contrary_a and_o in_o enmity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v strong_o by_o use_v all_o diligent_a watchfulness_n or_o else_o it_o will_v deceive_v thou_o by_o its_o subtlety_n &_o will_v seduce_v thou_o to_o a_o turn_n aside_o although_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o gentle_a unto_o the._n submit_v thyself_o to_o suffering_n that_o thou_o may_v with_o a_o ready_a mind_n bear_v whatsoever_o be_v grievous_a burdensome_a and_o tedious_a and_o endure_v even_o to_o the_o end_n and_o in_o this_o daily_a cross_n possess_v thy_o soul_n with_o patience_n let_v not_o the_o length_n of_o time_n be_v irksome_a to_o thou_o offer_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n thy_o carnal_a mind_n opportune_o for_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o must_v at_o last_o be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o lord_n either_o soon_o or_o late_a endeavour_v this_o sedulous_o viz._n to_o give_v up_o free_o to_o the_o lord_n thy_o flesh_n and_o blood_n thy_o soul_n and_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v do_v with_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n so_o as_o thou_o may_v never_o hereafter_o find_v any_o contradiction_n in_o thyself_o about_o these_o but_o that_o christ_n alone_o may_v be_v in_o thou_o thy_o will_n life_n and_o sole_a governor_n the_o lord_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o all_o i_o pray_v thou_o give_v my_o hearty_a commendation_n to_o a._n the_o wife_n of_o thy_o brother_n and_o give_v she_o this_o letter_n to_o read_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o stir_v she_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n whereby_o she_o may_v with_o a_o heart_n prepare_v endure_v she_o many_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o willing_o to_o accept_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o from_o he_o who_o by_o these_o mean_n strive_v to_o chasten_v and_o to_o purify_v she_o so_o that_o she_o also_o beware_v that_o she_o be_v not_o ensnare_v by_o any_o sin_n but_o will_v strict_o observe_v her_o life_n viz._n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o yea_o also_o let_v she_o learn_v to_o sustain_v willing_o what_o he_o shall_v lay_v upon_o she_o that_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o sharp_a or_o sour_a may_v at_o last_o become_v sweeten_v to_o she_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o she_o herself_o at_o length_n may_v remain_v whole_o yield_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o i_o recommend_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v advance_v both_o thou_o and_o all_o of_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v become_v his_o live_a sacrifice_n and_o sweet_a savour_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o our_o labour_n may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o may_v daily_o increase_v with_o fruitbearing_a epist._n x._o a_o brief_a information_n how_o a_o man_n who_o begin_v with_o zeal_n be_v use_v to_o be_v lead_v through_o continual_a suffering_n and_o conflict_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o fruit_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v forth_o from_o those_o dolour_n to_o his_o sister_n a._n my_o most_o belove_a sister_n that_o all_o may_v be_v well_o with_o thou_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o desire_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n and_o thy_o further_a growth_n in_o he_o do_v very_o great_o rejoice_v i_o for_o although_o in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n many_o new_a thing_n be_v here_o and_o there_o produce_v from_o multiply_v discord_n one_o show_v this_o and_o another_o that_o way_n by_o all_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o be_v disturb_v and_o they_o be_v disquiet_v contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o godliness_n yet_o god_n have_v prepare_v a_o eminent_a glory_n for_o they_o who_o with_o a_o valiant_a mind_n do_v break_v through_o these_o thing_n also_o because_o now_o a_o narrow_a way_n be_v propose_v then_o in_o time_n past_a therefore_o also_o a_o great_a grace_n be_v now_o apprehend_v to_o be_v in_o man_n for_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o strait_n and_o anxiety_n be_v get_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v unto_o man_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o god_n than_o a_o imaginary_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o in_o which_o it_o be_v well_o with_o a_o man_n and_o in_o which_o he_o live_v a_o quiet_a pleasant_a life_n free_a from_o any_o vexation_n of_o adversity_n misfortune_n and_o other_o mischief_n brief_o god_n be_v never_o far_o absent_v from_o we_o then_o when_o all_o thing_n happen_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o our_o own_o will_n and_o when_o we_o enjoy_v every_o where_o a_o prosperous_a success_n whereas_o strait_n misfortune_n a_o cross_n and_o a_o press_a need_n be_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o in_o matter_n great_a or_o small_a provide_v that_o in_o these_o evil_n we_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o with_o joy_n as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o we_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o captivity_n and_o chain_n do_v endeavour_n forthwith_o to_o put_v they_o off_o and_o to_o die_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n yet_o in_o we_o which_o stir_v we_o up_o either_o to_o sorrow_n or_o to_o joy_n so_o long_o be_v we_o bind_v and_o captivate_v to_o our_o own_o self_n and_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o nature_n now_o if_o we_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o first_o natural_a generation_n shall_v penetrate_v to_o the_o other_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o certain_o than_o no_o adversity_n misfortune_n injury_n yea_o nor_o fire_n nor_o sword_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v a_o relict_n of_o nature_n can_v overcome_v a_o man_n which_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o we_o for_o evil_a as_o the_o vulgar_a account_v they_o for_o evil_a for_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v account_v by_o he_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o the_o eternal_a glory_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o such_o a_o man_n nothing_o be_v sweet_a or_o more_o worthy_a his_o esteem_n than_o every_o adversity_n and_o injury_n wherewith_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v treat_v from_o other_o so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o of_o they_o be_v send_v he_o from_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o he_o will_v judge_v that_o he_o be_v propitious_a to_o he_o but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n require_v first_o before_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v first_o overwhelm_v by_o any_o adversity_n than_o we_o either_o throw_v the_o blame_n upon_o man_n or_o we_o complain_v that_o god_n do_v afflict_v we_o and_o this_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o we_o yet_o stick_v and_o lie_v in_o our_o sin_n because_o of_o which_o we_o be_v accuse_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o render_v enemy_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v lay_v aside_o whatsoever_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v unjust_a though_o they_o may_v seem_v never_o so_o small_a and_o we_o must_v go_v forward_o with_o a_o stout_a zeal_n so_o that_o we_o must_v both_o day_n and_o night_n fall_v down_o upon_o our_o face_n in_o prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o bestow_v on_o we_o free_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o consist_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n that_o afterward_o we_o be_v ourselves_o destroy_v may_v true_o die_v also_o that_o we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o upon_o ourselves_o by_o which_o at_o last_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o his_o own_o nought_o but_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o safe_a way_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v save_v my_o dear_a sister_n i_o have_v here_o in_o few_o word_n describe_v to_o thou_o the_o type_n only_o or_o the_o picture_n and_o shadow_n of_o that_o fruit_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o cross_n yet_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o to_o apprehend_v it_o with_o a_o right_a faith_n thou_o thyself_o will_v seek_v it_o proper_o as_o from_o thy_o own_o experience_n but_o before_o thou_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o such_o great_a advantage_n to_o thou_o thou_o will_v feel_v certain_o many_o adversity_n and_o misery_n and_o it_o will_v behoove_v the_o to_o cut_v off_o many_o of_o thy_o accommodation_n that_o so_o thou_o will_v behold_v no_o body_n else_o but_o look_n at_o thy_o own_o self_n for_o it_o behoove_v thou_o to_o find_v salvation_n in_o thy_o own_o self_n and_o so_o also_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v experiment_n of_o die_a for_o thyself_o he_o that_o be_v honest_a without_o himself_o he_o also_o be_v save_v without_o himself_o and_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o stand_v always_o in_o need_n
desire_n as_o also_o that_o i_o place_v more_o confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n then_o in_o my_o own_o letter_n be_v fix_v in_o this_o firm_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o that_o he_o will_v apply_v a_o remedy_n to_o all_o distraction_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o that_o he_o will_v thrust_v they_o all_o under_o his_o obedience_n for_o even_o as_o i_o myself_o according_a to_o my_o simple_a way_n do_v confide_v in_o the_o lord_n alone_o in_o all_o my_o necessity_n wait_v for_o help_v from_o he_o only_o so_o also_o i_o judge_v the_o like_a of_o thou_o with_o firm_a belief_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v out_o of_o his_o compassion_n behold_v and_o look_v upon_o thy_o case_n and_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o trouble_n of_o heart_n although_o this_o thy_o state_n may_v press_v thou_o to_o so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_a and_o fervent_a and_o more_o continual_a call_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o a_o great_a abode_n in_o his_o fear_n because_o else_o it_o a_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o that_o all_o labour_n glory_n cogitation_n fruit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o have_v communion_n therewith_o do_v all_o at_o last_o together_o tend_v to_o eternal_a destruction_n nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o hope_n of_o life_n be_v firm_o fix_v to_o eternity_n for_o death_n and_o a_o eternal_a blot_n out_o do_v pass_v upon_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v without_o god_n but_o the_o faithful_a and_o merciful_a god_n will_v have_v compassion_n on_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v subject_v to_o his_o chastisement_n with_o a_o continual_a meditation_n on_o the_o divine_a judgement_n under_o which_o it_o behoove_v all_o flesh_n to_o tremble_v and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n alone_o that_o thus_o be_v yield_v up_o unto_o god_n we_o may_v be_v whole_o govern_v by_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n as_o it_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n grant_v this_o to_o thou_o which_o i_o wish_v from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o the_o lord_n also_o know_v that_o we_o may_v together_o remain_v give_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n o_o will_v to_o god_n that_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v always_o mindful_a of_o that_o misery_n destruction_n and_o eternal_a death_n which_o hang_v over_o all_o flesh_n and_o where_o it_o be_v true_o make_v manifest_a how_o far_o all_o joy_n be_v distant_a from_o we_o as_o also_o the_o pleasure_n in_o this_o earth_n together_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n pride_n and_o other_o vanity_n that_o be_v please_v to_o our_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o other_o motion_n tend_v thereunto_o nevertheless_o from_o the_o lord_n i_o always_o hope_v that_o which_o be_v best_a viz._n that_o it_o wilâ—_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o will_v purify_v we_o miserable_a creature_n even_o as_o gold_n be_v purge_v by_o the_o fire_n and_o that_o he_o will_v wash_v we_o from_o all_o impurity_n the_o lord_n grant_v that_o our_o familiarity_n which_o we_o have_v in_o divine_a love_n may_v not_o by_o these_o suffering_n be_v diminish_v or_o decrease_v but_o rather_o be_v comfirm_v by_o the_o divine_a benediction_n which_o be_v fertile_a in_o all_o who_o be_v patient_a and_o who_o in_o goliness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v constant_o persevere_v even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fight_n although_o they_o be_v vex_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o trial_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o grace_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o all_o that_o we_o may_v never_o but_o be_v proficient_o and_o serious_o and_o diligent_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o fear_n that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v more_o and_o more_o endow_v with_o his_o grace_n epist._n fourteen_o a_o brief_a instruction_n how_o any_o one_o may_v in_o due_a order_n arrive_v at_o regeneration_n and_o whence_o it_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n may_v have_v its_o original_a to_o the_o same_o person_n dearest_n n._n i_o can_v not_o withhold_v my_o hand_n but_o must_v send_v this_o letter_n to_o thou_o see_v i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o come_v unto_o thou_o therefore_o this_o epistle_n shall_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o my_o presence_n for_o i_o be_o whole_o persuade_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thy_o heart_n yea_o when_o not_o admonish_v by_o i_o will_v not_o yet_o be_v tire_v out_o of_o the_o continuance_n in_o the_o work_n begin_v and_o in_o the_o growth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n lest_o that_o any_o one_o haply_o shall_v disturb_v &_o confound_v thou_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o persuasion_n for_o to_o come_v at_o the_o very_a thing_n its_o self_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o many_o rule_n and_o exhortation_n search_v narrow_o into_o thy_o own_o self_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n for_o who_o sake_n thy_o conscience_n shall_v accuse_v thou_o than_o it_o concern_v thou_o to_o desist_v from_o that_o and_o to_o die_v thereunto_o this_o therefore_o be_v requlsit_fw-la that_o thou_o learn_v to_o examine_v thyself_o whether_o thou_o suffer_v any_o thing_n against_o thy_o will_n and_o with_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o indignation_n nor_o be_v thou_o willing_o subject_v with_o humility_n to_o all_o other_o for_o its_o necessary_a that_o in_o all_o resepect_n thou_o shall_v account_v of_o thyself_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o thy_o heart_n for_o the_o least_o and_o the_o most_o despicable_a and_o that_o thou_o willing_o submit_v thyself_o to_o every_o body_n yea_o to_o he_o that_o injure_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v endeavour_v this_o thou_o will_v soon_o find_v in_o thyself_o a_o great_a defect_n nor_o will_v thou_o willing_o perform_v that_o but_o will_v be_v move_v to_o indignation_n and_o to_o impatience_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v never_o look_v back_o and_o be_v subdue_a the_o flesh_n with_o a_o just_a and_o true_a zeal_n and_o will_v accomplish_v the_o root_n out_o from_o thyself_o the_o serpentine_a nature_n at_o length_n by_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o divine_a illumination_n thou_o shall_v find_v great_a grace_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o be_v need_n of_o great_a and_o accurate_a examination_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o all_o time_n both_o night_n and_o day_n to_o be_v call_v upon_o with_o a_o fervent_a mind_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v wisdom_n on_o thou_o to_o know_v thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o stain_n of_o nature_n even_o the_o most_o hide_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cure_v they_o diligent_o to_o renounce_v they_o and_o whole_o to_o die_v unto_o they_o for_o after_o that_o the_o flesh_n be_v wither_v and_o nature_n dead_a the_o new_a creature_n may_v at_o last_o be_v plant_v in_o thou_o who_o source_n be_v out_o and_o from_o god_n and_o not_o out_o and_o from_o man_n and_o the_o admonition_n of_o man_n nor_o out_o and_o from_o any_o external_a ceremonious_a rite_n for_o it_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o our_o spirit_n so_o also_o be_v all_o the_o true_a spiritual_a circumcision_n of_o all_o thing_n internal_a in_o our_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v also_o promise_v to_o we_o that_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o eternal_a god_n the_o saviour_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o we_o out_o of_o his_o own_o seed_n who_o shall_v abolish_v all_o enmity_n which_o still_o lie_v between_o god_n and_o the_o inward_a man_n himself_o and_o will_v eternal_o unite_v we_o with_o god_n and_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o our_o original_a which_o be_v god_n himself_o dearest_n n._n i_o shall_v indeed_o write_v more_o of_o this_o to_o thou_o for_o i_o further_a desire_n that_o thou_o will_v thyself_o set_v too_o thy_o hand_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o thou_o will_v get_v a_o live_a sense_n in_o thy_o heart_n of_o all_o these_o for_o in_o thy_o own_o self_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o true_a monitor_n who_o will_v more_o right_o than_o i_o can_v observe_v thy_o defect_n neglect_v he_o not_o but_o lend_v thy_o ear_n to_o his_o accusation_n and_o then_o forthwith_o will_v thereupon_o follow_v certain_o very_o notable_a advance_n also_o the_o lord_n who_o hear_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o who_o persevere_v will_v not_o reject_v thy_o prayer_n and_o tear_n but_o to_o all_o whatsoever_o thy_o heart_n press_v down_o with_o strait_n and_o grief_n propose_v to_o its_o self_n he_o will_v behold_v with_o merciful_a eye_n and_o succour_v thou_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o if_o sometime_o he_o may_v seem_v plain_o to_o have_v desert_v thou_o nor_o that_o he_o will_v ever_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n then_o do_v thou_o full_o believe_v that_o at_o this_o very_a time_n he_o be_v nigh_a unto_o thou_o that_o he_o may_v succour_v thou_o with_o his_o help_n
nature_n and_o possess_v and_o love_n and_o in_o which_o we_o live_v the_o power_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o all_o thing_n live_v but_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o difficulty_n by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a knowledge_n some_o have_v on_o this_o earth_n for_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o god_n and_o then_o all_o thing_n be_v shut_v up_o and_o end_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n unite_v we_o with_o himself_o who_o himself_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n old_a and_o new_a yet_o be_v he_o one_o and_o immutable_a void_a of_o all_o increase_n in_o himself_o though_o in_o the_o temporary_a creature_n he_o be_v know_v with_o increase_n and_o decrease_v as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o depart_v from_o temporariness_n so_o much_o be_v we_o unite_v with_o god_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o last_o and_o the_o first_o with_o a_o everlasting_a presence_n and_o in_o he_o all_o multiplication_n and_o substraction_n of_o time_n be_v take_v away_o and_o make_v coequal_a and_o all_o flesh_n which_o be_v spiritualise_v and_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o express_v itself_o in_o time_n do_v melt_v away_o before_o eternity_n the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o all_o as_o of_o one_o flesh_n that_o bid_v farewell_n to_o that_o shadow_n of_o time_n we_o may_v grow_v in_o his_o fear_n and_o let_v his_o name_n be_v more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a over_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o time_n and_o let_v our_o life_n perish_v and_o vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n even_o as_o in_o be_v evident_o do_v to_o all_o flesh_n together_o with_o which_o all_o thing_n do_v tend_v to_o corruption_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o ever_o spring_v from_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v deed_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v thought_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o who_o be_v godly_a for_o he_o with_o all_o his_o work_n be_v preserve_v and_o will_v grow_v and_o live_v to_o eternity_n because_o every_o appetite_n life_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v his_o tend_v to_o eternity_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o desire_n and_o scope_n of_o a_o worldly_a man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o flesh_n which_o alone_o do_v also_o move_v and_o direct_v he_o therefore_o the_o effect_n must_v perish_v with_o the_o cause_n as_o experience_n testify_v for_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v otherwise_o then_o be_v the_o root_n whence_o it_o be_v spring_v may_v our_o eternal_a saviour_n christ_n jesus_n purify_v we_o that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o true_a fruit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o his_o most_o abundant_a grace_n which_o god_n have_v rich_o pour_v forth_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v abide_v permanent_a in_o he_o amen_n epist._n xxviii_o be_v a_o most_o beautiful_a admonition_n very_o profitable_a as_o unto_o the_o death_n and_o departure_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o sick_a man._n i_o hearty_o salute_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n most_o dear_a n._n as_o to_o what_o concern_v thy_o disease_n i_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a lift_v up_o over_o thou_o for_o he_o by_o his_o discipline_n will_v lead_v and_o conserve_v we_o that_o no_o rottenness_n shall_v grow_v in_o we_o but_o that_o by_o his_o judgement_n we_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o impurity_n of_o nature_n breed_v with_o we_o and_o dead_a still_o lurk_v in_o we_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o dear_a n._n in_o that_o thy_o misery_n and_o disease_n which_o thou_o must_v bear_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o may_v he_o grant_v to_o thou_o true_a submission_n and_o yield_v up_o under_o his_o hand_n that_o with_o a_o bow_a heart_n thou_o may_v bear_v all_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n concern_v thy_o miserable_a self_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v lead_v in_o his_o way_n with_o perseverance_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o death_n of_o thy_o flesh_n whereby_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v from_o day_n to_o day_n more_o and_o more_o increase_n in_o thou_o and_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o die_a body_n moreover_o i_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v thy_o limb_n for_o his_o service_n so_o that_o if_o they_o become_v deficient_a as_o to_o nature_n which_o yet_o must_v be_v do_v by_o continue_a labour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o our_o essence_n may_v in_o time_n wax_v old_a and_o decrease_v yet_o through_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v raise_v again_o to_o a_o eternal_a and_o fresh-springing_a youth_n in_o god_n where_o no_o faint_a nor_o old_a age_n nor_o death_n can_v touch_v they_o the_o lord_n preserve_v we_o and_o his_o mercy_n be_v present_a with_o we_o in_o all_o our_o adversity_n lest_o perhaps_o that_o prove_v able_a to_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o way_n that_o our_o continue_a anxiety_n conjoin_v with_o the_o high_a danger_n to_o which_o in_o this_o combat_n we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o lest_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a nor_o draw_v we_o back_o but_o rather_o may_v fruitful_o promote_v we_o to_o a_o perpetual_a progression_n and_o success_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o divine_a benediction_n may_v thou_o remain_v recommend_v unto_o god_n who_o will_v free_v we_o out_o of_o this_o present_a dungeon_n of_o this_o temporary_a flesh_n and_o imbecility_n according_a to_o his_o own_o acceptable_a will_n will_v elevate_v we_o into_o the_o sublimity_n of_o eternity_n into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v the_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n epist._n xxix_o how_o a_o purify_a mind_n ought_v to_o bear_v without_o any_o commotion_n the_o fail_n of_o his_o neighbour_n with_o all_o patience_n to_o his_o brother_n d._n john_n w._n dear_a brother_n that_o that_o man_n be_v affect_v with_o such_o strait_n and_o with_o such_o grief_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o also_o must_v suffer_v together_o with_o he_o for_o in_o that_o that_o he_o be_v always_o subject_v to_o suffering_n nor_o can_v come_v at_o any_o peace_n be_v indeed_o not_o the_o work_n of_o man_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o great_a and_o eminent_a gift_n to_o endure_v the_o folly_n of_o another_o and_o to_o cover_v it_o over_o with_o a_o unvariable_a mind_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n for_o though_o we_o be_v undue_o use_v or_o handle_v by_o our_o neighbour_n yet_o in_o truth_n a_o purify_a heart_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v move_v by_o it_o but_o must_v always_o act_v according_a to_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v alone_o its_o aim_n for_o in_o that_o there_o arise_v no_o suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o although_o modest_a reason_n also_o may_v descend_v to_o make_v a_o excuse_n yet_o even_o all_o that_o too_o must_v be_v always_o do_v without_o any_o motion_n of_o mind_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o injury_n and_o trouble_n of_o no_o creature_n can_v move_v he_o because_o he_o remain_v confirm_v in_o that_o which_o be_v true_o immovable_a dear_a brother_n i_o therefore_o write_v thus_o that_o if_o that_o same_o trouble_n shall_v be_v reiterated_a thou_o may_v always_o have_v this_o aim_v fix_v in_o thy_o sight_n for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o creature_n the_o justice_n be_v on_o your_o part_n yet_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o remain_v always_o free_a without_o the_o use_n of_o this_o right_n otherwise_o there_o will_v arise_v a_o enmity_n from_o thence_o and_o a_o bitterness_n of_o heart_n for_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a overwhelm_v that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a with_o such_o a_o blindness_n that_o it_o plain_o seem_v to_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v some_o divine_a right_n whenas_o yet_o god_n can_v but_o love_n nor_o do_v he_o require_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o justice_n not_o as_o if_o i_o will_v willing_o lay_v some_o blame_n upon_o thou_o do_v i_o say_v thus_o but_o that_o thy_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v nor_o that_o any_o rule_n shall_v be_v want_v to_o thou_o if_o you_o behave_v yourself_o otherwise_o thou_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n except_o thou_o proceed_v with_o caution_n my_o brother_n strive_v to_o have_v a_o mind_n unmoved_a which_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o rather_o promote_v by_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o creature_n all_o thing_n to_o a_o just_a man_n turn_v to_o good_a whether_o it_o be_v death_n or_o life_n or_o dissension_n or_o love_n for_o such_o a_o one_o overlook_v the_o creature_n
shall_v fail_v i_o the_o lord_n prepare_v we_o all_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a for_o his_o work_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o see_v and_o judge_v ii_o my_o brother_n the_o condition_n of_o my_o body_n be_v tolerable_a as_o it_o always_o be_v but_o i_o remain_v unshaken_a in_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o trust_n or_o confidence_n of_o my_o life_n be_v so_o small_a by_o reason_n of_o want_n of_o strength_n in_o my_o limb_n that_o i_o can_v only_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o house_n with_o tremble_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o god_n true_a indeed_o i_o remain_v like_o other_o as_o to_o outward_a appearance_n but_o at_o heart_n and_o over_o my_o original_n and_o root_n of_o life_n there_o impend_v a_o judgement_n and_o by_o my_o unconsidered_a step_n through_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n it_o threaten_v a_o end_n and_o my_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o time_n such_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o my_o whole_a life_n way_n and_o conversation_n may_v the_o merciful_a father_n open_v the_o bowel_n of_o his_o paternal_a inclination_n to_o i_o a_o most_o wretched_a creature_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v i_o safe_a from_o the_o evil_a one_o and_o preserve_v we_o all_o by_o his_o eternal_a grace_n be_v mindful_a of_o forsake_a and_o for_o lorn_a i_o as_o my_o compassionate_a brother_n if_o perhaps_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v willing_a to_o exhibit_v his_o mercy_n to_o we_o iii_o my_o brother_n my_o accustom_a infirmity_n still_o remain_v as_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n will_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o promoter_n in_o his_o commiserate_a grace_n and_o may_v he_o preserve_v i_o and_o continue_v to_o hold_v i_o in_o his_o discipline_n under_o a_o suffer_a obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a will_n the_o cause_n why_o i_o have_v write_v no_o mere_a be_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o lord_n my_o writing_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o thou_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v operate_v by_o his_o own_o grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o all_o word_n and_o all_o writing_n may_v be_v separate_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o immense_a and_o glorious_a clatitude_n the_o lord_n keep_v and_o promote_v you_o all_o in_o his_o way_n under_o his_o fear_n and_o likewise_o we_o through_o all_o the_o time_n of_o our_o earthly_a combat_n and_o so_o i_o hearty_o salute_v you_o iv_o my_o brother_n as_o to_o what_o belong_v to_o my_o condition_n it_o still_o conflict_n with_o its_o usual_a and_o difficult_a disease_n so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v so_o please_v god_n he_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o justice_n put_v i_o down_o into_o this_o death_n of_o corruption_n and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n pluck_v i_o up_o again_o that_o i_o may_v wait_v for_o eternity_n which_o spring_v up_o from_o out_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o corruptible_a mortality_n may_v the_o lord_n free_o bestow_v on_o we_o all_o his_o mercy_n as_o with_o a_o long-suffering_a constancy_n we_o hope_v from_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v that_o with_o a_o heart_n prepare_v and_o submit_v we_o may_v receive_v all_o from_o his_o hand_n and_o may_v be_v lead_v through_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n herewith_o i_o recommend_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v lead_v we_o all_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o essence_n unto_o the_o true_a death_n in_o christ_n that_o he_o out_o of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d may_v build_v up_o a_o eternal_a life_n whiâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d never_o more_o be_v subject_v unto_o any_o 〈◊〉_d v._o my_o brother_n my_o condition_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v when_o you_o depart_v bâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d consideration_n thereof_o do_v shake_v alâ—_n 〈◊〉_d power_n into_o a_o tremble_a and_o a_o terâ—â—â—â—_n because_o of_o that_o evident_a death_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o lord_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o obscure_a cloud_n of_o death_n i_o have_v always_o before_o my_o eye_n even_o from_o that_o very_a time_n whâ—â—_n thou_o be_v with_o i_o the_o reason_n bâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d its_o beginning_n and_o of_o its_o end_n be_v whâ—â—_n hide_v from_o i_o the_o truth_n itself_o will_v bâ—â—â—â—_n itself_o forth_o in_o its_o own_o meaning_n and_o oâ—der_n as_o to_o my_o outward_a body_n which_o respect_v my_o disease_n i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o chanâ—â—â—_n but_o anguish_n have_v take_v full_a possession_n on_o all_o my_o faculty_n be_v thou_o recommend_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n vi_o my_o brother_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o poor_a wretch_n in_o this_o dangerous_a condition_n of_o this_o natural_a and_o mutable_a life_n who_o it_o behoove_v to_o be_v keep_v with_o believe_v under_o all_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o certainty_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o be_v whole_o destroy_v corrupt_a and_o annihilate_v that_o another_o 〈◊〉_d fruit_n may_v spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—ising_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n corruptible_a seed_n the_o lord_n grant_v to_o we_o his_o salvation_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v adore_v or_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n even_o as_o he_o himself_o desire_v vii_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n help_v we_o all_o and_o free_v we_o from_o our_o error_n in_o his_o own_o time_n for_o i_o poor_a wretch_n do_v suffer_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v bear_v his_o judgement_n upon_o i_o as_o long_o as_o this_o carnal_a spirit_n in_o this_o my_o die_a nature_n still_o breathe_v may_v the_o eternal_a and_o merciful_a god_n appear_v to_o i_o by_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o to_o we_o all_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o his_o own_o will_n viii_o my_o brother_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o deliverer_n in_o my_o necessity_n and_o will_v confirm_v i_o in_o his_o grace_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n my_o brother_n i_o be_o willing_a thou_o shall_v know_v that_o my_o body_n can_v possible_o endure_v any_o long_o this_o immense_a misery_n without_o die_v god_n assist_v i_o in_o my_o suffering_n to_o the_o last_o and_o receive_v i_o into_o his_o eternal_a rest_n my_o weakness_n be_v great_a all_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n thy_o brother_n in_o the_o high_a strait_n the_o most_o wretched_a in_o the_o lord_n m._n w._n to_o his_o sister_n the_o nine_o day_n before_o his_o death_n dear_a sister_n whilst_o i_o be_o write_v this_o i_o be_o so_o order_v that_o i_o can_v write_v no_o more_o my_o dear_a sister_n be_v mindful_a of_o thy_o young_a brother_n and_o of_o his_o wife_n and_o small_a child_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o most_o advance_a and_o help_v as_o the_o time_n may_v need_v my_o most_o belove_a sister_n i_o be_o in_o the_o high_a content_n in_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o by_o his_o grace_n do_v bid_v the_o farewell_n with_o this_o my_o die_a hand_n being_n according_a to_o the_o will_n god_n bind_v in_o so_o short_a a_o chain_n as_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n grant_v peace_n to_o our_o belove_a brother_n and_o sister_n and_o now_o i_o turn_v i_o to_o my_o present_a call_n viz._n to_o that_o eternal_a peace_n through_o the_o death_n of_o my_o flesh_n which_o now_o hasten_v itself_o to_o its_o end_n and_o now_o my_o most_o belove_a sister_n behold_v my_o die_a salutation_n and_o my_o last_o farewell_n to_o thou_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o heart_n wherewith_o salute_v thou_o as_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n thy_o brother_n m._n w._n 16_o april_n 1560._o he_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n 25_o april_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1560._o and_o of_o his_o own_o age_n the_o 39_o the_o end_n
try_v how_o it_o will_v be_v to_o be_v distract_v and_o draw_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o a_o waver_a kind_n of_o zeal_n nor_o ever_o to_o get_v free_a from_o accusation_n of_o that_o sort_n and_o much_o less_o to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n of_o mind_n but_o to_o be_v always_o vex_v and_o torment_v with_o anxious_a thought_n of_o heart_n partly_o through_o the_o so_o often_o repeat_v pang_n and_o prick_v of_o conscience_n inward_o and_o partly_o by_o the_o unspeakable_a hot_a zeal_n of_o the_o many_o contender_n about_o the_o truth_n outward_o they_o become_v wrack_v in_o so_o miserable_a a_o manner_n that_o at_o the_o last_o they_o grow_v whole_o ignorant_a which_o way_n to_o take_v or_o turn_v themselves_o for_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v still_o hold_v captive_a in_o himself_o by_o any_o kind_n of_o iniquity_n whatsoever_o and_o be_v in_o the_o inward_o of_o his_o soul_n private_o accuse_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o due_a heed_n thereunto_o be_v ignorant_a how_o he_o may_v get_v free_a therefrom_o and_o study_v and_o endeavour_v what_o he_o can_v to_o defend_v it_o either_o by_o scripture-saying_n or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n which_o still_o hold_v he_o in_o this_o error_n nor_o yet_o be_v he_o for_o all_o this_o free_v from_o it_o in_o his_o mind_n his_o conscience_n all_o this_o while_n free_o prompt_v and_o tell_v he_o whether_o he_o do_v well_o or_o ill_a and_o notwithstanding_o he_o endeavour_v to_o pacify_v his_o conscience_n by_o these_o or_o such_o like_a way_n yet_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o this_o his_o labour_n be_v lose_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v that_o this_o same_o secret_a accusation_n and_o lay_v of_o blame_n upon_o he_o before_o his_o judge_n will_v never_o give_v over_o or_o cease_v in_o this_o point_n therefore_o let_v every_o one_o try_v himself_o and_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o flatter_v himself_o with_o sugar_a word_n for_o the_o day_n will_v manifest_v all_o thing_n whether_o we_o be_v willing_a or_o not_o yea_o all_o whatever_n we_o now_o glad_o hide_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o yet_o do_v deny_v and_o disow_v they_o if_o therefore_o we_o say_v i_o confess_v my_o fault_n i_o confess_v myself_o to_o be_v as_o miserable_a and_o as_o perverse_a a_o sinful_a man_n as_o can_v be_v find_v any_o where_o go_v to_o then_o let_v we_o endeavour_v that_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v account_v sinner_n be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v turn_v from_o all_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o bare_a confession_n of_o sin_n make_v no_o man_n innocent_a but_o the_o very_a root_n out_o of_o sin_n for_o as_o long_o as_o any_o man_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o iniquity_n or_o perverse_a action_n yet_o remain_v even_o so_o long_o be_v it_o that_o he_o be_v still_o in_o bondage_n nor_o be_v his_o sin_n forgive_v he_o it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v quite_o extirpate_v all_o such_o and_o after_o the_o accusation_n thereof_o be_v make_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o execute_v the_o sentence_n that_o he_o may_v for_o ever_o die_v to_o that_o unrighteousness_n insomuch_o as_o that_o there_o be_v leave_v in_o he_o no_o such_o purpose_n of_o ever_o do_v again_o any_o the_o like_a iniquity_n so_o that_o all_o be_v thus_o bring_v under_o there_o may_v remain_v nothing_o cover_v or_o secret_o hide_v in_o his_o soul_n which_o he_o shall_v not_o whole_o desist_v from_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o he_o become_v pure_a and_o whole_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a and_o best_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n then_o at_o length_n the_o lord_n in_o his_o own_o time_n may_v for_o this_o man_n be_v good_a meet_v he_o as_o be_v manifest_v to_o he_o through_o some_o very_a great_a temptation_n and_o may_v force_v he_o upon_o some_o anxious_a and_o horrible_a combat_n which_o the_o poor_a wretch_n have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o foresee_v nor_o even_o then_o neither_o can_v understand_v until_o all_o be_v past_a and_o finish_v then_o it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o before_o that_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o true_a innocence_n of_o conscience_n in_o himself_o be_v set_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o divine_a judgement_n and_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o be_v high_o lift_v up_o or_o advance_v insomuch_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o touch_v the_o very_a heaven_n he_o be_v throw_v down_o to_o the_o nethermost_a place_n of_o some_o most_o deep_a humiliation_n even_o like_o hell_n itself_o then_o be_v he_o blow_v upon_o and_o purge_v by_o the_o true_a fire_n of_o divine_a judgement_n kindle_v within_o he_o and_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v interpose_v betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o do_v daily_o decrease_v through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o now_o at_o last_o do_v begin_v to_o perform_v in_o he_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o his_o office_n and_o be_v about_o to_o reduce_v he_o unto_o the_o image_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o at_o length_n he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o true_a union_n of_o a_o more_o divine_a constitution_n in_o christ_n together_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o glory_n to_o come_v which_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v change_v even_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o all_o who_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v lover_n of_o god_n above_o all_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v bring_v unto_o this_o eminent_a rejection_n as_o also_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o himself_o he_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v afflict_v with_o most_o wonderful_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n before_o he_o can_v be_v arrive_v there-at_a insomuch_o as_o he_o become_v willing_a to_o renounce_v submit_v resign_v up_o yea_o and_o to_o account_v for_o as_o nothing_o all_o that_o treasure_n he_o have_v scrape_v together_o from_o opinion_n and_o that_o strange_a high_a fly_v exaltation_n yea_o and_o all_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v bear_v together_o with_o we_o in_o our_o first_o natural_a generation_n which_o be_v full_o effect_v at_o length_n there_o succeed_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n who_o likeness_n he_o by_o little_a and_o little_a grow_v sensible_a of_o and_o which_o observe_v thus_o gradual_o to_o increase_v in_o he_o he_o catch_v with_o great_a earnestness_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o present_v to_o he_o wonderful_a promise_n now_o this_o last_o state_n be_v arrive_v at_o he_o still_o become_v more_o and_o more_o averse_a from_o all_o thing_n past_a and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o this_o same_o aversation_n increase_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o plentiful_o do_v thing_n follow_v succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o former_a insomuch_o as_o at_o length_n he_o become_v quite_o free_v in_o due_a time_n from_o the_o speech_n wisdom_n understanding_n counsel_n and_o action_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v exercise_v himself_o in_o as_o to_o the_o creature_n and_o be_v lead_v from_o infancy_n to_o perfect_a mandhood_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o age_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v full_o content_v with_o their_o own_o zeal_n and_o think_v themselves_o altogether_o certain_a and_o sure_a of_o that_o reconciliation_n which_o be_v acquire_v in_o christ_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v true_o so_o or_o no_o shall_v be_v at_o last_o than_o make_v manifest_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n shalâ—_n be_v lay_v open_a through_o he_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o tri_v the_o reins_o and_o will_v render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n whereas_o if_o whilst_o they_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n they_o themselves_o search_v narrow_o into_o their_o own_o bosom_n will_v commit_v or_o leave_v their_o course_n to_o the_o secret_a accusation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o cloak_v their_o sin_n with_o such_o or_o such_o reason_n or_o also_o with_o some_o say_n of_o the_o scripture_n misapply_v or_o ill_o understand_v and_o use_v then_o will_v they_o full_o perceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v yet_o far_o away_o remove_v from_o that_o reconciliation_n that_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n and_o will_v find_v in_o themselves_o nothing_o but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o which_o yet_o they_o can_v true_o get_v free_a unless_o they_o can_v come_v into_o christ_n and_o the_o image_n of_o he_o and_o consequent_o feel_v sensible_o in_o themselves_o reconciliation_n freedom_n and_o redemption_n not_o without_o but_o within_o their_o own_o self_n and_o thereof_o to_o become_v persuade_v in_o themselves_o not_o by_o a_o undue_a disorderly_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o
the_o member_n derive_v their_o motion_n but_o the_o rebellious_a member_n abide_v not_o in_o any_o live_a body_n unless_o perhaps_o by_o a_o improper_a name_n they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o member_n for_o such_o do_v as_o it_o be_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o it_o which_o case_n can_v never_o take_v place_n in_o any_o true_a body_n most_o dear_o belove_v lady_n i_o be_v unwilling_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v remain_v unknown_a to_o thou_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n into_o christ_n i_o say_v and_o his_o likeness_n who_o alone_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o mark_v and_o aim_v to_o which_o we_o aspire_v and_o tend_v to_o which_o also_o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o somewhat_o more_o exact_o consider_v and_o ponder_v the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o all_o his_o mercy_n that_o lay_v down_o our_o load_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o he_o be_v restore_v in_o christ_n who_o mighty_o assi_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v prepare_v and_o submit_v unto_o he_o and_o help_v to_o repress_v and_o stifle_v the_o grow_a stain_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o very_a foundation_n itself_o of_o our_o heart_n where_o the_o root_n of_o evil_n abide_v whence_o all_o the_o spring_a fruit_n do_v proceed_v even_o full_o to_o burn_v it_o up_o by_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a righteousness_n if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o grant_v it_o and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v it_o i_o be_o altogether_o ready_a according_a to_o my_o simple_a capacity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thy_o holy_a advantage_n to_o express_v these_o thing_n more_o clear_o in_o write_v trust_v in_o the_o loâ—d_n that_o by_o his_o help_n thou_o will_v measure_v all_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o either_o to_o do_v or_o think_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o conduce_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o under_o the_o manifold_a distraction_n of_o worldly_a business_n not_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o time_n may_v remain_v idle_a in_o we_o but_o be_v busy_v in_o temporal_a matter_n either_o in_o mind_n or_o work_v we_o may_v always_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o use_v of_o our_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o true_a step_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n most_o dear_o belove_v lady_n the_o whole_a bottom_n or_o foundation_n of_o thy_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v dig_v up_o by_o thou_o and_o to_o be_v search_v into_o whether_o any_o thing_n lie_v hide_v there_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o god_n and_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v separate_v from_o thou_o and_o which_o thou_o thyself_o can_v very_o hardly_o let_v go_v if_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v find_v out_o thou_o must_v this_o very_a moment_n renounce_v it_o and_o give_v it_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n with_o submission_n unto_o his_o will_n my_o trust_n be_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o thing_n will_v go_v well_o with_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v put_v much_o forward_a by_o have_v thus_o yield_v up_o and_o renounce_v the_o whole_a foundation_n of_o thy_o heart_n spare_v no_o one_o thing_n which_o else_o thou_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n do_v hunt_v after_o with_o at_o least_o one_o half_a of_o thy_o heart_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v a_o state_n rather_o of_o enmity_n and_o be_v a_o abomination_n before_o the_o lord_n my_o lady_n i_o take_v a_o liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o i_o may_v write_v to_o thou_o what_o be_v right_a and_o true_a i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a by_o which_o mean_n thou_o may_v in_o amanner_n know_v what_o thou_o be_v to_o do_v and_o how_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v cordial_o handle_v i_o have_v this_o firm_a hope_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v but_o that_o be_v will_v hear_v thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o will_v endue_v thou_o with_o power_n to_o who_o also_o i_o give_v up_o myself_o as_o a_o fellow-helper_n in_o this_o outward_a ministry_n which_o be_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n be_v with_o my_o whole_a heart_n intent_n upon_o thy_o improvement_n inasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o also_o become_v thy_o fellow-sufferer_n the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o mercy_n behold_v our_o misery_n and_o free_v we_o from_o out_o of_o these_o chain_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o we_o be_v lift_v up_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o son_n or_o child_n may_v be_v unload_v from_o all_o burden_n of_o the_o flesh_n through_o christ_n our_o alone_a saviour_n and_o mediator_n that_o we_o may_v always_o watch_v for_o and_o expect_v these_o thing_n with_o unwearied_a sigh_n and_o long_n of_o heart_n wherewith_o i_o recommend_v unto_o god_n thyself_o and_o thy_o family_n but_o especial_o thy_o husband_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v grant_v unto_o thou_o prudence_n to_o take_v care_n to_o order_v thy_o family_n concern_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o first_o thou_o must_v begin_v with_o thy_o own_o self_n that_o if_o any_o truth_n abide_v in_o thou_o it_o may_v afterward_o flow_v forth_o from_o thou_o or_o else_o thou_o will_v make_v no_o progress_n but_o all_o thy_o labour_n will_v prove_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n epist._n iu._n that_o by_o true_a internal_a poverty_n we_o come_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n then_o by_o any_o imaginary_a riches_n whatever_o to_o a_o certain_a woman_n press_v and_o burden_v with_o trial_n most_o dear_o belove_a lady_n when_o i_o understand_v thy_o condition_n viz._n that_o thou_o be_v deep_o afflict_v in_o heart_n and_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o mind_n will_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o their_o former_a tranquillity_n i_o be_o somewhat_o grieve_v because_o i_o know_v that_o as_o yet_o thou_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o stand_v under_o the_o load_n of_o affliction_n but_o indeed_o that_o which_o concern_v this_o thy_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n under_o which_o thou_o be_v now_o keep_v viz._n that_o thou_o can_v no_o long_o enjoy_v a_o quiet_a mind_n nor_o can_v thou_o get_v thy_o conscience_n to_o be_v at_o rest_n these_o all_o bid_v i_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o thou_o see_v it_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o these_o mean_n the_o lord_n will_v raise_v thou_o up_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o it_o common_o happen_v to_o such_o of_o thy_o condition_n who_o god_n begin_v to_o afflict_v with_o grief_n and_o temptation_n for_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o lay_v bare_a of_o many_o depravity_n with_o which_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v which_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n than_o he_o thus_o exercise_v our_o whole_a man_n with_o melancholy_a so_o as_o we_o can_v rather_o choose_v to_o retain_v and_o keep_v they_o but_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o advantage_n that_o those_o depravity_n which_o possess_v our_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o who_o presence_n a_o certain_a false_a and_o imaginary_a peace_n do_v deceive_v we_o shall_v therefore_o seasonable_o be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o before_o that_o we_o have_v run_v out_o together_o with_o they_o perhaps_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v persuade_v that_o we_o shall_v gain_v somewhat_o when_o yet_o we_o be_v thus_o deceive_v shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v overwhelm_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o a_o irresistible_a deluge_n of_o grief_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n lie_v aside_o all_o despondency_n of_o mind_n for_o in_o melancholy_a or_o trouble_n of_o mind_n thou_o please_v the_o lord_n more_o true_o and_o be_v near_a unto_o he_o then_o if_o thou_o shall_v persist_v in_o a_o great_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o false_a security_n and_o peace_n even_o as_o it_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o happen_v to_o those_o who_o do_v promise_v too_o much_o to_o themselves_o because_o that_o they_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o false_a religion_n and_o from_o the_o more_o gross_a act_n of_o unruely_a sinner_n and_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n or_o injustice_n from_o which_o indeed_o we_o ought_v whole_o and_o always_o to_o abstain_v but_o than_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v for_o this_o reason_n think_v himself_o cleanse_v and_o to_o be_v make_v a_o son_n of_o god_n certain_o conscience_n will_v oppose_v such_o a_o one_o by_o its_o testimony_n and_o will_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o very_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o his_o heart_n do_v yet_o abound_v in_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o self-love_n together_o with_o all_o those_o desire_n and_o lust_n of_o which_o paul_n do_v testify_v that_o
concupiscence_n be_v viz._n proper_o that_o sin_n which_o lead_v away_o a_o man_n into_o captivity_n therefore_o because_o common_o he_o be_v account_v a_o pious_a man_n who_o study_v to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a outward_a conversation_n for_o more_o than_o what_o be_v without_o a_o man_n can_v see_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n stick_v always_o about_o these_o thing_n suppose_v that_o â—e_n have_v accomplish_v all_o thing_n unless_o by_o chance_n he_o fall_v again_o into_o some_o gross_a sin_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n still_o remain_v deep_o fasten_v in_o he_o but_o the_o mind_n take_v no_o further_a care_n how_o it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o true_a purge_n out_o of_o all_o these_o see_v it_o may_v seem_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o which_o indeed_o be_v very_o true_a as_o to_o we_o but_o to_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a hence_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o elect_a that_o god_n even_o quite_o conquer_v sin_n in_o man_n and_o will_v rule_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o man_n not_o only_o by_o pluck_v out_o all_o the_o external_a act_n of_o the_o more_o gross_a sin_n bâ—â—_n also_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n itself_o of_o the_o heat_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a faculty_n 〈◊〉_d sensuality_n love_n appetite_n and_o our_o proper_a will_n by_o which_o all_o our_o external_a action_n be_v govern_v if_o this_o thing_n be_v make_v more_o common_o know_v and_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o many_o in_o good_a earnest_n man_n will_v not_o go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o such_o merry_a gesture_n and_o in_o such_o security_n as_o the_o do_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o be_v sinner_n and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d yet_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o son-shâ—â—â—_a of_o god_n although_o now_o they_o think_v themselves_o set_v on_o the_o high_a step_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v just_a hope_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o son_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o their_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o thou_o and_o shall_v rob_v they_o of_o that_o peace_n which_o they_o have_v get_v from_o without_o they_o certain_o will_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o like_a misery_n and_o strait_n and_o will_v apprehend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o poor_a of_o all_o though_o a_o blind_a security_n do_v now_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o shine_v in_o the_o great_a riches_n yet_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_o will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n most_o clear_o uncover_v all_o and_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o light_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n in_o we_o for_o its_o better_a by_o real_a inward_a poverty_n to_o draw_v â—earer_o to_o god_n then_o be_v by_o imaginary_a and_o false_a riches_n blind_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o true_a go_v forward_o unto_o god_n i_o be_v willing_a hearty_a to_o discover_v these_o thing_n to_o thou_o that_o â—he_v true_a difference_n of_o thy_o condition_n may_v according_a to_o my_o small_a judgement_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o heart_n become_v more_o and_o better_o know_v unto_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o thou_o thyself_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v leave_v thou_o for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n in_o this_o condition_n will_v come_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n more_o exact_o and_o to_o perceive_v those_o thing_n which_o hitherto_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o thou_o now_o therefore_o weigh_v all_o thing_n more_o right_o which_o perhaps_o hitherto_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v even_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v light_o neglect_v yet_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v by_o thou_o every_o where_o lest_o thy_o burden_n shall_v be_v too_o heavy_a for_o thou_o to_o bear_v and_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o tempt_v beyond_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o thy_o weakness_n to_o suffer_v according_a to_o his_o mercy_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v not_o fit_a without_o the_o divine_a help_n to_o bear_v these_o burden_n in_o regard_n no_o support_n can_v appear_v to_o it_o now_o from_o any_o where_o else_o because_o in_o whatsoever_o thing_n it_o former_o be_v wont_a to_o rest_v and_o to_o trust_v all_o that_o in_o such_o a_o state_n shrink_v far_o away_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n in_o this_o condition_n be_v better_o advise_v then_o plain_o to_o neglect_v all_o external_a temporary_a mean_n wherewith_o his_o mind_n be_v use_v to_o be_v delight_v and_o to_o renounce_v they_o quite_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v else_o still_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o affliction_n let_v he_o therefore_o do_v this_o viz._n let_v he_o learn_v to_o subject_v his_o whole_a self_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n submit_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o god_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o in_o this_o his_o tribulation_n with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v they_o all_o so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o this_o renunciation_n and_o submission_n he_o shall_v sure_o find_v a_o wonderful_a advantage_n and_o a_o strange_a renovation_n of_o heart_n insomuch_o that_o that_o which_o before_o be_v difficult_a and_o hard_a will_v be_v now_o pleasant_a and_o grateful_a to_o he_o and_o that_o which_o before_o be_v mere_a terror_n yea_o as_o death_n to_o he_o will_v now_o be_v as_o a_o sanctuary_n of_o refuge_n yea_o life_n itself_o to_o he_o and_o to_o tell_v it_o in_o short_a all_o thing_n will_v change_v themselves_o in_o a_o man_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rule_v in_o he_o and_o impel_v he_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n whereas_o whilst_o he_o â—s_v miserable_o lead_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o carnality_n he_o will_v live_v as_o govern_v into_o mere_a disobedience_n under_o his_o own_o proper_a will_n for_o which_o very_a reason_n the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v be_v subject_v unto_o iâ—_n nor_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o choose_v to_o save_v our_o life_n and_o not_o to_o lose_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o seek_v our_o advantage_n and_o intend_v nothing_o else_o but_o good_a to_o we_o regard_v not_o that_o complaineâ—_n of_o our_o flesh_n but_o give_v up_o our_o soul_n through_o much_o sorrow_n stir_v up_o in_o we_o by_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n to_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o subject_v ourselves_o till_o all_o impurity_n of_o our_o inbred_a and_o corrupt_a appetite_n be_v by_o the_o devour_a flame_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n consume_v and_o purge_v away_o in_o we_o then_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o to_o seek_v out_o both_o as_o well_o internal_o as_o external_o that_o all_o our_o perverse_a thought_n and_o sensual_a appetite_n may_v be_v purify_v nor_o to_o be_v no_o long_o stir_v up_o by_o our_o own_o proper_a will_n to_o all_o wicked_a desire_n and_o pleasure_n wherewith_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n abound_v the_o lord_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o grant_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o true_a discretion_n that_o every_o where_o and_o time_n we_o may_v contain_v ourselves_o in_o good_a order_n under_o his_o fear_n whereby_o we_o may_v proceed_v and_o grow_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o call_n and_o so_o at_o length_n if_o it_o may_v be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o arrive_v to_o a_o fall_n age_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o commiseration_n let_v we_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o power_n adore_v the_o lord_n with_o uncessant_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n pour_v out_o before_o he_o lest_o that_o which_o be_v temporary_a and_o partake_v of_o time_n shall_v find_v any_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v so_o expulse_v that_o the_o lord_n himself_o may_v possess_v that_o place_n even_o until_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n be_v perform_v only_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o may_v grow_v forth_o with_o all_o discipline_n and_o obedience_n under_o the_o most_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o may_v with_o all_o patience_n wait_v for_o and_o expect_v his_o come_n unto_o manifestation_n when_o he_o himself_o will_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o â—nd_v give_v they_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o true_a â—â—lvation_n unto_o which_o it_o now_o in_o this_o moment_n of_o time_n behoove_v they_o to_o be_v prepare_v by_o a_o constant_a sorrow_n and_o misery_n
by_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n by_o terror_n and_o by_o death_n for_o they_o can_v like_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o man_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o mere_a pleasure_n but_o he_o do_v always_o detain_v he_o under_o a_o rigid_a discipline_n and_o many_o fright_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v down_o the_o bitter_a potion_n of_o tribulation_n that_o all_o their_o internal_a faculty_n as_o well_o of_o spirit_n as_o of_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o cross_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o arrive_v at_o true_a peace_n until_o every_o one_o of_o they_o learn_v naked_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o content_o to_o take_v of_o the_o potion_n mix_v by_o god_n and_o give_v he_o to_o drink_v out_o of_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n now_o that_o this_o cup_n be_v bitter_a be_v no_o fault_n of_o god_n but_o our_o own_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v contrary_a and_o enemy_n to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v purge_v just_a like_o the_o vulgar_a people_n who_o trouble_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o mix_a physick-wine_n for_o by_o nature_n a_o man_n fly_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o produce_v pain_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v recover_v nor_o to_o come_v at_o health_n then_o by_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v always_o more_o and_o more_o adapt_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o his_o suffering_n death_n and_o burial_n that_o afterward_o by_o a_o like_a resurrection_n also_o we_o may_v be_v take_v into_o he_o and_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n for_o how_o much_o we_o suffer_v together_o with_o christ_n so_o much_o also_o shall_v we_o reign_v with_o â—im_n not_o indeed_o in_o this_o time_n of_o temporary_a abode_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o permanency_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o which_o we_o â—hall_v arise_v and_o be_v excite_v to_o such_o a_o likeness_n of_o christ_n as_o consist_v not_o with_o depraved_a nature_n but_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o nature_n and_o be_v conform_v into_o a_o spirituâ—â—_n eternal_a and_o immortal_a life_n thus_o therefore_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o â—wn_a order_n may_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v accord_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o divine_a gift_n â—â—at_v the_o enemy_n may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o â—â—me_n have_v no_o more_o right_a nor_o power_n â—er_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n under_o â—hich_v hitherto_o we_o have_v be_v bind_v use_v captivate_v hope_v for_o salvation_n use_v redemption_n in_o christ_n from_o all_o our_o internal_a enemy_n who_o force_n our_o soul_n into_o slavery_n so_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n we_o may_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n serve_v the_o lord_n as_o present_v with_o we_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o earth_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o the_o desolate_a will_v comfort_v and_o cure_v our_o sorrowful_a heart_n and_o gracious_o set_v the_o captive_n free_a he_o i_o say_v will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n appear_v gracious_a to_o thy_o humane_a weakness_n and_o will_v bless_v thy_o internal_a poverty_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o greâ—â—_n plenty_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n now_o these_o few_o thing_n i_o be_v willing_a according_a to_o thâ—_n simplicity_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o meaâ—_n gift_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o write_v unto_o thou_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o serve_v thou_o that_o 〈◊〉_d perhaps_o some_o mean_n may_v be_v discover_v to_o thy_o heart_n through_o the_o diviâ—â—_n mercy_n lead_v to_o a_o great_a proficiencâ—_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—_n thy_o soul_n may_v be_v seal_v up_o in_o eternal_a peace_n and_o reconciliation_n through_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n aâ—â—_n 31._o 1559._o epist._n v._o for_o what_o end_n the_o scripture_n be_v give_v and_o how_o we_o ought_v most_o exact_o to_o satisfy_v conscience_n also_o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o humane_a righteousness_n and_o that_o which_o avail_v before_o god_n to_o u._n of_o w._n most_o dear_a lady_n have_v this_o occasion_n offer_v i_o be_v willing_a to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n unto_o thou_o give_v thanks_o to_o you_o all_o for_o your_o friendly_a inclination_n of_o heart_n towards_o we_o the_o eternal_a god_n grant_v that_o that_o bond_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v together_o in_o he_o and_o do_v profess_v a_o mutual_a union_n to_o the_o true_a member_n may_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o may_v grow_v in_o christ_n our_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o death_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v my_o condition_n it_o be_v indeed_o at_o present_a such_o as_o be_v tolerable_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n for_o the_o bond_n of_o death_n remain_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o in_o my_o member_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n himself_o take_v we_o all_o into_o his_o protection_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n this_o dangerous_a time_n which_o as_o i_o conjecture_v can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o most_o hard_a sorrow_n o_o will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v at_o length_n come_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o soul_n which_o indeed_o be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o somewhat_o shadow_v o_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o that_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o bear_v witness_v of_o yet_o oftentimes_o by_o so_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o so_o many_o various_a reading_n a_o man_n be_v but_o keep_v back_o and_o distract_v when_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v observe_v himself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o hear_v speak_a think_v work_a and_o in_o all_o else_o where_o a_o man_n be_v busy_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n in_o thing_n of_o thiâ—_n life_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v to_o his_o utmost_a put_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o that_o he_o most_o exact_o endeavour_n &_o in_o all_o have_v a_o care_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o accusation_n thereof_o endure_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o anâ—_n though_o the_o least_o transgression_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o peace_n a_o be_v find_v in_o hâ—_n soul_n because_o as_o long_o as_o any_o one_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v willing_o keep_v a_o prisoner_n under_o sin_n but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o way_n hinder_v many_o as_o much_o as_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a righteousness_n which_o be_v very_o true_a however_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o trace_v through_o this_o most_o rocky_a way_n of_o our_o conscience_n even_o to_o its_o utmost_a limit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o mortification_n and_o destruction_n of_o all_o our_o laborious_a endeavour_n and_o then_o will_v our_o own_o righteousness_n shame_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o all_o will_v die_v before_o ever_o we_o have_v live_v and_o glory_n that_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o own_o righteousness_n when_o as_o even_o yet_o we_o stick_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o sin_n break_v forth_o into_o outward_a act_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o more_o accurate_o consider_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o proficiency_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o life_n which_o we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v no_o liveliness_n in_o it_o in_o his_o account_n yea_o furthermore_o that_o life_n which_o our_o soul_n enjoy_v whilst_o it_o confide_v in_o and_z s_z bottom_v on_o these_o or_o these_o thing_n must_v also_o be_v change_v for_o a_o death_n and_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v permit_v that_o the_o enormity_n thereof_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o its_o progress_n for_o this_o life_n which_o our_o soul_n have_v take_v to_o herself_o after_o this_o manner_n spring_v from_o no_o where_n else_o then_o from_o out_o of_o that_o imaginary_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o we_o fancy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o which_o tickle_v we_o with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o sweet_a flattery_n and_o private_o be_v very_o please_v to_o we_o yea_o and_o give_v to_o our_o soul_n a_o kind_n of_o tranquillity_n these_o thing_n be_v hide_v so_o deep_o in_o a_o man_n and_o deceive_v we_o with_o such_o dissimulation_n as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o with_o we_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o christ_n because_o the_o man_n know_v that_o no_o such_o
mortify_n of_o all_o our_o own_o power_n even_o as_o they_o sensible_o feel_v who_o be_v choose_v and_o lead_v by_o god_n into_o such_o a_o death_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o we_o may_v most_o patient_o accept_v from_o the_o lord_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v fore-ordained_n by_o his_o power_n over_o we_o be_v to_o our_o utmost_a resign_v up_o to_o he_o alone_o continual_o implore_v he_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o with_o heart_n lift_v up_o importunate_o to_o beg_v his_o mercy_n that_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v be_v sustain_v and_o preserve_v even_o to_o the_o end_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v aside_o by_o any_o temporal_a enjoyment_n or_o by_o any_o case_n happen_v which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o in_o this_o life_n fainthearted_a but_o that_o we_o may_v abide_v confirm_v in_o this_o way_n with_o perpetual_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o real_a fruitfulness_n i_o do_v not_o describe_v the_o cause_n by_o which_o we_o may_v perchance_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o turn_v aside_o let_v every_o one_o try_v himself_o for_o there_o be_v diverse_a sin_n which_o vex_v we_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o state_n be_v captivate_v by_o that_o evil_n which_o we_o term_v our_o proper_a evil_n in_o our_o own_o will_n and_o desire_n in_o which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v keep_v bind_v or_o chain_v may_v the_o lord_n advance_v we_o forward_o to_o the_o true_a and_o divine_a communion_n and_o to_o a_o willing_a obedience_n unto_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v set_v free_a from_o all_o those_o bond_n by_o which_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n we_o be_v enthral_v to_o which_o freedom_n notwithstanding_o we_o can_v never_o come_v unless_o we_o die_v and_o spiritual_o depart_v in_o and_o by_o which_o captivity_n be_v lead_v forth_o in_o triumph_n after_o the_o victory_n obtain_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o being-raised_n up_o again_o in_o christ_n unto_o the_o true_a eternity_n in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o that_o which_o be_v become_v old_a shall_v remain_v cast_v off_o neither_o shall_v any_o pardon_n be_v give_v it_o but_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o to_o be_v perfect_o separate_v from_o life_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v our_o rule_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v aside_o that_o which_o be_v a_o stop_n and_o hindrance_n to_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o yet_o be_v nought_o else_o but_o our_o own_o self_n who_o do_v oppose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o we_o come_v before_o he_o pray_v with_o half_a a_o heart_n only_o whenas_o notwithstanding_o if_o our_o heart_n do_v spread_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n and_o can_v abide_v in_o a_o continual_a progress_n of_o such_o a_o resignation_n and_o in_o a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o catch_v at_o nothing_o more_o be_v free_a simple_a and_o naked_o pour_v forth_o before_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v with_o a_o admirable_a success_n the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o conquer_a of_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o special_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o which_o also_o be_v to_o be_v join_v our_o unwearied_a endeavour_n and_o prayer_n for_o we_o have_v so_o encompass_v ourselves_o about_o with_o such_o a_o wall_n of_o separation_n that_o we_o want_v the_o true_a discern_v of_o our_o intellect_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o thick_a darkness_n wherewith_o our_o sense_n be_v deep_o benight_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o always_o place_v without_o ourselves_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o hold_v back_o and_o of_o our_o barrenness_n and_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v hinder_v and_o overrule_v by_o thing_n external_a the_o contrary_a of_o which_o if_o thing_n proceed_v aright_o and_o we_o be_v sound_a at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o as_o that_o which_o be_v internal_a will_v contain_v and_o rule_v in_o a_o due_a order_n all_o external_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o thing_n external_a and_o thus_o all_o will_v prove_v well_o for_o our_o use_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v much_o better_o inform_v we_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o effectual_o cause_n that_o if_o any_o temporal_a thing_n that_o be_v less_o necessary_a become_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v lay_v they_o aside_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o we_o by_o our_o conscience_n in_o the_o lord_n yet_o not_o without_o a_o most_o exact_a consideration_n thereof_o for_o he_o who_o thus_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v weak_a so_o as_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v hinder_v by_o and_o from_o thing_n external_a stand_v altogether_o in_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v constant_o and_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v unpolluted_a and_o that_o his_o sensitive_a faculty_n be_v thus_o through_o urgent_a necessity_n always_o keep_v exercise_v with_o continual_a prayer_n and_o a_o elevate_a heart_n which_o will_v never_o be_v do_v without_o necessity_n for_o no_o prayer_n do_v more_o true_o hit_v the_o mark_n then_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o necessity_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o pierce_a be_v prayer_n make_v so_o that_o in_o these_o very_a evil_n themselves_o a_o remedy_n be_v find_v which_o lead_v we_o unto_o god_n if_o so_o be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n and_o as_o to_o thing_n outward_a we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o nothing_o but_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o to_o perform_v it_o most_o exact_o but_o this_o case_n do_v wind_n in_o a_o man_n into_o such_o difficulty_n before_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o will_v concern_v he_o to_o engage_v his_o utmost_a resolution_n and_o power_n to_o strive_v with_o divers_a and_o most_o difficult_a pang_n and_o desperate_a temptation_n which_o increase_n upon_o he_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o for_o just_a so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o combatant_n as_o with_o the_o poor_a wild_a creature_n which_o be_v drive_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o hunter_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v come_v now_o the_o lord_n preserve_v we_o when_o we_o know_v it_o not_o yea_o when_o we_o sink_v into_o swoon_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o strait_n and_o then_o do_v our_o death_n true_o begin_v when_o all_o our_o arrogance_n be_v quite_o blunt_v and_o suppress_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o hand_n i_o can_v write_v no_o more_o recommend_v you_o herewith_o unto_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v promote_v we_o all_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o preserve_v we_o in_o a_o constant_a diligence_n and_o in_o a_o perseverance_n of_o divine_a grace_n epist._n vii_o which_o be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o come_v unto_o christ_n very_o useful_a for_o youth_n to_o g._n of_o r._n most_o dear_a g._n i_o give_v this_o to_o thy_o cousin_n upon_o his_o departure_n hence_o to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o thou_o that_o thy_o bloom_a youth_n may_v be_v more_o and_o moâ—â—_n put_v on_o unto_o true_a zeal_n for_o i_o be_v always_o in_o my_o mind_n persuade_v that_o thou_o didâ—â—_n search_v out_o after_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 〈◊〉_d therefore_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n 〈◊〉_d serve_v one_o another_o and_o to_o help_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o shall_v exercise_v in_o practice_n that_o gift_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o advance_v it_o unto_o fruit_n bear_v that_o thou_o may_v not_o only_o search_v after_o knowledge_n and_o science_n but_o also_o to_o think_v of_o this_o how_o thou_o may_v reduce_v thyself_o unto_o a_o oneness_n which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o know_v many_o thing_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n desist_v from_o our_o our_o own_o will_n and_o in_o break_v our_o desire_n even_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o youth_n for_o our_o own_o proper_a desire_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a root_n out_o of_o which_o all_o sin_n do_v grow_v to_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v arrive_v at_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n allow_v then_o that_o by_o the_o law_n he_o die_v to_o his_o natural_a desire_n and_o lust_n he_o that_o will_v retain_v and_o keep_v his_o lust_n and_o desire_n suppose_v that_o only_a for_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v in_o his_o understanding_n he_o shall_v be_v account_v before_o god_n for_o a_o believer_n this_o man_n certain_o will_v wander_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n inasmuch_o â—s_v this_o same_o faith_n go_v no_o further_a
then_o â—nto_o the_o understanding_n his_o salvation_n also_o â—n_v go_v no_o further_o then_o into_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o must_v at_o last_o need_v die_v in_o that_o death_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n viz._n wherein_o reason_n be_v destroy_v for_o in_o this_o death_n there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n only_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n do_v penetrate_v even_o into_o the_o most_o inward_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n i_o answer_v thereto_o that_o then_o also_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n when_o it_o shall_v live_v with_o such_o a_o estrangedness_n from_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o can_v but_o with_o great_a nauseousness_n and_o tedious_a disdain_n bear_v in_o its_o self_n all_o the_o desire_n and_o lust_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o nethermost_a part_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o it_o will_v rather_o die_v infinite_a death_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o then_o with_o pleasure_n even_o once_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o verv_v act_n behold_v my_o g._n this_o brief_a proposal_n how_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v hâ—â—_n faith_n if_o any_o man_n believe_v in_o chriâ—â—_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d must_v need_v be_v wrack_v with_o great_a doâ—lours_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n so_o thâ—_n he_o will_v account_v of_o sin_n for_o the_o most_o grievous_a torture_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o thâ—_n world_n and_o for_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o how_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o act_v it_o can_v he_o enter_v into_o a_o friendship_n with_o it_o although_o therefore_o the_o vulgar_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o glory_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v say_v on_o this_o wise_a sin_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v not_o perpetrate_v in_o the_o very_a act_n though_o it_o shall_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v we_o no_o hurt_n yet_o do_v thou_o i_o pray_v hear_v how_o christ_n do_v nevertheless_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o be_v already_o guilty_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o word_n sure_o christ_n excuse_v not_o but_o accuse_v the_o lust_a of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v real_o have_v it_o account_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n dearest_n g._n i_o beseech_v thou_o do_v not_o despond_v in_o thy_o mind_n because_o of_o this_o hard_a say_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n i_o only_o write_v this_o of_o purpose_n that_o thou_o may_v seasonable_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n lest_o thou_o shall_v consume_v thy_o youth_n unprofitable_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v bear_v fruit_n to_o god_n â—in_v thy_o own_o soul_n they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o be_v of_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o vulgar_a though_o they_o may_v have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o lie_v down_o tire_v in_o sloth_n nor_o do_v they_o oppose_v sin_n with_o the_o least_o burn_a zeal_n or_o breaâ—â—_n its_o impetuous_a assault_n nor_o yet_o do_v this_o external_a abstinence_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o debilitate_v of_o they_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o descend_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n itself_o when_o even_o the_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n far_o therefore_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o commit_v sin_n in_o the_o very_a act_n also_o this_o my_o letter_n intend_v this_o at_o least_o that_o thy_o young_a limb_n be_v stir_v up_o both_o night_n and_o day_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o continue_a prayer_n in_o temperance_n purity_n meekness_n of_o heart_n long-suffering_a louâ—_v of_o thy_o enemy_n as_o also_o in_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n in_o holy_a proficiency_n anâ—_n in_o other_o virtue_n conduce_v to_o christian_a discipline_n concern_v which_o thy_o owâ—_n conscience_n will_v afford_v to_o thou_o a_o testimony_n all_o which_o be_v perform_v thou_o wiâ—â—_n every_o day_n rejoice_v in_o thy_o great_a success_n iâ—_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o at_o last_o wheâ—_n thy_o most_o miserable_a condition_n be_v know_v thou_o will_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o thy_o own_o selâ—_n and_o therefore_o thou_o will_v so_o much_o thâ—_n more_o diligent_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o help_v that_o his_o most_o powerful_a right_a hand_n maâ—â—_n at_o length_n gracious_o support_v thy_o soul_n and_o conquer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o a_o real_a victory_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o all_o and_o heal_v our_o disease_n and_o effectual_o cause_v we_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o his_o righteousness_n lest_o we_o be_v leave_v naked_a in_o our_o own_o impurity_n epist._n viii_o how_o any_o one_o who_o be_v studious_a concern_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n ought_v daily_o to_o exercise_v himself_o most_o belove_a niece_n because_o i_o understand_v that_o thou_o earnest_o desire_v such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n as_o true_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v not_o withhold_v myself_o but_o must_v write_v to_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n for_o thy_o great_a confirmation_n in_o they_o that_o thou_o be_v once_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o desist_v from_o vigorous_o proceed_v forward_o and_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n together_o with_o a_o total_a suppression_n of_o thy_o carnal_a part_n be_v therefore_o diligent_o studious_a that_o thy_o diligence_n be_v not_o tire_v out_o in_o read_v in_o humanity_n in_o silence_n in_o meekness_n in_o temperance_n forbearance_n patience_n and_o compassion_n also_o learn_v to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o all_o study_n of_o virtue_n that_o thou_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o little_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v ruler_n over_o much_o great_a for_o if_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o these_o few_o thing_n assure_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v entrust_v with_o more_o but_o i_o hope_v that_o thou_o will_v receive_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o thy_o own_o self_n lest_o some_o bitter_a root_n shall_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o so_o thou_o and_o thy_o soul_n tumble_v headlong_o into_o destruction_n for_o the_o flesh_n do_v very_o subtle_o assault_v a_o man_n to_o beguile_v he_o and_o turn_v he_o away_o from_o godliness_n wherefore_o make_v a_o strict_a watch_n upon_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n careful_o encompass_v thyself_o round_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o world_n and_o all_o wantonness_n of_o life_n speech_n and_o thought_n prefer_v every_o one_o with_o all_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n not_o only_o the_o good_a but_o also_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o immodest_a learn_v also_o to_o bridle_v in_o thyself_o and_o to_o humble_v thyself_o be_v always_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o thy_o heart_n never_o let_v vain_a evil_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n but_o always_o oppose_v they_o with_o great_a earnestness_n pour_v out_o to_o the_o lord_n fervent_a prayer_n and_o if_o thou_o get_v any_o spare_a time_n on_o holy_a day_n or_o otherways_o employ_v it_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o of_o that_o little_a book_n entitle_v of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o these_o exercise_n thyself_o and_o learn_v to_o ponder_v they_o often_o in_o thy_o mind_n if_o thou_o read_v any_o thing_n which_o thou_o do_v not_o understand_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n with_o ardent_a sigh_n and_o daily_a tear_n that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o thou_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n for_o to_o be_v the_o necessary_a food_n of_o thy_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v follow_v the_o lord_n the_o more_o thou_o shall_v understand_v of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o thou_o be_v intent_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o shall_v thou_o understand_v scripture_n therefore_o let_v thy_o constant_a endeavour_n be_v to_o approve_v thyself_o faithful_a in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v viz._n make_v know_v to_o thou_o in_o and_o by_o mortification_n and_o a_o continual_a access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n nor_o let_v any_o time_n slip_v by_o thou_o in_o vain_a and_o without_o thus_o do_v if_o thou_o reply_v that_o thou_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o read_v again_o say_v that_o though_o thou_o may_v noâ—_n understand_v all_o yet_o be_v it_o incumbent_a oâ—_n thou_o to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o to_o be_v unwearied_o solicitous_a about_o it_o for_o by_o these_o exercise_n thou_o shall_v soon_o be_v amend_v then_o by_o idleness_n and_o these_o be_v the_o beâ—â—_n mean_v of_o institute_v and_o of_o exercise_v anâ—_n man_n
for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o miserable_a the_o more_o anxious_a and_o the_o more_o desert_v any_o one_o be_v so_o much_o the_o near_o be_v god_n to_o he_o the_o help_a of_o who_o he_o then_o most_o speedy_o perform_v when_o no_o comfort_n nor_o help_n be_v find_v unto_o or_o for_o our_o desire_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a knot_n of_o all_o piety_n the_o lord_n grant_v in_o his_o own_o time_n that_o thou_o may_v true_o apprehend_v this_o in_o thy_o own_o self_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v abide_v in_o man_n in_o a_o live_a sense_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v express_v in_o word_n how_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o proper_o be_v and_o although_o all_o writing_n may_v give_v testimony_n of_o this_o word_n and_o of_o this_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o they_o proper_o that_o very_a word_n and_o the_o very_a salvation_n of_o god_n for_o the_o virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v live_o express_v in_o we_o the_o lord_n be_v mindful_a of_o we_o all_o through_o his_o mercy_n epist._n xv._o how_o youth_n be_v to_o be_v support_v during_o its_o weakness_n to_o f._n s._n dearest_n f._n we_o hope_v it_o will_v so_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v direct_v all_o to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o will_v stretch_v forth_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o that_o young_a man_n to_o make_v his_o voluntary_a entrance_n that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o great_a firmness_n see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o exercise_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o still_o flourish_v in_o his_o youth_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v liberal_a towards_o young_a and_o old_a and_o be_v stretch_v forth_o with_o plenty_n of_o grace_n where_o and_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v please_v therefore_o the_o lord_n i_o hope_v will_v remember_v this_o weak_a one_o and_o will_v hear_v his_o daily_a complaint_n and_o in_o his_o time_n will_v help_v he_o for_o when_o all_o the_o creature_n sail_n and_o all_o remedy_n vanish_v away_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o deliverer_n find_v or_o invent_v then_o will_v god_n alone_o of_o necessity_n present_v himself_o as_o a_o deliverer_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v look_v back_o upon_o all_o such_o who_o heart_n he_o have_v of_o purpose_n put_v in_o the_o wine-press_n of_o tribulation_n that_o be_v leave_v naked_o poor_a of_o all_o evil_n so_o as_o they_o appear_v dry_v up_o yet_o after_o they_o shall_v thus_o be_v subject_v to_o his_o judgement_n they_o shall_v not_o want_v retribution_n but_o shall_v abound_v in_o his_o blessing_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n pour_v forth_o and_o of_o his_o eternal_o prevail_a merit_n and_o of_o the_o reconciliation_n make_v betwixt_o god_n his_o father_n and_o our_o miserable_a humane_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v profitable_a for_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v remain_v with_o thou_o all_o the_o winter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v enjoy_v a_o further_a introduttion_n and_o shall_v learn_v more_o firm_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lordâ—_n now_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o of_o a_o infirm_a age_n and_o be_v more_o infirm_a in_o zeal_n for_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o lend_v a_o hand_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o be_v a_o prop_n to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v do_v for_o we_o in_o our_o youth_n although_o i_o myself_o have_v not_o extend_v my_o age_n very_o much_o yet_o have_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n bow_v i_o down_o under_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o my_o misery_n with_o continue_a terror_n the_o lord_n have_v pity_n on_o i_o and_o gracious_o discover_v to_o i_o his_o countenance_n shine_v with_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o enlighten_v the_o darkness_n of_o my_o heart_n epist._n xvi_o a_o fair_a admonition_n to_o his_o cousin_n german_n wherein_o he_o very_o great_o demonstrate_v a_o most_o tender_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n hitherto_o have_v with_o solicitousness_n to_o m._n d._n w._n most_o belove_a cousin_n i_o be_v altogether_o oblige_v to_o write_v in_o what_o state_n our_o affair_n be_v for_o though_o hitherto_o for_o some_o good_a space_n of_o time_n we_o have_v be_v somewhat_o separate_v as_o to_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o i_o be_o assure_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o excite_v to_o a_o mutual_a care_n by_o a_o inward_a presence_n of_o mind_n the_o lord_n know_v how_o mindful_a i_o be_o of_o thou_o and_o how_o much_o care_n i_o have_v for_o thou_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o most_o sad_a conversation_n fill_v with_o all_o grief_n and_o in_o my_o constant_a combat_n but_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o will_v with_o stretch_a out_o arm_n lead_v and_o keep_v we_o all_o under_o his_o own_o discipline_n now_o because_o i_o have_v creep_v through_o many_o danger_n of_o mind_n how_o great_a the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v be_v very_o plain_o manifest_v in_o i_o by_o and_o through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n though_o that_o also_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o and_o through_o innumerable_a anxiety_n in_o all_o which_o yet_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n every_o where_o reveal_v itself_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o be_o deep_o concern_v with_o a_o most_o vehement_a sollicitousness_n for_o those_o who_o be_v my_o fellow-sufferer_n in_o these_o strait_n to_o who_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n will_v reach_v out_o his_o hand_n and_o seasonable_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o virtue_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o lie_v hide_v under_o those_o suffering_n that_o at_o last_o the_o man_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o true_a cross_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n in_o which_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v know_v in_o their_o high_a beauty_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v set_v free_a from_o out_o of_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o here_o indeed_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a caution_n and_o we_o must_v diligent_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o day_n and_o night_n for_o often_o time_n nature_n clothe_v with_o the_o outward_a show_n of_o good_a present_v herself_o to_o we_o but_o if_o she_o be_v tumble_v down_o into_o death_n then_o will_v her_o fruit_n be_v at_o length_n true_o make_v know_v and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v shine_v forth_o so_o much_o the_o more_o glorious_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v mindful_a of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o may_v wise_o order_v our_o conversation_n and_o the_o force_n of_o all_o our_o enemy_n be_v all_o overcome_v and_o break_v we_o may_v at_o length_n arrive_v true_o at_o the_o true_a brightness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o wall_n of_o separation_n hinder_v that_o clarity_n be_v great_a which_o it_o behoove_v with_o unwearied_a labour_n to_o diminish_v through_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o with_o daily_a torture_n of_o mind_n to_o destroy_v yet_o the_o eternal_a and_o merciful_a lord_n pierce_v through_o all_o darkness_n as_o do_v the_o sun_n and_o so_o refresh_v those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n with_o their_o pain_n that_o his_o grace_n and_o glory_n never_o shine_v forth_o more_o clear_o then_o from_o under_o suffering_n although_o whilst_o we_o yet_o remain_v subject_a to_o vanity_n and_o be_v still_o captive_n to_o creature_n that_o claritude_n be_v still_o very_o much_o diminish_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o yet_o be_v busy_v about_o image_n the_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n which_o see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v without_o any_o image_n can_v then_o be_v unite_v to_o they_o be_v very_o wonderful_o hinder_v for_o god_n be_v but_o one_o only_a and_o to_o know_v he_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v all_o the_o skill_n and_o be_v such_o as_o be_v never_o learn_v in_o a_o undisturbed_a life_n dear_a cousin_n i_o do_v open_a to_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v the_o interior_a bosom_n of_o my_o mind_n show_v whither_o all_o my_o labour_n tend_v and_o at_o what_o mark_v all_o my_o whole_a be_v and_o all_o my_o word_n and_o thought_n do_v aim_n at_o with_o grief_n and_o which_o i_o continual_o with_o tear_n of_o heart_n pour_v forth_o before_o my_o god_n and_o do_v with_o hope_n account_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o reject_v i_o poor_a wretch_n but_o chastise_v in_o his_o way_n and_o will_v bless_v with_o increase_v my_o labour_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o my_o nature_n my_o cousin_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o friend_n who_o have_v change_v their_o dwell_n their_o outward_a condition_n be_v as_o yet_o tolerable_a as_o also_o the_o outward_a conversation_n both_o of_o the_o mother_n and_o of_o they_o also_o be_v full_a of_o piety_n even_o as_o former_o but_o if_o we_o look_v further_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a power_n of_o nature_n
and_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o these_o the_o business_n have_v not_o so_o well_o succeed_v even_o as_o neither_o can_v these_o be_v attribute_v to_o they_o all_o in_o common_a nor_o be_v they_o wont_v to_o be_v give_v or_o receive_v by_o word_n and_o admonition_n to_o the_o lord_n therefore_o i_o commit_v they_o who_o in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n will_v advance_v those_o person_n high_o for_o they_o earnest_o listen_v and_o be_v delight_v with_o my_o present_a discourse_n but_o how_o pleasant_a they_o be_v to_o they_o even_o in_o their_o very_a soul_n the_o lord_n know_v for_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o their_o progress_n forward_o be_v yet_o so_o great_a and_o perhaps_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o for_o some_o time_n keep_v they_o so_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o order_v my_o conversation_n for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o myself_o only_o because_o many_o discourse_n and_o admonition_n to_o other_o do_v very_o much_o disturb_v i_o when_o yet_o all_o concern_v as_o well_o inward_a as_o outward_a i_o free_o will_v so_o deliver_v up_o and_o oblige_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v think_v say_v or_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o the_o lord_n alone_o yet_o how_o much_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v every_o where_o find_v in_o all_o these_o the_o lord_n himself_o know_v yet_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a be_v never_o leave_v destitute_a of_o power_n as_o most_o miserable_a i_o do_v find_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o help_v my_o arm_n to_o fight_v as_o to_o our_o other_o familiar_a she-friend_n she_o receive_v all_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n whither_o they_o concern_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n but_o because_o of_o that_o solicitous_a care_n wherewith_o she_o be_v involve_v in_o outward_a thing_n not_o a_o few_o as_o also_o because_o of_o her_o trade_n the_o true_a fruit_n can_v yet_o spring_v forth_o from_o the_o true_a root_n but_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v faithful_a administer_v as_o i_o perceive_v all_o mean_n for_o the_o remove_n away_o by_o divers_a suffering_n these_o hindrance_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o this_o fruit_n with_o deep_a pang_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v at_o length_n that_o the_o death_n of_o nature_n will_v follow_v in_o the_o end_n the_o lord_n look_v in_o mercy_n upon_o she_o as_o likewise_o on_o we_o all_o that_o in_o his_o time_n and_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o true_a essence_n of_o divine_a clarity_n and_o that_o we_o all_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o incessant_o in_o inaccessible_a clarity_n amen_n in_o the_o year_n 1552._o epist._n xvii_o a_o wholesome_a admonition_n in_o what_o step_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o just_a do_v consist_v with_o a_o conclusion_n concern_v esau_n and_o jacob._n to_o j._n w._n my_o john_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o thy_o affair_n may_v have_v good_a success_n have_v a_o occasion_n thus_o offer_v itself_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o write_v these_o line_n unto_o thou_o that_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v promote_v to_o continue_a progress_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o hope_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v daily_o go_v forward_o in_o that_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o true_a circumcision_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o many_o science_n and_o of_o divers_a knowledge_n wherein_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v consume_v and_o not_o upon_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o yet_o life_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v know_v god_n but_o god_n can_v be_v true_o know_v by_o science_n but_o by_o find_v he_o in_o ourselves_o so_o as_o that_o which_o we_o know_v of_o god_n be_v find_v and_o express_v in_o we_o and_o in_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o far_o distant_a from_o that_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v for_o good_a but_o be_v unite_v with_o it_o not_o in_o or_o by_o opinion_n but_o in_o very_a deed_n and_o truth_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v full_o accomplish_v unless_o first_o we_o die_v to_o all_o those_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v and_o possess_v in_o ourselves_o which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v call_v the_o old_a man_n who_o very_o subtle_o exercise_v his_o dominion_n in_o man_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n condition_n if_o the_o flesh_n be_v still_o gross_a also_o its_o fruit_n and_o vice_n be_v gross_a now_o if_o any_o one_o will_v supplant_v his_o external_a vice_n there_o be_v another_o more_o subtle_a thing_n dwell_v in_o man_n which_o he_o have_v never_o before_o know_v because_o it_o former_o do_v stick_v to_o he_o in_o a_o grosser_n substance_n and_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n also_o do_v sufficient_o propose_v it_o we_o be_v diligent_o to_o labour_v according_a to_o that_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o end_n have_v therefore_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n sufficient_a knowledge_n concern_v these_o thing_n let_v we_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n for_o little_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a thereunto_o if_o so_o be_v the_o heart_n itself_o be_v but_o prepare_v which_o incessant_o both_o day_n and_o night_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n with_o intimate_a desire_n aspire_v to_o a_o union_n so_o that_o no_o creature_n can_v any_o more_o move_v it_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v it_o away_o from_o he_o may_v the_o lord_n give_v unto_o he_o mercy_n and_o be_v a_o help_n to_o our_o misery_n in_o which_o we_o be_v yet_o bind_v in_o the_o darkness_n and_o chain_n of_o death_n be_v still_o captive_a my_o john_n i_o communicate_v my_o heart_n to_o thou_o in_o my_o letter_n even_o as_o i_o enough_o know_v that_o thou_o also_o seek_v my_o prosperity_n so_o that_o let_v we_o both_o together_o seek_v the_o lord_n be_v perhaps_o not_o far_o distant_a in_o the_o lord_n one_o from_o another_o present_o after_o thy_o departure_n it_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o senate_n that_o e._n and_o w._n do_v leave_v their_o dwelling_n so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v go_v from_o hence_o the_o lord_n bestow_v on_o they_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o they_o learn_v to_o bear_v these_o thing_n in_o true_a patience_n even_o from_o their_o own_o brethren_n and_o to_o accept_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o cross_a for_o their_o own_o advancement_n and_o for_o the_o rejection_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o may_v resign_v up_o all_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v off_o from_o they_o their_o brotherly_a love_n for_o esau_n always_o remain_v the_o brother_n of_o jacob_n but_o that_o jacob_n receive_v the_o blessing_n be_v do_v of_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o which_o indeed_o jacob_n do_v stand_v but_o yet_o without_o boast_v and_o without_o pride_n for_o it_o behoove_v he_o always_o to_o bow_v himself_o before_o esau_n in_o suffering_n without_o murmur_v and_o although_o esau_n behave_v himself_o with_o a_o very_a proud_a carriage_n towards_o his_o brother_n yet_o the_o blessing_n be_v continue_v to_o jacob_n though_o esau_n endeavour_v to_o snatch_v it_o from_o he_o again_o by_o persecution_n for_o jacob_n live_v not_o only_o in_o show_n but_o in_o truth_n when_o he_o dwell_v in_o tent_n on_o the_o contrary_a esau_n care_v only_o for_o all_o outward_a thing_n by_o labour_v and_o hunt_v the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v so_o right_o imitate_v the_o birth_n of_o esau_n that_o jacob_n may_v at_o length_n come_v forth_o for_o the_o birthright_n be_v due_a to_o esau_n but_o for_o this_o end_n only_o that_o jacob_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o nb._n the_o birth_n of_o esau_n signify_v the_o birth_n out_o of_o work_n under_o the_o law_n but_o the_o birth_n of_o jacob_n signify_v that_o that_o be_v of_o faith_n under_o grace_n epist._n xviii_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a admonition_n concern_v the_o education_n of_o youth_n together_o with_o that_o wide_a difference_n wherein_o the_o old_a philosopher_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o christian_n to_o dr._n j._n velsius_n dear_a dr._n that_o my_o young_a nephew_n have_v succeed_v well_o in_o your_o house_n be_v to_o i_o altogether_o grateful_a and_o most_o cordial_o acceptable_a for_o i_o know_v that_o you_o will_v take_v care_n of_o their_o affair_n by_o a_o diligent_a inspection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o we_o whereby_o these_o grow_a twig_n may_v be_v advance_v in_o their_o true_a increase_n for_o they_o stand_v great_o in_o need_n of_o a_o prudent_a overseer_n
thing_n can_v be_v attain_v to_o but_o by_o christ_n these_o be_v those_o thing_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n make_v so_o often_o mention_n viz._n our_o own_o proper_a righteousness_n our_o own_o proper_a work_n our_o own_o proper_a holiness_n and_o all_o such_o like_a viz._n if_o we_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n which_o be_v grant_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o stick_v rather_o unto_o they_o then_o to_o the_o only_a loâ—e_n god_n for_o to_o love_n god_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o most_o accurate_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o salvation_n or_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n whatever_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n itself_o thus_o put_v a_o man_n on_o that_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o search_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o else_o where_o either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n and_o whether_o we_o serve_v god_n and_o love_v he_o for_o this_o end_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v gain_v salvation_n but_o here_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v answer_v that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v do_v be_v do_v only_o for_o love_n yet_o nevertheless_o man_n do_v perform_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o impulse_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v i_o say_v not_o all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o good_a work_n &_o set_v light_n by_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v on_o further_a &_o not_o to_o rest_v here_o nor_o be_o i_o willing_a we_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o a_o private_a kind_n of_o peace_n of_o have_v gain_v some_o step_n only_o before_o we_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o end_n nor_o till_o the_o scope_n for_o who_o sake_n all_o this_o be_v do_v be_v due_o attain_v and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o behind_o we_o who_o follow_v up_o after_o we_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o yet_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o because_o of_o our_o great_a knowledge_n receive_v to_o put_v out_o this_o our_o talon_n to_o the_o high_a interest_n we_o can_v possible_o that_o in_o we_o may_v be_v find_v constant_a perseverance_n if_o so_o be_v at_o length_n we_o can_v arrive_v perhaps_o to_o a_o true_a die_a have_v no_o need_n more_o to_o reiterate_v so_o often_o our_o renew_n of_o death_n so_o that_o all_o may_v together_o and_o at_o once_o remain_v bury_v also_o in_o christ_n death_n eternal_o a_o more_o certain_a essential_a sort_n of_o death_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v follow_v we_o into_o that_o better_a state_n or_o condition_n most_o belove_a lady_n receive_v i_o pray_v thou_o these_o my_o letter_n kind_o if_o perhaps_o they_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o thou_o in_o thy_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o that_o we_o may_v come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o total_a renounce_v our_o flesh_n that_o then_o we_o may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n require_v by_o christ_n for_o in_o christ_n sin_n be_v utter_o condemn_v to_o death_n and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v plant_v together_o with_o he_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n so_o much_o also_o shall_v we_o through_o his_o resurrection_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o newness_n or_o the_o spirit_n who_o then_o perform_v in_o man_n the_o office_n of_o a_o governor_n and_o be_v to_o he_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o his_o life_n who_o place_n before_o this_o our_o flesh_n supply_v all_o that_o be_v beyond_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v thither_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v our_o inward_a sense_n right_o exercise_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v firm_o adhere_v to_o he_o with_o continue_a prayer_n then_o will_v he_o kindle_v in_o thy_o heart_n some_o live_a light_n which_o my_o dead_a writing_n can_v never_o effect_v by_o mean_n of_o which_o be_v inflame_v with_o a_o great_a zeal_n to_o renounce_v all_o flesh_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o heart_n empty_v and_o set_v free_a by_o a_o mere_a and_o pure_a submission_n unto_o and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o remain_v and_o persevere_v in_o his_o will_n so_o will_v the_o thing_n prosper_v and_o our_o work_n will_v more_o happy_o succeed_v but_o why_o this_o work_n will_v succeed_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o with_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o somewhat_o still_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o can_v whole_o renounce_v for_o when_o but_o one_o half_a of_o the_o heart_n be_v yield_v up_o the_o offering_n remain_v impure_a nor_o be_v it_o accept_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o or_o to_o watch_v such_o a_o heart_n which_o seek_v double_a way_n and_o carry_v upon_o either_o shoulder_n and_o halt_v on_o either_o leg_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n satisfy_v the_o flesh_n conscience_n hinder_v we_o and_o conscience_n too_o the_o flesh_n hinder_v we_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o whole_o as_o a_o pure_a offering_n and_o grateful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o bless_v of_o he_o that_o thenceforth_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o at_o length_n that_o thence_o may_v arise_v the_o righteousness_n that_o be_v available_a before_o god_n unto_o which_o may_v the_o lord_n promote_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n in_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o lord_n preserve_v we_o that_o we_o may_v persevere_v in_o his_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a will._n epist._n vi_o be_v a_o christian_a exhortation_n which_o contain_v many_o point_n very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o same_o lady_n most_o belove_a lady_n see_v that_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o time_n to_o i_o in_o this_o life_n as_o far_o as_o by_o my_o uttmost_a capacity_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v or_o be_v to_o i_o know_v i_o be_o constrain_v of_o myself_o free_o to_o open_v and_o more_o and_o more_o to_o unfold_v my_o mind_n to_o you_o yet_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o proficiency_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o attain_v to_o by_o my_o leter_n nor_o by_o our_o mutual_a converse_n appoint_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o purpose_n but_o only_o and_o alone_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o the_o same_o depend_v only_o on_o the_o meet_a divine_a commiseration_n he_o best_a know_v yet_o only_o in_o soul_n and_o conscience_n who_o himself_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o very_a work_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o it_o behoof_n be_v diligent_o to_o beware_v that_o we_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d our_o lust_n drive_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n whereas_o the_o night_n can_v soon_o be_v make_v the_o day_n than_o he_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o in_o god_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o but_o mere_a light_n and_o whosoever_o will_v come_v to_o know_v this_o work_n of_o god_n through_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v begin_v this_o knowledge_n with_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n which_o seek_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n alone_o whosoever_o proceed_v with_o a_o double_a heart_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n now_o doubleness_n of_o heart_n consist_v in_o this_o when_o we_o be_v not_o with_o out_o whole_a heart_n soul_n and_o thought_n give_v up_o and_o whole_o leave_v to_o the_o lord_n also_o when_o we_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o he_o with_o a_o heart_n divide_v in_o two_o whence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o hear_v according_a â—o_o our_o desire_n for_o the_o lord_n love_v we_o â—ore_o than_o we_o ourselves_o do_v love_v our_o â—elves_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v averse_a to_o our_o estruction_n and_o always_o free_o bestow_v 〈◊〉_d we_o that_o which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o â—ost_o profitable_a for_o our_o happiness_n which_o â—â—deed_o be_v that_o which_o at_o first_o be_v unâ—â—own_v 〈◊〉_d we_o but_o be_v at_o length_n make_v know_v 〈◊〉_d we_o though_o by_o and_o through_o great_a affliction_n because_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o fall_v into_o our_o desire_n and_o into_o that_o evil_n which_o we_o call_v our_o propriety_n that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v subject_v to_o great_a anguish_n and_o grief_n before_o we_o can_v become_v submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v never_o do_v without_o a_o spiritual_a death_n and_o the_o
for_o a_o better_a life_n wherefore_o i_o pray_v thou_o be_v thou_o intent_n to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o apply_v they_o untâ—_n the_o amendment_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o the_o mortify_n of_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o to_o thâ—_n instruction_n of_o thy_o own_o self_n until_o thâ—_n lord_n shall_v please_v to_o give_v thou_o a_o greatâ—â—_n measure_n of_o understand_v the_o fundamental_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v up_o and_o down_o by_o anâ—_n man_n but_o may_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o from_o heaven_n now_o though_o all_o man_n boast_v of_o thâ—_n that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d god_n and_o be_v divine_o teach_v by_o tâ—â—_n spirit_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o aâ—â—_n great_a distance_n from_o what_o they_o boast_v of_o for_o else_o they_o all_o shall_v have_v fight_v otherwise_o then_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v demonstrate_v before_o the_o door_n to_o grace_n can_v be_v set_v open_a they_o think_v indeed_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o dead_a and_o yet_o feel_v sin_n and_o the_o accusation_n of_o transgression_n to_o be_v still_o alive_a in_o themselves_o nor_o be_v they_o nevertheless_o willing_a to_o listen_v when_o one_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o such_o sin_n and_o do_v always_o defend_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n by_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o gainsay_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o strive_v to_o quiet_a by_o outward_a performance_n or_o ceremony_n conclude_v that_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n consist_v in_o these_o performance_n and_o so_o pretend_v to_o â—ield_v obedience_n to_o god_n without_o or_o out_o of_o themselves_o when_o within_o themselves_o they_o find_v nothing_o but_o mere_a disobedience_n whenas_o in_o truth_n whosoever_o he_o shall_v â—e_v no_o man_n except_v who_o make_v all_o be_v aim_n at_o the_o true_a mark_n he_o be_v concern_v first_o to_o satisfy_v inward_a accusation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d die_v to_o every_o sin_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o one_o sin_n we_o shall_v whole_o run_v into_o error_n if_o the_o rest_n be_v leave_v still_o alive_a but_o say_v they_o christ_n die_v for_o these_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v full_o perfect_a well_o then_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o one_o sin_n certain_o also_o he_o die_v for_o another_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manifest_a need_n that_o we_o shall_v die_v either_o to_o this_o or_o to_o that_o sin_n let_v we_o therefore_o abide_v in_o the_o old_a nature_n of_o our_o flesh_n see_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o will_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o so_o be_v it_o add_v they_o but_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o mortify_v all_o sin_n that_o we_o can_v but_o to_o be_v complete_o make_v pure_a we_o can_v we_o talâ—_n thus_o when_o we_o can_v get_v forward_o any_o further_a for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o thaâ—_n which_o exceed_v their_o power_n be_v also_o impossible_a to_o god_n but_o in_o good_a truth_n when_o a_o man_n can_v go_v no_o further_o anâ—_n have_v bear_v the_o sharp_a conflict_n of_o all_o anâ—_n still_o something_o be_v want_v to_o he_o the_o god_n work_v in_o he_o such_o thing_n as_o aâ—_n above_o all_o humane_a understanding_n anâ—_n do_v thus_o cleanse_v he_o from_o those_o sin_n from_o which_o former_o he_o can_v not_o be_v let_v goâ—_n free_a but_o they_o always_o do_v inward_o accuse_v and_o blame_v he_o whosoever_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v come_v into_o communion_n with_o god_n whilst_o he_o still_o remain_v under_o the_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n that_o man_n deceive_v himself_o for_o god_n have_v no_o communion_n with_o sin_n he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v extend_v also_o to_o himself_o must_v be_v a_o sanctify_a man_n even_o as_o he_o be_v holy_a without_o all_o accusation_n let_v not_o therefore_o more_o be_v ascribe_v i_o pray_v to_o we_o then_o become_v we_o nor_o let_v we_o boast_v ourselves_o rich_a than_o we_o be_v my_o dear_a niece_n i_o write_v these_o thing_n to_o thou_o lest_o thou_o shall_v hear_v or_o there_o according_a to_o these_o or_o these_o ceremony_n or_o external_a work_n be_v deceive_v if_o some_o body_n shall_v perchance_o propose_v such_o like_a unto_o thou_o rather_o first_o purify_v thyself_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n which_o stick_v fast_o unto_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n that_o thy_o own_o conscience_n give_v thereof_o as_o also_o the_o scripture_n bear_v the_o same_o witness_n and_o never_o look_v without_o but_o always_o within_o thyself_o for_o thy_o own_o sin_n thy_o own_o idolatry_n thy_o own_o pride_n thy_o own_o malice_n thy_o own_o unrighteousness_n be_v to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o and_o from_o they_o thou_o must_v die_v then_o will_v the_o lord_n free_o bestow_v more_o upon_o thou_o and_o as_o thy_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o want_v some_o more_o thing_n it_o shall_v abundant_o obtain_v they_o herewith_o i_o recommend_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v able_a to_o lead_v thou_o into_o all_o godliness_n and_o into_o the_o true_a study_n of_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n epist._n ix_o how_o one_o may_v arrive_v and_o come_v at_o the_o best_a portion_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o through_o many_o tribulation_n to_o the_o same_o person_n may_v much_o grace_n and_o salvation_n fruitful_o abound_v in_o thou_o in_o a_o true_a and_o daily_a proficiency_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n into_o which_o we_o be_v in_o our_o weakness_n enter_v be_v oblige_v diligent_o to_o go_v through_o therein_o that_o be_v free_v from_o our_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n we_o may_v at_o last_o be_v lead_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o eternal_a union_n with_o god_n lest_o that_o in_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v draw_v hither_o and_o thither_o and_o be_v further_o solicit_v or_o rest_v but_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o best_a porâ—ion_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o never_o more_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o before_o we_o can_v come_v at_o that_o all_o those_o faculty_n must_v first_o be_v mortify_v which_o hinder_v god_n from_o accomplish_v his_o work_n in_o we_o now_o how_o much_o any_o one_o labour_v in_o that_o mortification_n according_a to_o the_o most_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o approve_v himself_o faithful_a so_o much_o fruit_n also_o shall_v spring_v up_o from_o this_o deadned_a seed_n which_o be_v to_o endure_v much_o hail_n and_o snow_n and_o cold_a and_o misery_n of_o weather_n before_o it_o can_v put_v forth_o true_a fruit_n and_o such_o as_o will_v prove_v advantageous_a to_o a_o man_n thus_o also_o be_v it_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o that_o â—hin_a tender_a knowledge_n which_o be_v sow_o in_o we_o if_o this_o be_v at_o length_n to_o produce_v such_o fruit_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o any_o man_n for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a nourishment_n inward_o to_o his_o soul_n than_o indeed_o be_v this_o knowledge_n to_o be_v purify_v with_o many_o temptation_n assault_n difficulty_n grief_n desertion_n yea_o all_o such_o like_a hardness_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v remain_v carnal_a it_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v slay_v and_o mortify_v alas_o what_o sigh_n of_o heart_n break_v out_o before_o this_o year_n of_o trial_n be_v run_v through_o in_o the_o wilderness_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o way_n and_o partly_o because_o of_o that_o pinch_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o want_n of_o all_o divine_a comfort_n then_o flesh_n and_o blood_n look_v back_o again_o to_o egypt_n and_o repent_v that_o they_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o in_o this_o state_n we_o must_v act_v cautious_o and_o vigorous_o call_v upon_o the_o lod_n lest_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o and_o the_o tediousness_n of_o the_o way_n roughness_n quite_o overcome_v we_o for_o sure_a it_o be_v god_n will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o the_o full_a lead_v we_o from_o and_o through_o hardship_n to_o a_o more_o soft_a condition_n through_o disquiet_n to_o peace_n through_o want_n to_o all_o plenty_n and_o through_o defect_n to_o all_o abundance_n where_o all_o tear_n be_v to_o be_v wipe_v away_o from_o our_o eye_n nor_o shall_v any_o sorrow_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o touchus_fw-la any_o more_fw-it my_o niece_n i_o therefore_o write_v these_o thing_n because_o i_o know_v that_o diverse_a tribulation_n hand_n over_o we_o under_o which_o if_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o with_o courage_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v endue_v with_o great_a grace_n from_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o therefore_o right_o observe_v the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v daily_o set_v before_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n lest_o we_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o the_o selfsame_a misery_n trust_v not_o thy_o flesh_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_o
may_v my_o nephew_n exercise_n themselves_o the_o most_o they_o can_v in_o those_o endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o repress_v their_o youthful_a and_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o appetite_n which_o will_v without_o doubt_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o at_o their_o own_o season_n the_o lord_n seasonable_o grant_v to_o they_o to_o own_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o conscience_n against_o all_o these_o that_o be_v keep_v safe_a from_o they_o all_o they_o may_v never_o consent_v to_o any_o deprave_a inclination_n epist._n xix_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a especial_a difference_n between_o the_o exalt_a rational_a zeal_n and_o the_o zeal_n that_o be_v pure_a and_o christian_n to_o the_o same_o person_n my_o dr_n i_o have_v recommend_v thy_o case_n and_o purpose_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v safe_o keep_v we_o all_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o show_v to_o we_o our_o error_n for_o though_o we_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n subject_v to_o suffering_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o wholesome_a for_o we_o than_o a_o discovery_n of_o our_o spot_n and_o defect_n which_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v do_v without_o our_o indignation_n and_o opposition_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n must_v restore_v and_o enliven_v we_o all_o then_o plain_o must_v there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v in_o we_o for_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n against_o any_o one_o for_o this_o be_v alone_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o humble_a in_o heart_n for_o all_o heart_n that_o be_v puff_v up_o be_v in_o his_o time_n to_o be_v bring_v low_a even_o as_o alas_o we_o find_v it_o in_o many_o the_o lord_n keep_v we_o most_o miserable_a worm_n for_o i_o never_o be_o fright_v with_o great_a horror_n than_o when_o behold_v myself_o the_o natural_a man_n scratch_v to_o himself_o by_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o god_n bestow_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o free_a grace_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n also_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o pure_a by_o this_o appropriation_n become_v as_o it_o be_v infect_v with_o poison_n now_o if_o nature_n be_v deadn_v and_o the_o understanding_n purify_v then_o indeed_o such_o usage_n of_o god_n gift_n will_v not_o be_v so_o multiply_v but_o now_o that_o eviâ—_n which_o we_o call_v i_o be_v so_o great_a and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n through_o its_o own_o self-pleasing_a be_v so_o fall_v and_o sink_v into_o its_o own_o self_n that_o we_o wait_v not_o for_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n with_o some_o difficulty_n and_o restraint_n and_o prayer_n together_o with_o a_o hope_n 〈◊〉_d the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o fit_a season_n as_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n be_v mindful_a of_o wretched_a i_o that_o write_v thus_o and_o be_v helpful_a to_o thou_o according_a to_o his_o own_o and_o not_o according_a to_o my_o will_n i_o also_o very_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o that_o thou_o take_v not_o in_o bad_a part_n this_o my_o freedom_n in_o write_v to_o thou_o for_o my_o mind_n never_o desi_v from_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o thou_o but_o high_a pride_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o contemn_v esteem_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o also_o the_o do_v he_o injury_n never_o be_v allow_v a_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a state_n but_o rather_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o zeal_n that_o be_v natural_a mix_v with_o moysaicall_a rigour_n for_o nothing_o have_v appear_v in_o christ_n but_o mere_a suffering_n and_o death_n silence_n and_o patience_n even_o to_o the_o cross_n upon_o which_o even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n of_o his_o life_n he_o signalise_v his_o obedience_n in_o which_o he_o be_v subject_v to_o his_o father_n without_o murmur_v also_o that_o his_o majesty_n of_o his_o eternal_a godhead_n he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o again_o as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v but_o rather_o bear_v in_o himself_o humanity_n and_o imbecility_n and_o abide_v in_o huberty_n and_o contempt_n even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n he_o be_v crown_v with_o victory_n for_o if_o the_o external_a assault_n of_o his_o enemy_n can_v have_v move_v the_o internal_a nature_n of_o his_o eternal_a birth_n than_o indeed_o that_o which_o be_v immovable_a can_v have_v be_v move_v by_o some_o outward_a violence_n even_o as_o alas_o it_o most_o common_o happn_v to_o we_o that_o our_o whole_a humanity_n be_v shocked_a inward_o and_o outward_o when_o yet_o we_o do_v think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o these_o motion_n as_o it_o manifest_v itself_o in_o christ_n against_o they_o who_o dishonour_v god_n and_o profane_v his_o temple_n certain_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v eradicate_v out_o of_o our_o fleshly_a part_n if_o we_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v whole_o burn_v in_o zeal_n of_o spirit_n but_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v in_o his_o time_n manifest_a these_o thing_n to_o we_o more_o clear_o for_o when_o we_o be_v grow_v old_a we_o must_v carry_v so_o no_o thing_n with_o great_a pain_n which_o whilsâ—_n youth_n flour_n sh_v with_o a_o flame_a zeal_n we_o can_v own_v and_o undertake_v because_o all_o that_o be_v talk_v of_o death_n and_o die_v to_o young_a person_n they_o can_v in_o good_a truth_n come_v to_o they_o see_v that_o their_o bone_n and_o marrow_n be_v always_o full_a of_o all_o fleshliness_n with_o that_o fervent_a vigour_n together_o with_o a_o full_a strength_n of_o the_o grow_a faculty_n and_o voluptuous_a tendency_n which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o own_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o self-will_n be_v wont_a to_o oppose_v itself_o too_o god_n but_o then_o if_o any_o one_o proceed_v further_o and_o draw_v forth_o all_o his_o strength_n even_o unto_o the_o top_n of_o all_o his_o age_n then_o come_v decrease_v that_o we_o be_v unwilling_o lead_v into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o a_o manifest_a other_o process_n and_o then_o those_o judgement_n seem_v to_o hang_v over_o we_o which_o once_o we_o decree_v to_o other_o and_o that_o youthful_a life_n free_a and_o wanton_a swell_v with_o zeal_n be_v now_o by_o the_o just_a judment_n of_o god_n under_o the_o decreasing_n of_o old_a age_n condemn_v to_o death_n but_o then_o at_o length_n succeed_v understanding_n and_o discretion_n together_o with_o continual_a suffering_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o unto_o our_o death_n and_o the_o proper_a sentence_n pronounce_v to_o we_o for_o just_a as_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o die_v that_o be_v possess_v of_o life_n also_o be_v that_o matter_n here_o for_o god_n alone_o if_o he_o be_v true_o in_o we_o be_v conjoin_v with_o death_n but_o not_o with_o our_o life_n because_o no_o flesh_n how_o pure_a so_o ever_o it_o be_v can_v abide_v in_o his_o sight_n for_o whatever_o shine_v forth_o external_o in_o christ_n even_o that_o by_o a_o like_a death_n must_v be_v do_v inward_o in_o we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o resurrection_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o a_o communion_n of_o his_o glory_n otherwise_o we_o stick_v only_o but_o in_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n though_o glorious_a contemplate_v alone_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n humanity_n not_o yet_o glorify_v but_o we_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o that_o fruit_n which_o through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o resurrection_n by_o the_o supernatural_a birth_n and_o a_o new_a life_n be_v pour_v forth_o into_o we_o with_o eternal_a grace_n the_o lord_n open_v my_o mind_n to_o you_o for_o here_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o understanding_n to_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o slender_a epist._n xx._n a_o acknowledgement_n concern_v the_o disputation_n hold_v at_o francfort_n between_o john_n calvin_n and_o justus_n velsius_n of_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o of_o freewill_n to_o a._n g._n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o mercy_n be_v upon_o thou_o and_o on_o all_o those_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o seek_v his_o truth_n most_o belove_a a._n concern_v what_o thou_o do_v write_v to_o i_o about_o that_o dispute_n hold_v at_o franckfort_n betwixt_o velsius_n and_o calvin_n my_o opinion_n be_v that_o velsius_n do_v stumble_v therein_o whilst_o he_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n for_o humane_a power_n be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v before_o a_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a birth_n because_o what_o be_v new_o bear_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n it_o be_v eternal_a and_o immortal_a even_o as_o he_o be_v who_o beget_v it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a calvin_n fail_v in_o that_o point_n wherein_o he_o reject_v all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n universal_o which_o indeed_o i_o allow_v to_o be_v true_a unless_o that_o i_o also_o judge_v that_o that_o knowledge_n
that_o be_v corroborate_v with_o the_o sweet_a promise_n it_o shall_v of_o beten_v renew_v because_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o god_n but_o from_o man_n who_o it_o concern_v to_o use_v a_o external_a comfort_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o internal_a comfort_n for_o the_o dwell_n of_o god_n be_v not_o but_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o then_o at_o last_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v his_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v whole_o free_v from_o nature_n else_o we_o remain_v always_o seprarate_v from_o he_o by_z and_o through_o that_o enmity_n which_o be_v put_v betwixt_o god_n and_o out_o nature_n as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o still_o persist_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n so_o much_o be_v we_o still_o separate_v from_o god_n and_o do_v understand_v his_o whole_a essence_n government_n mean_n direction_n gift_n and_o discipline_n in_o a_o sense_n deprave_v and_o pervert_v by_o nature_n for_o it_o hold_v we_o so_o captive_a that_o as_o often_o as_o god_n send_v we_o certain_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o spiritual_a death_n present_o this_o very_a nature_n by_o her_o counsel_n turn_v we_o off_o from_o they_o to_o other_o that_o at_o last_o this_o chastn_a rod_n become_v frustrate_a and_o fruitless_a and_o these_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v account_v for_o plague_n affliction_n and_o heavy_a burden_n and_o be_v receive_v with_o murmur_a and_o indignation_n most_o high_a god_n how_o evil_a be_v our_o eye_n may_v the_o lord_n gracious_o please_v to_o open_v our_o eye_n in_o his_o own_o time_n that_o at_o length_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v epist._n xi_o a_o admonition_n how_o youth_n may_v be_v put_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o modesty_n to_o j._n m._n dearest_n j._n that_o which_o i_o peculiarly_a desire_n be_v that_o which_o also_o i_o trust_v the_o lord_n will_v effect_v to_o direct_v thy_o way_n to_o the_o chief_a scope_n whereby_o thou_o may_v now_o in_o this_o lifes-time_n modest_o compose_v thy_o sense_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o path_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o daily_a and_o nightly_a endeavour_n after_o virtue_n thou_o have_v now_o see_v the_o world_n and_o haste_v experiencedt_fw-mi hat_n there_o be_v nought_o to_o be_v find_v therein_o in_o which_o can_v be_v any_o quiet_a of_o soul_n inasmuch_o as_o she_o be_v much_o rather_o lead_v in_o this_o world_n into_o disquiet_n and_o trouble_n because_o therefore_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o long-suffering_a have_v bear_v with_o thou_o and_o have_v deign_v most_o indulgent_o to_o wink_v at_o thy_o youth_n it_o now_o altogether_o will_v become_v thou_o to_o be_v more_o diligent_o set_v upon_o thy_o watch_n by_o better_a use_v thy_o time_n then_o as_o yet_o have_v be_v do_v whilst_o thou_o be_v still_o toss_v up_o down_o by_o the_o wave_n of_o this_o world_n the_o lord_n will_v i_o hope_v more_o and_o more_o draw_v thy_o heart_n with_o fervour_n to_o himself_o that_o thou_o may_v seek_v he_o more_o serious_o even_o as_o former_o thy_o mind_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o yet_o have_v in_o time_n vanish_v or_o will_v yet_o vanish_v see_v none_o of_o all_o thing_n temporal_a can_v ever_o persist_v as_o we_o daily_o observe_v with_o our_o eye_n that_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o change_v if_o therefore_o any_o one_o shall_v indulge_v his_o inclination_n in_o time_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o be_v together_o with_o time_n afflict_v with_o sorrow_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o safe_a then_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o time_n even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o to_o turn_v himself_o to_o eternity_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o mutation_n and_o in_o which_o nothing_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n but_o a_o pious_a and_o constant_a tranquillity_n that_o we_o may_v come_v thither_o we_o must_v endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o learn_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o all_o our_o pleasure_n and_o to_o abdicate_v our_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o supplant_v in_o which_o our_o flesh_n will_v live_v and_o play_v the_o wanton_a then_o shall_v thou_o true_o please_v the_o lord_n who_o also_o will_v strenuous_o help_v thou_o to_o rout_n the_o enemy_n of_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v carry_v from_o one_o righteousness_n to_o another_o together_o with_o all_o proficiency_n and_o increase_n in_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o love_n herewith_o i_o commend_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n epist._n xii_o how_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o true_a submission_n to_o a_o certain_a betroth_a gentleman_n dearest_n n._n the_o lord_n will_v in_o due_a time_n turn_v thy_o grief_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v for_o the_o better_a for_o as_o in_o all_o so_o likewise_o in_o this_o be_v we_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o divine_a will_v only_o when_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o no_o man_n shall_v or_o can_v prevent_v the_o matter_n but_o if_o the_o time_n be_v not_o come_v we_o indeed_o may_v desire_v it_o in_o our_o own_o wish_n but_o the_o thing_n shall_v want_v its_o success_n not_o that_o i_o strive_v as_o it_o be_v to_o resist_v thy_o desire_n but_o that_o the_o alone_a providence_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n of_o choice_n in_o we_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o wait_v or_o whether_o to_o go_v forward_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o this_o be_v to_o wait_v expect_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o stand_v submit_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o live_v to_o one_o self_n or_o to_o follow_v one_o self_n or_o to_o desire_v if_o we_o find_v any_o difference_n in_o ourselves_o so_o as_o that_o we_o desire_v rather_o this_o than_o that_o than_o the_o whole_a thing_n be_v from_o ourselves_o and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n be_v free_a and_o whole_o commend_v to_o god_n without_o any_o desire_n of_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a will_v be_v do_v which_o also_o be_v do_v if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o unclothe_v of_o all_o desire_n how_o advantageous_a soever_o the_o business_n may_v seem_v in_o our_o eye_n yet_o by_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o entangle_v thou_o for_o i_o know_v that_o thy_o mind_n earnest_o affect_v a_o freedom_n from_o all_o appetite_n of_o fulfiil_a desire_n the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o true_a helper_n in_o all_o needs_o will_v be_v mindful_a of_o thou_o and_o of_o all_o of_o we_o and_o will_v comfort_v thou_o with_o his_o wonderful_a operation_n and_o will_v lead_v the_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o whence_o all_o have_v their_o original_a and_o emanation_n and_o to_o who_o as_o unto_o their_o end_n all_o thing_n do_v return_v in_o their_o own_o time_n so_o that_o we_o also_o even_o all_o of_o we_o must_v appear_v in_o he_o by_o our_o departure_n and_o death_n in_o which_o notwithstanding_o his_o eternal_a subsistence_n be_v manifest_v as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v in_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o of_o the_o death_n of_o all_o those_o which_o be_v find_v create_v in_o they_o do_v arrive_v at_o that_o eternal_a communion_n which_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a hand_n of_o god_n quicken_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a but_o not_o the_o live_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v enjoy_v the_o same_o resurrection_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v also_o to_o be_v transplant_v into_o the_o same_o death_n be_v yield_v up_o to_o god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o become_v obedient_a even_o to_o death_n may_v the_o lord_n instruct_v thou_o with_o a_o true_a understanding_n that_o thou_o may_v meditate_v on_o his_o will_n with_o a_o pierce_a and_o continue_a consideration_n and_o may_v that_o be_v a_o help_n to_o thou_o in_o thy_o suffering_n according_a to_o his_o mercy_n and_o may_v it_o direct_v all_o thing_n for_o thy_o benefit_n as_o they_o be_v decree_v in_o he_o from_o eternity_n which_o be_v what_o i_o confident_o believe_v he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o desire_a end_n by_o his_o eternal_a grace_n epist._n xiii_o a_o exhortation_n raise_v from_o that_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v without_o god_n tend_v to_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o set_v the_o divine_a judgement_n before_o our_o eye_n to_o the_o same_o person_n most_o beloved_a n._n that_o it_o be_v so_o long_o since_o i_o write_v to_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o i_o want_v a_o opportunity_n according_a to_o my_o