wisdom_n of_o it_o appear_v folly_n all_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n hitherto_o have_v fall_v and_o can_v these_o stand_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o inmost_a judgement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o deep_a observation_n search_n trial_n sense_n and_o experience_n say_v they_o can_v but_o that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o future_a estate_n of_o thing_n wherein_o all_o shall_v be_v set_v to_o right_n wherein_o righteousness_n which_o have_v here_o be_v always_o oppress_v shall_v be_v reward_v and_o iniquity_n which_o have_v as_o yet_o flourish_v shall_v pine_v in_o pain_n and_o misery_n as_o also_o that_o the_o present_a life_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o light_n in_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o his_o estate_n and_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o darkness_n in_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o my_o advice_n therefore_o to_o all_o person_n for_o their_o own_o good_a and_o safety_n be_v not_o to_o run_v away_o with_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n but_o first_o to_o measure_v they_o and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o measure_v they_o let_v he_o not_o receive_v they_o but_o let_v a_o man_n only_o receive_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o measure_v what_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o sense_n can_v true_o judge_v of_o they_o may_v acknowledge_v and_o thus_o may_v the_o eye_n of_o reason_n do_v also_o and_o as_o for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o strong_a than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o it_o to_o proceed_v further_o than_o so_o it_o will_v be_v as_o dangerous_a for_o it_o to_o receive_v beyond_o what_o it_o can_v understand_o judge_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o eye_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n now_o tell_v i_o he_o that_o in_o sensible_a thing_n shall_v conclude_v all_o one_o and_o not_o understand_v himself_o shall_v venture_v to_o eat_v or_o drink_v poison_n in_o stead_n of_o good_a and_o proper_a nourishment_n or_o he_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o reason_n shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o their_o kind_n what_o palpable_a and_o irrecoverable_a danger_n do_v he_o incur_v hereby_o nor_o be_v the_o hazard_n or_o damage_n less_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o concernment_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o weakness_n in_o danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o his_o apprehension_n and_o motion_n and_o liable_a to_o misery_n thereby_o i_o say_v in_o pity_n love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o he_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n and_o not_o make_v his_o eye_n useless_a by_o entertain_v such_o a_o beam_n as_o will_v exclude_v or_o such_o a_o mote_n as_o will_v interrupt_v the_o truth_n and_o cleverness_n of_o his_o sight_n vi_o of_o the_o various_a false_a new-birth_n and_o the_o true_a one_o which_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o root_n and_o nature_n john_n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o distinguish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o one_o by_o the_o root_n from_o which_o they_o spring_v the_o other_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n which_o they_o receive_v into_o themselves_o from_o their_o root_n all_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n all_o the_o life_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o come_v from_o a_o fleshly_a root_n and_o when_o it_o be_v spring_v in_o he_o it_o be_v still_o but_o fleshly_a in_o itself_o or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n spring_v only_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o remain_v spirit_n wheresoever_o it_o spring_v transform_v and_o make_v that_o also_o spiritual_a which_o be_v true_o unite_v to_o it_o more_o full_o thus_o there_o be_v two_o seed_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o this_o world_n the_o natural_a and_o the_o spiritual_a the_o earthly_a and_o the_o heavenly_a the_o seed_n of_o this_o outward_a world_n or_o nature_n which_o seed_n be_v adam_n the_o seed_n of_o another_o world_n of_o a_o more_o inward_a world_n or_o nature_n which_o seed_n be_v christ._n proportionable_o there_o be_v two_o mother_n womb_n or_o root_n in_o who_o these_o seed_n be_v beget_v wherein_o these_o seed_n be_v conceive_v and_o from_o which_o they_o spring_v which_o be_v hagar_n and_o sarah_n the_o jerusalem_n below_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n above_o nature_n and_o grace_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n in_o these_o the_o seed_n be_v hide_v and_o out_o of_o these_o they_o arise_v the_o one_o from_o the_o one_o the_o other_o from_o the_o other_o the_o fleshly_a seed_n come_v from_o the_o fleshly_a mother_n out_o of_o the_o fleshly_a womb_n from_o the_o root_n of_o flesh_n the_o spiritual_a seed_n come_v from_o the_o womb_n and_o out_o of_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o do_v they_o only_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n but_o they_o also_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n each_o do_v of_o that_o root_n from_o which_o they_o spring_v so_o that_o that_o which_o spring_v from_o the_o earth_n from_o the_o flesh_n from_o the_o root_n of_o this_o common_a nature_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o this_o common_a nature_n and_o that_o which_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v spirit_n with_o that_o spirit_n yet_o more_o large_o every_o thing_n be_v and_o act_n according_a to_o its_o root_n the_o whole_a nature_n course_n and_o end_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o root_n according_a as_o the_o root_n be_v from_o which_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o tree_n spring_v for_o the_o tree_n grow_v up_o from_o a_o seed_n and_o that_o seed_n come_v from_o a_o root_n such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o tree_n such_o be_v the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o tree_n such_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o such_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o tree_n this_o be_v a_o general_a truth_n but_o particular_o in_o this_o place_n apply_v to_o religion_n all_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o root_n from_o which_o they_o spring_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v upon_o any_o treâ—_n whether_o natural_a artificial_a or_o spiritual_a but_o that_o which_o distinguish_v they_o in_o their_o root_n now_o there_o be_v two_o great_a root_n as_o there_o be_v two_o great_a condition_n two_o great_a course_n two_o kind_n of_o fruit_n and_o two_o great_a end_n of_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v two_o great_a original_n of_o thing_n nature_n and_o grace_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n god_n and_o man_n there_o be_v the_o earthly_a and_o the_o heavenly_a root_n the_o sinful_a and_o the_o holy_a root_n the_o humane_a and_o the_o divine_a root_n these_o root_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o rise_n their_o own_o nature_n their_o own_o property_n their_o own_o fruit_n their_o own_o course_n their_o own_o end_n the_o fleshly_a root_n in_o we_o have_v a_o fleshly_a rise_n a_o fleshly_a nature_n fleshly_a property_n be_v in_o a_o fleshly_a estate_n and_o condition_n run_v a_o fleshly_a course_n bring_v forth_o fleshly_a fruit_n and_o tend_v to_o a_o fleshly_a end_n viz._n to_o corruption_n the_o spiritual_a root_n in_o we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a rise_n a_o spiritual_a nature_n spiritual_a property_n be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n bring_v forth_o spiritual_a fruit_n and_o tend_v to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a this_o be_v that_o which_o put_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o thing_n make_v the_o one_o happy_a in_o their_o misery_n and_o the_o other_o miserable_a in_o their_o happiness_n namely_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o root_n the_o high_a the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o some_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o enjoyment_n come_v to_o nothing_o the_o low_a barren_a desolate_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v very_o precious_a because_o of_o their_o different_a root_n babel_n be_v unlovely_a in_o her_o great_a lustre_n and_o glory_n even_o when_o she_o be_v build_v very_o high_a and_o adorn_v with_o the_o great_a spiritual_a riches_n magnificence_n and_o beauty_n but_o zion_n be_v lovely_a in_o her_o great_a ruin_n &_o desolation_n even_o in_o her_o very_a dust_n and_o all_o upon_o this_o ground_n because_o of_o their_o several_a nature_n which_o they_o have_v from_o and_o which_o be_v feed_v by_o their_o several_a root_n in_o all_o their_o change_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o flesh_n from_o which_o babel_n spring_v and_o
divine_a essay_n or_o consideration_n about_o several_a thing_n in_o religion_n of_o very_o deep_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a time_n as_o also_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o with_o a_o lament_v and_o plead_v postscript_n by_o isaac_n penington_n junior_a esq_n the_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o his_o great_a light_n be_v can_v comprehend_v the_o light_n of_o god_n be_v not_o hasty_a in_o thy_o heart_n but_o read_v and_o consider_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o a_o true_a eye_n and_o open_v that_o eye_n for_o thou_o london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o black_a spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o paul_n 1654._o the_o content_n 1._o of_o knowledge_n in_o general_n pag._n 1._o 2._o of_o scripture-knowledg_n 5_o 3._o of_o radical_a or_o original_a knowledge_n 9_o 4._o of_o tâ—â—_n word_n the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n under_o each_o administration_n both_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o hint_n of_o their_o further_a tendency_n 13_o 5._o some_o few_o observation_n touch_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o ranter_n 18_o 6._o of_o the_o various_a false_a new_a birth_n and_o the_o true_a one_o which_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o root_n and_o nature_n 25_o 7._o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 46_o 8._o of_o the_o weakness_n uncertainty_n and_o invalidity_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 56_o 9_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o wellgrounded_n testimony_n concern_v the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n 68_o 10._o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o great_a sweet_a spiritual_a and_o most_o precious_a liberty_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o and_o be_v allow_v unto_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o kingdom_n 80_o 11._o of_o the_o low_a ebb_n whereunto_o christ_n be_v bring_v by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n 99_o 12._o of_o the_o low_a estate_n whereunto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o reduce_v by_o their_o death_n and_o suffering_n 108_o 13._o the_o course_n and_o end_n of_o man._n 115_o 14._o the_o sweet_a and_o happy_a end_n of_o the_o righteous_a 123_o last_o a_o lament_a and_o plead_v postscript_n 127_o the_o preface_n wonderful_o great_a and_o deep_o be_v the_o motion_n and_o step_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n his_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o man_n his_o particular_a order_n of_o they_o his_o aim_n and_o end_n concern_v they_o who_o can_v true_o fathom_n he_o must_v be_v as_o wise_a as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o full_o understand_v he_o but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v as_o unexpectable_a who_o can_v after_o his_o own_o shallow_a manner_n measure_v any_o of_o the_o way_n or_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n how_o far_o be_v the_o foolish_a spirit_n of_o man_n from_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o how_o bold_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o undertake_v to_o know_v and_o determine_v the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n especial_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n reveal_v from_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o understanding_n to_o bottom_n and_o work_v upon_o how_o confident_a be_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o day_n and_o how_o confident_a be_v every_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o our_o day_n some_o in_o set_v up_o their_o own_o apprehension_n from_o the_o word_n as_o evident_a truth_n which_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v other_o in_o set_v up_o their_o own_o mere_a imagination_n above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n not_o at_o all_o regard_v whether_o they_o agree_v with_o it_o or_o contradict_v it_o man_n must_v run_v his_o course_n it_o be_v now_o his_o time_n let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n vanity_n be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o safe_a for_o his_o rivet_a it_o into_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o scripture_n ever_o the_o less_o honourable_a for_o his_o undervalue_v they_o or_o ever_o the_o less_o true_a for_o his_o contradict_v they_o nor_o be_v god_n ever_o the_o less_o in_o himself_o or_o man_n ever_o the_o great_a in_o himself_o for_o his_o vilify_n of_o god_n and_o magnify_v of_o himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v become_v equal_a with_o he_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o imagination_n produce_v not_o the_o least_o change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o that_o proceed_n from_o a_o deep_a root_n must_v fetch_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o strong_a influence_n i_o have_v bring_v forth_o somewhat_o here_o for_o the_o good_a of_o some_o unto_o who_o i_o wish_v well_o which_o though_o it_o intend_v kindness_n may_v for_o its_o reward_n meet_v with_o hardship_n both_o the_o root_n and_o the_o fruit_n may_v suffer_v undeserved_o on_o each_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v wed_v to_o that_o which_o they_o understand_v not_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v loose_a from_o all_o bond_n can_v hardly_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v any_o yoke_n so_o easy_a or_o necessary_a as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o it_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v when_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o vain_a man_n come_v to_o a_o end_n when_o shall_v his_o spirit_n be_v true_o break_v his_o break_n hitherto_o tend_v but_o to_o fasten_v he_o more_o and_o make_v he_o take_v deep_a root_n o_o how_o mad_a be_v man_n grow_v now_o adays_o through_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n what_o a_o strange_a peace_n security_n and_o liberty_n have_v he_o find_v out_o for_o himself_o he_o have_v build_v up_o such_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o batter_v of_o but_o if_o his_o eye_n be_v sick_a if_o the_o light_n in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o thick_a that_o darkness_n be_v and_o whither_o it_o will_v lead_v he_o that_o which_o be_v sound_a and_o perfect_a can_v alone_o discern_v but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perceive_v any_o thing_n true_o in_o his_o distemper_n yet_o this_o calamity_n be_v common_a in_o this_o empty_a state_n of_o man_n he_o that_o be_v most_o distemper_a be_v most_o prone_a to_o judge_v even_o the_o great_a thing_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n who_o shall_v we_o find_v more_o confident_a than_o he_o who_o be_v most_o deep_o gross_o and_o palpable_o deceive_v in_o his_o very_a groundwork_n i_o have_v not_o here_o venture_v upon_o a_o â—ain_n or_o over_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o person_n which_o be_v not_o universal_a it_o may_v somewhere_o prove_v serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a which_o will_v be_v recompense_n sufficient_a to_o this_o undertake_n and_o satisfaction_n enough_o to_o my_o spirit_n at_o present_a in_o this_o respect_n divine_a essay_n i._o of_o knowledge_n in_o general_n there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o according_a to_o the_o various_a way_n of_o know_v or_o receive_v in_o of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o there_o be_v natural_a thing_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o divine_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o sense_n if_o that_o may_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o knowledge_n in_o common_a creature_n a_o knowledge_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n for_o in_o the_o renew_a man_n there_o be_v a_o renew_a spirit_n which_o have_v a_o knowledge_n suitable_a to_o itself_o and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o godhead_n god_n have_v a_o knowledge_n in_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o a_o life_n love_n wisdom_n power_n suitable_a to_o himself_o again_o there_o be_v a_o speculative_a knowledge_n and_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n by_o understanding_n and_o a_o knowledge_n by_o experience_n a_o knowledge_n by_o view_v the_o thing_n and_o a_o knowledge_n by_o try_v the_o thing_n this_o experimental_a knowledge_n be_v the_o better_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o uncertain_a state_n wherein_o we_o be_v but_o the_o other_o be_v the_o better_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v better_a by_o virtue_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n then_o to_o seek_v out_o a_o experiment_n of_o they_o from_o sense_n
myself_o and_o pant_v after_o deliverance_n from_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n excellent_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o this_o his_o present_a state_n the_o one_o be_v to_o know_v that_o which_o be_v above_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o the_o other_o be_v to_o walk_v righteous_o love_o and_o sweet_o towards_o his_o fellow_n creature_n this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n natural_o it_o be_v write_v over_o again_o in_o that_o dispensation_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o again_o by_o christ._n we_o feel_v we_o be_v man_n and_o not_o god_n flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n and_o we_o be_v to_o reverence_v that_o which_o be_v above_o we_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o but_o live_v from_o and_o yet_o further_o want_v the_o supply_n of_o yea_o although_o we_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o take_v away_o that_o obligation_n which_o arise_v not_o from_o our_o sense_n but_o from_o our_o nature_n and_o state_n we_o also_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v deal_v just_o merciful_o sweet_o and_o tender_o with_o our_o fellow_n creature_n let_v we_o say_v and_o think_v what_o we_o please_v yet_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v so_o with_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o contrary_a equal_a with_o it_o alas_o how_o do_v we_o delude_v ourselves_o by_o cherish_v principle_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n can_v but_o disown_n and_o be_v they_o so_o lovely_a as_o they_o be_v account_v can_v those_o principle_n be_v very_o good_a which_o shut_v up_o or_o banish_v not_o only_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a common_a excellency_n of_o nature_n and_o open_a and_o let_v loose_v all_o the_o filth_n and_o abomination_n of_o it_o sure_o man_n be_v forward_o enough_o of_o himself_o to_o evil_a and_o unrighteousness_n as_o also_o backward_o enough_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o just_a he_o need_v not_o thus_o egg_n himself_o on_o to_o the_o one_o and_o exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o other_o by_o poison_v his_o judgement_n already_o too_o much_o corrupt_v with_o such_o corrupt_a principle_n 3._o their_o destructiveness_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o sweetness_n security_n or_o comfortable_a converse_n this_o necessary_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a for_o in_o that_o they_o strip_v a_o man_n of_o all_o those_o seed_n of_o ingenuity_n and_o civil_a honesty_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v remain_v in_o his_o nature_n or_o any_o way_n repair_v by_o outward_a art_n or_o any_o inclination_n to_o or_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o introduce_v in_o their_o stead_n seed_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n they_o make_v he_o fit_v only_o for_o perverseness_n and_o mischief_n incurable_a and_o unavoidable_a as_o for_o instance_n he_o who_o very_a principle_n allow_v he_o to_o and_o justify_v he_o in_o lie_v as_o well_o as_o speak_a truth_n defraud_v as_o well_o as_o deal_n upright_o he_o that_o can_v without_o any_o scruple_n rob_v i_o of_o my_o name_n estate_n wife_n etc._n etc._n believe_v in_o his_o very_a soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v therein_o as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o do_v the_o contrary_a or_o do_v forbear_v so_o to_o do_v which_o way_n can_v i_o converse_v with_o he_o or_o secure_v myself_o from_o he_o this_o world_n be_v bad_a enough_o as_o it_o be_v but_o certain_o do_v but_o these_o principle_n overspread_v it_o it_o will_v be_v far_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hell_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o now_o be_v it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o seat_n of_o confusion_n oppression_n and_o misery_n as_o will_v make_v they_o themselves_o from_o who_o these_o principle_n spring_v and_o in_o who_o they_o do_v most_o full_o reign_v perfect_o weary_a of_o it_o for_o such_o miserable_a principle_n be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v only_o harm_v they_o in_o who_o they_o take_v place_n and_o other_o through_o they_o but_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a secure_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o themselves_z who_o prostitute_v all_o their_o honour_n and_o excellency_n to_o entertain_v they_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o truth_n nor_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n man_n be_v so_o selfish_a blind_a and_o corrupt_v in_o his_o very_a root_n which_o all_o the_o art_n of_o common_a nature_n or_o religion_n can_v neither_o rectify_v nor_o sway_v down_o that_o he_o can_v be_v true_a or_o just_a either_o to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o himself_o but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o righteousness_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n subsist_v from_o whence_o that_o peace_n sweetness_n safety_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o man_n have_v flow_v now_o to_o break_v down_o this_o shadow_n by_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o man_n want_v will_v be_v excellent_a service_n but_o to_o beat_v it_o down_o by_o a_o lie_n by_o confusion_n by_o darkness_n to_o thrust_v out_o this_o seem_a righteousness_n by_o real_a filthiness_n and_o abomination_n this_o will_v both_o bring_v desolation_n upon_o the_o present_a seem_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o plunge_v he_o into_o a_o far_o deep_a misery_n then_o that_o wherein_o he_o yet_o be_v he_o that_o will_v ascend_v let_v he_o first_o descend_v he_o that_o will_v through_o down_o righteousness_n let_v he_o first_o pursue_v attain_v and_o bring_v righteousness_n he_o that_o have_v and_o can_v at_o pleasure_n fulfil_v the_o law_n may_v challenge_v some_o liberty_n in_o undervalue_v it_o but_o it_o very_o ill_o beseem_v he_o to_o make_v light_n of_o it_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o condition_n far_o beneath_o it_o 4._o their_o dangerousness_n in_o case_n of_o mistake_n man_n be_v in_o a_o weak_a state_n come_v forth_o with_o a_o weak_a eye_n and_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a sight_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n how_o many_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o every_o day_n discover_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o their_o apprehension_n deceive_v in_o their_o principle_n deceive_v in_o their_o practice_n thou_o who_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n how_o many_o do_v thou_o apprehend_v deceive_v how_o often_o have_v thou_o thyself_o be_v deceive_v before_o thou_o arive_v here_o now_o suppose_v thou_o also_o shall_v be_v deceive_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o here_o again_o as_o well_o as_o former_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n light_a and_o darkness_n hell_n and_o heaven_n the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o condition_n be_v thou_o in_o thou_o may_v say_v rash_o thou_o must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o fall_v but_o be_v thou_o sure_a that_o understand_o thou_o can_v be_v content_a to_o do_v so_o alas_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o engine_n of_o misery_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o thou_o thou_o also_o will_v be_v make_v with_o all_o sinner_n to_o repent_v the_o stop_v thy_o ear_n at_o the_o voice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o harken_v to_o the_o enchantment_n of_o thy_o own_o seduce_a spirit_n which_o have_v lead_v thou_o like_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n for_o alas_o thou_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n the_o testimony_n which_o christ_n give_v concern_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o light_n nor_o upon_o light_a term_n he_o deal_v fair_o and_o plain_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v who_o knowledge_n be_v neither_o small_a nor_o uncertain_a and_o will_v thou_o undertake_v upon_o a_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o reason_n to_o overthrow_v that_o divine_a light_n which_o shine_v in_o he_o the_o danger_n of_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o practice_v all_o manner_n of_o thing_n which_o god_n christ_n and_o nature_n condemn_v but_o they_o do_v it_o as_o good_a and_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v so_o they_o call_v and_o that_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n confound_v they_o together_o and_o equalize_a they_o both_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n who_o have_v profess_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o now_o if_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a advantage_n for_o other_o will_v be_v as_o safe_a as_o they_o but_o doubtless_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n their_o danger_n can_v but_o be_v exceed_o great_a god_n have_v baffle_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n in_o all_o its_o undertake_n yea_o and_o he_o delight_v to_o make_v the_o
by_o which_o she_o be_v exalt_v and_o adorn_v in_o her_o great_a seem_o spiritual_a glory_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o beget_v bring_v forth_o and_o feed_v zion_n even_o in_o her_o low_a ebb_n and_o diminution_n so_o that_o mark_v now_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o both_o all_o that_o you_o can_v find_v in_o zion_n you_o may_v find_v in_o babylon_n there_o be_v not_o any_o knowledge_n there_o be_v not_o any_o practice_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v take_v up_o nay_o and_o perhaps_o go_v through_o with_o better_a than_o the_o seed_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n they_o be_v still_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n which_o difference_n flow_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o root_n therefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v indeed_o know_v his_o estate_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v so_o much_o by_o consider_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o flow_v from_o he_o bare_o in_o itself_o as_o to_o search_v out_o thereby_o and_o therein_o the_o root_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conclude_v i_o be_o safe_a because_o i_o repent_v or_o believe_v but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a root_n from_o whence_o these_o flow_n &_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o true_a nature_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o make_v this_o to_o be_v more_o manifest_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n and_o show_v that_o the_o distinction_n among_o they_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o root_n as_o particular_o in_o these_o 1._o in_o regeneration_n 2._o in_o knowledge_n 3._o in_o repentance_n 4._o in_o faith_n 5._o in_o love_n 6._o in_o experience_n 7._o in_o liberty_n all_o which_o may_v grow_v from_o each_o from_o the_o root_n of_o man_n nature_n dress_v and_o purify_v and_o so_o be_v fleshly_a or_o from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v spiritual_a 1._o for_o regeneration_n you_o will_v say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o life_n that_o can_v be_v yea_o but_o regeneration_n itself_o be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n man_n spirit_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o womb_n of_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v bear_v again_o so_o say_v christ_n here_o speak_v of_o regeneration_n speak_v of_o the_o second_o birth_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n a_o man_n may_v be_v new_o bear_v in_o religion_n by_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o serve_v and_o consider_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v discover_v by_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v hold_v out_o very_o clear_o and_o miraculous_o as_o the_o case_n be_v here_o any_o man_n who_o have_v be_v ingenious_a may_v have_v acknowledge_v what_o nicodemus_n do_v here_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o regeneration_n which_o arise_v hence_o which_o be_v from_o flesh_n which_o be_v from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o wisdom_n reason_n understanding_n or_o power_n in_o man_n it_o be_v according_a to_o this_o root_n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o flesh_n from_o flesh_n into_o flesh_n it_o be_v all_o along_o but_o a_o fleshly_a change_n it_o be_v not_o the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n into_o a_o new_a nature_n but_o only_o a_o change_n of_o the_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o it_o the_o man_n indeed_o seem_v mighty_o change_v unto_o himself_o newborn_a new-made_a he_o be_v not_o what_o he_o be_v but_o a_o new_a thing_n have_v new_a thought_n of_o god_n new_a desire_n towards_o god_n new_a hope_n a_o new_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o he_o in_o a_o kind_n in_o a_o sense_n he_o be_v not_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v new_a but_o all_o this_o newness_n be_v but_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v but_o the_o put_n on_o a_o new_a garment_n a_o new_a dress_n on_o the_o old_a man_n on_o the_o old_a wisdom_n reason_n understanding_n ingenuity_n and_o integrity_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v find_v in_o that_o nature_n where_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n awaken_v and_o polish_v but_o now_o that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v from_o god_n that_o man_n who_o be_v bring_v forth_o again_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o new_a root_n from_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o life_n this_o change_n be_v true_o spiritual_a this_o man_n be_v true_o spirit_n cast_v this_o man_n into_o what_o shape_n and_o form_v you_o will_v he_o be_v still_o spirit_n the_o other_o man_n religion_n consist_v in_o his_o form_n which_o the_o sweetness_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o his_o earthly_a principle_n feed_v itself_o in_o and_o exercise_v itself_o about_o so_o that_o take_v away_o his_o form_n and_o you_o take_v away_o his_o religion_n but_o this_o man_n religion_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o root_n from_o which_o his_o spirit_n come_v and_o which_o it_o be_v one_o with_o 2._o as_o touch_v knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o the_o new_a birth_n when_o a_o man_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o any_o kind_n he_o be_v still_o bring_v forth_o into_o a_o new_a light_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o move_v and_o act_v and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v now_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n light_n of_o every_o sort_n be_v surable_a to_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o break_n of_o it_o forth_o still_o he_o can_v take_v it_o in_o indeed_o what_o can_v more_o full_o distinguish_v the_o child_n of_o light_n then_o light_a and_o yet_o what_o light_n can_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o child_n of_o darkness_n transform_v himself_o into_o what_o truth_n what_o mystery_n can_v be_v reveal_v which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v suck_v in_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o want_a love_n imply_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o rationality_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v reach_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n not_o have_v a_o divine_a root_n in_o himself_o for_o want_v of_o which_o his_o knowledge_n can_v be_v call_v true_o divine_a though_o it_o be_v from_o above_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v be_v from_o above_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o to_o he_o may_v be_v from_o above_o yea_o he_o may_v receive_v divine_a help_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o in_o he_o which_o receive_v they_o may_v be_v but_o flesh_n and_o may_v receive_v but_o the_o flesh_n of_o they_o man_n receive_v but_o the_o rationality_n but_o the_o outward_a nature_n but_o the_o external_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n not_o the_o inward_a substance_n so_o that_o all_o his_o knowledge_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n wherewith_o he_o abound_v be_v but_o fleshly_a it_o be_v not_o true_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o true_a light_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o a_o spirit_n light_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o a_o light_n of_o man_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o fleshly_a light_n of_o god_n at_o which_o man_n have_v light_v his_o fleshly_a spirit_n all_o the_o light_n which_o man_n spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o argue_v life_n do_v not_o argue_v truth_n to_o accompany_v it_o because_o it_o may_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o be_v fleshly_a nay_o indeed_o be_v and_o can_v but_o be_v so_o all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o sin_n death_n hell_n of_o life_n salvation_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o each_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o never_o so_o full_a in_o the_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v all_o but_o fleshly_a because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fleshly_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o a_o fleshly_a root_n and_o can_v give_v forth_o itself_o but_o according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o can_v be_v receive_v in_o but_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o that_o which_o receive_v it_o as_o man_n who_o receive_v these_o thing_n into_o himself_o spring_v from_o a_o root_n
of_o flesh_n and_o be_v flesh_n so_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a he_o himself_o under_o all_o his_o spiritual_a change_n as_o he_o account_v they_o and_o with_o all_o his_o spiritual_a notion_n be_v but_o flesh_n but_o now_o he_o which_o be_v spirit_n all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v be_v spiritual_a the_o least_o degree_n of_o his_o light_n be_v spiritual_a he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o true_a light_n into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o he_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o true_a nature_n he_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a son_n jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v the_o true_a death_n the_o true_a life_n the_o true_a resurrection_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n yea_o he_o learn_v and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o order_n and_o place_n all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o as_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o each_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o flesh_o clothe_v to_o he_o he_o thrust_v off_o all_o that_o be_v flesh_n of_o it_o and_o receive_v in_o nothing_o but_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o other_o let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o spiritual_o to_o he_o receive_v in_o and_o can_v receive_v in_o only_a the_o flesh_n of_o it_o 3._o for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o die_a unto_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a unto_o he_o that_o be_v newborn_a and_o bring_v into_o the_o light_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v do_v too_o and_o can_v but_o do_v every_o change_n in_o he_o from_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o corruption_n whereof_o there_o be_v daily_a occasion_n minister_v unto_o he_o cause_v repentance_n man_n natural_a spirit_n open_v to_o see_v itself_o can_v but_o repent_v it_o can_v but_o make_v he_o loathe_v himself_o his_o own_o nature_n his_o own_o state_n his_o own_o course_n his_o own_o end_n what_o man_n have_v he_o the_o view_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o spirit_n can_v forbear_v abhor_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o can_v but_o turn_v from_o that_o corruption_n which_o he_o have_v contract_v with_o all_o the_o concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o that_o be_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n awaken_v though_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n to_o reward_v nor_o hell_n to_o punish_v he_o can_v not_o but_o loath_a sin_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o now_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v become_v a_o new_a nature_n to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v it_o and_o will_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o somewhat_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o first_o and_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o contrariety_n in_o it_o hereunto_o and_o which_o upon_o occasion_n of_o be_v stir_v at_o any_o time_n discover_v that_o contrariety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n do_v only_o repent_v flesh_o i_o say_v this_o repentance_n let_v it_o arise_v never_o so_o high_a and_o be_v heighten_v by_o never_o so_o many_o fresh_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a consideration_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a for_o that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o god_n discover_v and_o stir_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o now_o that_o repentance_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o true_a root_n from_o a_o renew_a spirit_n from_o a_o spirit_n change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o in_o it_o this_o repentance_n be_v it_o never_o so_o low_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o thick_o deep_o and_o dark_o cover_v with_o a_o seem_a approbation_n and_o justification_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o repentance_n itself_o be_v spiritual_a it_o come_v from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a notwithstanding_o its_o contrary_a black_a appearance_n as_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o all_o its_o light_n brightness_n and_o glory_n be_v but_o carnal_a 4._o for_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o new_a life_n man_n spirit_n do_v natural_o believe_v though_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o occasionl_o draw_v forth_o see_v his_o danger_n his_o misery_n he_o can_v but_o lean_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a rescue_n relief_n and_o support_v let_v god_n in_o christ_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fortress_n man_n can_v but_o run_v thither_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n and_o all_o his_o motion_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v but_o flesh_n have_v but_o self_n have_v but_o his_o own_o nature_n viz._n the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n for_o their_o root_n what_o can_v they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n nicodemus_n here_o can_v not_o but_o run_v to_o christ_n acknowledge_v christ_n believe_v on_o christ_n but_o what_o say_v christ_n to_o he_o ah_o poor_a nicodemus_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n to_o open_v this_o a_o little_a further_o because_o it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n whereupon_o all_o depend_v if_o either_o the_o nature_n or_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v mistake_v the_o miscarriage_n be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a wariness_n here_o now_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n assert_v here_o appear_v the_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v this_o consideration_n follow_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n if_o you_o shall_v stumble_v at_o this_o expression_n and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o his_o will_n yet_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v his_o will_n to_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o as_o there_o be_v at_o first_o so_o there_o be_v still_o a_o naturalness_n between_o god_n and_o man_n though_o not_o so_o open_a and_o manifest_a god_n do_v natural_o take_v care_n of_o man_n and_o man_n do_v natural_o depend_v upon_o his_o god_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v see_v there_o that_o from_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n do_v flow_v and_o his_o love_n unto_o man_n and_o care_n of_o he_o even_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n and_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v read_v there_o dependence_n and_o confidence_n upon_o his_o god_n it_o be_v his_o very_a nature_n though_o at_o present_a he_o be_v exceed_o turn_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o heap_n of_o corruption_n but_o let_v the_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n break_v in_o upon_o he_o they_o stir_v up_o this_o again_o in_o he_o present_o only_o indeed_o his_o corruption_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o can_v come_v off_o cleverly_o in_o any_o motion_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o his_o heart_n and_o nature_n stand_v towards_o it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o and_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o draw_v forth_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o look_v out_o for_o help_v and_o as_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o trust_v that_o which_o be_v discover_v to_o he_o as_o proper_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v he_o and_o this_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v awaken_v and_o stir_v nay_o as_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o he_o by_o divine_a mean_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o warmth_n and_o quicken_a virtue_n awaken_v in_o and_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o fleshly_a root_n notwithstanding_o his_o divine_a breathe_n and_o influence_n upon_o it_o do_v not_o thereupon_o become_v divine_a though_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n without_o much_o question_n to_o account_v it_o so_o but_o now_o that_o faith_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n john_n 1.12.13_o from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o mention_v they_o 5._o for_o love_n there_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o do_v natural_o flow_v forth_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v lovely_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n now_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o excellency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v take_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o unto_o man_n how_o can_v man_n choose_v but_o love_v they_o yet_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o discovery_n as_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a
of_o admit_v be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o root_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o that_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a life_n that_o love_n be_v of_o a_o new_a nature_n even_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spirit_n out_o of_o which_o it_o shoot_v 6._o for_o experience_n man_n may_v have_v many_o experience_n in_o a_o natural_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n or_o in_o any_o dispensation_n wherein_o he_o be_v place_v experience_n of_o god_n experience_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n experience_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v many_o experience_n of_o god_n own_v they_o and_o care_n of_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o these_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o root_n those_o experience_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n gather_v and_o comprehend_v they_o be_v but_o experience_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o experience_n in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n those_o experience_n alone_o which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o nature_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a life_n they_o only_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o and_o they_o alone_o be_v useful_a to_o that_o life_n 7._o and_o last_o for_o liberty_n true_a liberty_n be_v a_o very_a sweet_a effect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v common_o bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n every_o man_n darkness_n be_v his_o prison_n who_o light_n do_v set_v free_a now_o as_o man_n spirit_n may_v receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o a_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v receive_v that_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o man_v spirit_n may_v come_v forth_o into_o liberty_n into_o great_a liberty_n he_o may_v feel_v himself_o free_a from_o all_o his_o bond_n yea_o this_o freedom_n may_v be_v so_o large_a and_o clear_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o another_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o bond_n may_v have_v the_o true_a freedom_n for_o the_o one_o be_v true_a though_o but_o in_o its_o birth_n or_o seed_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a though_o in_o its_o great_a growth_n and_o flourish_a the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o truth_n be_v in_o god_n whereof_o in_o man_n there_o be_v but_o the_o weak_a dark_a shadow_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n he_o that_o flow_v from_o the_o generative_a virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v beget_v in_o that_o substance_n but_o he_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o man_n or_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v in_o man_n by_o the_o pure_a and_o exact_a strain_n of_o the_o human_a spirit_n either_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o though_o with_o the_o great_a furtherance_n and_o assistance_n even_o from_o above_o be_v beget_v but_o in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o shadow_n which_o when_o the_o substance_n appear_v can_v but_o vanish_v pass_v away_o and_o prove_v a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o pure_a extract_n that_o can_v be_v raise_v even_o by_o god_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o seed_n in_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o growth_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o take_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a image_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o truth_n itself_o all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v raise_v unto_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v work_v upon_o his_o spirit_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o that_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v in_o god_n a_o turn_n from_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o our_o spirit_n to_o turn_v from_o which_o be_v repentance_n and_o adherence_n to_o and_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o which_o be_v faith_n but_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o now_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o and_o come_v from_o it_o even_o in_o its_o great_a weakness_n be_v truth_n that_o repentance_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n etc._n etc._n that_o flow_v from_o this_o nature_n from_o this_o life_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v of_o this_o life_n the_o mean_a the_o low_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n even_o in_o its_o low_a state_n in_o its_o low_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o great_a the_o high_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o great_a height_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o all_o its_o spiritual_a exaltation_n exercise_n and_o motion_n be_v but_o flesh_n one_o man_n may_v run_v with_o much_o quickness_n and_o cleverness_n through_o all_o dispensation_n and_o be_v wonderful_o raise_v and_o yet_o remain_v but_o flesh_n before_o in_o and_o after_o all_o another_o may_v be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o the_o low_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o be_v spirit_n there_o it_o be_v true_a these_o thing_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o effect_n or_o at_o least_o concomitant_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n dark_a man_n hear_v no_o news_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o repentance_n faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v awaken_v and_o heighten_v partly_o by_o satan_n thereby_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o hereby_o he_o cozen_v and_o deceive_v man_n make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v new_a man_n whereas_o they_o be_v new_a only_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o outward_o be_v viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o form_n or_o shape_n wherein_o their_o spirit_n be_v but_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o inward_a nature_n and_o partly_o by_o god_n to_o make_v a_o proof_n or_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n throughout_o at_o first_o god_n try_v he_o in_o his_o whole_a or_o sound_a and_o now_o he_o tri_v he_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n in_o all_o the_o several_a change_n he_o can_v undergo_v there_o therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o draw_v forth_o what_o be_v in_o he_o but_o also_o add_v thereunto_o by_o gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o that_o at_o length_n he_o may_v give_v forth_o a_o complete_a experiment_n of_o man_n what_o he_o be_v or_o what_o he_o can_v come_v to_o and_o although_o these_o experiment_n be_v not_o of_o use_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o further_a his_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n and_o eye_n to_o which_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a yea_o necessary_a to_o which_o nature_n and_o eye_n the_o lord_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n manner_z season_n and_o proportion_n as_o his_o nature_n and_o they_o require_v for_o the_o better_a illustration_n yet_o a_o little_a further_o both_o of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_a and_o of_o these_o particular_a instance_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o careful_o observe_v and_o distinguish_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o threefold_a estate_n or_o condition_n first_o in_o his_o natural_a growth_n second_o in_o his_o transplantation_n three_o in_o his_o spiritual_a renovation_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o its_o natural_a way_n of_o growth_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n natural_o incline_v towards_o excellency_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o bulk_n of_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o he_o and_o turn_v he_o aside_o but_o his_o own_o spirit_n disrelish_v it_o and_o he_o wish_v he_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o make_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v natural_o excellent_a this_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n he_o will_v serve_v god_n he_o will_v enjoy_v god_n he_o will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a to_o man_n it_o be_v the_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v grow_v so_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a that_o it_o be_v now_o become_v his_o nature_n which_o make_v he_o otherwise_o but_o in_o his_o root_n in_o his_o principle_n he_o be_v not_o so_o and_o he_o
not_o at_o all_o satisfy_v thereby_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o so_o into_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o form_v in_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o fancy_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o here_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v but_o fancy_n after_o its_o manner_n comprehend_v be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v natural_a to_o the_o man_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a power_n and_o can_v make_v mighty_a change_n and_o do_v mighty_a thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o and_o work_v very_o like_o the_o truth_n insomuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_a man_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n neither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n or_o virtue_n in_o the_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v what_o it_o do_v whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o most_o natural_o be_v and_o produce_v its_o own_o most_o natural_a effect_n there_o be_v a_o true_a virtue_n in_o truth_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disperse_v and_o leaven_v the_o lump_n with_o where_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v he_o will_v know_v this_o power_n he_o will_v distinguish_v by_o this_o virtue_n the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v be_v observe_v obseru._n that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o notion_n not_o in_o apprehension_n not_o in_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n virtue_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n let_v a_o man_n have_v the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a expression_n of_o they_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o knowledge_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v in_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o self-denial_n of_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n there_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n neither_o be_v this_o religion_n reas._o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o because_o all_o outwardness_n be_v but_o a_o garment_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v clothe_v or_o not_o clothe_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o you_o know_v a_o garment_n neither_o be_v the_o thing_n nor_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n all_o outward_a building_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rear_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v also_o leave_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o build_v his_o everlasting_a tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o therefore_o those_o he_o do_v set_v up_o be_v but_o shadow_n his_o spirit_n may_v as_o well_o leave_v as_o enter_v into_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o may_v come_v into_o apprehension_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o notion_n or_o expression_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n at_o best_a it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o true_a garment_n but_o a_o true_a appearance_n but_o a_o true_a house_n for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o appear_v and_o abide_v in_o while_o the_o lord_n please_v but_o now_o where_o there_o be_v the_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o renew_a nature_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o renew_a nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v religion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v from_o it_o this_o be_v â—n_v it_o yea_o this_o be_v it_o what_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o god_n what_o be_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v it_o in_o which_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v life_n go_v forth_o and_o reside_v quest._n but_o what_o be_v this_o same_o nature_n life_n power_n or_o virtue_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n consist_v this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v for_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n life_n virtue_n or_o power_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n that_o which_o here_o the_o apostle_n call_v word_n have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o man_n call_v power_n let_v a_o man_n receive_v any_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n full_o let_v he_o but_o receive_v it_o serious_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o come_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n it_o bring_v virtue_n with_o it_o to_o make_v change_n in_o he_o change_v in_o his_o spirit_n change_n in_o his_o understanding_n change_v in_o his_o will_n change_v in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o look_v after_o all_o this_o be_v with_o he_o but_o word_n the_o great_a inwardness_n of_o man_n be_v but_o outwardness_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o then_o be_v this_o same_o power_n here_o or_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n of_o this_o virtue_n answ._n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v return_v this_o threefold_a description_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n 1._o for_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v divine_o spiritual_a it_o be_v not_o a_o birth_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n beget_v that_o which_o be_v spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o a_o true_o spiritual_a religion_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o he_o sow_v his_o seed_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o common_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v both_o kill_n and_o quicken_a and_o that_o both_o in_o one_o self_n and_o also_o towards_o other_o in_o every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v that_o virtue_n which_o continual_o kill_v and_o quicken_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o it_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n it_o lay_v flat_a all_o the_o corruption_n yea_o all_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n where_o ever_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v like_o a_o fire_n it_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o life_n of_o every_o thing_n it_o come_v near_o and_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v live_v in_o that_o fire_n i_o know_v man_n have_v his_o several_a way_n of_o kill_v and_o quicken_n by_o his_o notion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n in_o truth_n for_o under_o all_o the_o seem_a death_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o alive_a and_o under_o all_o the_o seem_o renew_v life_n be_v of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o dead_a in_o its_o root_n and_o principle_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o operation_n 3._o for_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o every_o particular_a truth_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n portion_n or_o member_n of_o life_n which_o be_v form_v in_o we_o thus_o the_o several_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o own_o particular_a nature_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n its_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n its_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o disciple_n have_v their_o particular_a nature_n self-denial_n it_o be_v faith_n it_o be_v love_v its_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o they_o
all_o agree_v in_o their_o common_a nature_n and_o property_n and_o yet_o have_v also_o a_o distinct_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o their_o own_o suitable_a to_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v form_v and_o to_o that_o peculiar_a end_n and_o operation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v form_v use_v 1_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n and_o of_o god_n man_n receive_v his_o virtue_n his_o strength_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o outward_a notion_n the_o power_n which_o be_v find_v in_o he_o issue_v thence_o but_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n the_o strength_n arise_v yea_o and_o the_o notion_n itself_o too_o from_o the_o seed_n the_o seed_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v sow_o discover_v its_o own_o name_n teach_v they_o how_o to_o call_v it_o by_o manifest_v itself_o in_o they_o what_o it_o be_v the_o new_a adam_n know_v how_o to_o name_v every_o new_a creature_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n by_o his_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n 2._o see_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o religion_n to_o slip_v in_o or_o out_o of_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n this_o life_n this_o nature_n this_o virtue_n may_v creep_v in_o or_o out_o at_o pleasure_n the_o life_n may_v fill_v appear_v and_o live_v in_o that_o in_o we_o one_o day_n which_o the_o flesh_n may_v fill_v appear_v and_o live_v in_o the_o next_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v rear_v up_o and_o discover_v himself_o in_o that_o temple_n to_o day_n which_o antichrist_n may_v take_v possession_n of_o to_o morrow_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n not_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n whatsoever_o but_o in_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n there_o which_o when_o god_n once_o withdraw_v from_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o long_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n there_o to_o be_v find_v and_o ever_o after_o it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o receptacle_n for_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o must_v have_v some_o outward_a court_n some_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n to_o place_n itself_o in_o but_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v then_o lose_v that_o speech_n refer_v to_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v here_o true_a also_o thou_o withdrawe_v thy_o breath_n they_o perish_v 3._o take_v notice_n of_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o growth_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o by_o have_v the_o outward_a notion_n it_o be_v not_o by_o grow_v in_o the_o outward_a notion_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n self-denial_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_v etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n viii_o of_o the_o weakness_n uncertainty_n and_o invalidity_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n john_n 6.63_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n man_n who_o himself_o be_v but_o flesh_n he_o eye_v the_o flesh_n think_v to_o drink_v in_o light_n life_n and_o happiness_n thence_o but_o that_o lie_v not_o where_o man_n look_v for_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o outward_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o quicken_v not_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o christ_n word_n in_o his_o light_n in_o his_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o light_n of_o man_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o flesh_n flesh_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o nature_n the_o root_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o the_o garment_n about_o the_o second_o adam_n spirit_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o grace_n the_o root_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n sow_o in_o and_o renew_v the_o old_a earth_n of_o god_n flesh_n denote_v weakness_n outwardness_n proneness_n to_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n spirit_n denote_v strength_n inwardness_n purity_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n die_v even_o christ_n himself_o so_o bear_v die_v that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n life_n even_o the_o weak_a creature_n so_o bear_v life_n the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o there_o be_v a_o fleshly_a principle_n and_o there_o be_v a_o fleshly_a object_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v of_o any_o advantage_n of_o any_o true_a profit_n to_o the_o end_n here_o speak_v the_o flesh_n in_o man_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a principle_n the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a object_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a eye_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a sight_n the_o thing_n so_o see_v though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o excellent_a in_o their_o own_o light_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o here_o be_v of_o no_o use_n no_o benefit_n at_o all_o the_o fleshly_a object_n can_v feed_v the_o spiritual_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o fleshly_a principle_n feed_v on_o the_o spiritual_a object_n the_o flesh_n be_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n take_v it_o either_o with_o all_o outward_a help_n of_o art_n or_o of_o more_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n both_o which_o may_v very_o much_o advance_v it_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o eye_n of_o flesh_n the_o object_n of_o this_o eye_n be_v all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o even_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n themselves_o the_o outward_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o outward_a reason_n of_o they_o be_v flesh_n flesh_n be_v god_n eye_n a_o eye_n of_o his_o make_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o god_n to_o have_v it_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o its_o own_o religion_n now_o this_o natural_a understanding_n this_o fleshly_a principle_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o receive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a from_o all_o the_o outward_a teach_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o man_n any_o such_o way_n as_o he_o look_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o by_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o man_n at_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o spirit_n man_n indeed_o may_v receive_v the_o outwardness_n of_o god_n the_o outwardness_n of_o his_o light_n the_o outwardness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o outward_a gift_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n faith_n of_o his_o own_o element_n faith_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n yet_o do_v not_o boast_v o_o man_n for_o who_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o thing_n now_o but_o he_o can_v receive_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v receive_v the_o new_a life_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v sow_o and_o grow_v up_o man_n know_v not_o how_o indeed_o after_o the_o kingdom_n have_v enter_v into_o man_n and_o overcome_v he_o and_o new-molded_n he_o than_o he_o also_o can_v receive_v the_o truth_n and_o answer_v the_o touch_n of_o it_o though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v a_o motion_n of_o he_o as_o of_o the_o life_n in_o he_o nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n in_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o that_o this_o scripture_n teach_v man_n in_o all_o his_o high_a strain_n let_v he_o climb_v as_o high_a as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o he_o let_v he_o know_v what_o he_o can_v of_o christ_n receive_v what_o he_o can_v from_o christ_n act_n what_o he_o can_v towards_o christ_n all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n it_o be_v of_o no_o profit_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o its_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a kind_n of_o operation_n in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o man_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v excellent_a use_n of_o it_o to_o his_o end_n but_o to_o the_o end_n propose_v by_o god_n and_o the_o end_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o therein_o it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n it_o will_v not_o reach_v that_o eternal_a life_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o observe_v i_o equal_o i_o say_v it_o be_v profitable_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o in_o its_o way_n and_o shall_v have_v its_o reward_n but_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o substance_n
the_o truth_n this_o be_v not_o the_o right_a seed_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o right_a earth_n wherein_o the_o right_a seed_n be_v sow_o this_o be_v but_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o wisdom_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n nay_o although_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o man_n nay_o though_o breathe_v again_o from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v no_o other_o this_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n not_o the_o life_n not_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o sonlike_a spirit_n and_o motion_n be_v only_o sow_o and_o grow_v up_o only_o in_o the_o son_n the_o true_a desire_n after_o god_n the_o true_a wait_v for_o he_o the_o true_a repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n grow_v only_o in_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v from_o above_o in_o a_o new_a nature_n the_o lord_n sow_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n only_o in_o the_o flesh_n of_o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o thence_o alone_o do_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o motion_n spring_v up_o and_o there_o alone_o be_v they_o to_o be_v sound_a second_o they_o be_v not_o true_a in_o their_o kind_n they_o be_v not_o in_o man_n so_o as_o man_n take_v they_o to_o be_v they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o be_v not_o pure_a man_n do_v not_o so_o true_o love_v and_o desire_n god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o hear_v his_o voice_n as_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v the_o son_n only_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n man_n be_v not_o pure_a be_v not_o upright_o no_o not_o in_o his_o own_o kind_n and_o way_n of_o obedience_n neither_o be_v man_n ear_n open_a to_o hear_v god_n it_o be_v the_o son_n alone_a who_o ear_n god_n have_v bore_v it_o be_v his_o ear_n which_o he_o have_v open_v to_o hear_v as_o the_o learned_a man_n have_v but_o a_o bad_a ear_n at_o best_a and_o yet_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o open_v therefore_o all_o god_n charge_n against_o man_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a when_o the_o nature_n and_o course_n of_o man_n be_v make_v manifest_a god_n charge_v he_o chief_o with_o two_o thing_n with_o want_n of_o power_n and_o with_o want_n of_o will_n he_o can_v come_v to_o god_n though_o he_o will_v no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o he_o will_v not_o come_v to_o god_n though_o he_o can_v you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n there_o be_v three_o great_a exception_n against_o man_n in_o all_o he_o be_v and_o do_v all_o which_o be_v comprise_v in_o this_o phrase_n flesh_n which_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o course_n of_o man_n may_v easy_o observe_v 1._o there_o be_v common_o a_o corruption_n a_o core_n of_o rottenness_n in_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o all_o his_o motion_n he_o do_v not_o know_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o so_o honest_a or_o upright_o as_o he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v nor_o his_o action_n so_o just_a and_o honourable_a he_o be_v not_o true_o religious_a or_o just_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v spiritual_o but_o in_o his_o own_o kind_n he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o obey_v god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v good_a if_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v in_o kind_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_v that_o god_n can_v own_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o man_n will_v have_v it_o go_v for_o and_o think_v it_o to_o be_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o etc._n etc._n man_n deceive_v himself_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o honest_a obedient_a heart_n in_o he_o towards_o god_n as_o he_o think_v for_o of_o all_o thing_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o bless_v himself_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n though_o he_o be_v weak_a yet_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o and_o though_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n in_o he_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n but_o god_n will_v one_o day_n show_v he_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v never_o right_a with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v true_o desire_v to_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o man_n if_o he_o can_v possible_o observe_v and_o discern_v himself_o may_v at_o some_o time_n descry_v this_o naughtiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o like_a to_o have_v it_o discover_v but_o justify_v himself_o against_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n man_n do_v not_o like_o that_o light_n that_o search_v too_o far_o into_o his_o hide_a iniquity_n o_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o conviction_n close_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n all_o will_v confess_v sin_n in_o general_a but_o their_o peculiar_a way_n of_o wickedness_n either_o in_o their_o worship_v of_o god_n or_o in_o their_o course_n and_o conversation_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v touch_v there_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n this_o be_v not_o pride_n this_o be_v not_o covetousness_n this_o be_v not_o hypocrisy_n this_o be_v not_o the_o persecute_v of_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o idolatry_n but_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n o_o read_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o tremble_v in_o that_o 2_o chap._n of_o jeremy_n especial_o vers_fw-la 23.25_o &_o 34.35_o man_n purify_v his_o heart_n by_o his_o principle_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o square_n his_o worship_n life_n and_o conversation_n to_o his_o light_n and_o measure_n by_o the_o word_n thus_o he_o paint_v his_o sepulchre_n not_o discern_v the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v still_o within_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o appear_a truth_n and_o integrity_n the_o other_o be_v in_o that_o let_v god_n set_v he_o right_o in_o any_o dispensation_n he_o present_o and_o most_o natural_o turn_v from_o it_o he_o be_v wind_v up_o by_o god_n against_o the_o hair_n but_o he_o sink_v down_o again_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v very_o difficult_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o rectitude_n in_o any_o kind_n but_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v he_o very_o sudden_o apostacize_v from_o this_o also_o be_v abundant_o set_v forth_o jer._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 2._o there_o be_v always_o a_o weakness_n attend_v he_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o corruption_n yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o weakness_n both_o in_o his_o spirit_n and_o motion_n if_o he_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n set_v right_a at_o any_o time_n yet_o his_o nature_n be_v frail_a if_o there_o be_v religion_n if_o there_o be_v righteousness_n in_o he_o of_o any_o true_a stamp_n under_o any_o dispensation_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o poor_a weak_a and_o low_a this_o you_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o that_o people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n look_v upon_o their_o religion_n their_o faith_n their_o love_n there_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n see_v what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o with_o much_o difficulty_n they_o be_v hardly_o draw_v to_o it_o what_o ado_n â—ad_a god_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n he_o use_v many_o instruction_n many_o miracle_n many_o correction_n much_o patience_n or_o else_o he_o have_v destroy_v they_o many_o a_o time_n in_o the_o furnace_n and_o have_v never_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v they_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o alas_o a_o poor_a frail_a vessel_n a_o vessel_n long_o in_o make_v and_o yet_o when_o make_v very_o brittle_a how_o soon_o after_o every_o right_a constitution_n and_o reformation_n do_v they_o backslide_v and_o corrupt_v themselves_o which_o plain_o evidence_n the_o frailty_n of_o their_o state_n they_o sing_v his_o praise_n they_o soon_o forget_v his_o work_n so_o weak_a be_v man_n that_o though_o he_o be_v raise_v and_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o leg_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v so_o 3._o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o continual_a progress_n towards_o destruction_n that_o which_o be_v corrupt_a god_n destroy_v and_o that_o which_o be_v frail_a and_o weak_a die_v of_o itself_o yea_o it_o be_v own_o frail_a nature_n incline_v it_o to_o that_o corruption_n which_o hasten_v its_o death_n nothing_o can_v act_v above_o its_o nature_n adam_z when_o he_o fall_v show_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o find_v somewhat_o in_o he_o to_o fasten_v upon_o frailty_n be_v a_o property_n of_o the_o flesh_n weakness_n be_v as_o proper_a to_o the_o earthly_a image_n as_o strength_n to_o the_o heavenly_a the_o seed_n of_o strength_n grow_v up_o through_o weakness_n unto_o perfection_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o weakness_n grow_v down_o from_o strength_n from_o all_o the_o strength_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v
in_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o true_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v deceive_v because_o as_o it_o flow_v from_o truth_n alone_o so_o it_o be_v pure_o truth_n in_o itself_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o entertain_v or_o admit_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o be_v nature_n be_v perfect_o shut_v up_o against_o every_o lie_n and_o deceit_n it_o natural_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o thrust_v it_o away_o its_o nature_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v receive_v it_o now_o he_o which_o be_v natural_o true_a and_o can_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n sure_o he_o can_v possible_o bring_v forth_o a_o lie_n hence_o arise_v the_o certainty_n of_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o christ_n namely_o from_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v of_o a_o true_a of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n and_o can_v but_o act_v true_o according_a to_o their_o kind_n 2._o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n his_o nature_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a right_a and_o of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n but_o it_o be_v also_o in_o union_n with_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v adam_n may_v be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o that_o root_n will_v not_o preserve_v its_o offspring_n therefore_o he_o fall_v but_o christ_n nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o can_v miscarry_v both_o because_o that_o root_n can_v but_o preserve_v its_o seed_n and_o because_o that_o nature_n can_v but_o be_v suck_a nourishment_n from_o the_o root_n there_o be_v no_o nature_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v more_o independent_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o fullness_n and_o yet_o no_o nature_n be_v more_o dependent_a which_o arise_v from_o its_o constitution_n and_o be_v its_o wisdom_n and_o safety_n there_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o root_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o certainty_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a same_o certainty_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o yea_o his_o nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n have_v also_o communion_n with_o it_o insomuch_o as_o he_o enjoy_v the_o truth_n there_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o light_n and_o be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o darkness_n 3._o from_o his_o life_n christ_n have_v a_o life_n in_o he_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a life_n a_o spiritual_a life_n a_o divine_a life_n his_o spirit_n as_o it_o have_v the_o nature_n so_o also_o it_o have_v the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o his_o motion_n spring_v from_o his_o own_o life_n and_o so_o can_v but_o be_v as_o certain_a unto_o he_o in_o his_o kind_n yea_o much_o more_o his_o life_n be_v of_o a_o more_o certain_a kind_n as_o our_o motion_n which_o spring_n in_o we_o from_o our_o life_n be_v to_o we_o in_o our_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o our_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o be_v very_o certain_a because_o he_o be_v our_o knowledge_n at_o best_a be_v but_o reveal_v it_o be_v but_o give_v in_o to_o our_o life_n but_o his_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a it_o flow_v from_o his_o life_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n every_o motion_n unto_o he_o be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o satisfactory_a namely_o because_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a because_o it_o flow_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o life_n man_n attain_v his_o skill_n and_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n by_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o trouble_v he_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o defend_v and_o manage_v it_o yea_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v a_o little_a awaken_v and_o enlarge_v can_v but_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o but_o christ_n skill_n and_o understanding_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o and_o flow_v forth_o from_o he_o and_o both_o in_o its_o spring_v up_o and_o flow_v forth_o answer_v the_o truth_n largeness_n and_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n 4._o from_o his_o light_n he_o have_v a_o proper_a light_n to_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n with_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n with_o god_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n breathe_v in_o the_o same_o air_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n spirit_n and_o life_n so_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n he_o be_v call_v the_o light_n joh._n 1.7_o john_n come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n he_o himself_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n verse_n 8._o that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n verse_n 9_o the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v a_o true_a shadow_n the_o light_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a testimony_n but_o he_o be_v the_o substance_n he_o be_v that_o true_a light_n which_o all_o other_o light_n do_v but_o shadow_n out_o and_o testify_v concern_v there_o be_v a_o eye_n proper_a to_o every_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o eye_n in_o every_o nature_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v to_o behold_v and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o light_n proper_a to_o every_o eye_n now_o christ_n have_v both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o light_n how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o see_v certain_o gather_v up_o these_o together_o he_o that_o have_v a_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o true_a eye_n in_o it_o he_o who_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n and_o who_o himself_o be_v truth_n in_o he_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a life_n in_o he_o for_o his_o motion_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o true_a life_n to_o guide_v his_o eye_n with_o and_o last_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a light_n to_o see_v in_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o be_v certain_a in_o what_o he_o thus_o view_v and_o so_o his_o seed_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o life_n the_o same_o light_n how_o can_v they_o miss_v of_o the_o same_o certainty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v guide_v natural_o unto_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o infallibility_n but_o now_o man_n adam_n take_v he_o at_o his_o best_a who_o never_o have_v this_o nature_n but_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o earthly_a man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o never_o have_v this_o life_n or_o light_n in_o he_o how_o can_v he_o understand_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n he_o may_v desire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o life_n and_o fumble_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o can_v possible_o pierce_v into_o they_o he_o may_v gather_v many_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n and_o approach_v in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v to_o a_o certainty_n but_o he_o can_v reach_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v know_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o may_v perhaps_o reason_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n and_o a_o way_n unto_o it_o but_o he_o can_v possible_o conceive_v what_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v nor_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o but_o the_o son_n or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o nature_n that_o spirit_n that_o life_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v to_o it_o descends_z of_o itself_o upon_o they_o &_o spring_v up_o of_o itself_o in_o they_o use_v 1_o take_v heed_n of_o contradict_v christ_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o which_o he_o give_v out_o upon_o knowledge_n christâ—â—me_o â—â—me_z from_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o god_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n here_o the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n that_o the_o present_a state_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o future_a that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v dispense_v and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n then_o be_v by_o believe_a now_o christ_n testify_v true_o and_o wise_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v upon_o ground_n he_o speak_v what_o he_o see_v by_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o from_o thy_o own_o head_n from_o a_o strong_a fancy_n or_o reason_n in_o thy_o own_o mind_n contradict_v this_o and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n
that_o pass_v not_o away_o but_o purify_v perfect_v and_o preserve_v the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v a_o life_n which_o both_o endure_v in_o itself_o and_o lead_v to_o that_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o life_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o and_o through_o the_o seed_n shall_v settle_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o all_o adam_n nature_n all_o adam_n excellency_n all_o adam_n life_n all_o adam_n enjoyment_n content_a and_o blessedness_n thereby_o how_o soon_o do_v it_o fade_v but_o this_o nature_n this_o life_n this_o principle_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o this_o life_n be_v not_o write_v in_o adam_n nature_n or_o in_o the_o command_n to_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o command_n to_o christ_n nature_n and_o to_o man_n through_o that_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n to_o death_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v lead_v and_o be_v guide_v safe_o through_o this_o commandment_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o thirst_n of_o his_o nature_n even_o this_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v here_o mention_v 3._o what_o this_o same_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v ans._n this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o his_o comprehend_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o see_v of_o it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o measure_v it_o in_o his_o own_o understanding_n as_o man_n measure_v natural_a thing_n within_o his_o reach_n by_o his_o natural_a understanding_n so_o christ_n measure_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o spiritual_a light_n with_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o what_o he_o find_v proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v truth_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n as_o man_n what_o he_o true_o measure_v in_o the_o true_a light_n of_o reason_n with_o a_o true_o rational_a understanding_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n there_o so_o what_o christ_n measure_v after_o his_o way_n in_o this_o his_o spiritual_a region_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n here_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n with_o the_o true_a eye_n see_v the_o true_a thing_n in_o the_o true_a light_n so_o that_o his_o light_n his_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n i_o know_v etc._n etc._n man_n propose_v unto_o himself_o vain_a way_n and_o satan_n invent_v many_o device_n for_o he_o but_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n speak_v truth_n and_o propose_v only_a truth_n unto_o he_o he_o propose_v the_o letter_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o prophet_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o spirit_n thereof_o the_o word_n which_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n &_o they_o be_v life_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n so_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a ministration_n of_o it_o which_o he_o begin_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n and_o both_o he_o and_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o christ_n lay_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n before_o he_o come_v into_o this_o world_n there_o he_o see_v thing_n there_o he_o see_v this_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o when_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v in_o he_o before_o spring_v up_o here_o in_o he_o in_o this_o world_n he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o behold_v in_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o which_o now_o he_o receive_v quick_a lively_a pure_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o new_a state_n and_o station_n and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a let_v this_o seem_v what_o it_o will_v to_o you_o let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o he_o by_o moses_n let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o strange_a to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n also_o so_o much_o desire_v i_o know_v that_o life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v life_n and_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v and_o obey_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o can_v miss_v of_o life_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a 4._o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o what_o kind_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o which_o contain_v everlasting_a life_n in_o it_o which_o draw_v everlasting_a life_n along_o with_o it_o ans._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v exhort_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o son_n come_v not_o to_o save_v himself_o but_o to_o seek_v and_o save_v lose_v man_n it_o be_v for_o he_o he_o bring_v forth_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n but_o yet_o that_o way_n whereby_o he_o save_v he_o be_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v and_o act_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n in_o he_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v by_o man_n spirit_n or_o nature_n believe_v in_o the_o son_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o be_v comprehend_v and_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o motion_n of_o man_n that_o tend_v to_o life_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a come_v alone_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o only_a life_n and_o move_v and_o act_n aright_o in_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o repentance_n mourning_n joy_n hope_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v spiritual_a as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v from_o a_o new_a root_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v this_o old_a nature_n spring_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n he_o that_o be_v not_o new_o bear_v have_v not_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v life_n nor_o a_o heart_n to_o desire_v it_o nor_o a_o foot_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o so_o that_o though_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o most_o proper_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o also_o need_v salvation_n in_o this_o state_n wherein_o it_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o here_o in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o it_o enter_v into_o spring_v up_o in_o take_v possession_n of_o and_o leaven_n the_o man_n it_o become_v his_o also_o it_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a nature_n of_o the_o man_n and_o infuse_v this_o new_a insomuch_o as_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o man_n also_o so_o that_o not_o only_o now_o christ_n in_o the_o man_n believe_v but_o the_o man_n also_o believe_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o have_v change_v he_o into_o and_o communicate_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o observation_n itself_o will_v now_o appear_v more_o manifest_a which_o be_v this_o obser._n that_o christ_n hold_v out_o from_o true_a light_n from_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n christ_n do_v not_o guess_v at_o it_o or_o imagine_v it_o strong_o as_o we_o do_v at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o he_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o this_o four_o fold_n ground_n first_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n second_o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n three_o from_o his_o life_n and_o four_o from_o his_o light_n each_o of_o these_o contribute_v much_o towards_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v make_v up_o no_o less_o than_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n 1._o from_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o earth_n but_o from_o above_o he_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n