or_o deserve_v amputation_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o such_o perfection_n and_o conjunction_n make_v we_o member_n 2._o thus_o far_o only_a if_o the_o phanaticall_a strain_n find_v in_o mystical_a theology_n of_o contrary_a extreme_n have_v proceed_v not_o only_a innocence_n but_o honour_n also_o have_v be_v due_a unto_o it_o but_o we_o find_v the_o modern_a advancer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v scandalous_o corrupt_v it_o by_o affectation_n of_o excess_n in_o style_n and_o big_a language_n and_o fact_n agreeable_a to_o they_o whereas_o bonaventure_n write_v on_o that_o subject_a thus_o simple_o describe_v it_o in_o his_o prologue_n to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o extension_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o desire_n of_o love_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v it_o be_v such_o whereby_o the_o religious_a soul_n leave_v humane_a wisdom_n the_o curiousness_n of_o unprofitable_a knowledge_n and_o the_o sophistry_n of_o argumentation_n and_o opinion_n by_o the_o ascent_n of_o love_n rise_v up_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o by_o desire_v in_o which_o only_o she_o find_v truth_n insomuch_o that_o the_o simple_a laic_a be_v in_o the_o school_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v this_o wisdom_n from_o god_n himself_o immediate_o by_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n which_o not_o natural_a philosopher_n nor_o secular_a master_n nor_o humane_a intelligence_n can_v attain_v to_o neither_o be_v the_o description_n of_o this_o unitive_a way_n give_v by_o gerson_n in_o his_o mystical_a theology_n to_o be_v reject_v where_o more_o sober_o than_o divers_a of_o late_a day_n affect_v to_o speak_v he_o say_v mystical_a divinity_n be_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n have_v of_o god_n by_o the_o conjunction_n with_o god_n by_o spiritual_a affection_n but_o we_o can_v allow_v of_o such_o great_a swell_a word_n and_o ecstaticall_a practice_n answerable_a thereunto_o wrap_v man_n soul_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o real_a ignorance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pursuit_n of_o supreme_a knowledge_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o direct_a profaneness_n of_o word_n and_o deed_n while_o they_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o vain_a emulation_n and_o affectation_n of_o sublimest_n devotion_n and_o piety_n which_o to_o pass_v over_o the_o many_o exorbitancy_n in_o this_o kind_n find_v among_o such_o as_o be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o phanatiques_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o devotion_n horstius_n in_o a_o latin_a book_n which_o he_o call_v the_o paradise_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v fall_v into_o there_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n pag._n 59_o true_o lord_n if_o what_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o be_v owner_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o thou_o want_v i_o will_v willing_o yield_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o give_v it_o thou_o yea_o if_o i_o can_v be_v god_n i_o will_v not_o for_o this_o only_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v god_n and_o have_v no_o peer_n which_o with_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o piece_n of_o fond_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a blasphemy_n proceed_v from_o a_o illimited_a affectation_n of_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a expression_n familiar_a with_o such_o like_a mystical_a divine_n careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o shun_v as_o the_o bane_n of_o true_a and_o favourie_a religion_n towards_o god_n whereby_o the_o devil_n set_v christian_n as_o once_o he_o do_v christ_n on_o the_o pinnacle_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o temple_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o cast_v they_o down_o headlong_o but_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n be_v wellgrounded_n in_o faith_n and_o settle_v in_o love_n to_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n which_o come_v from_o above_o with_o a_o true_a spiritual_a ardour_n towards_o god_n and_o desire_v of_o union_n with_o he_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o clearness_n than_o soundness_n last_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god._n whereby_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o some_o competent_a manner_n escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o pet._n 2._o cleave_v so_o steadfast_o to_o the_o lord_n or_o be_v join_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o corin_z 6._o 17._o that_o it_o become_v one_o spirit_n not_o by_o transmutation_n of_o nature_n or_o substance_n but_o by_o assimilation_n in_o holiness_n and_o plenary_a subjection_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o which_o be_v more_o corporal_o express_v by_o saint_n paul_n ephes_n 5._o where_o he_o say_v of_o true_a believer_n we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n not_o by_o transubstantiation_n of_o nature_n but_o transformation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o be_v say_v rom._n 12._o 2._o so_o that_o as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v galat._n 2._o 20._o the_o life_n which_o a_o christian_a so_o transform_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o conform_v unto_o christ_n live_v he_o live_v not_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o he_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n a_o state_n of_o grace_n border_v never_o upon_o glory_n itself_o in_o which_o mystical_a language_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v lest_o a_o believer_n be_v so_o far_o draw_v away_o from_o the_o solid_a foundation_n and_o edify_a knowledge_n that_o his_o religion_n shall_v end_v in_o airy_a speculation_n and_o notion_n and_o these_o in_o bold_a denomination_n give_v himself_o and_o last_o spiritual_a life_n or_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o do_v enoch_n until_o a_o translation_n be_v make_v from_o hence_o near_o to_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o god._n 3._o therefore_o to_o prevent_v delusion_n incident_a to_o high_a flyer_n in_o divinity_n in_o this_o kind_n our_o speculation_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n reciprocate_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n wherewith_o he_o first_o love_v we_o and_o lest_o even_o this_o love_n shall_v prove_v a_o fondness_n the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o man_n life_n answer_v in_o purity_n and_o degree_n the_o fervour_n pretend_v of_o love_n not_o deny_v that_o where_o such_o intimate_a conjunction_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n certain_a tacit_a and_o inward_a signature_n thereof_o be_v make_v to_o it_o invisible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sensible_a only_o to_o its_o self_n but_o not_o so_o as_o therein_o to_o acquiesce_v without_o all_o solicitude_n as_o if_o such_o be_v already_o in_o heaven_n but_o with_o constant_a contention_n about_o these_o two_o principal_a point_n 4._o first_o how_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o good_a state_n to_o which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bring_v to_o pass_v than_o by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v as_o natural_a body_n subsist_v by_o the_o same_o element_n of_o which_o they_o do_v consist_v and_o second_o because_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o a_o man_n have_v without_o design_n hold_v up_o of_o proceed_v be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v and_o to_o fall_v backward_o and_o to_o decay_v it_o be_v necessary_a ever_o to_o be_v press_v forward_o that_o the_o tide_n may_v always_o be_v rise_v in_o grace_n least_o upon_o wilful_a remission_n and_o slackness_n the_o soul_n be_v by_o degree_n leave_v empty_a and_o dry_a for_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o heaven_n give_v by_o saint_n john_n revelat._n 14._o that_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o any_o not_o the_o high_a in_o this_o life_n that_o they_o shall_v cease_v to_o do_v good_a until_o that_o sabbath_n above_o shall_v be_v enter_v into_o and_o celebrate_v and_o yet_o even_o of_o the_o bless_a there_o we_o read_v revelat._n 4._o 8._o that_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o state_n where_o there_o be_v union_n with_o god_n indissoluble_a and_o communion_n to_o satiety_n without_o surfeit_n on_o one_o hand_n or_o weariness_n on_o the_o other_o a_o resemblance_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v even_o in_o this_o life_n by_o those_o who_o by_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o spiritual_a duty_n here_o and_o deny_v the_o world_n do_v as_o gregory_n say_v hom._n 34._o on_o the_o gospel_n burn_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o lofty_a contemplation_n breathe_v only_o with_o desire_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o covet_v nothing_o far_a in_o this_o world_n be_v nourish_v with_o the_o sole_a love_n of_o eternity_n they_o contemn_v all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o in_o their_o mind_n transcend_v all_o temporary_a thing_n they_o love_v and_o burn_v and_o in_o that_o heat_n they_o rest_v quiet_a they_o burn_v by_o love_v and_o by_o their_o speech_n inflame_v other_o also_o and_o who_o by_o their_o word_n they_o touch_v they_o instant_o
be_v requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o which_o be_v common_o bias_v by_o self-conceit_n self-love_n self-interest_n all_o quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o selfe-deniall_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o true_a and_o just_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n as_o like_o righteous_a judge_n to_o keep_v one_o ear_n for_o what_o other_o judge_v of_o we_o and_o impartial_o to_o give_v a_o sentence_n upon_o ourselves_o according_o and_o not_o sly_a to_o that_o base_a and_o bold_a subterfuge_n of_o nonpluse_v and_o shameless_a person_n i_o care_v not_o i_o care_v not_o for_o though_o malice_n and_o ill-will_n may_v instigate_v some_o one_o or_o two_o and_o upon_o special_a occasion_n to_o false_a accusation_n and_o slander_n yet_o if_o the_o opinion_n be_v of_o more_o and_o those_o not_o so_o prejudice_v and_o constant_a and_o last_a in_o vain_a do_v man_n proclaim_v their_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n for_o such_o judgement_n of_o other_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v trust_v than_o our_o own_o 7._o six_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o hypocrisy_n reverse_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v when_o man_n seem_v by_o outward_a carriage_n to_o be_v worse_o than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v be_v also_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o scandalize_a our_o brethren_n and_o cause_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n and_o uncharitable_a to_o be_v entertain_v but_o because_o it_o very_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n fall_v real_o into_o that_o sin_n which_o they_o at_o first_o only_o seem_v to_o commit_v therefore_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n rule_n philip._n 2._o 4._o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o not_o by_o curiosity_n and_o censoriousnesse_n but_o charity_n and_o conscienti_fw-la ous_a walking_z without_o offence_n to_o other_o and_o if_o possible_a to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o 8._o last_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v charity_n towards_o his_o brother_n but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o demean_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o for_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v certain_o uncharitable_a in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o be_v real_o guilty_a within_o himself_o be_v most_o wicked_o unjust_a in_o demand_v that_o another_o shall_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o think_v so_o of_o he_o though_o there_o be_v use_n of_o charity_n even_o where_o crime_n be_v past_a defence_n or_o excuse_n but_o for_o man_n to_o live_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o unrighteousness_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o man_n and_o then_o because_o there_o may_v want_v notorious_a conviction_n to_o demand_v of_o censurer_n to_o judge_v charitable_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o require_v that_o other_o shall_v be_v religious_a and_o they_o may_v be_v wicked_a under_o the_o protection_n of_o other_o piety_n and_o charity_n a_o prayer_n for_o purity_n of_o spirit_n o_o lord_n god_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o among_o the_o god_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n fearful_a in_o praise_n do_v wonder_n and_o what_o great_a wonder_n be_v there_o than_o of_o son_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o child_n of_o wrath_n heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n of_o lose_a sheep_n be_v bring_v back_o to_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o prodigal_a and_o fugitive_a son_n be_v bring_v home_o and_o embrace_v by_o thou_o our_o heavenly_a father_n make_v we_o as_o well_o as_o require_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o thou_o be_v holy_a raise_v we_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n give_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n ordain_v by_o thou_o to_o that_o great_a end_n let_v that_o spirit_n be_v never_o want_v in_o i_o let_v that_o grace_n never_o be_v receive_v by_o i_o in_o vain_a whereby_o i_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o my_o unworthiness_n and_o insufficiency_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o at_o least_o to_o have_v a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n that_o i_o may_v in_o thy_o due_a time_n be_v satisfy_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n grow_v and_o increase_v in_o this_o desire_n and_o this_o desire_n proceed_v to_o action_n and_o this_o action_n to_o such_o perfection_n as_o to_o overcome_v and_o mortify_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o carnal_a affection_n purify_n myself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o take_v great_a content_n and_o pleasure_n in_o cast_v off_o than_o ever_o i_o do_v in_o take_v on_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o purge_v away_o all_o my_o old_a sin_n than_o ever_o i_o do_v in_o contract_v those_o spot_n and_o blemish_n which_o have_v too_o much_o and_o too_o long_o defile_v that_o pure_a spirit_n thou_o once_o give_v i_o and_o deface_v that_o beautiful_a image_n thou_o once_o stamp_v on_o i_o and_o let_v the_o pleasure_n of_o repent_v be_v great_a to_o i_o than_o that_o of_o offend_v ever_o be_v to_o i_o though_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o great_a lord_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o thou_o who_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o strength_n out_o of_o weakness_n and_o out_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n and_o to_o thyself_o and_o out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n in_o i_o raise_v up_o a_o temple_n fit_a for_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o descend_v into_o possess_v and_o dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o thou_o which_o may_v purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n and_o make_v i_o a_o new_a lump_n and_o quench_v all_o fleshly_a concupiscence_n which_o have_v or_o may_v reign_v over_o i_o or_o rage_n in_o i_o for_o this_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o my_o mind_n muse_v on_o high_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n so_o easy_o beset_v i_o that_o i_o can_v run_v the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n pollute_v my_o best_a action_n wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n from_o this_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n thy_o grace_n i_o know_v o_o lord_n be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o and_o thy_o son_n mighty_a to_o save_v and_o that_o his_o office_n be_v to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n from_o their_o sin_n i_o say_v as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n let_v that_o daystar_n at_o length_n arise_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o enlighten_v and_o warm_v my_o mind_n with_o love_n of_o thou_o and_o let_v that_o breath_n of_o new_a life_n be_v inspire_v into_o i_o enliven_v my_o dead_a body_n and_o re_fw-mi unite_v and_o animate_v my_o dry_a bone_n and_o excite_v i_o with_o new_a vigour_n to_o the_o perform_v thy_o holy_a will_n that_o so_o the_o life_n i_o now_o live_v may_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v i_o may_v be_v pure_a in_o spirit_n as_o he_o also_o be_v for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o whither_o o_o merciful_a god_n and_o father_n in_o thy_o due_a time_n bring_v i_o for_o thy_o bless_a son_n sake_n jesus_n christ_n my_o saviour_n amen_n 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 mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o 1._o such_o due_a preparation_n be_v make_v towards_o spiritual_a life_n in_o lay_v aside_o every_o sin_n so_o easy_o beset_a we_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o christian_a race_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o attain_v which_o union_n be_v by_o saint_n john_n called_z our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o vulgar_o be_v call_v also_o perfection_n perfection_n be_v here_o use_v for_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o assurance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n which_o be_v compatible_a to_o our_o militant_a state_n in_o this_o life_n and_o incline_v god_n to_o the_o acceptation_n of_o we_o to_o a_o future_a inheritance_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o no_o blemish_n imperfection_n or_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v incident_a but_o that_o none_o such_o shall_v be_v find_v which_o either_o of_o itself_o shall_v tend_v to_o corruption_n
to_o we_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 1._o although_o the_o principal_a design_n in_o this_o unitive_a tractate_n be_v not_o to_o fill_v the_o brain_n with_o gallant_a speculation_n and_o gay_a notion_n of_o union_n with_o god_n yet_o because_o it_o seem_v necessary_a to_o a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o love_n wherewith_o god_n do_v love_v we_o and_o of_o that_o whereby_o we_o love_v god_n to_o take_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n too_o much_o fame_v by_o some_o and_o no_o less_o defame_v by_o other_o for_o as_o supreme_a illumination_n by_o faith_n and_o contemplation_n ordinary_a do_v receive_v their_o crown_n and_o summitie_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o vision_n god_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o impart_v to_o his_o servant_n so_o may_v it_o be_v that_o the_o top_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o love_n seraphical_a may_v touch_v the_o bottom_n of_o extraordinary_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n which_o be_v certain_a transportation_n of_o the_o soul_n above_o the_o pitch_n of_o common_a love_n though_o sincere_a sound_a faithful_a and_o save_v for_o in_o truth_n i_o scarce_o read_v of_o any_o religion_n except_o we_o make_v some_o faction_n religion_n in_o which_o instance_n of_o wonderful_a nature_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v not_o find_v except_v the_o mother_n faction_n of_o late_a for_o other_o issue_v from_o they_o have_v glory_v much_o of_o such_o elevation_n and_o transportation_n and_o history_n and_o relation_n very_o credible_a assure_v we_o that_o of_o old_a among_o the_o heathen_a and_o at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o mahometan_n certain_a devout_a person_n in_o their_o way_n receive_v after_o some_o ceremony_n use_v to_o that_o end_n supernatural_a impression_n and_o inspiration_n extaticall_a and_o why_o not_o since_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o all_o religion_n tend_v either_o remote_o or_o immediate_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o deity_n whereby_o some_o honour_n at_o large_a and_o blind_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o only_a true_a god_n above_o what_o atheist_n ascribe_v to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o most_o probable_a philosophy_n about_o spirit_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n of_o they_o some_o pure_a other_o impure_a some_o most_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a other_o less_o noxious_a that_o god_n the_o most_o wise_a just_a and_o infinite_a dispenser_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o disposer_n may_v give_v way_n to_o spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o and_o cooperate_v with_o zealous_a person_n in_o their_o simple_a yet_o intense_a devotion_n to_o a_o deity_n and_o manage_v they_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o profession_n so_o that_o in_o very_a truth_n faithful_a and_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o a_o sound_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v from_o such_o possession_n and_o transportation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a rather_o that_o not_o the_o reality_n but_o purity_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o such_o ecstasy_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v from_o the_o reasonableness_n truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o religion_n profess_v by_o such_o enthusiast_n only_o this_o may_v be_v well_o grant_v that_o such_o person_n by_o such_o enthusiasm_n be_v competent_o characterise_v for_o select_a person_n in_o their_o profession_n whether_o idolatrous_a heretical_a or_o orthodox_n 2._o or_o may_v we_o not_o say_v as_o there_o be_v one_o fire_n necessary_a for_o the_o cook_n to_o make_v his_o vessel_n boil_v over_o for_o ecstasy_n be_v certain_a ebullition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n and_o another_o fire_n requisite_a to_o the_o smith_n to_o temper_v and_o fashion_v his_o mettle_n and_o another_o to_o the_o founder_n for_o his_o service_n so_o several_a love_n give_v several_a heat_n those_o several_a heat_n have_v several_a effect_n upon_o divers_a subject_n which_o they_o work_v on_o certain_o though_o true_a and_o modest_a believer_n shall_v not_o live_v or_o carry_v themselves_o so_o towards_o god_n as_o if_o they_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o motion_n to_o be_v grant_v they_o so_o shall_v the_o modest_a of_o all_o demean_n themselves_o in_o their_o religion_n as_o thereby_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o susceptible_a of_o supererogated_a gift_n or_o measure_n run_v over_o as_o the_o gospel_n speak_v from_o god._n of_o which_o impartment_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o professor_n of_o that_o faction_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o all_o prescribe_a discipline_v shall_v never_o be_v partaker_n pretend_v their_o divinity_n be_v too_o spiritual_a to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o such_o exercise_n and_o they_o must_v go_v the_o near_a way_n to_o christ_n destructive_a of_o all_o bodily_a reverence_n decency_n and_o due_a veneration_n which_o consist_v in_o select_a outward_a form_n and_o fashion_n distinguish_v to_o the_o sense_n divine_a from_o natural_a moral_a or_o civil_a service_n as_o be_v most_o requisite_a 3._o but_o as_o to_o ecstasy_n of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v such_o which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o cause_n to_o the_o eminent_o constant_a and_o servant_n in_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n so_o may_v we_o not_o argue_v a_o certainty_n of_o god_n value_v those_o vessel_n he_o so_o fill_v as_o more_o honourable_a or_o holy_a than_o some_o other_o from_o which_o he_o withhold_v such_o gift_n though_o where_o he_o so_o conferr_v they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o delusion_n of_o idle_a and_o evil_a spirit_n imitate_v divine_a no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v some_o good_a degree_n of_o holiness_n precede_v not_o common_a to_o all_o true_a believer_n for_o still_o we_o must_v look_v on_o they_o as_o gift_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o not_o as_o grace_n whereby_o man_n actual_o have_v profit_v and_o the_o profit_n which_o succeed_v thereupon_o be_v rather_o of_o other_o than_o themselves_o for_o such_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v that_o in_o they_o sometime_o the_o reason_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o who_o suffer_v they_o and_o sometime_o their_o sense_n i_o scarce_o know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o say_n of_o antony_n the_o great_a undoubted_o eminent_o devout_a whatever_o modern_a censurer_n may_v judge_v which_o cassian_n in_o collatine_n relate_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n who_o in_o prayer_n understand_v what_o he_o say_v which_o possible_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o moderne_a author_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o call_v supramentall_a that_o be_v such_o which_o be_v above_o intelligence_n but_o this_o i_o may_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o if_o any_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o public_a who_o then_o especial_o shall_v together_o with_o he_o offer_v a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n shall_v affect_v or_o wilful_o fall_v into_o such_o extaticall_a form_n of_o speak_v that_o neither_o he_o shall_v understand_v himself_o nor_o shall_v be_v understand_v by_o other_o he_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o other_o spirit_n for_o such_o his_o gift_n than_o that_o of_o god._n 4._o and_o for_o privation_n of_o sense_n in_o ecstasy_n some_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v very_o credible_a during_o such_o translation_n of_o mind_n which_o i_o dare_v neither_o rash_o applaud_v nor_o condemn_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n elpidius_n of_o who_o the_o ancient_n write_v i_o know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o stand_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_v god_n in_o psalm_n not_o in_o recitation_n of_o creed_n and_o ave_fw-la maries_n with_o such_o steadfastness_n that_o be_v once_o sting_v with_o a_o scorpion_n he_o change_v not_o his_o posture_n which_o may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o holy_a pertinacie_n against_o sense_n not_o without_o sense_n but_o if_o evil_a spirit_n enter_v into_o and_o possess_v vessel_n of_o dishonour_n and_o impious_a drown_v the_o sense_n for_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o incrediblenesse_n that_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n may_v overcome_v all_o sensation_n external_a be_v it_o not_o so_o with_o saint_n paul_n when_o as_o we_o read_v 2_o corinth_n 12._o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o know_v not_o and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o some_o epilepticall_a distemper_n bereave_v man_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o by_o bodin_n theatr._n naturoe_n lib._n 4._o that_o in_o germany_n divers_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o cast_v themselves_o by_o witchcraft_n into_o ecstasy_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o for_o the_o time_n they_o feel_v no_o pain_n by_o blow_n pinch_n or_o burn_n but_o return_v to_o their_o common_a sense_n
preserve_v that_o comfortable_a state_n unshaken_a and_o the_o purity_n thereof_o undefiled_a be_v with_o peter_z at_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n transfiguration_n loath_a to_o go_v down_o the_o mountain_n where_o such_o manifestation_n be_v make_v 8._o and_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v true_o wonderful_a if_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o way_n to_o this_o conjunction_n with_o god_n be_v purification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n from_o earthly_a uncleanness_n but_o such_o union_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n do_v change_v the_o face_n at_o least_o that_o be_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o man_n not_o true_o fit_v or_o sanctify_v to_o such_o a_o end_n hence_o be_v a_o resolution_n in_o some_o measure_n make_v of_o a_o doubt_n seem_v difficult_a to_o i_o who_o perceive_v heretical_a and_o schismatical_a and_o man_n of_o unjust_a life_n to_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o good_a outward_a and_o retrench_v the_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n contrary_a to_o sound_v piety_n can_v not_o but_o wonder_v how_o a_o erroneous_a faith_n and_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a demeanour_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n shall_v attain_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o commendable_a formality_n of_o godliness_n for_o sure_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o holiness_n though_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o more_o in_o the_o case_n be_v in_o itself_o laudable_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o strange_a forwardness_n many_o such_o abound_v with_o in_o press_v though_o indirect_o into_o god_n presence_n affect_v mountainous_a phrase_n and_o phansy_v themselves_o intimate_a with_o god_n himself_o for_o as_o conspirator_n and_o traitor_n frequent_v the_o king_n court_n and_o presence_n and_o observe_v what_o be_v perform_v of_o such_o as_o do_v he_o immediate_a service_n and_o attend_v he_o can_v and_o do_v easy_o and_o more_o artificial_o comport_v themselves_o as_o prime_a subject_n or_o to_o use_v saint_n chrysostome_n comparison_n as_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o drugster_n shop_n where_o aromatical_a spice_n be_v pound_v shall_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o carry_v away_o upon_o his_o clothes_n some_o of_o the_o fragrancy_n which_o be_v there_o stir_v or_o last_o as_o the_o censer_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n with_o their_o complice_n become_v holy_a by_o be_v bring_v though_o in_o a_o wicked_a manner_n into_o god_n presence_n and_o devote_a to_o his_o service_n so_o ill-grounded_a and_o ill-advised_n devotion_n to_o god_n do_v make_v some_o alteration_n very_o laudable_a in_o man_n resemble_v god_n himself_o and_o his_o holiness_n so_o that_o as_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n purity_n of_o affection_n and_o action_n innocent_a and_o righteous_a do_v conduce_v much_o to_o spiritual_a mindedness_n and_o contemplation_n of_o and_o union_n with_o god_n so_o do_v even_o that_o preposterous_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o press_v undue_o into_o god_n presence_n divers_a time_n work_v some_o good_a effect_n outward_o at_o least_o upon_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o where_o divine_a contemplation_n be_v orderly_o perform_v and_o faithful_o a_o real_a and_o sound_a improvement_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v also_o make_v and_o the_o soul_n become_v not_o more_o like_a unto_o god_n so_o view_v and_o enjoy_v it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o error_n in_o scholastical_a divine_n to_o prefer_v the_o contemplative_a life_n or_o the_o life_n of_o mary_n before_o the_o practical_a or_o the_o life_n of_o martha_n serve_v christ_n restrain_v contemplation_n to_o that_o way_n have_v in_o this_o world_n which_o beginning_n on_o such_o low_a and_o sensible_a subject_n as_o be_v before_o recite_v may_v rise_v to_o great_a perfection_n in_o the_o more_o immediate_a intuition_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v reveal_v 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 1._o from_z the_o twofold_a union_n with_o god_n speak_v of_o contemplation_n or_o knowledge_n and_o love_n proceed_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o both_o adoration_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o actual_a devotion_n and_o consecration_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n unto_o god_n and_o a_o inanition_n or_o empty_v of_o a_o man_n soul_n into_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o small_a as_o well_o as_o great_a river_n fall_v into_o the_o ocean_n and_o loose_v themselves_o the_o channel_n through_o which_o they_o run_v remain_v the_o same_o and_o always_o in_o those_o stream_n move_v or_o when_o as_o two_o intimate_a friend_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o equal_o affectionate_a one_o to_o another_o meet_v together_o after_o mutual_a embrace_n fall_v into_o discourse_n most_o kind_a and_o please_a one_o with_o another_o so_o the_o foresay_a meeting_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n beget_v conference_n and_o holy_a talk_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o think_v sufficient_a by_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o have_v procure_v follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o attender_n of_o his_o person_n nor_o by_o christ_n to_o have_v choose_v his_o apostle_n who_o shall_v be_v always_o near_o he_o by_o profession_n unless_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n for_o filiation_n or_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o have_v god_n for_o our_o father_n suffice_v not_o without_o he_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n use_v invocation_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a communication_n with_o he_o by_o the_o ascent_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o he_o in_o prayer_n 2._o and_o prayer_n be_v of_o a_o very_a comprehensive_a nature_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o habit_n which_o be_v a_o general_a and_o constant_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n of_o which_o sort_n we_o may_v understand_v saint_n paul_n to_o speak_v 1_o thessalonian_o 5._o 17._o ephes_n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o and_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o alienate_v the_o affection_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o raise_v and_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o and_o with_o god._n that_o so_o when_o ever_o god_n by_o any_o tacit_a suggestion_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o soul_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n a_o answer_n and_o act_n may_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n say_v thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v for_o actual_a prayer_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o general_a disposition_n man_n have_v towards_o god_n and_o differ_v no_o more_o from_o that_o than_o the_o fire_n cover_v and_o the_o fire_n kindle_v which_o latter_a when_o it_o cease_v leave_v new_a coal_n apt_a to_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o like_a flame_n and_o thus_o ascend_v unto_o god_n and_o for_o the_o time_n abide_v with_o he_o we_o be_v estrange_v from_o terrestrial_a business_n and_o cogitation_n from_o which_o consideration_n a_o tolerable_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o divers_a pray_v together_o in_o the_o conclusion_n be_v wont_a to_o salute_v one_o another_o as_o new_o meet_v for_o this_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v after_o a_o far_a journey_n take_v and_o a_o return_n so_o have_v be_v as_o far_o as_o heaven_n itself_o in_o prayer_n and_o whole_o as_o we_o ought_v at_o least_o estrange_v from_o thing_n below_o we_o return_v take_v acquaintance_n with_o our_o friend_n and_o brethren_n or_o perhaps_o have_v be_v so_o unite_v to_o god_n as_o in_o such_o case_n become_v we_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o christian_a charity_n whereby_o we_o meet_v altogether_o we_o testify_v our_o christian_a affection_n thereby_o increase_v with_o affectionate_a salutation_n outward_a 3._o but_o this_o be_v perform_v as_o well_o that_o be_v as_o real_o though_o not_o so_o edify_o in_o single_a address_n as_o in_o society_n when_o a_o man_n make_v know_v unto_o god_n that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o have_v publish_v to_o other_o of_o which_o we_o may_v speak_v by_o and_o by_o for_o though_o for_o daily_a and_o common_a sacrifice_n god_n house_n and_o altar_n be_v the_o most_o convenient_a place_n yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o vision_n report_v in_o ancient_a and_o inferior_a history_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v obtain_v chief_o in_o private_a retirement_n from_o the_o noise_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o world._n elias_n be_v so_o visit_v by_o god_n in_o the_o cleave_a of_o a_o rock_n and_o moses_n in_o the_o wide_a wilderness_n alone_o when_o god_n give_v he_o the_o signal_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o bush_n and_o david_n counsel_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o commune_v with_o that_o in_o his_o chamber_n as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a to_o draw_v god_n to_o a_o friendly_a conference_n with_o he_o a_o appearance_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o his_o exigence_n exceed_o
that_o he_o may_v do_v they_o good_a at_o the_o latter_a end_n not_o feast_v they_o so_o by_o the_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o rest_n for_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o the_o day-labourer_n that_o his_o meal_n be_v very_o short_a in_o comparison_n of_o his_o toil_n so_o be_v it_o also_o with_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n their_o spiritual_a refreshment_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o their_o labour_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a so_o that_o as_o bernard_n observe_v the_o day_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o stay_n be_v short_a of_o consolation_n 6._o and_o a_o four_o reason_n hereof_o may_v be_v god_n great_a design_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o humility_n which_o may_v be_v endanger_v by_o such_o exaltation_n and_o upon_o which_o inferior_a and_o hard_a service_n may_v be_v slight_v and_o neglect_v as_o more_o proper_a for_o person_n not_o so_o high_o privilege_v or_o it_o may_v be_v vain_o presume_v that_o such_o privilege_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o soul_n for_o its_o extraordinary_a diligence_n in_o god_n service_n which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v but_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o overplus_n of_o his_o favour_n 7._o five_o the_o withhold_v or_o withdraw_v of_o such_o delectation_n in_o god_n service_n may_v be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v time_n and_o season_n in_o his_o own_o power_n which_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v as_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n act_n 1._o and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o by_o observation_n or_o according_a to_o our_o expectation_n 8._o but_o because_o it_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o our_o service_n give_v a_o cheerful_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o which_o chieerfulness_n be_v much_o advance_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n good_a will_n towards_o we_o such_o a_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v whole_o slight_v as_o it_o be_v not_o too_o importunate_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o the_o mean_n therefore_o to_o obtain_v the_o same_o may_v be_v first_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_v now_o mention_v second_o a_o free_a submission_n of_o ourselves_o and_o service_n to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o contentedness_n to_o persist_v unalterable_o in_o our_o station_n under_o such_o aridity_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o to_o be_v direct_a occasion_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o incline_v god_n to_o manifest_v his_o favour_n unto_o we_o more_o full_o which_o call_v to_o my_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v be_v tell_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o court_n of_o charles_n the_o first_o for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o illustrate_v thing_n as_o well_o by_o modern_a as_o ancient_a example_n and_o domestic_a as_o well_o as_o foreign_a in_o which_o rare_a and_o noble_a divertisement_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o delight_n of_o such_o as_o he_o favour_v a_o inferior_a person_n demand_v entrance_n into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o splendour_n but_o be_v repulse_v by_o a_o noble_a person_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n be_v give_v he_o say_v well_o if_o i_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v i_o know_v what_o i_o will_v do_v do_v say_v the_o noble_a man_n why_o what_o will_v you_o do_v i_o will_v go_v home_o say_v the_o other_o and_o go_v to_o bed._n nay_o then_o if_o you_o be_v so_o indifferent_a and_o well_o content_a without_o it_o come_v in_o reply_v that_o lord_n so_o do_v it_o usual_o happen_v unto_o such_o who_o can_v but_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o way_n of_o sensible_a delectation_n and_o yet_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n absolute_a to_o god_n will_v ready_o and_o quiet_o rest_v in_o their_o ordinary_a duty_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o here_o in_o fulfil_n his_o will_n so_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n according_a to_o humane_a ability_n where_o alone_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o that_o union_n we_o have_v but_o in_o part_n here_o never_o to_o be_v dissolve_v or_o interrupt_v last_o of_o all_o retirement_n for_o some_o time_n into_o our_o private_a chamber_n and_o then_o into_o our_o own_o self_n by_o stillnesse_n and_o composedness_n of_o spirit_n and_o mind_n from_o not_o only_o worldly_a cogitation_n but_o forcible_a as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v devotion_n towards_o god_n become_a as_o it_o be_v blank_n before_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v write_v his_o own_o will_n and_o in_o his_o own_o way_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o have_v so_o do_v not_o to_o intermitt_v the_o wont_a worship_n of_o god_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a fulfil_n what_o be_v say_v lamentation_n 3._o 28._o he_o sit_v alone_a and_o keep_v silence_n because_o he_o have_v bear_v it_o upon_o he_o he_o put_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n for_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o a_o great_a mistake_n be_v commit_v through_o the_o speciousnesse_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o have_v he_o in_o our_o eye_n as_o if_o we_o intend_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o more_o cheerful_a and_o acceptable_a service_n when_o love_n of_o ourselves_o bear_v the_o great_a share_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o serenity_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n for_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o heaviness_n and_o weariness_n upon_o it_o natural_o desire_v ease_n and_o relief_n which_o religion_n itself_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o disallow_v provide_v it_o be_v pure_a from_o self-love_n often_o concern_v herein_o and_o a_o humble_a apprehension_n of_o our_o vileness_n unworthiness_n and_o unfitnesse_n to_o entertain_v christ_n in_o such_o singular_a manner_n move_v one_o to_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o saint_n peter_n luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n o_o lord_n may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o profitable_a and_o save_a presence_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o possession_n of_o he_o in_o consolation_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a way_n to_o attain_v what_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o though_o not_o direct_o crave_v in_o this_o kind_n a_o prayer_n for_o true_a union_n with_o god._n most_o high_a and_o holy_a lord_n god_n who_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v who_o dwell_v on_o high_a and_o yet_o humble_a thyself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yea_o to_o dwell_v with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n and_o break_a heart_n and_o take_v the_o simple_a out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o lifte_v the_o poor_a out_o of_o the_o mire_n to_o set_v he_o with_o prince_n even_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o his_o people_n even_o with_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o this_o end_n vouchsafe_v to_o begin_v that_o glorious_a state_n here_o by_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n whereby_o thou_o interest_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o be_v unite_v to_o they_o o_o most_o gracious_a father_n in_o thy_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o through_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o descend_v into_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v thy_o abode_n with_o i_o as_o by_o thy_o son_n thou_o have_v promise_v unite_v my_o heart_n to_o fear_v thy_o name_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o with_o clear_a and_o pure_a contemplation_n of_o thou_o and_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a may_v be_v so_o far_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o thou_o and_o thy_o worship_n that_o all_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a content_n and_o pleasure_n may_v be_v strange_a and_o unsavourie_a to_o i_o and_o that_o such_o a_o spiritual_a gust_n may_v so_o affect_v my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v refuse_v all_o delight_n and_o glory_v not_o place_v in_o thou_o and_o derive_v from_o thou_o and_o tend_v to_o thou_o which_o may_v more_o firm_o oblige_v and_o endear_v i_o to_o thou_o so_o that_o nuptial_a bond_n whereby_o thou_o have_v espouse_v i_o to_o thou_o and_o thy_o son_n jesus_n christ_n may_v never_o be_v dissolve_v but_o amid_o the_o many_o care_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n which_o may_v befall_v i_o in_o this_o life_n i_o may_v constant_o and_o faithful_o persevere_v to_o serve_v thou_o without_o distraction_n and_o much_o more_o alienation_n from_o thou_o thou_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o this_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n muse_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n thou_o know_v that_o though_o our_o spirit_n be_v willing_a our_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o yet_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o thy_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o thy_o strength_n be_v make_v know_v in_o our_o weakness_n as_o thy_o mercy_n be_v in_o our_o wickedness_n wherefore_o righteous_a father_n take_v possession_n of_o this_o thy_o house_n which_o thou_o have_v choose_v to_o dwell_v in_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o sin_n the_o flesh_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o worldly_a vanity_n apt_a to_o deceive_v i_o or_o draw_v i_o from_o thou_o that_o so_o like_o thy_o servant_n stephen_n by_o a_o strong_a eye_n of_o faith_n evermore_o steadfast_o behold_v thou_o and_o the_o glory_n with_o thou_o i_o may_v joy_v in_o thou_o here_o and_o everlasting_o enjoy_v thou_o hereafter_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n finis_fw-la
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
must_v only_o be_v owe_v to_o such_o divine_a revelation_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o particular_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o three_o main_a branch_n of_o our_o present_a method_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n in_o religion_n 1._o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n be_v sow_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o some_o small_a and_o dim_a stricture_n cast_v into_o man_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n direct_v man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o by_o orderly_a progression_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 4._o to_o this_o end_n antiquity_n not_o without_o competent_a ground_n in_o holy_a scripture_n have_v pitch_v upon_o three_o more_o considerable_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o religion_n though_o not_o absolute_a yet_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o saint_n john_n word_n 1_o epist_n 12_o 13_o 14._o seem_v to_o tend_v to_o this_o distinguish_v little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n or_o beginner_n proficient_n and_o perfect_a not_o so_o absolute_a as_o god_n may_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o yet_o so_o as_o before_o man_n they_o may_v be_v irreprehensible_a and_o allowable_a by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scantling_n and_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o cassian_n in_o his_o collation_n with_o some_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o solomon_n write_v three_o book_n one_o for_o instruction_n and_o illumination_n in_o wisdom_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n initiate_a young_a beginner_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n lay_v the_o foundation_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o other_o book_n of_o solomon_n call_v ecclesiastes_n represent_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o understanding_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o earthly_a joy_n with_o a_o tacit_a dissuasion_n from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n which_o perform_v introduce_v a_o man_n to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n whereby_o such_o a_o sensation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v so_o far_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v unite_v more_o entire_o with_o god_n which_o we_o call_v the_o vnitive_a way_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v figure_v out_o to_o we_o by_o that_o song_n of_o song_n call_v common_o solomon_n and_o this_o threefold_a cord_n bind_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o little_a insinuation_n make_v to_o we_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o ancient_a pythagorean_n teach_v three_o manner_n of_o way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n labour_n and_o action_n about_o virtue_n meditation_n conduct_v to_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god._n 2._o such_o concurrence_n then_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o humane_a wisdom_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o the_o repute_a dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n take_v hold_v of_o such_o a_o occasion_n give_v to_o he_o to_o commend_v this_o tripartite_a doctrine_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o unitive_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n in_o which_o many_o have_v imitate_v he_o and_o much_o and_o perhaps_o too_o far_o advance_v it_o from_o who_o i_o take_v the_o liberty_n so_o far_o to_o vary_v as_o to_o make_v illumination_n the_o foundation_n and_o first_o step_n to_o all_o regular_a ascent_n to_o godward_o as_o proceed_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n for_o by_o it_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v and_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o purge_v ourselves_o and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o a_o high_a and_o near_a conjunction_n with_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n proper_o conduce_v thereunto_o 1._o famous_a be_v the_o distinction_n of_o st._n paul_n of_o theological_a virtue_n into_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n be_v found_v and_o move_v towards_o that_o perfection_n compatible_a to_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n faith_n illuminate_v hope_v purge_v and_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n we_o unto_o god._n for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n teach_v we_o and_o natural_o we_o all_o lie_v pollute_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o so_o natural_o be_v alien_n from_o god_n and_o unreconcilable_a by_o any_o other_o name_n or_o mean_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v proverb_n 19_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a faith_n with_o christian_n beget_v knowledge_n proper_o divine_a in_o christian_n be_v the_o light_n and_o eye_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n regenerate_v so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o blind_a man_n to_o work_v any_o curious_a work_n without_o the_o use_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o every_o act_n tend_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o fault_n and_o error_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v sew_v well_o that_o can_v thread_v his_o needle_n so_o they_o on_o who_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v not_o who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o god_n produce_v in_o create_v the_o world_n be_v light_a not_o that_o he_o absolute_o need_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n do_v and_o to_o intimate_v unto_o we_o the_o order_n of_o true_a regeneration_n that_o it_o must_v begin_v with_o illumination_n and_o therefore_o god_n who_o more_o immediate_o of_o old_a reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o choose_a servant_n do_v in_o follow_v age_n set_v up_o and_o fix_v a_o light_n in_o his_o church_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v by_o faith_n shall_v become_v a_o constant_a guide_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n pass_v through_o this_o dark_a vale_n towards_o the_o mount_n and_o true_a city_n of_o god._n 2._o for_o without_o this_o the_o philosopher_n of_o this_o world_n profess_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom_n 1._o 22._o wise_a become_v fool_n err_v in_o the_o very_a first_o step_n and_o prime_a principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o teach_v the_o only_a true_a god_n they_o for_o their_o part_n in_o grope_v after_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorcorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o corruptible_a man_n as_o st._n paul_n also_o observe_v v._o 23._o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o image_n or_o very_a substance_n of_o man_n into_o god._n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o be_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o do_v the_o shadow_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n flee_v away_o holy_a david_n have_v foretell_v of_o this_o when_o he_o say_v psalm_n 36._o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v in_o like_a manner_n may_v it_o true_o be_v say_v whoso_o enlighten_v not_o with_o by_z and_o from_o he_o darken_v as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o subtle_a and_o wise_a disputant_n job_n friend_n job_n 38._o who_o darken_a counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n 3._o and_o too_o near_o do_v they_o approach_v to_o the_o like_a error_n who_o darken_v of_o late_a the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o imagine_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o light_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o shall_v work_v be_v the_o work_n itself_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o such_o in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v acquiesce_v as_o have_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n
cause_v to_o burn_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god._n why_o therefore_o may_v i_o not_o call_v such_o as_o these_o seraphim_n who_o heart_n be_v convert_v into_o fire_n shine_v and_o burn_v and_o withal_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n mind_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o prick_v they_o with_o tear_n purge_v away_o the_o rust_n of_o vice_n this_o in_o sum_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n here_o unite_v unto_o god_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o more_o particular_o to_o treat_v sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a 1._o they_o who_o write_v scholastical_o of_o this_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o their_o treatise_n of_o mystical_a theology_n do_v first_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o speculative_a way_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o common_a theology_n and_o in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n this_o science_n be_v seat_v and_o such_o like_a which_o we_o purposely_o here_o omit_v and_o some_o more_o phanatical_o have_v learned_a from_o saint_n paul_n ephes_n 5._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a wedlock_n between_o it_o and_o every_o true_a particular_a member_n of_o that_o and_o christ_n pursue_v the_o allegory_n so_o bold_o and_o indiscreet_o as_o to_o profane_v that_o holy_a mystery_n by_o carnal_a resemblance_n and_o scholies_n which_o we_o shall_v avoid_v it_o suffice_v that_o as_o saint_n paul_n there_o say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n be_v not_o too_o curious_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o but_o believe_v firm_o with_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o which_o endeavour_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o proper_a mean_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o most_o of_o all_o deserve_v here_o to_o be_v explain_v 2._o of_o these_o then_o the_o present_a knowledge_n of_o god_n according_a to_o humane_a capacity_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o step_n and_o that_o not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a science_n but_o rather_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o experience_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o most_o apt_o and_o significant_o call_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o only_o inform_v but_o affect_v we_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_o or_o experimental_o 3._o upon_o this_o good_a beginning_n be_v build_v the_o desire_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a glorious_a and_o good_a object_n of_o all_o that_o be_v fullfil_v which_o isaiah_n have_v chap._n 26._o 8._o yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o judgement_n o_o lord_n have_v we_o wait_v for_o thou_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o for_o in_o truth_n god_n be_v in_o himself_o the_o most_o desirable_a of_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o who_o fullness_n in_o that_o kind_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a do_v partake_v and_o become_v good_a so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o thing_n shall_v be_v form_v real_o good_a but_o what_o be_v real_o and_o more_o perfect_o such_o in_o he_o so_o can_v we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o absolute_o and_o perfect_o to_o be_v have_v in_o and_o with_o he_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n concern_v god_n and_o thing_n divine_a will_v follow_v a_o appetite_n of_o the_o will_v affect_v therewith_o for_o natural_a philosophy_n teach_v true_o than_o man_n have_v not_o freewill_n in_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v chief_a good_a and_o ultimate_a of_o all_o but_o without_o consultation_n or_o deliberation_n ravish_v with_o its_o allsufficiencie_n and_o plenitude_n tend_v natural_o and_o necessary_o to_o it_o as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o pass_v and_o beside_o it_o there_o be_v no_o stray_v as_o be_v immense_a so_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v lucifer_n himself_o excel_v natural_o in_o perspicacitie_n and_o intuitive_a knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v of_o that_o absolute_a good_a be_v so_o far_o surprise_v with_o its_o splendour_n and_o perfection_n that_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v near_o contemplate_n and_o enjoy_v it_o affect_v to_o be_v that_o itself_o by_o sacrilegious_a ambition_n and_o so_o lose_v what_o real_o he_o have_v and_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v perceive_v a_o necessary_a conjunction_n between_o clear_a and_o firm_a knowledge_n and_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n as_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o they_o call_v it_o necessity_n of_o conjunction_n between_o love_n and_o the_o thing_n we_o so_o love_v 4._o under_o love_n which_o be_v the_o very_a unitive_a bond_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n we_o comprehend_v desire_v also_o which_o some_o make_v one_o kind_n of_o love_n and_o complacency_n another_o but_o complacency_n be_v rather_o a_o concomitant_a of_o love_n possess_v of_o its_o object_n than_o any_o actual_a appetite_n may_v more_o proper_o be_v term_v a_o satiation_n and_o rest_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o love_n be_v a_o act_n or_o motion_n towards_o somewhat_o not_o full_o at_o least_o enjoy_v and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a fruition_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n cease_v not_o to_o love_v or_o desire_v in_o some_o sense_n as_o when_o that_o actual_o and_o at_o present_a enjoy_v be_v desire_v as_o absent_v and_o in_o the_o continuation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o as_o no_o man_n according_a to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o saint_n paul_n hope_v for_o what_o he_o have_v so_o neither_o do_v he_o desire_v what_o he_o have_v but_o the_o desire_n remain_v after_o possession_n be_v of_o the_o perpetuation_n and_o indeficiencie_n of_o the_o same_o as_o when_o peter_n and_o john_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n behold_v and_o admire_v the_o glory_n do_v desire_v tabernacle_n to_o be_v erect_v in_o which_o they_o may_v rest_v further_o in_o the_o bless_a state_n they_o be_v then_o in_o so_o much_o more_o full_a then_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o excellency_n in_o christ_n so_o much_o more_o ardent_a will_v be_v and_o so_o much_o better_o settle_v our_o love_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o our_o union_n more_o intimate_a and_o fix_v in_o they_o answerable_a to_o which_o the_o schoolman_n as_o well_o as_o mystical_a divine_n have_v find_v out_o four_o degree_n of_o love_n divine_a thom._n 1._o 2._o qu._n 28._o a._n 5._o co._n liquefaction_n fruition_n languor_n and_o fervour_n which_o i_o hold_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v here_o insist_v upon_o as_o be_v more_o admirable_a than_o profitable_a a_o more_o modern_a author_n and_o more_o true_o and_o devout_o reduce_v all_o love_n of_o god_n to_o these_o three_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o come_v only_o through_o faith_n without_o gracious_a imagination_n or_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o soul_n reform_v by_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v good_a as_o suffice_v to_o salvation_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o a_o soul_n feel_v through_o faith_n and_o imagination_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o manhood_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o former_a when_o the_o imagination_n be_v stir_v by_o grace_n for_o then_o the_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v in_o behold_v of_o his_o humanity_n the_o three_o be_v love_n that_o a_o soul_n feel_v through_o spiritual_a sight_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o humanity_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v here_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o worthy_a and_o that_o be_v perfect_a love_n this_o love_n a_o soul_n feel_v not_o till_o it_o be_v reform_v in_o feeling_n thus_o that_o author_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n 5._o but_o i_o esteem_v that_o more_o useful_a and_o easy_a distinction_n of_o love_n or_o union_n with_o god_n altogether_o sufficient_a for_o all_o purpose_n requisite_a to_o a_o good_a christian_a for_o either_o we_o love_v because_o by_o faith_n we_o know_v and_o see_v spiritual_o thing_n lovely_a or_o desirable_a as_o god_n in_o his_o perfection_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o mediation_n active_a and_o passive_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o operation_n divine_a or_o we_o love_v because_o we_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o all_o these_o in_o the_o inward-man_n by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n first_o in_o such_o sort_n manifest_v unto_o we_o for_o as_o saint_n austin_n epist_n 106._o have_v it_o answerable_a to_o the_o ground_n lay_v by_o saint_n john_n 1_o epist_n 4._o 19_o i'faith_o which_o work_v by_o love_n will_v not_o work_v at_o all_o unless_o the_o very_a love_n of_o god_n be_v first_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v
he_o the_o exception_n lie_v only_o good_a where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o access_n to_o the_o public_a place_n 4._o but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vicious_a and_o very_a unblamable_a modesty_n have_v possess_v so_o many_o of_o late_a day_n as_o to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v see_v or_o take_v pray_v and_o sundry_a devout_a person_n be_v startle_v and_o shrink_v to_o be_v see_v unaware_o at_o their_o prayer_n in_o god_n house_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n unless_o when_o the_o bell_n publish_v the_o duty_n at_o hand_n and_o a_o assembly_n be_v make_v profess_o and_o so_o likewise_o at_o their_o domestic_a and_o separate_a devotion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o a_o fault_n or_o some_o crime_n whereof_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a some_o man_n be_v more_o abash_v see_v to_o do_v well_o than_o other_o be_v take_v in_o a_o evil_a action_n this_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o by_o god_n who_o service_n a_o man_n be_v then_o engage_v in_o and_o can_v but_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o man_n pray_v for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o hypocritical_o and_o with_o no_o better_a design_n than_o to_o be_v note_v and_o praise_v by_o man_n to_o expose_v studious_o himself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o other_o while_o he_o pray_v he_o be_v no_o less_o oblige_v not_o to_o forbear_v what_o place_n and_o time_n and_o just_a occasion_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o may_v be_v expedient_a because_o people_n see_v he_o for_o god_n say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o service_n be_v likewise_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o if_o at_o length_n we_o can_v recover_v and_o bring_v into_o reputation_n such_o lose_a good_a action_n as_o public_a prayer_n in_o private_a person_n religion_n will_v be_v more_o renown_a and_o many_o more_o than_o now_o do_v will_v also_o fall_v down_o and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o be_v excite_v to_o the_o same_o good_a work_n or_o worship_n in_o use_n 5._o but_o a_o know_a time_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v assign_v a_o sound_n entire_a try_v approve_a sacrifice_n and_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o confession_n humiliation_n supplication_n petition_n deprecation_n intercession_n thanksgiving_n and_o benediction_n as_o saint_n paul_n direct_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o with_o sobriety_n or_o good_a conscience_n to_o contemn_v these_o either_o ignorant_o or_o presumptuous_o and_o to_o foist_v in_o private_a invention_n scarce_o so_o good_a as_o humane_a all_o thing_n consider_v what_o amount_v this_o to_o but_o a_o despise_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v the_o officious_a zeal_n of_o such_o as_o dung_n upon_o their_o own_o face_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o that_o oblation_n obtrude_v upon_o he_o and_o other_o without_o authority_n which_o be_v often_o put_v up_o without_o faith_n and_o never_o with_o charity_n or_o humility_n convenient_a but_o if_o our_o prayer_n themselves_o offend_v how_o shall_v we_o hope_v for_o pardon_n of_o our_o offence_n by_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v favourable_a access_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v du_o qualify_v themselves_o and_o that_o such_o as_o these_o condition_n here_o only_o to_o be_v name_v be_v find_v in_o they_o 1._o that_o we_o pray_v in_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o 2._o that_o we_o pray_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o heretical_a or_o erroneous_a dogme_n or_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o god_n of_o his_o word_n or_o holy_a worship_n 3._o pray_v in_o purity_n of_o intention_n seek_v even_o when_o our_o prayer_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a benefit_n to_o our_o selule_n primary_o the_o glory_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god._n 4._o in_o purity_n or_o holiness_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v innocence_n of_o life_n as_o david_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n and_o so_o will_v i_o go_v to_o thy_o altar_n or_o at_o least_o a_o dislike_n of_o our_o guilt_n and_o contamination_n make_v they_o part_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o supplication_n to_o god._n 5._o in_o charity_n towards_o other_o so_o far_o as_o justice_n and_o piety_n will_v permit_v and_o last_o in_o zeal_n to_o god_n service_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o so_o pray_v which_o be_v that_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n we_o so_o much_o speak_v of_o here_o and_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o to_o preserve_v to_o his_o great_a service_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o immortal_a happiness_n 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 and_o fix_v as_o also_o sing_v of_o psalm_n 1._o now_o because_o there_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v several_a kind_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o well_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n as_o manner_n of_o put_v up_o our_o request_n to_o he_o all_o concur_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v thereby_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o fix_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o glance_v at_o the_o principal_a in_o this_o second_o order_n have_v touch_v the_o former_a from_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o all_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o which_o great_a artist_n have_v cast_v into_o this_o threefold_a prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a and_o supramentall_a sensible_a they_o make_v that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o vocal_a sensible_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o mental_a they_o will_v have_v that_o call_v which_o be_v contemplative_a and_o whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o direct_v to_o god_n not_o without_o affection_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n only_o be_v erect_v and_o direct_v to_o god_n it_o can_v scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o philosophize_v about_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o affectionatenesse_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n by_o love_n which_o be_v act_n of_o the_o will_v also_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o all_o due_a prayer_n yea_o in_o all_o treaters_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o prayer_n otherwise_o acute_a and_o learned_a man_n may_v prescribe_v better_a than_o teach_v or_o affect_v a_o manifest_a example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o two_o great_a chieftain_n among_o schoolman_n thomas_n the_o angelical_a and_o bonaventure_n the_o seraphical_a doctor_n as_o they_o call_v they_o both_o which_o have_v in_o their_o opuscula_fw-la write_a treatise_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god._n in_o which_o the_o former_a keep_n close_a than_o in_o such_o a_o subject_a be_v expedient_a to_o scholastical_a method_n and_o term_n of_o writing_n have_v leave_v but_o a_o dry_a monument_n and_o insipid_a to_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n of_o his_o gift_n in_o that_o kind_n whereas_o bonaventure_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o the_o subject_a require_v rather_o than_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a disquisition_n have_v much_o more_o divine_o commendable_o and_o profitable_o as_o to_o practice_n treat_v thereof_o and_o spiritual_a doctrine_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n seem_v much_o to_o resemble_v the_o notion_n we_o general_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o say_v consist_v in_o not_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o limit_n as_o our_o body_n be_v but_o indefinite_a and_o diffusive_a very_o much_o like_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n in_o which_o we_o be_v enclose_v which_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o figure_n but_o determine_v to_o none_o in_o like_a manner_n spiritual_a prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o lineament_n and_o part_n of_o humane_a method_n which_o as_o it_o be_v fetter_n the_o spirit_n from_o expatiate_v according_a to_o its_o pleasure_n which_o like_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o breathe_v and_o lead_v as_o it_o list_v and_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n as_o phanatiques_n term_v it_o stint_v and_o obstruct_v by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n model_v their_o devotion_n and_o not_o subject_a rather_o to_o it_o and_o follow_v rather_o than_o go_v before_o it_o dictate_v and_o impulse_v for_o however_o i_o find_v many_o commentatour_n ingenious_o enough_o and_o acute_o methodize_v holy_a scripture_n and_o analyze_a it_o so_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o to_o speak_v logical_o and_o
in_o the_o spirit_n so_o be_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n galat._n 5._o 25._o for_o by_o baptism_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o 10._o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o especial_o call_v all_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o joshuah_n do_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o set_v their_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o canaanitish_a prince_n to_o trample_v upon_o those_o seven_o capital_a sin_n which_o not_o only_o fight_v against_o our_o soul_n themselves_o but_o be_v leader_n on_o of_o other_o to_o assault_v and_o spoil_v we_o and_o from_o hence_o have_v we_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o top_n of_o pisgah_n by_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o god_n to_o have_v a_o certain_a foretaste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o land_n of_o promise_n we_o long_v after_o and_o expect_v by_o the_o conjunction_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n which_o we_o find_v not_o so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n strain_v the_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o christ_n to_o a_o sense_n offensive_a to_o ear_n not_o thorough_o open_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o smattering_n thereof_o be_v have_v by_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disquisition_n between_o porphyry_n and_o jamblichus_n of_o the_o egyptian_a mystery_n where_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o anagogical_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o god_n by_o elevation_n of_o the_o understanding_n through_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o theurgicall_a union_n i._n e._n as_o i_o understand_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o divine_o operative_a conjunction_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o all_o this_o he_o swell_v with_o be_v blind_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o egyptian_a darkness_n indeed_o lead_v to_o horrible_a superstition_n to_o attain_v such_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o infinite_a less_a superstition_n and_o more_o perspicuity_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n conduct_v to_o that_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o rest_v in_o god_n which_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o he_o and_o perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a matth._n 5._o with_o allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o mutablenesse_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o for_o though_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o now_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n have_v their_o true_a sense_n yet_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v firm_a and_o sure_o rest_v upon_o this_o foundation_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v his_o choose_a one_o until_o they_o total_o forsake_v he_o if_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o as_o to_o the_o actual_a and_o continual_a possession_n by_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o and_o spiritual_a sensation_n the_o christian_n be_v mutable_a here_o and_o that_o which_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o industry_n be_v for_o some_o time_n attain_v unto_o be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o sudden_o interrupt_v and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o great_a dismay_v of_o the_o devout_a soul_n so_o that_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o well_o to_o hold_v that_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o to_o acquire_v it_o and_o to_o recover_v it_o intermit_v as_o once_o to_o have_v attain_v it_o for_o as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o the_o four_o corner_n to_o saint_n peter_n act_v 12._o wherein_o he_o see_v in_o a_o vision_n all_o manner_n of_o fare_n his_o appetite_n can_v long_o for_o be_v as_o sudden_o again_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o delectation_n which_o the_o spirit_n feel_v let_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o its_o wonderful_a content_n they_o be_v sudden_o take_v away_o up_o into_o heaven_n again_o and_o when_o we_o imagine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n with_o saint_n paul_n we_o unexpected_o feel_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o humble_v we_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o paradise_n here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o fall_v again_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o we_o read_v of_o abraham_n the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o take_v by_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n signify_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o we_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o show_v it_o but_o have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o it_o for_o the_o present_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n act_v 7._o so_o have_v the_o religious_a soul_n no_o footing_n firm_a here_o though_o by_o faith_n and_o affection_n it_o have_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o promise_a possession_n 3._o it_o be_v therefore_o one_o principal_a rule_n of_o right_o use_v what_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attain_v to_o in_o consolation_n the_o fruit_n of_o union_n with_o god_n but_o not_o incessant_a or_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o understand_v so_o much_o lest_o find_v ourselves_o frustrate_v of_o our_o expectation_n we_o call_v in_o question_n the_o state_n itself_o we_o be_v in_o and_o bring_v unprofitable_a confusion_n upon_o our_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o time_n will_v come_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o be_v better_o now_o hide_v and_o keep_v with_o christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o second_o fullness_n of_o time_n shall_v come_v and_o christ_n too_o when_o our_o life_n will_v be_v manifest_v it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o love_a father_n towards_o a_o obsequious_a and_o dutiful_a child_n may_v sometime_o show_v he_o the_o grand_a deed_n whereby_o he_o have_v settle_v a_o great_a estate_n upon_o he_o yea_o may_v carry_v he_o out_o and_o show_v he_o the_o land_n house_n mine_n and_o timber_n on_o they_o which_o he_o purpose_v to_o give_v he_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v at_o all_o necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n itself_o but_o only_o to_o his_o encouragement_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n or_o such_o extraordinary_a argument_n thereof_o as_o be_v deny_v we_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o despondencie_n and_o sluggishness_n of_o spirit_n or_o be_v weakhanded_n in_o god_n service_n 4._o for_o second_o god_n may_v hereby_o have_v a_o gracious_a and_o wise_a design_n to_o wean_v the_o fond_a mind_n from_o sensible_a delectation_n whereby_o it_o shall_v take_v up_o short_a of_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o god_n himself_o seek_v its_o will_n and_o content_v rather_o than_o god_n to_o which_o the_o more_o true_o spiritual_a a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o more_o he_o be_v intent_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o less_o mind_n intermediate_v consolation_n which_o the_o less_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o often_o they_o happen_v 5._o three_o the_o patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n by_o submission_n to_o his_o fatherly_a wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n in_o such_o dispensation_n be_v exercise_v and_o manifest_v and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n nor_o follow_v christ_n mere_o for_o the_o loaf_n which_o he_o miraculous_o feed_v some_o with_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n we_o all_o know_v the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o conclusion_n of_o holy_a job_n life_n how_o religious_a and_o prosperous_a he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n before_o god_n and_o how_o miserable_a he_o be_v by_o the_o same_o providence_n remain_v all_o that_o while_o invincible_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o perserve_v in_o his_o wont_a righteousness_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o piety_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o fluid_a element_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o sensible_a comfort_n pertain_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o religion_n itself_o carry_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o so_o as_o saint_n james_n speak_v we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o he_o and_o such_o his_o patience_n and_o faith_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hardship_n bring_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n travail_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o desolate_a wilderness_n viz._n