obstinacy_n and_o obduratenesse_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o v._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n martin_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o marvellous_a gift_n or_o faculty_n of_o cure_v sick_a and_o impotent_a person_n the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o decrepit_a who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o beg_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o lest_o be_v cure_v of_o such_o their_o defect_n and_o impotency_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o livelihood_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o get_v a_o miserable_a and_o beggarly_a livelihood_n by_o serve_v and_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v blind_a and_o cripple_v in_o a_o heavenly_a sense_n refuse_v that_o light_n and_o life_n and_o renovation_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o a_o instance_n whereof_o 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that_o pure_a gold_n it_o be_v not_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v revel_v 3_o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v get_v white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o get_v that_o eyesalve_n that_o we_o may_v see_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o the_o knowledge_n or_o illumination_n which_o we_o have_v from_o thence_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o that_o money_n a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o or_o that_o which_o the_o tradesman_n have_v present_a in_o his_o bank_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o book_n which_o must_v put_v he_o sometime_o to_o trouble_v to_o fetch_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o fetch_v in_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n understand_v 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who_o rule_v in_o the_o childeren_n of_o disobedience_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n in_o scripture_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o believe_v it_o reasonable_o propound_v 5._o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o worth_a our_o wonder_v how_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o the_o devil_n in_o scripture_n as_o john_n 12._o 4._o speak_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o scholastical_a difficulty_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n to_o which_o i_o may_v refer_v it_o but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v that_o as_o judge_n or_o prince_n be_v say_v to_o put_v malefactor_n to_o death_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o executioner_n who_o office_n it_o be_v so_o god_n upon_o just_a provocation_n deliver_v great_a sinner_n to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n when_o it_o be_v cause_v direct_o by_o satan_n only_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v most_o proper_o appertain_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 7._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o and_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o god_n assist_v lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 16._o 14._o and_o so_o necessary_a be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v this_o key_n by_o his_o own_o side_n and_o not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o lend_v it_o to_o his_o minister_n no_o not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v christ_n himself_o who_o as_o god_n have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n mind_n always_o succeed_v in_o his_o teach_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o deep_a providence_n suffer_v his_o labour_n to_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v fall_v out_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o beginning_n continue_v and_o consummation_n of_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o repel_v that_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n whereby_o too_o prosperous_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n or_o vineyard_n may_v be_v prone_a to_o attribute_v much_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o
proper_a cause_n of_o christian_a illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o useful_a distinction_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o learned_a not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o unlearned_a into_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n propound_v to_o our_o assent_n by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n so_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o very_o expedient_a for_o the_o better_a inform_v every_o plain_a and_o sincere_a capacity_n to_o make_v some_o recital_n of_o those_o thing_n our_o faith_n christian_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o principal_o by_o revelation_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a herein_o any_o more_o than_o st._n luke_n be_v in_o write_v his_o gospel_n luke_n 1._o 1._o for_o as_o much_o as_o many_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o in_o order_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o we_o because_o several_a form_n and_o phrase_n may_v help_v towards_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o end_n of_o believe_v and_o illumination_n 2._o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o believe_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o discovery_n make_v to_o man_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n say_v ch._n 11._o v._n 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n not_o that_o christ_n malign_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o other_o but_o that_o he_o admire_v the_o privilege_n confer_v by_o god_n upon_o his_o mean_a flock_n and_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o how_o and_o to_o who_o reveal_v st._n paul_n certify_v we_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8_o say_v howbeit_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o naught_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n for_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god._n mean_v hereby_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o whatever_o knowledge_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o our_o service_n of_o he_o and_o salvation_n by_o he_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o some_o other_o way_n than_o by_o our_o natural_a reason_n darken_v by_o our_o own_o apostasy_n and_o infatuation_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a bible_n may_v be_v call_v one_o entire_a book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o jew_n have_v receive_v many_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o christian_a have_v receive_v from_o god_n more_o clear_a dispensation_n and_o sublime_a than_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o behold_v thing_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o other_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o the_o dark_a shadow_n which_o be_v to_o flee_v away_o at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 1._o 5._o tell_v we_o of_o god_n elect_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n which_o last_o time_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o those_o last_o day_n be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unto_o we_o and_o not_o these_o last_o day_n fancy_v by_o some_o 3._o now_o notwithstanding_o innumerable_a be_v the_o divine_a document_n and_o notice_n extraordinary_o deliver_v through_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a catalogue_n give_v we_o heb._n 11._o of_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o reveal_v divine_a thing_n yet_o because_o we_o now_o speak_v chief_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n or_o st._n john_n little_a child_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o assist_v the_o weak_a without_o offence_n of_o the_o strong_a in_o give_v some_o special_a instance_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o green_a christian_a be_v either_o actual_o improve_v or_o improveable_a to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o can_v ready_o be_v find_v in_o alien_n from_o christ_n 4._o there_o have_v be_v in_o former_a year_n some_o lead_a man_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o learned_a who_o have_v collect_v ten_o several_a and_o considerable_a ground_n in_o which_o all_o religion_n concur_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o bibliander_n since_o which_o divers_a with_o tolerable_a design_n but_o i_o fear_v with_o no_o good_a event_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a have_v in_o these_o very_a late_a year_n write_v about_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n manifest_v by_o natural_a light_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v to_o beget_v a_o better_a opinion_n in_o many_o rank_a rationalist_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o perhaps_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o evil_a consequence_n follow_v from_o hence_o viz._n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v hereby_o weaken_a and_o more_o slight_v as_o judge_v from_o hence_o not_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o common_o be_v receive_v for_o revelation_n divine_a and_o that_o these_o writing_n we_o call_v scripture_n be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o make_v credible_a by_o sundry_a topic_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o it_o be_v still_o of_o the_o modern_a not_o illaudable_a but_o to_o offer_v demonstration_n and_o those_o such_o upon_o which_o they_o will_v constrain_v belief_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o rest_n on_o that_o totter_a and_o unstable_a foundation_n and_o of_o divine_a to_o dilute_v our_o faith_n into_o humane_a persuasion_n all_o superior_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o strong_a stay_n than_o such_o a_o bottom_n will_v allow_v they_o 5._o and_o i_o must_v confess_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretend_a golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o divine_a sentence_n of_o plato_n seneca_n and_o especial_o that_o moderne_a vapourer_n or_o rather_o vapour_n itself_o hierocles_n and_o such_o as_o eunapius_n present_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o rather_o turn_v my_o stomach_n at_o their_o emulation_n of_o christian_a perfection_n thereby_o to_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o than_o draw_v i_o to_o affect_v or_o admire_v they_o for_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 1._o 14._o tell_v we_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o again_o that_o our_o faith_n itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o humane_a reason_n thus_o come_v officious_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a faith_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a mind_n about_o the_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o faith_n will_v in_o the_o end_n prove_v so_o saucy_a and_o domineer_a as_o to_o give_v law_n to_o faith_n and_o like_o ivy_n which_o cling_v to_o the_o tree_n for_o a_o subsistence_n will_v weaken_v it_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o in_o time_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n or_o as_o scholastical_a man_n speak_v the_o very_a formal_a reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n illuminate_v otherwise_o than_o the_o humane_a light_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v not_o see_v by_o sense_n nor_o learned_a by_o experience_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n we_o now_o be_v possess_v of_o be_v the_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a conversation_n
christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o derive_v unto_o his_o faithful_a member_n from_o he_o the_o head_n mention_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 11._o such_o as_o quick_a understanding_n wisdom_n counsel_n may_v or_o fortitude_n knowledge_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o distinct_a from_o these_o into_o which_o quarrel_n i_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v sure_o they_o be_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n for_o his_o instruction_n direction_n guidance_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o soul_n sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o a_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state_n 1._o by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n a_o man_n attain_v to_o many_o rare_a and_o useful_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o god_n and_o by_o common_a revelation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o all_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a but_o scarce_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n towards_o god_n to_o which_o a_o twofold_a revelation_n be_v require_v the_o first_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o holy_a life_n principle_n of_o well_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o the_o second_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o sense_n of_o a_o man_n particular_a and_o inward_a man_n which_o tend_v to_o a_o censure_v and_o condemn_v himself_o or_o a_o peaceable_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n as_o end_n in_o immortal_a bliss_n 2._o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n so_o may_v we_o say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o christian_n to_o know_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o to_o know_v the_o heaven_n themselves_o and_o their_o nature_n and_o number_n and_o various_a motion_n be_v no_o heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o to_o know_v god_n himself_o by_o extraordinary_a speculation_n be_v no_o godly_a knowledge_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o the_o particular_a relation_n he_o have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o himself_o especial_o for_o this_o knowledge_n god_n seem_v to_o reserve_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v communicate_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o as_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o matth._n 11._o 27._o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o soever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o it_o may_v no_o less_o true_o be_v say_v no_o man_n know_v himself_o in_o his_o religious_a or_o spiritual_a capacity_n but_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n a_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a to_o as_o he_o be_v prone_a to_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o industrious_a speculation_n for_o who_o desire_v to_o find_v a_o hole_n or_o spot_n in_o his_o own_o coat_n yea_o who_o can_v patient_o be_v tell_v of_o any_o blemish_n in_o his_o face_n that_o his_o nose_n be_v too_o big_a and_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v too_o little_a or_o that_o his_o face_n be_v pimple_v and_o high_a colour_v or_o that_o his_o mouth_n be_v too_o wide_a or_o that_o one_o leg_n be_v short_a than_o another_o or_o such_o like_a imperfection_n of_o nature_n or_o deformity_n and_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v more_o near_o unto_o we_o and_o value_v by_o we_o than_o our_o visible_a part_n much_o more_o trouble_v be_v we_o when_o any_o defect_n be_v in_o they_o note_v for_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o nature_n have_v make_v all_o man_n handsome_a enough_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a person_n so_o have_v it_o make_v all_o man_n wise_a enough_o virtuous_a enough_o and_o holy_a enough_o and_o though_o a_o current_a principle_n of_o religion_n teach_v many_o man_n sometime_o and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n in_o a_o manner_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o another_o affirm_v the_o like_a thing_n of_o they_o they_o be_v much_o molest_v and_o offend_v conceive_v some_o ill_a will_n or_o spite_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o censure_n and_o man_n do_v natural_o but_o jest_n with_o themselves_o to_o other_o when_o they_o undervalue_v themselves_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o such_o as_o hear_v they_o will_v take_v a_o occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o refute_v they_o by_o the_o return_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n for_o that_o very_a thing_n in_o which_o they_o disparage_v themselves_o more_o than_o recompense_v such_o defect_n 3._o religion_n then_o and_o that_o not_o in_o book_n but_o write_v in_o the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affect_v rather_o than_o advise_v can_v alone_o sufficient_o imprint_v in_o a_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o towards_o god_n to_o which_o notwithstanding_o a_o good_a preparation_n be_v make_v by_o god_n word_n until_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o illumination_n true_o supernatural_a shall_v open_v more_o full_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n self_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n what_o we_o be_v not_o what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o we_o certain_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o 4._o by_o what_o we_o be_v not_o i_o mean_v that_o once_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o which_o divine_a revelation_n have_v only_o infallible_o teach_v we_o and_o determine_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o some_o and_o against_o the_o philosophy_n of_o other_o and_o once_o it_o be_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o nature_n man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o all_o we_o at_o present_a may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n before_o we_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n for_o adam_n himself_o be_v not_o where_o among_o natural_a cause_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o slender_a be_v of_o all_o until_o god_n have_v produce_v he_o absolute_o nothing_o of_o itself_o produce_v only_a nothing_o and_o be_v worse_o than_o that_o vile_a lump_n of_o earth_n out_o of_o which_o man_n be_v shape_v all_o these_o thing_n concur_v to_o humble_a man_n upon_o the_o review_n of_o his_o base_a extraction_n by_o his_o mother_n side_n and_o be_v no_o better_o by_o his_o father_n side_n god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n than_o other_o ugly_a and_o odious_a creature_n in_o his_o eye_n but_o much_o the_o worse_o as_o the_o mass_n of_o humane_a flesh_n be_v leaven_v with_o the_o vain_a cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o inordinate_a concupiscence_n and_o affectation_n corrupt_v himself_o above_o other_o creature_n and_o by_o that_o contagion_n infect_v he_o with_o what_o great_a blush_n and_o confusion_n than_o shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o frustrate_v god_n design_n and_o order_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n unto_o other_o inferior_a creature_n have_v render_v they_o more_o vile_a and_o disorderly_a and_o which_o be_v more_o lamentable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o shameful_a in_o the_o state_n degencrate_v into_o which_o man_n be_v fall_v by_o his_o free_a frailty_n for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o puff_v up_o and_o fancy_n to_o himself_o a_o empire_n even_o while_o he_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o rebel_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n this_o be_v that_o which_o require_v his_o severe_a examination_n and_o judicature_n of_o he_o and_o not_o as_o the_o common_a manner_n be_v with_o modest_a christian_n to_o shuffle_v up_o account_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n other_o taking_z little_a notice_n of_o one_o way_n or_o other_o their_o past_a perfection_n or_o present_a imperfection_n and_o to_o confess_v we_o be_v all_o to_o blame_v we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o be_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o general_o carry_v about_o we_o a_o body_n full_a of_o spiritual_a infirmity_n and_o subject_a to_o fail_n and_o fall_n but_o these_o thing_n touch_v we_o not_o more_o particular_o or_o that_o beside_o the_o confuse_a mass_n of_o sin_n acknowledge_v to_o dwell_v in_o we_o we_o have_v some_o proper_a and_o special_a passion_n or_o addiction_n to_o sin_n this_o we_o either_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o or_o through_o selfe-conceitednesse_a natural_a to_o all_o
possession_n and_o i_o can_v think_v little_a more_o reverent_o of_o the_o frequentation_n of_o vision_n and_o revelation_n celebrate_v in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o three_o famous_a woman_n publish_v together_o viz._n hildegardis_n elizabeth_n micthildis_n which_o afford_v we_o such_o instance_n by_o bushel_n as_o it_o be_v i_o will_v not_o instance_n in_o jacobus_n de_fw-la voragine_fw-la his_o golden_a legend_n nor_o caesarius_n heiberstachius_n as_o i_o can_v to_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o that_o cause_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v advance_v thereby_o as_o such_o at_o which_o the_o modest_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o roman_a communion_n need_v not_o any_o other_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o blush_v at_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o but_o when_o i_o read_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o katherine_n of_o sienna_n saint_v a_o perpetual_a story_n of_o god_n himself_o appear_v to_o she_o and_o preach_v in_o person_n to_o she_o almost_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n though_o i_o like_o the_o sermon_n very_o well_o and_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o document_n deliver_v to_o be_v many_o of_o they_o very_o divine_a and_o useful_a i_o can_v assent_v unto_o the_o scene_n there_o give_v we_o if_o these_o revelation_n as_o we_o say_v of_o phanaticall_a and_o pretend_a inspiration_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a be_v so_o divine_a as_o repute_v and_o affirm_v why_o do_v they_o not_o become_v canonical_a why_o be_v they_o not_o equallize_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o thing_n be_v not_o come_v to_o that_o height_n thanks_n be_v to_o god_n unless_o with_o they_o who_o glory_v immodest_o of_o a_o light_n within_o they_o and_o the_o word_n and_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n give_v into_o they_o contemn_v the_o write_a word_n themselves_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n become_v suspect_v convict_a and_o detestable_a 10._o but_o those_o vision_n which_o be_v so_o practical_a and_o gross_a as_o that_o they_o end_v as_o in_o their_o consummation_n in_o the_o gratify_n of_o our_o sense_n outward_a and_o they_o the_o gross_a overthrow_n in_o my_o opinion_n the_o spiritualnesse_n and_o even_o the_o honesty_n of_o revelation_n and_o notable_o shake_v the_o reputation_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o countenance_n they_o if_o it_o be_v record_v only_o in_o a_o unapproved_a author_n what_o i_o find_v in_o the_o sermon_n of_o a_o eminent_a preacher_n granatensis_n vol._n 5._o pag._n 387._o concern_v the_o same_o katherine_n of_o sienna_n 387._o granaten_v vol._n 5._o conc._n 3._o in_o catarrh_n pag._n 387._o it_o may_v have_v be_v less_o scandalous_a to_o read_v of_o the_o great_a and_o frequent_a familiarity_n between_o christ_n and_o she_o so_o that_o term_n of_o woo_v pass_v between_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n till_o at_o length_n she_o be_v sensible_o espouse_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o that_o wedding_n i_o know_v not_o this_o to_o my_o apprehension_n be_v a_o true_a consequence_n of_o such_o revelation_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o devil_n rather_o than_o christ_n that_o so_o appear_v and_o lead_v away_o a_o silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o profession_n of_o sanctity_n or_o that_o these_o talemonger_n have_v shameful_o belie_v that_o repute_a saint_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o such_o who_o be_v so_o vehement_o devote_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n as_o to_o win_v her_o love_n so_o far_o as_o to_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v her_o breast_n to_o be_v handle_v by_o her_o saint_n a_o little_a more_o cleanly_a and_o credible_a be_v that_o story_n in_o the_o remain_v of_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n of_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o god._n but_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o be_v so_o modest_a we_o thank_v they_o as_o not_o to_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o we_o now_o have_v under_o that_o name_n and_o we_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o vision_n miracle_n and_o revelation_n so_o much_o sometime_o with_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n boast_v of_o have_v do_v they_o more_o discredit_n with_o the_o wise_a than_o good_a or_o honour_n 11._o and_o to_o these_o another_o note_n of_o true_a and_o false_a illumination_n and_o allumination_n which_o i_o may_v call_v all_o outward_a discovery_n make_v to_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v that_o make_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o master_n of_o such_o learning_n that_o in_o the_o true_a and_o near_o approach_v of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o sense_n outward_a or_o mind_n inward_a first_o great_a trouble_n surprisement_n consternation_n and_o deep_a humiliation_n be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v so_o to_o honour_n with_o his_o presence_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o ezechiell_n the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o before_o they_o by_o manoah_n who_o be_v strike_v with_o dread_n and_o confusion_n at_o the_o revelation_n make_v unto_o they_o as_o likewise_o be_v the_o bless_a virgin_n at_o the_o aspect_n and_o annunciation_n of_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n but_o in_o the_o wind_a up_o and_o conclusion_n they_o be_v all_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v abundant_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o specious_a pageantry_n and_o insinuation_n of_o evil_a angel_n be_v begin_v with_o great_a delight_n of_o the_o delude_a mind_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n bring_v shame_n sorrow_n and_o confusion_n answerable_a indeed_o to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o tempter_n in_o all_o other_o case_n in_o which_o the_o good_a wine_n be_v bring_v forth_o first_o of_o which_o when_o man_n have_v well_o drink_v follow_v the_o bad_a but_o christ_n first_o set_v before_o his_o faithful_a servant_n the_o bad_a and_o keep_v the_o best_a to_o the_o last_o of_o all_o that_o he_o may_v humble_v thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v prove_v thou_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a at_o the_o latter_a end_n as_o it_o be_v say_v deuteron_n 8._o ver_fw-la 16._o brisk_a pert_n and_o vaunt_a be_v the_o gift_a by_o evil_a spirit_n reflect_v upon_o such_o their_o perfection_n above_o other_o but_o modest_a humble_a and_o grave_n be_v they_o who_o be_v indeed_o teach_v of_o god._n 12._o and_o thus_o have_v brief_o prepare_v the_o true_a christian_a with_o a_o prospect_n give_v he_o of_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o necessity_n of_o true_a spiritual_a illumination_n translate_n he_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o marvellous_a light_n of_o save_v knowledge_n and_o faith_n before_o due_a progress_n can_v be_v make_v to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o holy_a conversation_n and_o likewise_o show_v the_o hazard_n of_o miscarry_v through_o mistake_v light_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christian_a walk_v with_o god_n by_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o light_n consist_v principal_o in_o spiritual_a purgation_n or_o sanctification_n a_o prayer_n for_o spiritual_a illumination_n o_o almighty_a god_n and_o heavenly_a father_n the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o darkness_n who_o by_o thy_o son_n jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enlightene_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o know_v be_v eternal_a life_n but_o who_o can_v know_v thou_o the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o he_o shall_v reveal_v he_o and_o yet_o none_o can_v come_v unto_o the_o son_n unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o and_o none_o do_v the_o father_n draw_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v all_o thing_n send_v down_o i_o beseech_v thou_o that_o spirit_n of_o light_n life_n and_o truth_n into_o my_o mind_n and_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v preserve_v i_o prevent_v and_o inform_v i_o and_o rule_v i_o that_o by_o that_o key_n of_o knowledge_n the_o door_n of_o my_o heart_n may_v be_v open_v and_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o understanding_n to_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v only_o spiritual_o discern_v and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o my_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o grant_v that_o in_o thy_o light_n i_o may_v see_v light_a and_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o refuse_v the_o evil_n not_o call_v darkness_n light_n nor_o light_n darkness_n nor_o bitter_a sweet_a nor_o sweet_a bitter_a nor_o good_a evil_a nor_o evil_a good_a various_a be_v the_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o many_o be_v lose_v in_o they_o difficult_a be_v the_o road_n and_o straight_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o truth_n and_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v they_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o lean_a to_o i_o own_o understanding_n or_o wisdom_n who_o be_o but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v nothing_o as_o i_o ought_v
divine_a not_o that_o all_o who_o be_v ardent_a pursuer_n of_o the_o world_n be_v proportionable_o industrious_a for_o heaven_n but_o that_o they_o who_o genius_n indispose_v they_o to_o the_o one_o seldom_o show_v any_o spirit_n or_o liveliness_n in_o the_o other_o for_o often_o it_o happen_v that_o immoderate_a care_n of_o earth_n stupefy_v the_o sense_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o heaven_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fire_n on_o the_o smith_n forge_n no_o work_n good_a or_o bad_a can_v be_v wrought_v there_o so_o that_o as_o siracides_n say_v chap._n 22._o 1_o 2._o a_o slothful_a man_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o filthy_a stone_n and_o every_o one_o will_v hiss_v he_o out_o to_o his_o disgrace_n a_o slothful_a man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o filth_n of_o a_o dunghill_n every_o man_n that_o take_v it_o up_o will_v shake_v his_o hand_n and_o moderne_a doctor_n of_o the_o jew_n give_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n whosoever_o bring_v up_o his_o son_n to_o no_o employment_n teach_v he_o to_o turn_v robber_n 6._o but_o to_o come_v close_o up_o to_o the_o description_n and_o cure_n of_o spiritual_a sloth_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o laziness_n lay_v where_o nature_n admonish_v to_o be_v stir_v no_o wonder_n the_o spirit_n fail_v a_o man_n in_o thing_n above_o and_o sometime_o against_o nature_n for_o this_o indisposition_n to_o good_a seize_v first_o the_o mind_n sad_v it_o at_o the_o approach_a good_a duty_n that_o they_o must_v rise_v from_o their_o seat_n or_o bed_n that_o they_o must_v spend_v so_o much_o time_n about_o the_o dry_a service_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o though_o in_o their_o own_o affair_n perhaps_o sinful_o slothful_a yet_o when_o such_o expectation_n be_v of_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n they_o must_v and_o aught_o they_o will_v forget_v their_o laziness_n in_o worldly_a matter_n and_o be_v stir_v then_o and_o there_o when_o for_o shame_n they_o must_v do_v something_o then_o shall_v civility_n in_o visit_v or_o entertain_v a_o friend_n be_v allege_v against_o the_o tedious_a hour_n or_o two_o in_o god_n service_n nay_o perhaps_o charity_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a just_a at_o that_o time_n shall_v be_v pretend_v and_o scripture_n sometime_o shall_v be_v allege_v as_o warrant_v not_o too_o rash_a and_o unprepared_a approach_n to_o sacred_a office_n when_o the_o real_a reason_n be_v spiritual_a sloth_n detain_v they_o from_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o averseness_n to_o good._n which_o loathness_n to_o open_v the_o mouth_n or_o bend_v the_o knee_n or_o raise_v the_o body_n answerable_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n among_o many_o proceed_v from_o dead-heartednesse_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o hide_v or_o excuse_v that_o perhaps_o a_o reason_n take_v from_o religion_n shall_v be_v forge_v and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v allege_v and_o simplicity_n of_o evangelicall_n worship_n and_o the_o straight_a way_n of_o go_v to_o christ_n shall_v be_v offer_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o the_o best_a age_n and_o all_o this_o while_n listlessness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o though_o i_o know_v religious_a or_o more_o proper_o superstitious_a paradox_n have_v of_o late_o obstruct_a divers_a in_o this_o way_n under_o who_o protection_n slothfullnesse_n too_o often_o shelter_n itself_o 7._o neither_o do_v the_o slothful_a soul_n carry_v itself_o with_o so_o much_o ofcitancie_n in_o thing_n make_v doubtful_a by_o the_o cunning_a sleight_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o disturb_v religion_n and_o destroy_v charity_n but_o in_o thing_n out_o of_o dispute_n also_o as_o when_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n or_o hear_v godly_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n without_o attention_n pray_v without_o zeal_n and_o intention_n of_o spirit_n sing_v without_o chieerfulness_n and_o elevation_n of_o mind_n live_v without_o circumspection_n confess_v their_o sin_n without_o sorrow_n and_o contrition_n so_o that_o the_o hedge_n of_o vigilance_n be_v break_v down_o all_o they_o that_o pass_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n as_o psalm_n 80._o have_v it_o pluck_v she_o the_o boar_n out_o of_o the_o wood_n waste_v it_o and_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n devour_v it_o for_o hereby_o be_v it_o make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o thoroughfare_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o tempt_a spirit_n so_o that_o to_o this_o and_o not_o to_o ill-husbandry_n may_v we_o believe_v solomon_n to_o have_v respect_n when_o he_o say_v proverb_n 24._o 30_o 31._o i_o go_v by_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o by_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n void_a of_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone-wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o whereby_o be_v insinuate_v the_o desolation_n of_o the_o soul_n occasion_v by_o spiritual_a carelessness_n and_o sloth_n 8._o yet_o be_o i_o not_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o impute_v to_o this_o vice_n all_o the_o defect_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o here_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o not_o without_o god_n special_a permission_n it_o happen_v divers_a time_n that_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a soul_n be_v surprise_v with_o dullness_n and_o aridity_n in_o god_n service_n but_o not_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n for_o in_o the_o soul_n taint_v with_o the_o vice_n of_o sloth_n no_o great_a trouble_n or_o solicitude_n befall_v the_o same_o but_o it_o pass_v the_o thing_n over_o unconcerned_a imply_v strong_o a_o affectednesse_n in_o the_o miscarriage_n whereas_o in_o the_o spirit_n becalm_v as_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n great_a anxiety_n and_o discontent_n affect_v it_o like_v as_o the_o ship_n have_v lose_v the_o wind_n lie_v beat_v herself_o with_o her_o sail_n but_o they_o who_o by_o general_a duty_n or_o special_a office_n especial_o ecclesiastical_a and_o sacred_a suspend_v themselves_o studious_o from_o discharge_v they_o painful_o and_o diligent_o because_o they_o can_v live_v at_o ease_n and_o sit_v still_o and_o perhaps_o have_v some_o other_o to_o toil_n for_o they_o let_v they_o at_o least_o labour_n hard_a to_o bring_v themselves_o off_o from_o this_o imputation_n of_o sloth_n for_o i_o can_v neither_o must_v i_o accuse_v they_o according_a to_o their_o merit_n 9_o and_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v better_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o this_o burden_n let_v we_o see_v brief_o what_o may_v be_v prescribe_v against_o it_o first_o then_o let_v we_o look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o a_o prayer_n unto_o the_o author_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o send_v this_o grace_n unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v what_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n and_o with_o great_a confidence_n we_o hope_v for_o his_o service_n he_o will_v grant_v we_o as_o he_o do_v unto_o solomon_n request_v what_o may_v make_v he_o more_o serviceable_a in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o god_n call_v 10._o another_o remedy_n and_o more_o particular_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unsatiable_a desire_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v of_o ease_n and_o liberty_n contrary_a to_o divine_a exercise_n so_o that_o yield_v to_o they_o they_o become_v soft_a and_o soft_a dull_a and_o dull_a loath_a and_o loath_a to_o engage_v in_o religious_a action_n until_o easy_a thing_n become_v difficult_a and_o difficult_a thing_n leave_v quite_o off_o and_o a_o desolation_n be_v make_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v say_v with_o david_n psal_n 119._o my_o soul_n melt_v away_o for_o very_a heaviness_n 11._o nay_o three_o contrary_a malady_n will_v multiply_v and_o grow_v strong_a against_o the_o soul_n answerable_a to_o the_o description_n give_v by_o some_o of_o spiritual_a sloth_n viz._n a_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o heavenly_a exercise_n approach_v such_o as_o be_v pusillanimity_n spiritual_a afraid_a of_o every_o inconvenience_n wearisomeness_n under_o the_o accustom_a and_o halfe-constrained_n perfourmance_n though_o not_o frequent_a despondencie_n and_o diffidence_n of_o any_o good_a to_o come_v of_o such_o thing_n and_o thereupon_o argue_v against_o the_o troublesomnesse_n of_o they_o somnolencie_n in_o they_o and_o gladness_n when_o deliver_v out_o of_o they_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o corrupt_a jew_n amos_n 8._o 5._o when_o will_v the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n be_v over_o 12._o furthermore_o it_o may_v avail_v much_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 18._o 9_o he_o that_o be_v slothful_a in_o his_o work_n be_v brother_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o great_a waster_n for_o like_o a_o city_n without_o a_o watch_n or_o wall_n he_o lie_v expose_v to_o all_o invader_n and_o spoiler_n and_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v be_v thereby_o corrupt_v his_o time_n and_o pain_n little_o better_o than_o lose_v and_o god_n provoke_v to_o
cause_v to_o burn_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god._n why_o therefore_o may_v i_o not_o call_v such_o as_o these_o seraphim_n who_o heart_n be_v convert_v into_o fire_n shine_v and_o burn_v and_o withal_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n mind_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o prick_v they_o with_o tear_n purge_v away_o the_o rust_n of_o vice_n this_o in_o sum_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n here_o unite_v unto_o god_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o more_o particular_o to_o treat_v sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a 1._o they_o who_o write_v scholastical_o of_o this_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o their_o treatise_n of_o mystical_a theology_n do_v first_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o speculative_a way_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o common_a theology_n and_o in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n this_o science_n be_v seat_v and_o such_o like_a which_o we_o purposely_o here_o omit_v and_o some_o more_o phanatical_o have_v learned_a from_o saint_n paul_n ephes_n 5._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a wedlock_n between_o it_o and_o every_o true_a particular_a member_n of_o that_o and_o christ_n pursue_v the_o allegory_n so_o bold_o and_o indiscreet_o as_o to_o profane_v that_o holy_a mystery_n by_o carnal_a resemblance_n and_o scholies_n which_o we_o shall_v avoid_v it_o suffice_v that_o as_o saint_n paul_n there_o say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n be_v not_o too_o curious_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o but_o believe_v firm_o with_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o which_o endeavour_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o proper_a mean_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o most_o of_o all_o deserve_v here_o to_o be_v explain_v 2._o of_o these_o then_o the_o present_a knowledge_n of_o god_n according_a to_o humane_a capacity_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o step_n and_o that_o not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a science_n but_o rather_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o experience_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o most_o apt_o and_o significant_o call_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o only_o inform_v but_o affect_v we_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_o or_o experimental_o 3._o upon_o this_o good_a beginning_n be_v build_v the_o desire_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a glorious_a and_o good_a object_n of_o all_o that_o be_v fullfil_v which_o isaiah_n have_v chap._n 26._o 8._o yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o judgement_n o_o lord_n have_v we_o wait_v for_o thou_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o for_o in_o truth_n god_n be_v in_o himself_o the_o most_o desirable_a of_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o who_o fullness_n in_o that_o kind_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a do_v partake_v and_o become_v good_a so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o thing_n shall_v be_v form_v real_o good_a but_o what_o be_v real_o and_o more_o perfect_o such_o in_o he_o so_o can_v we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o absolute_o and_o perfect_o to_o be_v have_v in_o and_o with_o he_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n concern_v god_n and_o thing_n divine_a will_v follow_v a_o appetite_n of_o the_o will_v affect_v therewith_o for_o natural_a philosophy_n teach_v true_o than_o man_n have_v not_o freewill_n in_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v chief_a good_a and_o ultimate_a of_o all_o but_o without_o consultation_n or_o deliberation_n ravish_v with_o its_o allsufficiencie_n and_o plenitude_n tend_v natural_o and_o necessary_o to_o it_o as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o pass_v and_o beside_o it_o there_o be_v no_o stray_v as_o be_v immense_a so_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v lucifer_n himself_o excel_v natural_o in_o perspicacitie_n and_o intuitive_a knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v of_o that_o absolute_a good_a be_v so_o far_o surprise_v with_o its_o splendour_n and_o perfection_n that_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v near_o contemplate_n and_o enjoy_v it_o affect_v to_o be_v that_o itself_o by_o sacrilegious_a ambition_n and_o so_o lose_v what_o real_o he_o have_v and_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v perceive_v a_o necessary_a conjunction_n between_o clear_a and_o firm_a knowledge_n and_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n as_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o they_o call_v it_o necessity_n of_o conjunction_n between_o love_n and_o the_o thing_n we_o so_o love_v 4._o under_o love_n which_o be_v the_o very_a unitive_a bond_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n we_o comprehend_v desire_v also_o which_o some_o make_v one_o kind_n of_o love_n and_o complacency_n another_o but_o complacency_n be_v rather_o a_o concomitant_a of_o love_n possess_v of_o its_o object_n than_o any_o actual_a appetite_n may_v more_o proper_o be_v term_v a_o satiation_n and_o rest_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o love_n be_v a_o act_n or_o motion_n towards_o somewhat_o not_o full_o at_o least_o enjoy_v and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a fruition_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n cease_v not_o to_o love_v or_o desire_v in_o some_o sense_n as_o when_o that_o actual_o and_o at_o present_a enjoy_v be_v desire_v as_o absent_v and_o in_o the_o continuation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o as_o no_o man_n according_a to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o saint_n paul_n hope_v for_o what_o he_o have_v so_o neither_o do_v he_o desire_v what_o he_o have_v but_o the_o desire_n remain_v after_o possession_n be_v of_o the_o perpetuation_n and_o indeficiencie_n of_o the_o same_o as_o when_o peter_n and_o john_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n behold_v and_o admire_v the_o glory_n do_v desire_v tabernacle_n to_o be_v erect_v in_o which_o they_o may_v rest_v further_o in_o the_o bless_a state_n they_o be_v then_o in_o so_o much_o more_o full_a then_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o excellency_n in_o christ_n so_o much_o more_o ardent_a will_v be_v and_o so_o much_o better_o settle_v our_o love_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o our_o union_n more_o intimate_a and_o fix_v in_o they_o answerable_a to_o which_o the_o schoolman_n as_o well_o as_o mystical_a divine_n have_v find_v out_o four_o degree_n of_o love_n divine_a thom._n 1._o 2._o qu._n 28._o a._n 5._o co._n liquefaction_n fruition_n languor_n and_o fervour_n which_o i_o hold_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v here_o insist_v upon_o as_o be_v more_o admirable_a than_o profitable_a a_o more_o modern_a author_n and_o more_o true_o and_o devout_o reduce_v all_o love_n of_o god_n to_o these_o three_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o come_v only_o through_o faith_n without_o gracious_a imagination_n or_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o soul_n reform_v by_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v good_a as_o suffice_v to_o salvation_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o a_o soul_n feel_v through_o faith_n and_o imagination_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o manhood_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o former_a when_o the_o imagination_n be_v stir_v by_o grace_n for_o then_o the_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v in_o behold_v of_o his_o humanity_n the_o three_o be_v love_n that_o a_o soul_n feel_v through_o spiritual_a sight_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o humanity_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v here_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o worthy_a and_o that_o be_v perfect_a love_n this_o love_n a_o soul_n feel_v not_o till_o it_o be_v reform_v in_o feeling_n thus_o that_o author_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n 5._o but_o i_o esteem_v that_o more_o useful_a and_o easy_a distinction_n of_o love_n or_o union_n with_o god_n altogether_o sufficient_a for_o all_o purpose_n requisite_a to_o a_o good_a christian_a for_o either_o we_o love_v because_o by_o faith_n we_o know_v and_o see_v spiritual_o thing_n lovely_a or_o desirable_a as_o god_n in_o his_o perfection_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o mediation_n active_a and_o passive_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o operation_n divine_a or_o we_o love_v because_o we_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o all_o these_o in_o the_o inward-man_n by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n first_o in_o such_o sort_n manifest_v unto_o we_o for_o as_o saint_n austin_n epist_n 106._o have_v it_o answerable_a to_o the_o ground_n lay_v by_o saint_n john_n 1_o epist_n 4._o 19_o i'faith_o which_o work_v by_o love_n will_v not_o work_v at_o all_o unless_o the_o very_a love_n of_o god_n be_v first_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v
in_o the_o spirit_n so_o be_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n galat._n 5._o 25._o for_o by_o baptism_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o 10._o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o especial_o call_v all_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o joshuah_n do_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o set_v their_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o canaanitish_a prince_n to_o trample_v upon_o those_o seven_o capital_a sin_n which_o not_o only_o fight_v against_o our_o soul_n themselves_o but_o be_v leader_n on_o of_o other_o to_o assault_v and_o spoil_v we_o and_o from_o hence_o have_v we_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o top_n of_o pisgah_n by_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o god_n to_o have_v a_o certain_a foretaste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o land_n of_o promise_n we_o long_v after_o and_o expect_v by_o the_o conjunction_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n which_o we_o find_v not_o so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n strain_v the_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o christ_n to_o a_o sense_n offensive_a to_o ear_n not_o thorough_o open_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o smattering_n thereof_o be_v have_v by_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disquisition_n between_o porphyry_n and_o jamblichus_n of_o the_o egyptian_a mystery_n where_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o anagogical_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o god_n by_o elevation_n of_o the_o understanding_n through_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o theurgicall_a union_n i._n e._n as_o i_o understand_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o divine_o operative_a conjunction_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o all_o this_o he_o swell_v with_o be_v blind_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o egyptian_a darkness_n indeed_o lead_v to_o horrible_a superstition_n to_o attain_v such_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o infinite_a less_a superstition_n and_o more_o perspicuity_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n conduct_v to_o that_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o rest_v in_o god_n which_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o he_o and_o perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a matth._n 5._o with_o allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o mutablenesse_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o for_o though_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o now_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n have_v their_o true_a sense_n yet_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v firm_a and_o sure_o rest_v upon_o this_o foundation_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v his_o choose_a one_o until_o they_o total_o forsake_v he_o if_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o as_o to_o the_o actual_a and_o continual_a possession_n by_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o and_o spiritual_a sensation_n the_o christian_n be_v mutable_a here_o and_o that_o which_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o industry_n be_v for_o some_o time_n attain_v unto_o be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o sudden_o interrupt_v and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o great_a dismay_v of_o the_o devout_a soul_n so_o that_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o well_o to_o hold_v that_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o to_o acquire_v it_o and_o to_o recover_v it_o intermit_v as_o once_o to_o have_v attain_v it_o for_o as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o the_o four_o corner_n to_o saint_n peter_n act_v 12._o wherein_o he_o see_v in_o a_o vision_n all_o manner_n of_o fare_n his_o appetite_n can_v long_o for_o be_v as_o sudden_o again_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o delectation_n which_o the_o spirit_n feel_v let_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o its_o wonderful_a content_n they_o be_v sudden_o take_v away_o up_o into_o heaven_n again_o and_o when_o we_o imagine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n with_o saint_n paul_n we_o unexpected_o feel_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o humble_v we_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o paradise_n here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o fall_v again_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o we_o read_v of_o abraham_n the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o take_v by_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n signify_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o we_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o show_v it_o but_o have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o it_o for_o the_o present_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n act_v 7._o so_o have_v the_o religious_a soul_n no_o footing_n firm_a here_o though_o by_o faith_n and_o affection_n it_o have_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o promise_a possession_n 3._o it_o be_v therefore_o one_o principal_a rule_n of_o right_o use_v what_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attain_v to_o in_o consolation_n the_o fruit_n of_o union_n with_o god_n but_o not_o incessant_a or_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o understand_v so_o much_o lest_o find_v ourselves_o frustrate_v of_o our_o expectation_n we_o call_v in_o question_n the_o state_n itself_o we_o be_v in_o and_o bring_v unprofitable_a confusion_n upon_o our_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o time_n will_v come_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o be_v better_o now_o hide_v and_o keep_v with_o christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o second_o fullness_n of_o time_n shall_v come_v and_o christ_n too_o when_o our_o life_n will_v be_v manifest_v it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o love_a father_n towards_o a_o obsequious_a and_o dutiful_a child_n may_v sometime_o show_v he_o the_o grand_a deed_n whereby_o he_o have_v settle_v a_o great_a estate_n upon_o he_o yea_o may_v carry_v he_o out_o and_o show_v he_o the_o land_n house_n mine_n and_o timber_n on_o they_o which_o he_o purpose_v to_o give_v he_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v at_o all_o necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n itself_o but_o only_o to_o his_o encouragement_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n or_o such_o extraordinary_a argument_n thereof_o as_o be_v deny_v we_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o despondencie_n and_o sluggishness_n of_o spirit_n or_o be_v weakhanded_n in_o god_n service_n 4._o for_o second_o god_n may_v hereby_o have_v a_o gracious_a and_o wise_a design_n to_o wean_v the_o fond_a mind_n from_o sensible_a delectation_n whereby_o it_o shall_v take_v up_o short_a of_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o god_n himself_o seek_v its_o will_n and_o content_v rather_o than_o god_n to_o which_o the_o more_o true_o spiritual_a a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o more_o he_o be_v intent_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o less_o mind_n intermediate_v consolation_n which_o the_o less_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o often_o they_o happen_v 5._o three_o the_o patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n by_o submission_n to_o his_o fatherly_a wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n in_o such_o dispensation_n be_v exercise_v and_o manifest_v and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n nor_o follow_v christ_n mere_o for_o the_o loaf_n which_o he_o miraculous_o feed_v some_o with_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n we_o all_o know_v the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o conclusion_n of_o holy_a job_n life_n how_o religious_a and_o prosperous_a he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n before_o god_n and_o how_o miserable_a he_o be_v by_o the_o same_o providence_n remain_v all_o that_o while_o invincible_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o perserve_v in_o his_o wont_a righteousness_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o piety_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o fluid_a element_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o sensible_a comfort_n pertain_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o religion_n itself_o carry_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o so_o as_o saint_n james_n speak_v we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o he_o and_o such_o his_o patience_n and_o faith_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hardship_n bring_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n travail_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o desolate_a wilderness_n viz._n