end_n of_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n believe_v firm_o but_o not_o sound_o nor_o true_o his_o faith_n like_a to_o the_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v innumerable_a mistake_n not_o to_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a evil_a consequence_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a and_o willing_a to_o divide_v and_o rend_v faith_n from_o itself_o i_o mean_v the_o form_n or_o inward_a act_n of_o believe_v from_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o faith_n alone_o so_o take_v give_v we_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o give_v we_o sanctification_n too_o for_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v thereunto_o prepare_v by_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v and_o more_o dangerous_o presume_v no_o man_n be_v more_o justify_v alone_o by_o faith_n than_o he_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o alone_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o faith_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o rest_v upon_o such_o faith_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o upon_o such_o work_n of_o faith._n but_o this_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o pass_v 4._o however_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o at_o least_o form_n of_o speak_v as_o have_v late_o prevail_v disow_v the_o necessary_a ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o allow_v yea_o urge_v much_o good_a work_n and_o with_o many_o flourish_n commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o advance_v immoderate_o and_o injudicious_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n cripple_n it_o and_o bind_v it_o up_o from_o the_o free_a course_n and_o full_a influence_n it_o may_v and_o otherwise_o will_v have_v upon_o man_n life_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o evil_a and_o impregnate_v it_o to_o good_a work_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 5._o but_o leave_v that_o controversy_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v without_o controversy_n show_v by_o plain_a instance_n what_o we_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o militant_a state_n here_o and_o let_v it_o be_v ingenuous_o judge_v how_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o one_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o man_n especial_o and_o their_o heart_n and_o action_n and_o infallible_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a can_v easy_o omit_v the_o good_a so_o ample_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remunerate_v or_o rash_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a of_o sin-tempting_a stand_v by_o his_o christian_a faith_n assure_v that_o his_o temporary_a trifle_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o feel_v pleasure_n shall_v end_v infallible_o in_o bitterness_n and_o never-failing_a sorrow_n who_o will_v sow_v that_o seed_n in_o his_o field_n which_o he_o may_v easy_o believe_v will_v rise_v up_o to_o a_o harvest_n of_o serpent_n which_o will_v sting_v he_o to_o death_n or_o can_v a_o man_n steadfast_o believe_v that_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n teach_v and_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v appear_v a_o second_o time_n in_o glory_n and_o severe_a justice_n towards_o quick_a and_o dead_a render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n viz._n life_n everlasting_a or_o shame_n and_o torment_v everlasting_a and_o not_o fear_v or_o fear_v and_o yet_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v weigh_v he_o down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o misery_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v so_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o desireablenesse_n of_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o golden_a cup_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o deadly_a poison_n or_o will_v any_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o bread_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o perhaps_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n which_o he_o know_v will_v sudden_o after_o breed_v gravel_n and_o stone_n in_o his_o reins_o and_o bladder_n and_o infinite_o torture_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n persuasion_n which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o his_o fondness_n strong_a which_o can_v impose_v so_o hard_a thing_n on_o he_o unreject_v 6._o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a glory_n thereof_o yea_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fallacy_n vicious_a practice_n put_v on_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o less_o if_o less_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v not_o this_o next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n for_o what_o way_n we_o call_v a_o miracle_n if_o not_o delude_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o man_n eye_n and_o common_a sense_n that_o he_o shall_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o have_v no_o other_o opinion_n of_o flame_n into_o which_o he_o must_v be_v cast_v than_o of_o a_o feather_n bed_n 7._o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o present_a sweet_a be_v most_o sweet_a and_o the_o present_a bitter_a most_o bitter_a but_o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n the_o future_a exceed_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o to_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o hardship_n in_o this_o world_n no_o more_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o misery_n wicked_a man_n suffer_v hereafter_o than_o the_o joy_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n be_v to_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v hereafter_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o righteous_a it_o may_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v the_o least_o of_o evil_n and_o to_o run_v the_o least_o of_o hazard_n too_o as_o that_o poor_a simple_a austere_a man_n vile_o and_o cold_o clad_v and_o as_o ill_o feed_v do_v with_o who_o as_o our_o own_o history_n tell_v a_o boisterous_a and_o soft_a gallant_a meeting_n demand_v of_o he_o why_o he_o use_v himself_o so_o hardly_o and_o be_v answer_v by_o he_o i_o do_v this_o to_o escape_v hell-fire_n but_o say_v the_o gallant_a again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hell_n what_o a_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o use_v thyself_o so_o ill_o but_o he_o more_o witty_o and_o sharp_o reply_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n how_o much_o more_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o live_v so_o as_o thou_o do_v put_v the_o case_n to_o common_a reason_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doubtful_a point_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o not_o a_o heaven_n or_o no_o heaven_n and_o the_o scale_n weigh_v both_o side_n be_v equal_a will_v not_o general_a reason_n advise_v so_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a course_n and_o live_v that_o life_n which_o may_v lead_v to_o the_o suppose_a happiness_n and_o escape_v the_o threaten_a torment_n what_o hurt_n befall_v that_o man_n that_o live_v continent_o temperate_o modest_o just_o sober_o yea_o and_o selfe-denying_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a though_o no_o reward_n follow_v upon_o his_o rigour_n but_o the_o ordinary_a comfort_n of_o health_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v great_a to_o he_o than_o the_o riotous_a liver_n and_o pleaser_n of_o his_o appetite_n and_o sense_n without_o restraint_n but_o what_o hurt_n do_v not_o befall_v he_o hereafter_o who_o by_o indulge_v to_o his_o sensible_a soul_n bereave_v himself_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o not_o be_v all_o neither_o as_o our_o religion_n true_o inform_v we_o 8._o let_v we_o therefore_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o prove_v ourselves_o know_v of_o our_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o corin._n 13._o 5._o sure_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o event_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o not_o to_o be_v like_o a_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n nor_o like_o such_o man_n who_o have_v
ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n p._n 9_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n especial_o conduce_v thereunto_o p._n 12_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v p._n 20_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v p._n 40_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o note_v and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v p_o 51_o sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o the_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state._n p._n 63_o sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n p._n 76_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v page_n 99_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n p._n 105_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n not_o neglect_v outward_a severity_n p._n 114_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n p._n 124_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n p._n 129_o sect_n vi_o that_o this_o purgative_a repentance_n must_v be_v general_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a p._n 147_o sect_n vii_o of_o self_n denial_n require_v to_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will._n p._n 156_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o custody_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v have_v over_o the_o outward_a man_n especial_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o tongue_n p._n 174_o sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n and_o modesty_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n p._n 189_o sect_n x._o the_o connexion_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seven_o capital_a sin_n p._n 201_o sect_n xi_o of_o pride_n the_o first_o deadly_a or_o capital_a sin._n p._n 203_o sect_n xii_o of_o anger_n a_o second_o capital_a sin_n its_o concomitant_n and_o remedy_n p._n 219_o sect_n xiii_o of_o the_o deadly_a sin_n of_o envy_n its_o nature_n and_o remedy_n p._n 233_o sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n p._n 244_o sect_n xv._o of_o luxury_n and_o uncleanness_n p._n 254_o sect_n xvi_o of_o gluttony_n its_o sinfullnesse_n and_o cure._n p._n 265_o sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n p._n 277_o sect_n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o part_n with_o some_o short_a advice_n relate_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therein_o p._n 288_o the_o three_o part._n treat_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n with_o god._n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a union_n with_o god_n and_o of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o p._n 297_o sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a p._n 304_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v p._n 309_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n for_o this_o latter_a p._n 317_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o union_n we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n habitual_a and_o actual_a as_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o worship_n p._n 328_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o defect_n incident_a to_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o their_o remedy_n p._n 334_o sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n p._n 342_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v or_o fix_v as_o also_o of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n p._n 350_o sect_n ix_o of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n to_o which_o certain_a instruction_n be_v premise_v p._n 359_o sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n here_o discuss_v p._n 367_o sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o with_o their_o proper_a remedy_n p._n 378_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o before_o with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o consolation_n p._n 387_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o true_a spiritual_a life_n the_o first_o part_n treat_v of_o spiritual_a illumination_n sect_n 1._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o vsefulnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a 1._o there_o be_v three_o principal_a stage_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v to_o pass_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n towards_o that_o sabbath_n of_o blessedness_n hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o aspire_v to_o it_o may_v seem_v both_o very_a methodical_a and_o profitable_a to_o that_o great_a end_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thither_o by_o clear_n up_o the_o deface_a character_n write_v by_o god_n own_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o in_o general_a that_o such_o a_o fundamental_a persuasion_n be_v well_o receive_v the_o edification_n in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a absolute_a and_o better_o advance_v 2._o for_o what_o may_v we_o call_v religion_n speak_v here_o more_o practical_o than_o artificial_o but_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o power_n able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v everlasting_o infer_v a_o strong_a and_o just_a obligation_n upon_o all_o creature_n especial_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o present_a be_v and_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o subsistence_n and_o upon_o who_o depend_v his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n 3._o but_o may_v it_o not_o here_o also_o be_v say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v too_o many_o obstinate_o refuse_v any_o better_a guidance_n or_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o as_o may_v favour_v their_o degenerous_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n of_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n hurry_v they_o to_o a_o liberty_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n freedom_n when_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o renounce_v the_o servitude_n and_o turpitude_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v ourselves_o apprentice_n to_o learn_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o religion_n the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indent_v and_o covenant_v with_o believer_n so_o faithful_o serve_v he_o when_o their_o time_n come_v out_o by_o death_n in_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o desirable_a freedom_n by_o make_v they_o citizen_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o than_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v no_o great_a or_o better_a event_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o good_a nor_o great_a remuneration_n 4._o who_o will_v not_o then_o sometime_o retire_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o divine_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n shall_v we_o see_v so_o many_o artist_n of_o this_o world_n strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o not_o only_o for_o lucre_n sake_n but_o esteem_v of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n and_o trade_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v cold_a indifferent_a and_o careless_a in_o this_o of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o how_o many_o have_v become_v poor_a infamous_a
miserable_a and_o perish_v final_o mere_o for_o want_n of_o religion_n better_o inform_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o how_o many_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v religion_n celebrate_v and_o immortalize_v above_o all_o other_o art_n science_n or_o heroic_a feat_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o pitiful_a person_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o birth_n part_n education_n possession_n and_o the_o like_a admire_v by_o the_o world_n have_v outshine_v man_n even_o in_o this_o world_n in_o true_a honour_n who_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v account_v most_o renown_a and_o happy_a and_o after_o this_o life_n have_v perpetuate_v their_o name_n long_o and_o propagate_v they_o far_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n philosopher_n and_o the_o noble_a prince_n and_o potentate_n thereof_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o contend_v so_o zealous_o for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o 5._o for_o what_o be_v all_o art_n or_o science_n or_o power_n or_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n unsanctified_a or_o unseasoned_a by_o religion_n but_o so_o many_o instrument_n of_o wickedness_n cousenage_n and_o villainy_n and_o what_o be_v all_o humane_a society_n and_o polity_n but_o so_o many_o shop_n of_o injustice_n deceit_n and_o uncontrollable_a rapine_n and_o spoil_n without_o religion_n influence_v the_o conscience_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o without_o this_o no_o such_o law_n can_v be_v enact_v which_o may_v secure_v either_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o violence_n or_o their_o property_n from_o injury_n and_o the_o advantage_n that_o some_o irreligious_a person_n make_v to_o themselves_o by_o contemn_v religious_a rule_n tend_v direct_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o common_a body_n or_o innumerable_a particular_a person_n for_o one_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n or_o conscience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fear_v due_a to_o he_o corrupt_v wine_n and_o other_o drink_v with_o some_o benefit_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o body_n of_o many_o more_o other_o falsyfie_v stuff_n silk_n and_o clothes_n and_o deceive_v the_o wearer_n other_o counterfeit_v lawful_a money_n contrary_a to_o the_o standard_n and_o bring_v damage_n to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o often_o loss_n of_o life_n and_o good_n to_o themselves_o other_o defraud_n in_o weight_n and_o measure_n other_o embolden_v by_o gainful_a success_n in_o unjust_a practice_n cast_v off_o whole_o the_o very_a vizor_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o open_a face_n rob_v and_o spoil_v their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o conclusion_n bring_v confusion_n to_o themselves_o 6._o these_o be_v indeed_o lamentable_a consequence_n of_o a_o irreligious_a mind_n but_o how_o much_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v and_o avoid_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o waste_v make_v upon_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n how_o hereupon_o do_v as_o well_o monstrous_a as_o pernicious_a dogme_n invade_v the_o understanding_n and_o mislead_v it_o into_o many_o idle_a foolish_a false_a and_o absurd_a paradox_n and_o these_o prevail_a how_o be_v the_o affection_n set_v at_o liberty_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n and_o sophisticate_a the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n more_o criminal_a in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n than_o corrupt_v the_o king_n coin_n or_o deface_v malicious_o his_o image_n can_v be_v with_o man_n more_o prejudicial_a to_o man_n himself_o then_o outward_a blindness_n of_o the_o eye_n mutilation_n of_o member_n or_o lameness_n of_o limb_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n than_o have_v such_o iutegrity_n of_o bodily_a part_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n for_o want_v of_o true_a religion_n but_o because_o such_o as_o want_v religion_n be_v least_o of_o all_o sensible_a of_o such_o remote_a and_o inevident_a evil_n preach_v against_o wanter_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v not_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o bring_v down_o the_o appeal_n against_o they_o to_o their_o sense_n and_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v inform_v we_o what_o havoc_n irreligion_n make_v upon_o man_n person_n and_o outward_a condition_n bring_v their_o wit_n into_o suspicion_n of_o weakness_n who_o to_o appear_v somebody_o in_o dogmatize_v be_v constrain_v to_o take_v up_o the_o oppose_a the_o receive_a principle_n of_o religion_n a_o extraordinary_a subject_n draw_v man_n ear_n to_o listen_v after_o such_o a_o vain_a philosopher_n who_o otherways_o no_o man_n will_v regard_v talk_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o piety_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o reason_n aim_v at_o no_o great_a glory_n than_o those_o obscure_a and_o pitiful_a fellow_n of_o little_a or_o no_o place_n or_o power_n considerable_a who_o to_o acquire_v somewhat_o of_o a_o name_n provoke_v and_o set_v upon_o invincible_a champion_n or_o choose_v to_o perish_v by_o a_o royal_a hand_n 7._o and_o must_v not_o the_o portion_n of_o reason_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o low_a in_o he_o who_o undertake_v the_o oppugn_v that_o which_o so_o many_o before_o he_o have_v attempt_v without_o any_o other_o event_n than_o their_o own_o infamy_n and_o stupidity_n after_o a_o wilful_a oppose_v the_o once_o approve_a truth_n for_o so_o impregnable_a be_v the_o rock_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v master_v considerable_o by_o any_o assault_n nor_o so_o far_o sink_v or_o lose_v to_o the_o view_n and_o approbation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o leaden_a weight_n of_o man_n ratiocination_n but_o it_o buoy_v itself_o up_o above_o all_o such_o enemy_n and_o triumph_v over_o they_o while_o the_o name_n and_o memory_n of_o its_o adversary_n rot_v and_o their_o own_o deed_n contrary_a to_o religion_n oppress_v they_o in_o their_o vice_n and_o confound_v they_o so_o that_o delight_v not_o to_o know_v god_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n stupendous_a infatuation_n have_v seize_v upon_o many_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o disturb_v their_o affection_n that_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o that_o they_o call_v religion_n but_o to_o that_o we_o and_o they_o both_o call_v nature_n they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o can_v and_o those_o action_n which_o seem_v unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a once_o to_o themselves_o become_v their_o supreme_a perfection_n in_o which_o they_o glory_v and_o perhaps_o perish_v 8._o these_o mischief_n then_o foresee_v and_o the_o contrary_a benefit_n of_o religion_n discern_v and_o believe_v put_v i_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o s._n paul_n desire_v man_n to_o suffer_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o reason_n sometime_o magnify_v by_o they_o in_o word_n but_o not_o so_o often_o allow_v of_o in_o practice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o christ_n jesus_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o all_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v only_o be_v happy_a and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o here_o expect_v demonstration_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v into_o the_o faith_n nor_o eloquence_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o pretend_v to_o here_o but_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n no_o otherways_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n believe_v and_o expect_v hereafter_o may_v suffice_v to_o awaken_v divers_a to_o inquire_v serious_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o good_a berean_o which_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a mind_n under_o this_o great_a advantage_n above_o worldly_a doctrine_n that_o none_o of_o these_o have_v so_o much_o as_o dare_v to_o promise_v so_o great_a future_a blessing_n in_o a_o world_n to_o come_v nor_o have_v any_o make_v good_a such_o fair_a promise_n of_o present_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o have_v be_v charm_v with_o and_o unhappy_o trust_v to_o and_o be_v delude_v by_o 9_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v here_o so_o understand_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o perfect_a and_o also_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a worship_n and_o christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a yet_o i_o hold_v it_o requisite_a speak_v of_o illumination_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n whereby_o religion_n do_v furnish_v the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o either_o not_o at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n or_o so_o uncertain_o and_o obscure_o as_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o
obstinacy_n and_o obduratenesse_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o v._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n martin_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o marvellous_a gift_n or_o faculty_n of_o cure_v sick_a and_o impotent_a person_n the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o decrepit_a who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o beg_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o lest_o be_v cure_v of_o such_o their_o defect_n and_o impotency_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o livelihood_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o get_v a_o miserable_a and_o beggarly_a livelihood_n by_o serve_v and_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v blind_a and_o cripple_v in_o a_o heavenly_a sense_n refuse_v that_o light_n and_o life_n and_o renovation_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n prepossess_v and_o captivate_v with_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o thereupon_o say_v thou_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o our_o ear_n in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a than_o true_a and_o though_o it_o be_v mannah_n itself_o and_o that_o drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n man_n out_o of_o their_o scepticalnesse_n and_o curiosity_n will_v question_v it_o and_o perhaps_o in_o time_n loathe_v it_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o bread_n from_o heaven_n there_o be_v general_o too_o little_a agreement_n between_o the_o notion_n of_o half-sighted_n natural_a reason_n and_o delectation_n of_o our_o sense_n natural_a and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o more_o spiritual_a prescription_n give_v we_o by_o religion_n though_o natural_a reason_n not_o counterfeit_v nor_o corrupt_v by_o base_a alley_n of_o vicious_a man_n may_v pass_v also_o as_o god_n true_a coin_n but_o that_o pure_a gold_n it_o be_v not_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v revel_v 3_o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v get_v white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o get_v that_o eyesalve_n that_o we_o may_v see_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o the_o knowledge_n or_o illumination_n which_o we_o have_v from_o thence_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o that_o money_n a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o or_o that_o which_o the_o tradesman_n have_v present_a in_o his_o bank_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o book_n which_o must_v put_v he_o sometime_o to_o trouble_v to_o fetch_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o fetch_v in_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n understand_v the_o scripture_n until_o which_o time_n that_o will_v be_v find_v too_o true_a which_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 8._o 12._o complain_n of_o in_o god_n behalf_n i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o shall_v inquire_v faithful_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n we_o may_v find_v they_o too_o often_o in_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o man_n influence_v the_o understanding_n with_o mistake_n and_o gross_a error_n which_o yet_o some_o to_o cover_v with_o show_n of_o great_a candour_n in_o judge_v and_o ingenuity_n have_v wish_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o thing_n christianity_n require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o reality_n and_o common_a integrity_n be_v not_o also_o lay_v aside_o here_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o do_v not_o their_o own_o prime_a reason_n and_o of_o all_o civilise_a people_n tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o true_o humane_a be_v more_o natural_a to_o man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v man_n but_o of_o indifferent_a read_n and_o observation_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n nor_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v all_o who_o principle_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o competent_a understanding_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o man_n to_o avoid_v the_o barbarity_n of_o atheism_n must_v believe_v more_o than_o nature_n can_v compel_v they_o unto_o by_o her_o philosophical_a demonstration_n or_o fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n little_a inferior_a to_o atheism_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v frame_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o religious_a as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o no_o far_o and_o which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v call_v his_o freak_n and_o humour_n his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o so_o true_a that_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o he_o will_v not_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o worst_a or_o let_v it_o be_v that_o he_o can_v when_o st._n paul_n if_o he_o be_v but_o so_o far_o believe_v say_v of_o some_o 2_o corinth_n 4._o 4._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o that_o be_v i_o suppose_v be_v well_o know_v have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o vain_a and_o vicious_a man_n have_v by_o their_o presume_a wit_n and_o evil_a life_n tempt_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o be_v accessary_n to_o their_o infatuation_n for_o as_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1._o 17._o so_o do_v every_o notorious_a error_n and_o wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o childeren_n of_o disobedience_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n in_o scripture_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o believe_v it_o reasonable_o propound_v 5._o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o worth_a our_o wonder_v how_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o the_o devil_n in_o scripture_n as_o john_n 12._o 4._o speak_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o scholastical_a difficulty_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n to_o which_o i_o may_v refer_v it_o but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v that_o as_o judge_n or_o prince_n be_v say_v to_o put_v malefactor_n to_o death_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o executioner_n who_o office_n it_o be_v so_o god_n upon_o just_a provocation_n deliver_v great_a sinner_n to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n when_o it_o be_v cause_v direct_o by_o satan_n only_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v most_o proper_o appertain_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 7._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o and_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o god_n assist_v lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 16._o 14._o and_o so_o necessary_a be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v this_o key_n by_o his_o own_o side_n and_o not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o lend_v it_o to_o his_o minister_n no_o not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v christ_n himself_o who_o as_o god_n have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n mind_n always_o succeed_v in_o his_o teach_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o deep_a providence_n suffer_v his_o labour_n to_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v fall_v out_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o beginning_n continue_v and_o consummation_n of_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o repel_v that_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n whereby_o too_o prosperous_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n or_o vineyard_n may_v be_v prone_a to_o attribute_v much_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o
the_o empty_a and_o perish_a vanity_n and_o foul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n their_o finger_n in_o catch_v these_o worldly_a pleasure_n 8._o and_o why_o shall_v i_o add_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o evil_a infatuation_n and_o choice_n as_o be_v make_v here_o by_o such_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v do_v not_o even_a nature_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v not_o our_o sense_n or_o common_a observation_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o reward_n be_v not_o precise_o or_o constant_o dispense_v in_o this_o life_n but_o very_o often_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastes_n befall_v all_o man_n alike_o he_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o he_o that_o sacrifice_n not_o which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v so_o order_v that_o man_n may_v erect_v their_o mind_n and_o direct_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o state_n after_o death_n and_o stead_n fast_o believe_v and_o accurate_a remuneration_n both_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o sevenfold_a to_o what_o man_n suffer_v or_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o labour_n or_o pleasure_n take_v in_o this_o life_n in_o pursuit_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a this_o our_o christian_a creed_n will_v have_v we_o perfect_o settle_v in_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o inculcate_n unto_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 7._o 36._o whatsoever_o thou_o take_v in_o hand_n remember_v thy_o latter_a end_n and_o thou_o shall_v never_o do_v amiss_o know_v thyself_o and_o present_a frailty_n infirmity_n and_o vain_a inclination_n expose_v thou_o to_o sin_n and_o error_n remember_v the_o great_a end_n thou_o be_v place_v for_o in_o this_o world_n remember_v the_o inevitable_a stroke_n of_o death_n destroy_v this_o body_n and_o the_o inevitable_a resurrection_n restore_v it_o again_o to_o never-dying_a joy_n or_o misery_n know_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n sound_o and_o effectual_o and_o thyself_o thorough_o by_o a_o spiritual_a philosophy_n make_v thou_o wise_a to_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n here_o and_o to_o salvation_n hereafter_o to_o the_o attain_v this_o divine_a knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n self_n some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o sober_a philosopher_n and_o much_o more_o ancient_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n do_v often_o exhort_v other_o and_o exercise_n themselves_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o day_n revolve_v in_o their_o mind_n what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o what_o they_o have_v not_o the_o day_n pass_v and_o all_o this_o discern_a themselves_o and_o judge_v their_o action_n impartial_o they_o may_v adjust_a the_o account_n between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o tradesman_n desirous_a to_o thrive_v often_o turn_v over_o his_o day_n book_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o his_o debt-book_n the_o better_a to_o understand_v whether_o he_o thrive_v or_o run_v behindhand_o in_o the_o world_n so_o every_o prudent_a and_o thrifty_a soul_n frequent_o reflect_v on_o its_o self_n and_o action_n what_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o and_o what_o he_o have_v take_v in_o to_o its_o advantage_n or_o prejudice_n if_o the_o good_a emperor_n bewail_v his_o hard_a hap_n when_o he_o upon_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v pass_v one_o day_n say_v my_o friend_n we_o have_v lose_v a_o day_n how_o much_o more_o reason_n of_o lamentation_n may_v inconsiderate_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n ruminate_v upon_o ill-spent_a time_n say_v my_o friend_n we_o have_v lose_v eternity_n we_o have_v lose_v our_o soul_n or_o at_o least_o forfeit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o may_v not_o be_v regain_v without_o true_a and_o timely_a repentance_n and_o renovation_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o discern_v ourselves_o nor_o that_o without_o search_n make_v into_o ourselves_o nor_o this_o without_o reflection_n make_v upon_o ourselves_o nor_o this_o without_o illumination_n nor_o illumination_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o devout_a imploration_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n 1._o but_o hitherto_o have_v we_o treat_v of_o such_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o man_n general_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o now_o we_o proceed_v brief_o to_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o illumination_n and_o as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v 2_o corin._n 12._o 1._o come_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o such_o there_o have_v be_v and_o such_o there_o may_v be_v who_o ever_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v not_o deny_v and_o whoever_o will_v allow_v any_o credit_n to_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o tradition_n can_v deny_v i_o know_v god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o sufficient_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o importunate_o to_o seek_v for_o such_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o so_o far_o tie_v his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v our_o luxuriant_a appetite_n after_o knowledge_n which_o transport_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o darken_v and_o degrade_v they_o but_o have_v distribute_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o of_o his_o undeserved_a and_o unexpected_a liberality_n cast_v into_o our_o dimension_n the_o overplus_n of_o immediate_a illumination_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n before_o christ_n and_o the_o frequent_a grant_n of_o vision_n to_o the_o belove_a and_o honour_a patriarch_n before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n manifest_o prove_v this_o beyond_o doubt_n or_o exception_n of_o which_o reason_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v render_v by_o the_o subtle_a and_o learned_a not_o belong_v to_o this_o place_n but_o as_o for_o prophet_n and_o seer_n after_o the_o law_n give_v they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o law_n so_o deliver_v which_o otherwise_o may_v and_o too_o often_o do_v lie_v languish_v and_o neglect_v but_o so_o many_o special_a intimation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n which_o become_v a_o law_n likewise_o to_o their_o posterity_n and_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 1_o corinth_n 10._o be_v enter_v into_o their_o labour_n and_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o with_o the_o advantage_n and_o accession_n of_o more_o clear_a and_o plentiful_a revelation_n than_o the_o world_n before_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o with_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n or_o divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v safe_o and_o ought_v thankful_o and_o modest_o to_o acquiesce_v not_o despise_v prophecying_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v consonant_a to_o that_o know_a rule_n give_v we_o and_o that_o these_o material_a revelation_n as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o be_v not_o so_o full_a and_o manifest_a as_o to_o make_v all_o illumination_n superfluous_a and_o fruitless_a even_o the_o precise_a admirer_n of_o scripture_n will_v grant_v themselves_o lay_v special_a claim_n to_o accessory_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n and_o a_o eminent_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v give_v in_o the_o two_o disciple_n travail_v to_o emaus_n luke_n 24._o who_o understand_v the_o scripture_n we_o may_v suppose_v as_o well_o as_o other_o general_o and_o to_o help_v they_o therein_o have_v act_v before_o their_o eye_n what_o be_v before_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n and_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o understand_v nor_o believe_v the_o scripture_n until_o christ_n expound_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o prophecy_n from_o moses_n and_o downward_o concern_v himself_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o other_o disciple_n not_o believe_v christ_n ver_fw-la 45._o be_v say_v to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n which_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o same_o end_n for_o the_o office_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v never_o cease_v until_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n come_v to_o contemplation_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o christ_n have_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o father_n 2._o a_o great_a instance_n whereof_o though_o perhaps_o a_o little_a digressive_a we_o have_v in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n question_v by_o that_o wretch_n socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n direct_v only_o by_o their_o private_a natural_a wit_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n chap_n 1._o v._n 1._o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n become_v man_n and_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n incarnate_a and_o some_o natural_a philosopher_n as_o the_o
they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o hold_v it_o useful_a to_o distinguish_v three_o kind_n of_o illumination_n the_o first_o mere_o speculative_a represent_v unto_o the_o mind_n fine_a and_o rare_a object_n and_o heavenly_a scene_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o christ_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o quire_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o like_a not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o edification_n of_o he_o that_o have_v they_o or_o of_o any_o other_o this_o sort_n i_o shall_v think_v to_o be_v general_o vain_a and_o illusive_a as_o tend_v to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o swell_a of_o a_o man_n mind_n up_o with_o conceit_n of_o his_o be_v a_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n this_o that_o prudent_a holy_a man_n see_v mention_v in_o ancient_a history_n when_o the_o devil_n appear_v to_o he_o with_o a_o glorious_a retinue_n represent_v christ_n and_o the_o good_a angel_n attend_v he_o saint_n itor_n for_o so_o be_v his_o name_n demand_v what_o all_o that_o mean_v answer_n be_v make_v by_o that_o liar_n lucifer_n that_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v and_o be_v come_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v he_o with_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o that_o resplendent_a manner_n christ_n come_v to_o i_o say_v he_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o see_v christ_n on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n and_o he_o i_o there_o daily_a worship_n and_o enjoy_v whereupon_o the_o devil_n stratagem_n not_o succeed_v he_o with_o his_o complice_n be_v say_v sudden_o and_o with_o shame_n to_o have_v vanish_v the_o like_a do_v gerson_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n relate_v of_o another_o holy_a man_n to_o who_o none_o other_o but_o the_o devil_n appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o christ_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n but_o he_o believe_v he_o not_o clap_v both_o his_o hand_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o say_v i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o suffice_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n see_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n martin_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o a_o time_n a_o apparition_n very_o splendid_a be_v make_v to_o he_o resemble_v christ_n he_o flat_o deny_v to_o behold_v it_o say_v i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o appear_v on_o earth_n crucify_v from_o whence_o may_v be_v it_o be_v that_o modern_a revelation_n and_o vision_n pretend_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v much_o frame_v after_o this_o pattern_n yet_o often_o also_o otherwise_o and_o with_o the_o same_o probability_n and_o use_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o therefore_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o evil_a vision_n when_o such_o be_v send_v only_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o stare_v on_o and_o when_o a_o strong_a desire_n in_o man_n not_o otherwise_o evil_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o strange_a sight_n and_o revelation_n possess_v they_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o god_n may_v punish_v their_o carnal_a fondness_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o such_o delusion_n of_o spirit_n ready_a enough_o to_o do_v their_o office_n of_o deceive_v 7._o second_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o revelation_n judgement_n may_v be_v competent_o make_v of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o whence_o it_o come_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o in_o our_o religion_n towards-god_n we_o must_v always_o build_v upon_o some_o such_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a foundation_n give_v we_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o reveal_v word_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o try_v all_o extraordinary_a illumination_n or_o vision_n or_o revelation_n so_o that_o whatever_o shake_v or_o weaken_v those_o principle_n give_v we_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o from_o our_o vain_a imagination_n or_o the_o subtle_a blandishment_n of_o the_o tempter_n to_o deny_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o saint_n john_n age_n a_o sign_n of_o a_o antichristian_a spirit_n to_o subvert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o silence_v of_o moses_n his_o law_n to_o abuse_v christian_a liberty_n to_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o christian_a charity_n by_o disow_v and_o contemptuous_o disobey_v governor_n for_o every_o frivolous_a matter_n and_o such_o like_a be_v in_o saint_n paul_n day_n look_v on_o and_o teach_v by_o he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o gospel_n spirit_n or_o sound_a revelation_n and_o such_o that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v such_o contrariety_n to_o christianity_n he_o be_v to_o be_v anathematise_v there_o must_v be_v therefore_o as_o judicious_a author_n tell_v we_o the_o like_a form_n in_o all_o sound_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n there_o must_v be_v moses_n and_o elias_n join_v with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n vouch_v they_o 8._o a_o second_o sort_n therefore_o may_v be_v such_o vision_n as_o be_v partly_o speculative_a and_o partly_o practical_a have_v indeed_o extraordinary_a discovery_n but_o not_o rest_v there_o but_o tend_v to_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o which_o their_o good_a or_o evil_a nature_n may_v be_v discern_v for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o neither_o may_v he_o by_o extraordinary_a intimation_n warrant_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o ordinary_o he_o forbid_v so_o that_o they_o as_o pretend_a prophet_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o work_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o for_o though_o the_o devil_n may_v do_v good_a sometime_o at_o least_o in_o appearance_n yet_o god_n never_o do_v evil_a neither_o as_o saint_n james_n say_v tempt_v he_o any_o man_n so_o to_o do_v to_o preach_v therefore_o against_o truth_n to_o pray_v against_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o seem_a advantage_n to_o some_o few_o to_o prophesy_v without_o rule_n order_n or_o subjection_n be_v to_o bewray_v the_o bitter_a fountain_n from_o which_o such_o sweet_a water_n flow_v and_o though_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o foresee_v the_o truth_n god_n can_v at_o any_o time_n speak_v what_o be_v untrue_a when_o therefore_o pretend_v light_n and_o vision_n fail_v of_o their_o due_a event_n and_o end_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o light_n be_v from_o he_o that_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o character_n god_n himself_o give_v unto_o his_o own_o people_n the_o jew_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o prophet_n deuter._n 18_o 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o but_o in_o some_o case_n the_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o sign_n viz._n when_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o for_o so_o we_o read_v deuter._n 13._o 1_o 2._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v from_o hence_o that_o vision_n lead_v to_o superstition_n do_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v these_o as_o these_o condemn_v they_o 9_o again_o as_o it_o be_v with_o diamond_n and_o other_o jewel_n general_o of_o great_a value_n when_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o rare_a but_o be_v bring_v in_o heap_n and_o common_a be_v either_o counterfeit_n or_o lose_v their_o wont_a worth_n so_o be_v it_o with_o vision_n rapture_n and_o extraordinary_a illumination_n where_o they_o be_v common_a and_o familiar_a they_o may_v lose_v their_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n and_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o disease_n and_o the_o sublimate_v of_o the_o understanding_n to_o strange_a apprehension_n and_o speech_n incident_a to_o bodily_a inflammation_n of_o which_o notable_a instance_n and_o many_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o report_n of_o physician_n as_o well_o as_o they_o who_o treat_v of_o