceed_v and_o excel_v that_o in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n nor_o indeed_o upon_o any_o of_o those_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o save_v only_o upon_o this_o one_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v between_o creature_n and_o creature_n be_v perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o so_o consequent_o give_v mutual_a satisfaction_n i_o mean_v it_o terminate_v the_o expectation_n so_o that_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o they_o more_o than_o what_o be_v enjoy_v the_o creature_n be_v shallow_a and_o soon_o fathom_v we_o soon_o come_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o
of_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a rule_n and_o therefore_o wicked_a man_n who_o pitch_v upon_o other_o object_n and_o walk_v by_o other_o law_n even_o the_o lust_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o own_o flesh_n and_o fancy_n be_v proper_o stranger_n to_o god_n and_o miserable_a he_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o know_v god_n who_o have_v a_o notion_n of_o he_o form_v in_o his_o head_n but_o he_o who_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v mould_v into_o a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o a_o delight_n in_o he_o so_o that_o a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o tremble_v as_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o devil_n yet_o not_o love_v nor_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a not_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o image_n as_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a perfection_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o darkness_n this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o though_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o interpretative_o and_o real_o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n with_o they_o in_o job_n 21._o 14._o these_o do_v real_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v real_o though_o not_o audible_o say_v with_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 19_o 14._o we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o however_o man_n pretend_v to_o and_o boast_v of_o their_o relation_n to_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n certain_o all_o that_o live_v a_o mere_a sensual_a life_n non-conformists'_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o non-communion_n with_o he_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o 2._o the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o noble_a life_n in_o the_o world_n it_o exceed_v the_o life_n of_o all_o other_o man_n even_o of_o the_o great_a of_o man_n the_o character_n that_o be_v here_o give_v of_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n or_o indeed_o of_o any_o creature_n it_o be_v the_o high_a glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o such_o be_v the_o description_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o make_v of_o the_o godly_a man_n what_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a reproach_n be_v that_o which_o this_o wicked_a world_n do_v cast_v upon_o religion_n call_v it_o a_o low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o upon_o religious_a and_o godly_a man_n call_v they_o low_o spirit_v puny_a people_n can_v a_o man_n be_v better_o spirit_v than_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v any_o thing_n more_o true_o ennoble_v a_o soul_n than_o a_o divine_a nature_n can_v a_o man_n be_v raise_v any_o high_a than_o unto_o heaven_n itself_o so_o noble_a be_v the_o godly_a soul_n prov._n 15._o 24._o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o consequent_o all_o wicked_a man_n lead_v a_o low_a life_n and_o be_v bind_v under_o chain_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n the_o righteous_a man_n be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o divine_a original_n bear_v of_o god_n bear_v from_o above_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n than_o any_o of_o his_o neighbour_n even_o a_o king_n himself_o be_v judge_n prov._n 12._o 26._o what_o a_o hellish_a baseness_n be_v that_o sinful_a gallantry_n of_o spirit_n what_o a_o brutishness_n be_v that_o sensuality_n of_o live_v which_o the_o degenerate_a son_n of_o adam_n do_v so_o much_o magnify_v true_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o spirit_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o supreme_a good_a the_o infinite_a pattern_n of_o all_o perfection_n what_o excellent_a person_n be_v those_o renown_a saint_n of_o old_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a heb._n 11._o 38._o however_o they_o be_v think_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n what_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n of_o true_a christian_a valour_n patience_n meekness_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o self-denial_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o bless_a apostle_n however_o they_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o filth_n and_o sweep_n of_o the_o world_n the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n to_o which_o of_o the_o noble_a wise_a mighty_a man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o such_o do_v god_n ever_o say_v these_o as_o the_o man_n that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o i_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o lead_v a_o noble_a and_o divine_a life_n no_o no_o not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v they_o be_v make_v more_o noble_a than_o ever_o they_o be_v by_o birth_n or_o descent_n by_o place_n of_o preferment_n or_o command_n the_o life_n of_o every_o wicked_a man_n of_o what_o rank_n or_o size_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o low_a life_n a_o life_n in_o most_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o very_a beast_n with_o he_o if_o the_o main_a of_o his_o business_n and_o delight_n be_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o sleep_v and_o enjoy_v sensual_a pleasure_n what_o do_v he_o what_o enjoy_v he_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o the_o life_n of_o the_o mean_a soul_n that_o have_v true_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o life_n common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o bless_a angel_n those_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n the_o flower_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o life_n which_o have_v self_n for_o its_o centre_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o penurious_a and_o indeed_o a_o painful_a life_n for_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n possible_o feed_v to_o the_o full_a upon_o such_o spare_a diet_n such_o scant_a fare_n as_o it_o find_v at_o home_n nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o torture_n while_o it_o stretch_v itself_o upon_o a_o selfsufficiency_n or_o creature-fulness_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o commensurate_n to_o it_o but_o the_o soul_n that_o right_o stretch_v and_o spend_v all_o its_o faculty_n upon_o the_o infinite_a and_o bless_a god_n find_v all_o its_o capacity_n fill_v up_o to_o the_o brim_n with_o that_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o itself_o perfect_o match_v with_o a_o suitable_a and_o satisfactory_a object_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a nobleness_n of_o spirit_n when_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o this_o immortal_a soul_n be_v exalt_v and_o advance_v into_o a_o true_a and_o vital_a sympathy_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o chief_a good_a form_v according_a to_o his_o will_n conform_v to_o his_o image_n and_o oh_o that_o wisdom_n may_v be_v more_o justify_v of_o her_o child_n oh_o that_o the_o life_n of_o god_n do_v but_o clear_o manifest_v itself_o and_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o life_n of_o they_o that_o call_v themselves_o godly_a alas_o that_o ever_o god_n himself_o shall_v suffer_v reproach_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o low-spiritedness_a and_o laziness_n of_o his_o servant_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v religion_n evil_a speak_v of_o the_o lord_n awaken_v and_o ennoble_v we_o to_o express_v and_o show_v forth_o the_o divine_a life_n with_o all_o power_n and_o vigour_n to_o live_v as_o high_a as_o the_o call_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v and_o so_o roll_v away_o this_o reproach_n 3._o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o a_o heavy_a sluggish_a thing_n but_o active_a and_o vigorous_a as_o the_o phrase_n communion_n with_o god_n import_v religion_n be_v a_o communication_n of_o life_n and_o vigour_n from_o he_o who_o be_v life_n itself_o which_o make_v the_o true_o godlike_a soul_n to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a in_o its_o motion_n every_o thing_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o swift_a and_o strong_a in_o its_o motion_n by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o it_o be_v to_o its_o centre_n as_o philosophy_n tell_v we_o certain_o by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o any_o man_n be_v get_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o soul_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v he_o covet_v after_o more_o intimate_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o more_o eager_o lie_v hold_v upon_o he_o communion_n do_v necessary_o imply_v reaction_n or_o reflection_n the_o soul_n that_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o his_o fullness_n will_v certain_o be_v empty_v itself_o into_o he_o again_o communion_n in_o the_o very_a force_n of_o the_o phrase_n imply_v a_o mutualness_n we_o can_v suppose_v a_o soul_n partake_v of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o mutual_o render_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o again_o there_o can_v be_v no_o commerce_n nor_o correspondence_n without_o return_n but_o what_o return_n can_v the_o godly_a soul_n make_v unto_o
finite_a can_v grasp_v a_o finite_a be_v and_o enjoy_v it_o as_o i_o may_v say_v all_o at_o once_o a_o man_n may_v come_v so_o near_o to_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o can_v come_v no_o near_o enjoy_v he_o as_o full_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v or_o the_o other_o to_o be_v enjoy_v create_a sweetness_n may_v be_v exhaust_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n but_o the_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o give_v it_o any_o such_o satisfaction_n though_o indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o give_v a_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o much_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a kind_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v satisfy_v that_o be_v not_o terminate_v and_o fill_v up_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v very_o sweet_a but_o it_o also_o admit_v of_o hope_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a for_o where_o there_o be_v yet_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o hope_n there_o be_v no_o full_a or_o satisfactory_a enjoyment_n this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o certain_a note_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o glut_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o will_v certain_o manifest_v itself_o in_o incessant_a hungring_n inter_fw-la opes_fw-la inops_fw-la the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o yet_o cry_v out_o as_o if_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v for_o want_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o temper_n of_o some_o perfectionist_n who_o cry_v down_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n as_o low_a and_o unprofitable_a rudiment_n and_o boast_v of_o their_o full_a and_o inaccessionable_a attainment_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n who_o do_v not_o reckon_v that_o he_o have_v attain_v but_o still_o follow_v after_o that_o he_o may_v apprehend_v who_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3._o 12_o 13_o 14._o i_o be_o ready_a to_o cry_v out_o aut_fw-la hic_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la apostolus_fw-la aut_fw-la hi_o non_fw-la sunt_fw-la apostolici_fw-la but_o a_o apostle_n he_o be_v and_o have_v very_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o lord_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v allow_v these_o man_n so_o high_a a_o place_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o though_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v ever_o grasp_a yet_o it_o can_v never_o comprehend_v and_o yet_o the_o soul_n find_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o so_o can_v cease_v grasp_a he_o neither_o the_o godly_a soul_n see_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o much_o more_o to_o be_v enjoy_v of_o god_n and_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v very_o near_o to_o he_o yet_o cry_v out_o and_o complain_v of_o its_o distance_n from_o he_o oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o he_o though_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o yet_o it_o belong_v to_o be_v yet_o more_o one_o with_o he_o still_o to_o be_v in_o a_o close_a conjunction_n the_o godly_a soul_n forget_v with_o paul_n what_o it_o have_v receive_v not_o through_o disingenuity_n and_o unthankfulness_n but_o through_o a_o holy_a ardour_n and_o covetousness_n all_o that_o he_o have_v of_o god_n seem_v little_a because_o there_o be_v yet_o so_o much_o to_o be_v have_v though_o the_o godly_a soul_n do_v drink_v of_o the_o fountain_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o it_o will_v lie_v down_o by_o it_o though_o it_o do_v lie_v down_o by_o it_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v not_o satisfy_v neither_o except_o it_o may_v bathe_v itself_o and_o even_o be_v swallow_v up_o therein_o behold_v a_o paradox_n the_o godly_a soul_n be_v most_o thirsty_a though_o according_a to_o christ_n promise_n it_o thirst_v no_o more_o it_o be_v most_o restless_a though_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n it_o have_v rest_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o to_o rest_v in_o his_o love_n for_o the_o creature_n can_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a rest_n not_o sloth_n or_o cessation_n but_o satisfaction_n faith_n be_v the_o fever_n of_o the_o soul_n render_v it_o more_o thirsty_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o drink_v in_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o live_a stream_n that_o flow_v forth_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb._n as_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n grow_v deep_a and_o deep_o ezek._n 47._o so_o hope_v which_o be_v the_o soul_n appetite_n grow_v large_a and_o large_a and_o can_v be_v satisfy_v till_o the_o soul_n capacity_n be_v fill_v up_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n be_v thus_o brief_o dispatch_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o infer_v some_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o corolary_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o three_o only_a among_o many_o 1._o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v stranger_n to_o god_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o god_n according_a to_o his_o infinite_a essence_n be_v present_a with_o all_o his_o creature_n not_o only_o man_n but_o even_a devil_n too_o have_v their_o be_v in_o he_o he_o have_v spread_v his_o omnipotence_n as_o the_o foundation_n whereupon_o the_o whole_a creation_n do_v stand_v he_o rear_v up_o the_o world_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o he_o it_o do_v subsist_v at_o this_o day_n however_o angel_n and_o man_n have_v sad_o fall_v from_o god_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o live_v in_o he_o still_o and_o although_o all_o wicked_a soul_n do_v straggle_v off_o from_o god_n as_o to_o their_o disposition_n and_o affection_n engraft_v themselves_o into_o another_o stock_n by_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o they_o can_v possible_o straggle_v from_o he_o as_o to_o their_o subsistence_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o athenian_a philosopher_n act._n 17._o 27._o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o though_o few_o feel_v after_o he_o or_o find_v he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o some_o sense_n that_o all_o the_o creature_n yea_o the_o very_a worst_a of_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o god_n all_o partake_v of_o he_o no_o creature_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o real_o distinct_a from_o he_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o be_v have_v a_o relation_n to_o that_o infinite_a and_o supreme_a be_v and_o every_o live_a thing_n may_v be_v right_o say_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o who_o be_v life_n itself_o and_o all_o those_o several_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n be_v efflux_n from_o god_n who_o have_v derive_v various_a print_n of_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n upon_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v god_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o communicate_v of_o himself_o thereunto_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o look_v into_o the_o world_n do_v not_o view_v any_o creature_n in_o the_o narrow_a point_n of_o its_o own_o be_v but_o in_o the_o unbounded_a essence_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o love_n and_o admire_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n god_n have_v coppy_v out_o his_o divine_a perfection_n more_o clear_o and_o glorious_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n god_n can_v not_o make_v a_o rational_a soul_n without_o communicate_v of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n life_n freedom_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o any_o one_o man_n than_o in_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n notwithstanding_o this_o wicked_a man_n be_v stranger_n to_o god_n they_o live_v and_o move_v in_o god_n indeed_o but_o they_o know_v it_o not_o they_o consider_v it_o not_o they_o act_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o no_o relation_n to_o he_o though_o they_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o creature_n yet_o this_o make_v they_o not_o at_o all_o happy_a for_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o god_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o disposition_n they_o have_v degenerate_v from_o that_o subserviency_n and_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 4._o 18._o it_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n move_v in_o god_n that_o make_v it_o true_o and_o happy_o nigh_o unto_o he_o but_o its_o move_a towards_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n