our_o former_a sin_n be_v to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v in_o youth_n ill_o squander_v the_o temporary_a good_n god_n have_v lend_v to_o we_o for_o a_o season_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o they_o in_o age_n but_o to_o employ_v they_o as_o free_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o promote_a piety_n exile_v by_o costly_a lust_n and_o not_o be_v like_o that_o unjust_a old_a usurer_n and_o oppressor_n of_o who_o henry_n of_o huntingdon_n speak_v who_o be_v exhort_v towards_o his_o death_n to_o give_v alm_n plentiful_o towards_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o wicked_a covetousness_n refuse_v say_v no_o i_o will_v leave_v my_o son_n all_o i_o have_v get_v and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v give_v alm_n out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o my_o soul_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n luke_n 12._o for_o 15._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v as_o if_o one_o word_n suffice_v not_o to_o obviate_v such_o a_o pestilent_a disease_n of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v take_v we_o heed_n of_o it_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o itself_o and_o beware_v of_o it_o for_o the_o viperous_a brood_n of_o sin_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o and_o nourish_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o obduration_n of_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o man_n be_v unsensible_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n thankfulness_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o all_o good_a work_n the_o end_n of_o his_o bounty_n to_o man_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o a_o hard_a heart_n and_o barren_a womb_n towards_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o brother_n crave_v some_o little_a of_o his_o abundance_n yea_o cruel_a be_v the_o covetous_a to_o his_o own_o flesh_n deny_v what_o may_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o same_o and_o no_o better_a to_o his_o mind_n torment_v it_o with_o restless_a and_o endless_a care_n to_o add_v to_o the_o unprofitable_a heap_n and_o bring_v about_o that_o design_n which_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o tell_v other_o first_o he_o desire_v but_o a_o honest_a livelihood_n but_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o he_o proceed_v and_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v willing_o leave_v a_o competent_a subsistence_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o have_v gain_v that_o point_n also_o than_o he_o be_v no_o less_o solicitous_a about_o that_o competency_n never_o know_v when_o he_o have_v it_o though_o he_o have_v it_o but_o will_v make_v his_o posterity_n rich_a too_o and_o gentleman_n and_o esquire_n and_o knight_n and_o noble_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o not_o then_o shall_v he_o sleep_v sweet_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o for_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o solicitude_n but_o if_o do_v no_o good_a or_o do_v no_o evil_a but_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o evil_a in_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v only_o guilty_a it_o be_v a_o laudable_a sin_n if_o any_o may_v be_v say_v so_o to_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o wicked_a prank_n it_o play_v upon_o other_o what_o choler_n and_o wrath_n rage_v not_o at_o a_o trivial_a loss_n which_o a_o liberal_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v move_v at_o or_o stir_v break_v but_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o two_o penny_n you_o almost_o break_v his_o heart_n and_o if_o he_o break_v your_o head_n it_o be_v less_o than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o violence_n fraud_n cheat_n treachery_n to_o god_n and_o his_o country_n for_o lucre_n pervert_v justice_n by_o bribery_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o confound_a religion_n by_o simony_n and_o sacrilege_n which_o he_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o he_o can_v stand_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o iniquity_n or_o bold_o ask_v what_o be_v sacrilege_n what_o be_v simony_n baffle_v all_o receive_v knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n thereof_o by_o his_o acute_a and_o singular_a scepticism_n trample_v on_o reason_n and_o justice_n and_o religion_n all_o at_o once_o add_v hereunto_o lie_v perjury_n stealing_n rapine_n and_o a_o benefit_n raise_v to_o himself_o by_o depopulation_n of_o parish_n reduce_v the_o well-inhabited_n place_v to_o one_o or_o two_o great_a farm_n take_v up_o a_o strange_a paradox_n for_o his_o defence_n that_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o never_o the_o few_o people_n because_o nature_n will_v work_v in_o a_o unknown_a manner_n and_o land._n how_o manifest_o have_v experience_n teach_v we_o what_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n denounce_v against_o such_o engrosser_n chap._n 2._o 9_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o covet_v a_o evil_a covetousness_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v set_v his_o nest_n on_o high_a etc._n etc._n for_o in_o truth_n i_o have_v by_o i_o many_o instance_n of_o curse_n upon_o person_n and_o family_n who_o by_o such_o ill_a way_n of_o advance_v themselves_o have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v utter_o ruin_v but_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o discourse_n with_o they_o so_o as_o that_o be_v happen_v to_o they_o which_o the_o psalmist_n have_v psalm_n 75._o 5._o according_a to_o the_o auncient_a translation_n the_o proud_a be_v rob_v they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o all_o the_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v mighty_a have_v find_v nothing_o great_a matter_n they_o grasp_v at_o in_o their_o projecting_n but_o in_o the_o conclusion_n they_o be_v force_v to_o let_v go_v what_o before_o they_o hold_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o above_o all_o this_o man_n shall_v serious_o consider_v there_o be_v more_o guilt_n in_o this_o sin_n than_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n especial_o have_v in_o it_o the_o pearl_n of_o covetousness_n and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o if_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v believe_v than_o idolatry_n coloss_n 3._o 5._o mammon_n be_v erect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v before_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o antichrist_n 6._o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o evil_n may_v more_o than_o sufficient_o dissuade_v the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o earthly_a riches_n which_o make_v we_o poor_a towards_o god_n but_o do_v not_o christ_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o as_o we_o have_v it_o act_n 20._o it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o it_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o yea_o psal_n 145._o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n and_o believe_v we_o solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n rather_o than_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o wit_n natural_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a not_o unlike_a to_o those_o breast_n which_o abound_v by_o be_v draw_v but_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o empty_a by_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v to_o afford_v to_o other_o by_o god_n and_o nature_n appointment_n 7._o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o or_o two_o main_a objection_n which_o the_o covetous_a be_v wont_a to_o allege_v for_o his_o tenaciousnesse_n and_o against_o bounty_n and_o charity_n especial_o towards_o public_a good._n charity_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v much_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o evil_a end_n which_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v plain_o know_v be_v not_o the_o real_a reason_n of_o such_o person_n illiberality_n but_o the_o love_n of_o money_n but_o be_v it_o so_o charitable_a deed_n be_v pervert_v to_o ill_a use_n such_o benefaction_n make_v with_o pious_a intention_n shall_v never_o be_v wrest_v by_o any_o abuse_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o his_o reward_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o a_o hundred_o fold_n beside_o to_o who_o can_v the_o subtle_a worldling_n give_v or_o leave_v his_o estate_n so_o secure_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v abuse_v he_o himself_o abuse_v it_o and_o himself_o many_o time_n in_o get_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o which_o as_o dung_n aught_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o make_v the_o soil_n fruitful_a and_o do_v not_o riches_n leave_v to_o the_o dear_a heir_n of_o our_o body_n suffer_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o they_o than_o good_a do_v they_o not_o abuse_v they_o in_o riot_v luxury_n and_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o covetous_a person_n shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o much_o mercy_n as_o to_o bring_v the_o abuse_n and_o mischief_n of_o wealth_n home_o to_o his_o own_o family_n rather_o than_o the_o church_n or_o state_n shall_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o his_o freeness_n but_o so_o experience_n often_o teach_v we_o to_o fall_v out_o whereas_o by_o spare_v somewhat_o out_o of_o that_o we_o enjoy_v to_o god_n service_n the_o remainder_n be_v sanctify_v and_o by_o god_n blessing_n become_v
ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n p._n 9_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n especial_o conduce_v thereunto_o p._n 12_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v p._n 20_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v p._n 40_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o note_v and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v p_o 51_o sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o the_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state._n p._n 63_o sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n p._n 76_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v page_n 99_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n p._n 105_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n not_o neglect_v outward_a severity_n p._n 114_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n p._n 124_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n p._n 129_o sect_n vi_o that_o this_o purgative_a repentance_n must_v be_v general_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a p._n 147_o sect_n vii_o of_o self_n denial_n require_v to_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will._n p._n 156_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o custody_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v have_v over_o the_o outward_a man_n especial_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o tongue_n p._n 174_o sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n and_o modesty_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n p._n 189_o sect_n x._o the_o connexion_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seven_o capital_a sin_n p._n 201_o sect_n xi_o of_o pride_n the_o first_o deadly_a or_o capital_a sin._n p._n 203_o sect_n xii_o of_o anger_n a_o second_o capital_a sin_n its_o concomitant_n and_o remedy_n p._n 219_o sect_n xiii_o of_o the_o deadly_a sin_n of_o envy_n its_o nature_n and_o remedy_n p._n 233_o sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n p._n 244_o sect_n xv._o of_o luxury_n and_o uncleanness_n p._n 254_o sect_n xvi_o of_o gluttony_n its_o sinfullnesse_n and_o cure._n p._n 265_o sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n p._n 277_o sect_n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o part_n with_o some_o short_a advice_n relate_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therein_o p._n 288_o the_o three_o part._n treat_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n with_o god._n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a union_n with_o god_n and_o of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o p._n 297_o sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a p._n 304_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v p._n 309_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n for_o this_o latter_a p._n 317_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o union_n we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n habitual_a and_o actual_a as_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o worship_n p._n 328_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o defect_n incident_a to_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o their_o remedy_n p._n 334_o sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n p._n 342_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v or_o fix_v as_o also_o of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n p._n 350_o sect_n ix_o of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n to_o which_o certain_a instruction_n be_v premise_v p._n 359_o sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n here_o discuss_v p._n 367_o sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o with_o their_o proper_a remedy_n p._n 378_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o before_o with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o consolation_n p._n 387_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o true_a spiritual_a life_n the_o first_o part_n treat_v of_o spiritual_a illumination_n sect_n 1._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o vsefulnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a 1._o there_o be_v three_o principal_a stage_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v to_o pass_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n towards_o that_o sabbath_n of_o blessedness_n hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o aspire_v to_o it_o may_v seem_v both_o very_a methodical_a and_o profitable_a to_o that_o great_a end_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thither_o by_o clear_n up_o the_o deface_a character_n write_v by_o god_n own_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o in_o general_a that_o such_o a_o fundamental_a persuasion_n be_v well_o receive_v the_o edification_n in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a absolute_a and_o better_o advance_v 2._o for_o what_o may_v we_o call_v religion_n speak_v here_o more_o practical_o than_o artificial_o but_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o power_n able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v everlasting_o infer_v a_o strong_a and_o just_a obligation_n upon_o all_o creature_n especial_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o present_a be_v and_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o subsistence_n and_o upon_o who_o depend_v his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n 3._o but_o may_v it_o not_o here_o also_o be_v say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v too_o many_o obstinate_o refuse_v any_o better_a guidance_n or_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o as_o may_v favour_v their_o degenerous_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n of_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n hurry_v they_o to_o a_o liberty_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n freedom_n when_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o renounce_v the_o servitude_n and_o turpitude_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v ourselves_o apprentice_n to_o learn_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o religion_n the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indent_v and_o covenant_v with_o believer_n so_o faithful_o serve_v he_o when_o their_o time_n come_v out_o by_o death_n in_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o desirable_a freedom_n by_o make_v they_o citizen_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o than_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v no_o great_a or_o better_a event_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o good_a nor_o great_a remuneration_n 4._o who_o will_v not_o then_o sometime_o retire_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o divine_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n shall_v we_o see_v so_o many_o artist_n of_o this_o world_n strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o not_o only_o for_o lucre_n sake_n but_o esteem_v of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n and_o trade_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v cold_a indifferent_a and_o careless_a in_o this_o of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o how_o many_o have_v become_v poor_a infamous_a
must_v only_o be_v owe_v to_o such_o divine_a revelation_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o particular_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o three_o main_a branch_n of_o our_o present_a method_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n in_o religion_n 1._o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n be_v sow_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o some_o small_a and_o dim_a stricture_n cast_v into_o man_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n direct_v man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o by_o orderly_a progression_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 4._o to_o this_o end_n antiquity_n not_o without_o competent_a ground_n in_o holy_a scripture_n have_v pitch_v upon_o three_o more_o considerable_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o religion_n though_o not_o absolute_a yet_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o saint_n john_n word_n 1_o epist_n 12_o 13_o 14._o seem_v to_o tend_v to_o this_o distinguish_v little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n or_o beginner_n proficient_n and_o perfect_a not_o so_o absolute_a as_o god_n may_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o yet_o so_o as_o before_o man_n they_o may_v be_v irreprehensible_a and_o allowable_a by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scantling_n and_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o cassian_n in_o his_o collation_n with_o some_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o solomon_n write_v three_o book_n one_o for_o instruction_n and_o illumination_n in_o wisdom_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n initiate_a young_a beginner_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n lay_v the_o foundation_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o other_o book_n of_o solomon_n call_v ecclesiastes_n represent_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o understanding_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o earthly_a joy_n with_o a_o tacit_a dissuasion_n from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n which_o perform_v introduce_v a_o man_n to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n whereby_o such_o a_o sensation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v so_o far_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v unite_v more_o entire_o with_o god_n which_o we_o call_v the_o vnitive_a way_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v figure_v out_o to_o we_o by_o that_o song_n of_o song_n call_v common_o solomon_n and_o this_o threefold_a cord_n bind_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o little_a insinuation_n make_v to_o we_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o ancient_a pythagorean_n teach_v three_o manner_n of_o way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n labour_n and_o action_n about_o virtue_n meditation_n conduct_v to_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god._n 2._o such_o concurrence_n then_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o humane_a wisdom_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o the_o repute_a dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n take_v hold_v of_o such_o a_o occasion_n give_v to_o he_o to_o commend_v this_o tripartite_a doctrine_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o unitive_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n in_o which_o many_o have_v imitate_v he_o and_o much_o and_o perhaps_o too_o far_o advance_v it_o from_o who_o i_o take_v the_o liberty_n so_o far_o to_o vary_v as_o to_o make_v illumination_n the_o foundation_n and_o first_o step_n to_o all_o regular_a ascent_n to_o godward_o as_o proceed_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n for_o by_o it_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v and_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o purge_v ourselves_o and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o a_o high_a and_o near_a conjunction_n with_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n proper_o conduce_v thereunto_o 1._o famous_a be_v the_o distinction_n of_o st._n paul_n of_o theological_a virtue_n into_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n be_v found_v and_o move_v towards_o that_o perfection_n compatible_a to_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n faith_n illuminate_v hope_v purge_v and_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n we_o unto_o god._n for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n teach_v we_o and_o natural_o we_o all_o lie_v pollute_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o so_o natural_o be_v alien_n from_o god_n and_o unreconcilable_a by_o any_o other_o name_n or_o mean_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v proverb_n 19_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a faith_n with_o christian_n beget_v knowledge_n proper_o divine_a in_o christian_n be_v the_o light_n and_o eye_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n regenerate_v so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o blind_a man_n to_o work_v any_o curious_a work_n without_o the_o use_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o every_o act_n tend_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o fault_n and_o error_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v sew_v well_o that_o can_v thread_v his_o needle_n so_o they_o on_o who_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v not_o who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o god_n produce_v in_o create_v the_o world_n be_v light_a not_o that_o he_o absolute_o need_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n do_v and_o to_o intimate_v unto_o we_o the_o order_n of_o true_a regeneration_n that_o it_o must_v begin_v with_o illumination_n and_o therefore_o god_n who_o more_o immediate_o of_o old_a reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o choose_a servant_n do_v in_o follow_v age_n set_v up_o and_o fix_v a_o light_n in_o his_o church_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v by_o faith_n shall_v become_v a_o constant_a guide_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n pass_v through_o this_o dark_a vale_n towards_o the_o mount_n and_o true_a city_n of_o god._n 2._o for_o without_o this_o the_o philosopher_n of_o this_o world_n profess_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom_n 1._o 22._o wise_a become_v fool_n err_v in_o the_o very_a first_o step_n and_o prime_a principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o teach_v the_o only_a true_a god_n they_o for_o their_o part_n in_o grope_v after_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorcorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o corruptible_a man_n as_o st._n paul_n also_o observe_v v._o 23._o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o image_n or_o very_a substance_n of_o man_n into_o god._n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o be_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o do_v the_o shadow_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n flee_v away_o holy_a david_n have_v foretell_v of_o this_o when_o he_o say_v psalm_n 36._o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v in_o like_a manner_n may_v it_o true_o be_v say_v whoso_o enlighten_v not_o with_o by_z and_o from_o he_o darken_v as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o subtle_a and_o wise_a disputant_n job_n friend_n job_n 38._o who_o darken_a counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n 3._o and_o too_o near_o do_v they_o approach_v to_o the_o like_a error_n who_o darken_v of_o late_a the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o imagine_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o light_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o shall_v work_v be_v the_o work_n itself_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o such_o in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v acquiesce_v as_o have_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n
and_o deformity_n and_o find_v the_o smart_n of_o our_o sore_n there_o be_v little_a probability_n we_o shall_v be_v solicitous_a so_o far_o about_o ourselves_o as_o to_o seek_v for_o redress_n and_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o but_o have_v attain_v this_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o mention_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v happy_o succeed_v and_o this_o advantage_n by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n towards_o so_o great_a and_o good_a work_n as_o to_o learn_v the_o general_a division_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o impurity_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o that_o some_o sin_n have_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o other_o of_o a_o fleshly_a for_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a constitution_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o he_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o beast_n so_o be_v his_o inclination_n sometime_o transport_v he_o to_o the_o excess_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o sometime_o sink_v he_o down_o towards_o brutish_a lust_n but_o which_o be_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o st._n james_n chap._n 3._o 15._o thus_o write_v this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o some_o sin_n and_o especial_o they_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v real_o devilish_a as_o have_v the_o devil_n as_o well_o for_o their_o author_n as_o actor_n viz._n envying_n glorying_n strife_n lie_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n a_o little_a before_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hatred_n murder_n violence_n offer_v to_o other_o intemperance_n incontinence_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o such_o like_a be_v such_o which_o senfuall_a appetite_n dispose_v we_o unto_o and_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o beast_n prone_a to_o they_o yet_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v beast_n many_o time_n govern_v by_o their_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o great_a offender_n thereby_o as_o man_n direct_v to_o high_a and_o better_a thing_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o religion_n or_o faith._n for_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a restraint_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o keep_v we_o within_o due_a compass_n of_o live_v first_o our_o very_a sense_n not_o make_v by_o evil_a custom_n more_o brutish_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v do_v certify_v by_o a_o natural_a reluctancy_n when_o we_o exce_v due_a measure_n in_o the_o use_n of_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o a_o great_a light_n and_o check_v to_o such_o exorbitance_n do_v our_o reason_n give_v we_o not_o bribe_v by_o corruption_n to_o give_v false_a report_n and_o dictate_v but_o the_o light_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v yet_o more_o clear_a full_a and_o perfect_a to_o direction_n and_o sanctification_n but_o the_o life_n and_o crown_n of_o all_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o will_n of_o man_n into_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n most_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v here_o speak_v brief_o to_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n 1._o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v by_o descent_n of_o heavenly_a extraction_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o owe_v original_o to_o the_o will_n or_o election_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v give_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v well_o apply_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o illumination_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manner_n than_o otherwise_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a or_o chief_a part_n of_o its_o power_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o which_o impell_v and_o enable_v we_o too_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v he_o send_v i_o into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o not_o by_o affirmation_n only_o but_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n consummate_v in_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v every_o good_a christian_a by_o do_v and_o die_v if_o need_v be_v testify_z to_z the_o truth_n 2._o and_o sure_o great_a be_v the_o influence_n true_a and_o strong_a faith_n have_v to_o that_o end_n according_a to_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 5._o 4._o tell_v we_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n even_o our_o faith_n so_o term_v because_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v conqueror_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o enemy_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o call_v the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o god_n as_o all_o sinful_a lust_n do_v and_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o subjection_n of_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v verify_v what_o christ_n foretell_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o man_n enemy_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o house_n a_o militant_a christian_a never_o be_v free_a from_o intestine_a jar_n and_o warring_n of_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o any_o suggestion_n or_o lean_a on_o any_o other_o aid_n but_o what_o our_o faith_n furnish_v we_o withal_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o fail_v and_o fall_v in_o our_o contention_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o demoniacall_a son._n mark_n 9_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v so_o shall_v we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o he_o that_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n himself_o mark_v 16._o 5._o he_o can_v do_v there_o viz._n in_o his_o own_o country_n no_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n as_o if_o unbelief_n in_o man_n have_v tie_v god_n hand_n and_o disable_v he_o who_o be_v ever_o omnipotent_a to_o act_v according_o though_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n not_o absolute_o but_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n proceed_v towards_o man_n who_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v obtrude_v his_o blessing_n upon_o he_o contemn_v he_o as_o do_v these_o his_o countryman_n who_o astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n carp_v at_o his_o relation_n and_o education_n and_o meanness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o parentage_n believe_v with_o prejudice_n reprovable_a by_o their_o sense_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v that_o they_o see_v he_o do_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o to_o he_o their_o sick_a and_o impotent_a so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o cure_n of_o the_o distemper_a soul_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a but_o unbelief_n make_v possible_a thing_n impossible_a and_o easy_a thing_n most_o difficult_a for_o faith_n not_o do_v its_o office_n of_o declare_v to_o the_o ignorant_a mind_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n a_o intolerable_a enemy_n to_o god_n man_n must_v needs_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o that_o false_a natural_a light_n that_o he_o have_v after_o those_o please_a object_n that_o seem_v rather_o than_o be_v good_a to_o he_o and_o again_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v firm_a be_v also_o operative_a as_o well_o as_o intuitive_a and_o so_o far_o influence_v and_o excite_v by_o it_o that_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o he_o must_v act_v according_a to_o his_o judgement_n persuasion_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n 3._o for_o what_o be_v that_o which_o move_v moses_n to_o forsake_v egypt_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o courtly_a pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v the_o very_a reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n but_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o he_o by_o his_o faith_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o by_o his_o faith_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o by_o faith_n both_o believe_v aright_o in_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o love_v what_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o noble_a and_o desirable_a which_o hold_v not_o good_a then_o only_o but_o be_v of_o perpetual_a truth_n as_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o unto_o thou_o so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o ever_o will_v be_v unto_o christian_a soul_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v true_o but_o do_v not_o full_o his_o faith_n be_v impotent_a in_o its_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o can_v profit_v very_o little_a to_o the_o main_a
man_n we_o will_v not_o understand_v until_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n though_o not_o in_o that_o outward_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n but_o by_o a_o certain_a tacit_a splendour_n and_o illumination_n all_o the_o recess_n and_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o foulness_n of_o they_o manifest_v in_o particular_a 5._o for_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o poor_a cottager_n or_o simple_a careless_a tenant_n while_o the_o housewife_n be_v alone_o with_o her_o own_o plain_a company_n only_o she_o see_v little_a or_o nothing_o amiss_o in_o her_o house_n it_o be_v clean_a enough_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o herself_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v set_v in_o order_n and_o place_n convenient_a enough_o to_o her_o like_n but_o it_o chance_v that_o she_o be_v surprise_v by_o some_o great_a and_o delicate_a person_n come_v into_o her_o habitation_n or_o that_o her_o rich_a and_o fine_a landlord_n come_v into_o her_o house_n then_o present_o she_o look_v about_o her_o every_o way_n than_o she_o see_v nothing_o be_v clean_a enough_o handsome_a enough_o or_o in_o place_n and_o order_v good_a enough_o but_o complain_v how_o she_o be_v take_v like_o a_o slut_n so_o fall_v it_o out_o in_o divine_a matter_n and_o with_o the_o careless_a and_o secure_a soul_n while_o she_o look_v only_o on_o herself_o and_o compare_v herself_o with_o herself_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v or_o perhaps_o with_o other_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o herself_o she_o discern_v very_o little_a amiss_o within_o herself_o but_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n come_v into_o it_o then_o she_o begin_v to_o apprehend_v she_o own_o uncleanlinesse_n and_o defect_n then_o be_v she_o sensible_a of_o her_o disorder_n foulness_n and_o even_a slut_n corner_n and_o begin_v to_o lament_v her_o state_n and_o confess_v her_o error_n and_o beg_v pardon_n for_o her_o unfitnesse_n and_o unsutablenesse_n to_o the_o divine_a presence_n a_o lively_a instance_n whereof_o holy_a job_n may_v be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peter_n in_o the_o new_a both_o eminent_a saint_n job_n have_v discourse_v free_o and_o confident_o of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o justify_v himself_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n before_o he_o he_o assert_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o cleanness_n before_o he_o and_o man_n yea_o god_n himself_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o satan_n say_v job_n 1._o 8._o have_v thou_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o upright_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n draw_v yet_o near_o to_o he_o in_o a_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o job_n to_o himself_o we_o find_v job_n note_v change_v to_o this_o say_v job_n 42._o 5._o i_o have_v hear_v of_o thou_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o therefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n st._n peter_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o at_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n cry_v out_o sudden_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o imperfection_n luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n not_o sustain_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o master_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unholinesse_n then_o chief_o appear_v to_o he_o 5._o and_o thus_o particular_o inform_v and_o affect_v the_o soul_n not_o only_a judge_n sin_n in_o other_o to_o be_v sin_n but_o in_o itself_o exceed_v sinful_a not_o only_o believe_v that_o anger_n and_o malice_n and_o censure_v and_o slander_v other_o that_o unclean_a act_n that_o light_n wanton_a and_o carnal_a thought_n be_v evil_a in_o other_o but_o in_o itself_o that_o immodest_a word_n and_o gesture_n unkind_a sour_a froward_a behaviour_n and_o look_n do_v ill_o become_v other_o profess_v the_o gospel_n which_o sweeten_v sour_a blood_n and_o carriage_n natural_o so_o far_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o sobriety_n and_o gravity_n but_o in_o its_o self_n too_o and_o dispose_v to_o a_o change_n of_o temper_n know_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v galat._n 5._o 22._o that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n longsufferance_n gentleness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n give_v by_o christ_n matth._n 7._o 12._o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o regulate_v of_o outward_a look_n and_o behaviour_n which_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o towards_o other_o distance_z of_o relation_n be_v observe_v as_o become_v than_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o towards_o we_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o vice_n flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v subject_a to_o even_o less_o observable_a the_o good_a man_n first_o condemn_v himself_o be_v more_o quick-sighted_a in_o perceive_v and_o severe_a in_o censure_v himself_o than_o other_o 6._o and_o upon_o and_o together_o with_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o pravity_n do_v the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n direct_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n both_o moral_a and_o evangelicall_n and_o such_o a_o transformation_n by_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v our_o sanctification_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o thessaly_n 4._o 3._o and_o that_o sanctification_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n wherein_o the_o illuminate_v mind_n may_v perceive_v all_o the_o line_n or_o lineament_n of_o the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o form_n of_o true_a godliness_n so_o that_o as_o he_o that_o copi_v out_o a_o exquisite_a picture_n or_o he_o that_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a eye_n and_o that_o eye_n must_v be_v constant_o fix_v on_o the_o pattern_n before_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o spiritual_a fashion_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o grand_a example_n christ_n a_o perpetual_a and_o strict_a eye_n must_v be_v have_v and_o fix_v on_o he_o whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v what_o of_o the_o natural_a stone_n be_v to_o be_v knock_v or_o pare_v off_o by_o mortification_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v towards_o conformablenesse_n to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n 7._o and_o to_o this_o also_o conduce_v much_o what_o be_v mention_v far_o concern_v our_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n hereafter_o and_o the_o vanity_n and_o fallacy_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n which_o latter_a seem_v to_o a_o unenlightened_a eye_n great_a and_o corpulent_a be_v in_o truth_n but_o shadow_n as_o the_o former_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n open_v solid_a and_o weighty_a and_o to_o be_v consider_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o we_o die_v but_o once_o natural_o and_o be_v not_o like_o the_o herb_n or_o flower_n or_o plant_v which_o flourish_v in_o its_o season_n and_o in_o his_o season_n fade_v and_o die_v with_o a_o aptness_n to_o return_v again_o to_o its_o former_a perfection_n even_o to_o many_o such_o vicissitude_n the_o tall_a cedar_n or_o fine_a flower_n in_o his_o own_o estimation_n man_n necessary_o and_o natural_o tend_v to_o decay_n and_o ruin_n die_v once_o and_o where_o be_v he_o say_v job_n chap._n 14._o and_o by_o no_o scent_n of_o water_n bud_v again_o or_o rise_v from_o his_o cold_a bed_n of_o earth_n till_o the_o heaven_n be_v no_o more_o and_o arise_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n but_o no_o more_o to_o return_v to_o his_o place_n and_o condition_n to_o amend_v what_o he_o before_o have_v do_v amiss_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o repent_v fruitful_o of_o what_o he_o former_o offend_v in_o how_o then_o do_v it_o concern_v every_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v serious_a with_o himself_o and_o stand_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o sabbath_n of_o pleasure_n here_o sudden_o all_o our_o vain_a imagination_n of_o sensible_a delight_n here_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o shadow_n of_o our_o approach_a death_n overtake_v and_o extinguish_v they_o and_o that_o be_v come_v there_o be_v no_o redemption_n of_o our_o misspend_v day_n no_o recovery_n of_o our_o voluntary_a loss_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n chastity_n modesty_n meekness_n charity_n good_a work_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god._n can_v any_o that_o have_v his_o sense_n i_o say_v not_o that_o wit_n which_o such_o inconsiderate_a worldling_n too_o often_o but_o vain_o vaunt_v of_o run_v such_o a_o notorious_a hazard_n as_o this_o in_o pursuit_n as_o child_n of_o butter_n fly_v of_o
corrupt_a or_o sound_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o sober_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n purify_v by_o faith._n for_o until_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o mortification_n and_o renovation_n have_v wrought_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o a_o bless_a and_o thorough_a change_n little_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o outward_o either_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o look_v more_o upon_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o the_o deed_n than_o the_o deed_n itself_o or_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o for_o to_o continue_v a_o little_a far_o our_o similitude_n as_o we_o see_v man_n have_v bad_a watch_n will_v with_o their_o finger_n or_o thumb_n place_n the_o hand_n aright_o to_o give_v some_o credit_n to_o they_o which_o present_o according_a to_o their_o ill_a frame_n return_v to_o their_o wont_a error_n so_o hypocrite_n to_o appear_v fair_a and_o good_a to_o man_n push_v themselves_o on_o sometime_o to_o regular_a and_o laudable_a act_n and_o sometime_o restrain_v and_o set_v back_o their_o rank_a course_n of_o sin_n for_o some_o imperfect_a if_o not_o evil_a end_n but_o soon_o relapse_n to_o their_o accustom_a excess_n for_o want_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o constitution_n heavenly_a incline_v the_o only_a true_a spring_n of_o good_a and_o laudable_a action_n 5._o again_o the_o inward_a man_n may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o marketplace_n of_o a_o strong_a city_n the_o enemy_n may_v surprise_v or_o by_o some_o sudden_a violence_n may_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o outwork_n and_o yet_o be_v repel_v again_o and_o the_o city_n stand_v firm_a and_o safe_a and_o faithful_a to_o its_o sovereign_n but_o if_o the_o enemy_n once_o possess_v himself_o of_o the_o marketplace_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o stand_v true_a to_o the_o owner_n or_o withstand_v the_o adversary_n so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o have_v suffer_v the_o legion_n of_o foul_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o there_o to_o nestle_v and_o triumph_n all_o attempt_n be_v but_o feeble_a and_o insufficient_a to_o exhibit_v just_a and_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god._n for_o no_o soon_o do_v some_o good_a inclination_n arise_v no_o soon_o do_v we_o offer_v at_o good_a but_o a_o party_n of_o vain_a thought_n dishonest_a motion_n be_v send_v forth_o to_o suppress_v all_o good_a but_o weak_a purpose_n of_o return_v to_o our_o allegiance_n to_o god_n and_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will._n great_a circumspection_n therefore_o must_v be_v use_v strong_a resolution_n must_v be_v take_v and_o many_o difficulty_n of_o hunger_n thirst_n and_o hot_a service_n must_v first_o be_v pass_v through_o before_o our_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o and_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o mastery_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o ministry_n we_o owe_v to_o god._n 6._o but_o add_v hereunto_o fourthly_a a_o more_o intrinsic_a argument_n to_o the_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o cleanse_v our_o heart_n the_o great_a benefit_n redound_v to_o a_o man_n self_n who_o shall_v so_o acquitt_v himself_o for_o however_o this_o conflict_n with_o the_o power_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o this_o conquest_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o tedious_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n mortification_n and_o crucify_a the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n yet_o the_o work_n once_o do_v and_o the_o victory_n obtain_v bring_v wonderful_a ease_n quiet_a satisfaction_n and_o cheerfulness_n unto_o the_o spirit_n render_v it_o much_o more_o expedite_a and_o lightsome_a than_o it_o be_v before_o struggle_v against_o a_o contrary_a principle_n which_o evermore_o clog_v it_o obstruct_v and_o either_o whole_o impede_v or_o grievous_o retard_v the_o performance_n of_o divine_a service_n for_o man_n be_v scarce_o able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o clear_a notice_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o they_o and_o little_o less_o able_a to_o deny_v whole_o such_o a_o service_n as_o be_v due_a to_o god_n do_v with_o a_o unwilling_a will_n divers_a time_n submit_v to_o religious_a act_n but_o wearisome_a and_o tedious_a be_v they_o to_o they_o through_o the_o prevalencie_n of_o unsubdued_a lust_n which_o by_o this_o necessary_a discipline_n be_v master_v and_o expel_v a_o great_a change_n be_v make_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o with_o lightness_n and_o readiness_n be_v that_o do_v which_o before_o be_v irksome_a and_o grievous_a as_o david_n himself_o find_v it_o in_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v psal_n 119._o 32._o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o have_v set_v my_o heart_n at_o liberty_n and_o then_o be_v our_o heart_n at_o liberty_n when_o the_o bond-servant_n hagar_n with_o her_o offspring_n which_o will_v domineer_v be_v cast_v out_o then_o be_v we_o free_a indeed_o when_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v we_o free_a then_o do_v the_o son_n make_v we_o free_a when_o he_o deliver_v we_o for_n far_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v 2_o epist_n 1._o 4._o as_o by_o a_o divine_a nature_n give_v unto_o we_o we_o escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o fear_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n constrain_a we_o to_o god_n service_n more_o than_o god_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o shrink_v and_o murmur_v at_o fasting-day_n nor_o repine_v when_o on_o day_n of_o public_a thanksgiving_n to_o he_o that_o be_v glorious_a in_o all_o his_o saint_n it_o be_v expect_v we_o shall_v suspend_v and_o intermitt_v our_o lawful_a labour_n and_o whole_o cut_v off_o and_o deny_v our_o unlawful_a pleasure_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v then_o as_o beast_n under_o the_o leviticall_a law_n one_o or_o more_o to_o drive_v we_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nor_o drag_v we_o with_o violence_n to_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n to_o offer_v a_o holy_a live_v and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n but_o with_o david_n spirit_n we_o shall_v say_v i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v up_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o better_a be_v it_o we_o shall_v do_v a_o thing_n with_o alacrity_n and_o great_a content_n than_o with_o constraint_n but_o this_o we_o may_v do_v if_o we_o can_v but_o free_v ourselves_o from_o that_o load_n of_o corruption_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o lie_v under_o and_o what_o effect_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o progress_n a_o man_n have_v make_v in_o himself_o may_v be_v competent_o discern_v from_o the_o sense_n a_o man_n have_v in_o himself_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o though_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o without_o some_o tepidity_n of_o spirit_n sometime_o yet_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n sow_o in_o the_o heart_n will_v general_o spring_v up_o with_o gladness_n 7._o this_o therefore_o shall_v be_v our_o great_a and_o chief_a endeavour_n which_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 4._o 23._o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n and_o if_o as_o solomon_n say_v prov._n chap._n 18._o 21._o death_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tongue_n much_o more_o true_a be_v it_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o stand_v affect_v or_o disaffect_v to_o god_n see_v the_o poison_n or_o balsam_n which_o distil_v from_o the_o tongue_n be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o heart_n do_v comprehensive_o signify_v the_o entire_a body_n of_o affection_n which_o must_v be_v dedicate_v to_o god._n but_o give_v to_o god_n it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o mock_n or_o derision_n but_o as_o it_o be_v whole_a and_o sound_a clear_a and_o clean_o according_a to_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o consist_v much_o of_o christian_a equity_n we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o live_v a_o life_n of_o nature_n with_o half_a a_o heart_n only_o neither_o of_o any_o that_o be_v sick_a on_o one_o side_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o well_o on_o the_o other_o no_o more_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o please_v god_n with_o one_o part_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o please_v the_o world_n with_o the_o other_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n and_o of_o christ_n my_o son_n say_v god_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n and_o not_o a_o piece_n of_o it_o for_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v dead_a flesh_n odious_a to_o man_n and_o much_o more_o to_o god._n sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n 1._o such_o be_v the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n natural_o infect_v the_o very_a soul_n as_o inherit_v our_o forefather_n corruption_n that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o as_o all_o man_n love_v
that_o which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o there_o be_v but_o small_a hope_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a or_o so_o much_o as_o willing_a to_o help_v himself_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a state_n the_o wise_a physician_n admit_v of_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n from_o other_o when_o they_o be_v in_o any_o languish_a condition_n and_o some_o sore_n or_o wound_n there_o may_v be_v of_o the_o body_n which_o a_o man_n one_o hand_n can_v come_v at_o to_o dress_v or_o cleanse_v and_o therefore_o need_v the_o application_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o corrupt_a soul_n by_o nature_n this_o be_v thy_o wickedness_n say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n cap._n 4._o 18._o because_o it_o be_v bitter_a because_o it_o reach_v unto_o thy_o heart_n it_o be_v every_o man_n case_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o of_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n god_n must_v and_o do_v prepare_v we_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o hand_n and_o a_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n a_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v he_o ordain_v to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o our_o original_a defilement_n and_o purge_v our_o inward_a man_n which_o no_o outward_a ministry_n not_o ennoble_v with_o divine_a virtue_n can_v reach_v or_o remedy_n this_o be_v prophesy_v and_o promise_v by_o god_n in_o ezekiel_n chap._n 13._o 1._o in_o that_o day_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o fountain_n open_v to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o we_o to_o our_o wonderful_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n find_v accomplish_v in_o the_o pure_a water_n of_o baptism_n the_o force_n and_o effect_v whereof_o we_o be_v well_o teach_v by_o our_o english_a catechism_n which_o say_v be_v by_o nature_n bear_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n we_o be_v hereby_o make_v the_o child_n of_o grace_n and_o child_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v not_o make_v but_o by_o such_o purification_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n shed_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o filthiness_n and_o offence_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o otherwise_o effectual_a to_o our_o cleanse_n than_o as_o apply_v by_o that_o which_o represent_v it_o baptism_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n 1_o corinth_n 6._o 10_o 11._o have_v describe_v the_o lamentable_a and_o foul_a state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o fornication_n idolatry_n adultery_n effeminateness_n abusing_n of_o mankind_n theft_n covetousness_n drunkenness_n extortion_n whereof_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a shall_v not_o enter_v that_o spot_n and_o guilt_n remain_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n add_v to_o our_o humiliation_n and_o comfort_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n which_o plain_o direct_v we_o to_o baptism_n wash_v and_o sanctify_v from_o all_o uncleanness_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v ever_o admit_v into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n flock_n or_o holy_a fold_n the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v so_o sanctify_v contrary_a to_o the_o frequent_a error_n of_o the_o modern_a divinity_n which_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a mundification_n to_o baptism_n and_o of_o pardon_v sin_n restrain_v its_o virtue_n to_o signification_n only_o of_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o incorporation_n of_o we_o into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o doctrine_n as_o very_o new_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v place_n of_o scripture_n ascribe_v a_o power_n of_o cleanse_v and_o pardon_v unto_o that_o sacrament_n i_o wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o conscience_n can_v ready_o maintain_v and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a say_v against_o that_o dogme_n avoid_v here_o all_o contention_n and_o pursue_v the_o plain_a truth_n useful_a for_o our_o edification_n 2._o and_o this_o lead_v we_o to_o another_o effect_n of_o baptism_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o concern_v actual_a transgression_n as_o well_o as_o original_a sin_n remove_v thereby_o for_o not_o only_o be_v that_o sin_n actual_a and_o original_a which_o we_o bear_v about_o we_o purge_v away_o at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o we_o then_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o purge_v ourselves_o god_n grace_n always_o suppose_v as_o concur_v with_o we_o and_o to_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o almighty_a god_n by_o repentance_n who_o efficacy_n to_o that_o purpose_n depend_v absolute_o on_o precede_a baptism_n so_o that_o repentance_n inward_a attend_v by_o change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n can_v ordinary_o be_v of_o no_o power_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n but_o as_o we_o be_v before_o baptize_v into_o christ_n whatever_o god_n may_v do_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o unrevealed_a will_n not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o without_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n and_o that_o of_o presumption_n tend_v to_o a_o new_a provocation_n 3._o and_o the_o manner_n of_o so_o expiate_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n be_v yet_o far_o improve_v from_o the_o sinner_n serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o solemn_a vow_n make_v in_o baptism_n between_o god_n and_o himself_o of_o forsake_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n and_o all_o sinfulness_n occasion_v by_o they_o for_o what_o ingenuous_a christian_a calling_n to_o mind_n what_o god_n have_v in_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v for_o he_o or_o what_o he_o have_v vow_v to_o god_n but_o will_v far_o bethink_v himself_o how_o to_o demean_v himself_o agreeable_a to_o such_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o apply_v himself_o to_o those_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o he_o and_o to_o this_o st._n paul_n will_v argue_v we_o galat._n 3._o from_o the_o establish_a custom_n among_o man_n say_v brethren_n i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v or_o add_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o nation_n it_o be_v base_a and_o dishonest_a and_o very_o dangerous_a to_o break_v the_o agreement_n make_v or_o to_o invent_v and_o forge_v new_a term_n never_o condescend_v to_o by_o the_o other_o party_n and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v but_o god_n shall_v make_v good_a what_o he_o threaten_v his_o own_o people_n viz._n avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n levit._n 26._o 25._o so_o that_o god_n have_v thus_o free_o premise_v his_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o wash_v we_o with_o pure_a water_n and_o moreover_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o a_o fund_z of_o grace_n then_o give_v we_o and_o follow_v we_o with_o actual_a grace_n superad_v to_o the_o general_a what_o shall_v more_o prevail_v upon_o we_o than_o to_o improve_v they_o all_o as_o well_o to_o the_o clear_v we_o from_o our_o former_a evil_n as_o resist_v the_o manifold_a temptation_n occur_v in_o our_o christian_a warfare_n for_o by_o baptism_n and_o the_o vow_n make_v therein_o have_v god_n put_v a_o word_n into_o our_o mouth_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n whereby_o we_o may_v confound_v sin_n and_o satan_n he_o have_v put_v a_o sword_n into_o our_o hand_n wherewith_o we_o may_v strike_v through_o the_o loin_n of_o the_o old_a man_n he_o have_v make_v we_o more_o than_o conqueror_n and_o more_o than_o clean_a in_o that_o naaman-like_a a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o true_a jordan-stream_n in_o renew_v our_o leprous_a and_o foul_a flesh_n to_o its_o pristine_a purity_n and_o grant_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v so_o preserve_v ourselves_o when_o we_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o mire_n of_o sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o efficacious_a repentance_n make_v so_o by_o baptism_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o speak_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n 1._o o_o divine_a o_o bless_a repentance_n how_o like_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v thou_o despise_v indeed_o and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o lady_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n how_o do_v we_o despise_v thou_o as_o one_o of_o no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v thou_o isaiah_n 53._o how_o beautiful_a be_v thou_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n how_o powerful_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o as_o god_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v so_o love_v he_o not_o as_o man_n love_v with_o vain_a man_n that_o person_n be_v lovely_a and_o enamour_v which_o have_v a_o well_o feature_v face_n a_o fresh_a look_n a_o ruddy_a complexion_n bright_a and_o sprightly_a eye_n and_o such_o like_a
ornament_n of_o nature_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o accurate_a enough_o recourse_n be_v have_v common_o to_o artifices_fw-la imitate_v and_o excel_v nature_n but_o with_o god_n lovely_a be_v the_o eye_n swell_v with_o weep_v the_o moisten_a and_o blur_v face_n the_o droop_a head_n neglect_a attire_n pale_a countenance_n and_o deject_v not_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o heaven_n sackclothe_n on_o the_o body_n instead_o of_o silk_n and_o gorgeous_a apparel_n and_o ash_n on_o the_o head_n and_o halfe-formed_n language_n direct_v to_o god_n through_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o oppression_n of_o spirit_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o offence_n commit_v against_o god._n this_o be_v the_o thing_n god_n be_v most_o in_o love_n with_o this_o be_v the_o image_n methinks_v i_o can_v worship_v above_o any_o other_o representation_n and_o by_o mediation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hope_v to_o have_v great_a acceptance_n with_o god_n than_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o renown_a saint_n in_o heaven_n for_o if_o saint_n can_v help_v and_o befriend_v we_o seek_v to_o they_o they_o can_v prevail_v for_o we_o before_o god_n but_o as_o we_o repent_v but_o certain_o repentance_n may_v prevail_v with_o god_n without_o they_o though_o thou_o wash_v thou_o with_o nitre_n jerem._n 2._o 22_o 23._o and_o take_v much_o soap_n yet_o thy_o iniquity_n be_v mark_v before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n how_o can_v thou_o say_v i_o be_o not_o pollute_v but_o take_v to_o you_o word_n of_o repentance_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o your_o sin_n offer_v to_o god_n all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o sheep_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n yea_o take_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o offer_v it_o and_o they_o all_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a spirit_n and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o lord_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o mention_v in_o this_o case_n the_o treasure_n of_o prince_n of_o no_o account_n with_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o repentance_n to_o find_v favour_n before_o he_o or_o to_o cleanse_v we_o 2._o who_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o repentance_n which_o remove_v all_o consternation_n and_o fear_n who_o be_v there_o that_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o deformity_n of_o repentance_n so_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n or_o the_o baseness_n of_o it_o so_o exalt_v and_o honour_v by_o god_n it_o be_v true_a at_o first_o she_o will_v walk_v with_o he_o by_o crooked_a way_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o and_o bring_v fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o he_o and_o torment_v he_o with_o her_o discipline_n until_o she_o may_v trust_v his_o soul_n and_o try_v he_o by_o her_o law_n then_o will_v she_o return_v the_o strait_a way_n unto_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o show_v he_o her_o secret_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a or_o equal_a or_o comfortable_a than_o what_o st._n john_n say_v 1_o ep._n 1._o 8_o 9_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o but_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n 3._o but_o all_o this_o while_n though_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o common_a or_o great_a as_o the_o contrary_a undervalue_v and_o neglect_v repentance_n caution_n be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v while_o we_o thus_o applaud_v and_o magnify_v repentance_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o ascribe_v too_o much_o unto_o it_o for_o here_o may_v repentance_n cure_v the_o distemper_n and_o purify_n the_o pollution_n of_o the_o soul_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n act_v 3._o heal_v the_o impotent_a man_n not_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n have_v we_o make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a cure_n wrought_v by_o it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o penitent_a for_o what_o be_v repentance_n of_o itself_o even_o as_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a a_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o course_n and_o uncomely_a as_o unhappy_a and_o unfortunate_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o such_o great_a end_n as_o it_o seem_v what_o can_v a_o melancholy_a look_n contribute_v to_o the_o clear_n god_n countenance_n towards_o a_o sinner_n or_o what_o can_v a_o wound_a heart_n conduce_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n what_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o god_n can_v wring_v of_o hand_n beat_v the_o breast_n sackcloth_n and_o ash_n severe_a penance_n liberal_a alm_n very_o commendable_a in_o such_o case_n avail_v to_o recompense_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o god_n our_o neigbbour_n or_o our_o own_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a these_o thing_n shall_v restore_v innocency_n to_o the_o person_n or_o integrity_n and_o purity_n no_o sure_o but_o god_n see_v man_n plunge_v into_o debt_n with_o he_o in_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v so_o condescend_v to_o the_o necessity_n and_o extremity_n of_o his_o miserable_a and_o forlorn_a creature_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o one_o mighty_a to_o save_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o rich_a in_o mercy_n and_o merit_n which_o he_o extend_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o we_o lie_v under_o guilt_n and_o god_n heavy_a displeasure_n but_o yet_o not_o so_o absolute_o and_o inconditionate_o but_o we_o shall_v concur_v by_o our_o endeavour_n to_o put_v efficacy_n actual_o into_o the_o general_a mean_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o our_o restauration_n and_o reconciliation_n among_o which_o none_o be_v more_o prevalent_a with_o the_o father_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n than_o repentance_n and_o that_o quickened_a and_o enliven_v by_o such_o adjunct_n and_o fruit_n mention_v for_o who_o shall_v except_v against_o god_n if_o he_o please_v that_o so_o many_o cipher_n of_o our_o penitent_a action_n and_o humiliation_n shall_v stand_v for_o round_a number_n tend_v towards_o the_o payment_n of_o our_o debt_n baptism_n by_o natural_a water_n be_v but_o a_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a element_n of_o itself_o to_o wash_v away_o original_a sin_n but_o god_n may_v and_o have_v elevate_v it_o to_o a_o noble_a and_o divine_a effect_n so_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a to_o such_o high_a end_n as_o wash_v the_o soul_n but_o by_o god_n institution_n it_o become_v thereunto_o effectual_a to_o a_o miracle_n 4._o whatever_o therefore_o may_v be_v pretend_v of_o free_a grace_n on_o god_n part_n and_o fear_v of_o superstition_n on_o man_n part_n in_o discipline_v the_o soul_n by_o outward_a austerity_n such_o as_o afflict_v the_o body_n to_o bring_v iâ—_n under_o subjection_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o rebate_n fleshly_a concupiscence_n and_o motion_n towards_o sin_n watch_n fast_n confession_n to_o god_n and_o man_n prayer_n forgive_a other_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o alm_n and_o such_o like_a christian_a act_n and_o exercise_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o christ_n full_a satisfaction_n upon_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o oppose_v these_o and_o may_v in_o like_a manner_n tend_v to_o the_o abolition_n of_o that_o small_a pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n yea_o faith_n itself_o remain_v with_o such_o selfe-securing_a scrupler_n the_o power_n indeed_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a through_o god_n power_n and_o grace_n influence_v they_o but_o god_n work_v rather_o by_o his_o own_o prescription_n than_o according_a to_o our_o imagination_n and_o fond_a faith_n naked_a of_o such_o a_o proper_a retinue_n as_o be_v mention_v it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o all_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o thorough_o repent_v that_o god_n will_v admit_v they_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n upon_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o deep_a manner_n and_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n and_o to_o study_v for_o excuse_n from_o severe_a practice_n and_o to_o declaim_v against_o they_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n may_v provoke_v god_n to_o deny_v that_o grace_n of_o acceptance_n which_o in_o many_o case_n he_o grant_v unto_o penitent_n for_o god_n have_v wise_o and_o just_o hide_v from_o every_o man_n eye_n the_o precise_a and_o particular_a term_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o neither_o have_v he_o declare_v precise_o all_o the_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o that_o humiliation_n upon_o which_o
and_o intemperance_n of_o speak_v as_o theophrastus_n call_v garulitie_n be_v account_v a_o flux_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o not_o eloquence_n folly_n and_o not_o prudence_n ignorance_n and_o not_o knowledge_n according_a to_o the_o acute_a reply_n of_o demaratus_n in_o plutarch_n apotheg_n lacon_n unto_o one_o demand_v of_o he_o be_v silent_a when_o other_o talk_v do_v you_o say_v nothing_o out_o of_o doubt_v or_o ignorance_n this_o latter_a can_v be_v say_v he_o for_o a_o fool_n can_v hold_v his_o tongue_n here_o therefore_o let_v we_o end_v this_o discourse_n sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n 1._o that_o the_o perfection_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o here_o in_o this_o world_n consist_v principal_o in_o inward_a mortification_n and_o selfe-deniall_n that_o god_n require_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o excellent_a doctrine_n which_o the_o crafty_a sophister_n the_o devil_n perceive_v to_o be_v much_o applaud_v and_o himself_o not_o able_a open_o to_o gainsay_v or_o destroy_v he_o with_o wont_a subtlety_n betake_v himself_o to_o drive_v it_o on_o far_a than_o god_n himself_o ever_o intend_v and_o to_o overthrow_v it_o by_o excessive_a celebration_n and_o praise_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o confine_a religion_n to_o its_o chamber_n at_o first_o at_o length_n to_o smother_v it_o in_o his_o bed._n for_o as_o the_o spirit_n and_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n so_o be_v they_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v by_o outward_a act_n and_o exercise_n but_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v as_o be_v before_o intimate_v that_o it_o suffice_v that_o a_o man_n life_n be_v entire_a his_o understanding_n sound_a and_o good_a his_o will_n free_a and_o brisk_a his_o affection_n vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o these_o thing_n stand_v so_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o take_v any_o pain_n about_o the_o outward_a part_n it_o be_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o due_n and_o in_o time_n himself_o of_o that_o presume_a perfection_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o mind_n for_o undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a communication_n and_o correspondence_n hold_v between_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n the_o outward_a action_n and_o inward_a affection_n and_o that_o they_o mutual_o assist_v or_o weaken_v one_o another_o be_v apparent_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n a_o man_n therefore_o may_v possible_o cozen_v himself_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o a_o good_a heart_n and_o pure_a mind_n and_o iâ—…ention_v spiritual_a while_o he_o take_v all_o the_o liberty_n to_o himself_o which_o law_n will_v allow_v he_o of_o indulge_v to_o himself_o in_o eat_v drink_v clothing_z adorn_v his_o outward_a person_n sport_v and_o pastime_n sleep_v and_o slothfulness_n and_o argue_v strict_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o from_o st._n paul_n word_n i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v a_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a or_o from_o christ_n word_n matth._n 15._o not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o man_n defile_v the_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o that_o defile_v the_o man_n or_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o clothing_n attire_n gesture_n posture_n that_o nothing_o be_v unlawful_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o forbid_v it_o and_o perhaps_o look_v on_o it_o by_o bleer_n or_o envious_a eye_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v and_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lawful_a governor_n endeavour_v and_o design_v to_o regulate_v the_o outward_a man_n answerable_a to_o the_o habit_n which_o best_o become_v the_o inward_a in_o simplicity_n in_o abstinence_n in_o gravity_n in_o humility_n and_o conformity_n to_o anholy_a profession_n and_o possession_n take_v of_o the_o soul_n by_o religion_n 2._o for_o it_o be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a false_a notion_n of_o common_a prudence_n or_o virtue_n and_o much_o more_o of_o religion_n to_o imagine_v a_o man_n can_v offend_v both_o god_n and_o his_o brother_n by_o the_o scandalousnesse_n of_o morose_n or_o affect_v singularity_n provide_v his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o he_o which_o yet_o can_v scarce_o be_v suppose_v for_o unless_o some_o perverse_a opinion_n or_o disposition_n first_o seize_v such_o spirit_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v they_o shall_v affect_v a_o disconformity_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o practise_v establish_v and_o design_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o decency_n and_o piety_n 3._o but_o next_o to_o the_o detestable_a humour_n of_o oppose_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v command_v be_v the_o unreasonable_a opposition_n they_o make_v to_o prescribe_a severity_n and_o testimony_n of_o hold_v unity_n with_o the_o church_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n by_o undervalue_v that_o little_a that_o remain_v among_o we_o of_o auncient_a and_o strict_a observation_n they_o for_o instance_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o fast_v be_v abstinence_n from_o all_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o the_o time_n design_v and_o not_o to_o admit_v of_o or_o tolerate_v a_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o because_o some_o exception_n must_v according_a to_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o state_n be_v make_v from_o all_o rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o the_o general_a order_n give_v by_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o argument_n of_o christ_n take_v from_o david_n practice_n matth._n 22._o 3._o in_o eat_v the_o shewbread_n against_o the_o hypocritical_a and_o precise_a pharisee_n they_o infer_v from_o such_o dispensation_n the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o rule_n with_o great_a absurdity_n and_o scoff_n and_o laugh_v as_o if_o they_o be_v mighty_a and_o much_o more_o perfect_a chastiser_n of_o their_o body_n or_o denier_n of_o their_o sense_n than_o the_o low_a rate_n prohibition_n be_v set_v at_o by_o the_o church_n the_o church_n to_o be_v sure_a mean_n and_o design_n much_o great_a thing_n than_o it_o indispensable_o require_v and_o that_o while_o relaxation_n be_v but_o too_o easy_o obtain_v and_o such_o glorious_a asserter_n of_o such_o great_a thing_n shall_v do_v very_o well_o to_o exceed_v vulgar_a practice_n but_o while_o they_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n sometime_o allege_v the_o grievousnesse_n and_o sometime_o the_o lightness_n of_o the_o burden_n lay_v on_o they_o will_v do_v just_o nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n they_o and_o their_o laughter_n too_o become_v ridiculous_a 4._o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o such_o late_a divine_a disputant_n as_o the_o christian_a world_n never_o hear_v of_o or_o if_o hear_v of_o loathe_a and_o disow_v who_o stick_v not_o to_o make_v the_o uncircumscribed_a freedom_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o nature_n move_v they_o a_o part_n of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o christ_n purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o whereby_o he_o make_v we_o free_a and_o in_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v fast_o as_o they_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n as_o if_o christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o free_v we_o from_o the_o jewish_a restraint_n by_o moses_n have_v also_o free_v we_o from_o all_o christian_a law_n and_o proclaim_v a_o everlasting_a year_n of_o jubilee_n and_o liberty_n for_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o man_n appetite_n to_o take_v place_n without_o distinction_n of_o time_n season_n or_o reason_n leave_v undoubted_o in_o the_o power_n of_o superior_n to_o moderate_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v the_o come_v and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o advance_v the_o brutish_a part_n of_o man_n to_o its_o perfection_n upon_o which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o the_o spiritual_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o interpret_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n by_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o belly_n suggest_v such_o scholies_n do_v i_o speak_v this_o that_o i_o can_v glory_v in_o any_o gift_n in_o this_o kind_n above_o other_o no_o sure_o but_o rather_o blush_v at_o my_o defect_n herein_o only_o this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o i_o retain_v such_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o abstinence_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o i_o abhor_v the_o petulancy_n of_o such_o and_o their_o presumption_n who_o teach_v otherwise_o not_o doubt_v but_o they_o fall_v under_o that_o menace_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 5._o 19_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o sure_o deny_v our_o sense_n be_v always_o repute_v a_o
suffer_v long_a and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o chartie_a vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n which_o whosoever_o so_o do_v can_v envy_v nor_o seek_v nor_o desire_v the_o evil_a of_o another_o nor_o rejoice_v at_o any_o evil_a befalling_a any_o other_o as_o if_o thereby_o some_o good_a have_v befall_v he_o which_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o envy_n wherefore_o o_o lord_n who_o know_v that_o all_o our_o do_n without_o charity_n be_v nothing_o worth_a pour_v into_o my_o heart_n that_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o charity_n the_o proper_a antidote_n against_o this_o poison_n of_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o the_o earnest_a of_o and_o key_n to_o glory_n and_o that_o fire_n of_o unquenchable_a blessedness_n contrary_a to_o that_o unquenchable_a fire_n of_o hell_n where_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v torment_v that_o foe_n for_o his_o fake_n and_o through_o his_o spirit_n who_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o i_o may_v with_o faithful_a servant_n and_o never_o fail_a charity_n love_v thou_o who_o haste_n first_o love_v i_o and_o in_o thou_o and_o for_o thou_o all_z as_o they_o belong_v to_o thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n amen_n sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n 1._o i_o have_v sometime_o doubt_v and_o wonder_v how_o the_o excessive_a declamation_n find_v in_o humane_a author_n and_o the_o sharp_a censure_n find_v in_o holy_a writ_n can_v be_v true_a of_o several_a vice_n as_o if_o more_o than_o one_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o for_o sometime_o pride_n be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o evil_n and_o sometime_o covetousness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_n as_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 10._o and_o than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o severe_o against_o any_o sin_n the_o apostle_n advise_v concern_v covetousness_n ephes_n 5._o 3._o let_v it_o not_o be_v once_o name_v among_o you_o as_o become_v saint_n for_o what_o indeed_o can_v worse_o become_v saint_n who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n than_o to_o fall_v flat_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o like_a mole_n to_o work_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o wicked_a thing_n than_o a_o covetous_a man_n say_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 10._o 2._o but_o compare_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o body_n some_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v give_v of_o such_o exaggerate_a form_n of_o speech_n for_o as_o the_o malady_n of_o natural_a body_n can_v so_o well_o be_v estimate_v from_o their_o kind_n as_o from_o the_o degree_n of_o affect_v and_o the_o danger_n from_o the_o part_n so_o affect_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o pin_n thrust_v into_o one_o part_n may_v be_v more_o mortal_a than_o a_o sword_n run_v through_o another_o and_o ofttimes_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o tooth_n be_v less_o tolerable_a than_o the_o gout_n in_o foot_n or_o joint_n and_o a_o light_a distemper_n at_o the_o heart_n more_o dangerous_a than_o a_o cancer_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n and_o thus_o may_v pride_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o worst_a of_o sin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o covetousness_n may_v be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_n tend_v to_o bodily_a and_o brutish_a pleasure_n though_o it_o take_v the_o least_o sensible_a pleasure_n of_o any_o but_o only_a treasure_n up_o material_n for_o all_o other_o vice_n and_o impell_v to_o monstrous_a desire_n and_o action_n for_o gape_v and_o hungry_a as_o the_o unsatiable_a grave_n and_o dilate_v its_o stomach_n as_o hell_n it_o fetch_v from_o thence_o also_o hellish_a appetite_n contrive_v plot_n to_o catch_v its_o unjust_a prey_n or_o most_o unjust_o hoard_v up_o and_o detain_v what_o perhaps_o not_o unjust_o be_v acquire_v or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o let_v go_v abroad_o part_n of_o its_o magazine_n it_o be_v as_o garrison_n send_v out_o party_n to_o bring_v in_o more_o spoil_n by_o pill_v and_o rob_v the_o country_n that_o be_v by_o usury_n and_o extortion_n or_o money_n lend_v most_o disadvantageous_o to_o the_o borrower_n 3._o certain_a old_a story_n do_v common_o pass_v of_o some_o cave_n hill_n or_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n wherein_o be_v great_a treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n but_o so_o that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o dragon_n or_o evil_a spirit_n from_o be_v carry_v out_o and_o become_v useful_a to_o man_n very_o true_a be_v this_o of_o wealth_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o covetous_a person_n there_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o thence_o it_o may_v not_o be_v take_v by_o any_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v keep_v by_o evil_a spirit_n so_o close_o that_o the_o pretend_a owner_n himself_o scarce_a dare_v touch_v it_o for_o as_o solomon_n say_v what_o good_a be_v there_o to_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o the_o eye_n ecclesiast_fw-la 5._o v._n 11._o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o ver_fw-la 13._o there_o be_v a_o sore_a evil_n which_o i_o have_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n riches_n keep_v for_o the_o owner_n thereof_o to_o their_o hurt_n a_o double_a damage_n general_o happen_v to_o the_o amasser_n of_o wealth_n one_o to_o the_o wicked_a treasurer_n of_o it_o while_o the_o more_o he_o have_v the_o more_o he_o want_v and_o the_o more_o he_o possess_v the_o less_o he_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o very_o apt_o in_o our_o english_a tongue_n we_o call_v a_o covetous_a person_n a_o miserable_a person_n as_o most_o unhappy_a of_o all_o man_n and_o it_o prove_v a_o sore_a evil_n to_o he_o for_o who_o it_o be_v so_o gather_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o covetous_a person_n scatter_v with_o like_a though_o contrary_a pleasure_n as_o the_o father_n gather_v and_o by_o prodigious_a prodigality_n haste_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o so_o to_o hell_n for_o spend_v as_o his_o predecessor_n for_o spare_v and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n that_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o due_a spend_n now_o on_o a_o sudden_a draw_v up_o the_o sluice_n and_o drown_v the_o country_n with_o vice_n and_o vanity_n manage_v for_o a_o short_a season_n by_o money_n but_o to_o begin_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o covetous_a in_o this_o life_n he_o be_v tell_v by_o truth_n itself_o prov._n 28._o 8._o he_o that_o by_o usury_n and_o unjust_a gain_n increase_v his_o substance_n he_o shall_v gather_v for_o he_o that_o will_v pity_v the_o poor_a a_o thing_n which_o he_o dread_v most_o of_o all_o who_o so_o hoard_v 4._o but_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o st._n paul_n call_v covetousness_n the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_n take_v here_o evil_a for_o punishment_n and_o future_a torment_n for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o covetousness_n send_v more_o grist_n to_o the_o devil_n mill_n and_o find_v more_o fuel_n for_o to_o maintain_v hell-fire_n than_o any_o other_o sin_n infidelity_n perhaps_o except_v for_o very_o many_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o vanity_n draw_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n have_v serious_o and_o save_o repent_v change_v their_o mind_n and_o manner_n find_v thereupon_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n bountiful_a promise_n and_o goodness_n but_o covetousness_n like_o a_o inveterate_a cancer_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o old_a it_o be_v the_o more_o it_o proceed_v and_o consume_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n seldom_o do_v man_n repent_v of_o their_o parsimony_n and_o baseness_n in_o their_o youth_n but_o often_o of_o their_o profuseness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o not_o so_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v so_o rash_o retreat_v from_o their_o former_a error_n that_o they_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a vice_n of_o covetousness_n from_o which_o very_o few_o return_n but_o the_o old_a sinner_n think_v he_o make_v god_n some_o recompense_n for_o his_o former_a vice_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o repent_v notable_o if_o he_o declaim_v against_o young_a man_n and_o his_o own_o expense_n in_o foolish_a fashion_n in_o riotous_a company_n in_o costly_a dame_n of_o the_o worst_a rank_n and_o such_o like_a miscarriage_n of_o youth_n and_o see_v not_o that_o another_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o his_o base_a spare_a shall_v but_o add_v to_o his_o punishment_n for_o base_a spend_v here_o come_v in_o a_o mock-gravity_n sobriety_n temperance_n continence_n zeal_n against_o all_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o be_v late_o wed_v to_o and_o embrace_n as_o fond_o as_o any_o he_o do_v former_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n mistake_v change_n of_o sin_n for_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n whereas_o the_o rule_n and_o power_n of_o true_a repentance_n for_o
shall_v begin_v to_o beat_v the_o man-servant_n and_o maiden_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v drunken_a the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o in_o a_o hour_n when_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o will_v cut_v he_o in_o sunder_o and_o will_v appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o wise_a servant_n will_v not_o say_v within_o himself_o my_o lord_n defer_v his_o come_n understand_v this_o to_o be_v speak_v only_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o and_o general_a judgement_n but_o of_o his_o particular_a doomsday_n when_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v call_v for_o by_o god_n and_o his_o own_o belove_a sin_n of_o excess_n shall_v snatch_v his_o soul_n from_o his_o wretched_a body_n for_o indulge_v it_o how_o many_o tragical_a instance_n do_v our_o age_n afford_v of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v confound_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o perish_v in_o this_o pleasure_n i_o shall_v need_v to_o name_v none_o of_o yesterday_o or_o of_o this_o nation_n i_o will_v it_o be_v not_o notorious_a but_o two_o most_o eminent_a and_o mighty_a potentate_n i_o may_v mention_v i_o hope_v without_o offence_n and_o not_o without_o sense_n or_o some_o effect_n alexander_n the_o great_a his_o friend_n and_o flatterer_n write_v that_o he_o die_v of_o poison_n give_v he_o at_o babylon_n but_o other_o more_o severe_a teller_n of_o truth_n write_v that_o wine_n be_v that_o poison_n excessive_o take_v and_o that_o drunkenness_n kill_v he_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o seneca_n epist_n 58._o and_o who_o so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o his_o day_n and_o so_o victorious_a as_o attilas_n who_o after_o his_o many_o conquest_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o appetite_n of_o wine_n be_v overcome_v by_o it_o to_o that_o degree_n one_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v so_o ill_a the_o next_o night_n that_o he_o void_a blood_n at_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o die_v choke_v with_o it_o as_o munster_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o cosmographie_n let_v these_o thing_n than_o sink_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v such_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o to_o prevent_v such_o disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o let_v all_o they_o who_o faith_n be_v dim-sighted_a or_o weak_a as_o to_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o in_o declare_v to_o they_o and_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o defilement_n of_o their_o soul_n contract_v by_o these_o excess_n and_o shameful_a spewing_n on_o their_o own_o glory_n as_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n apt_o express_v it_o chap._n 2._o 16._o be_v teach_v at_o length_n and_o convince_v by_o their_o sense_n and_o common_a experience_n what_o a_o stain_n to_o their_o name_n what_o a_o wound_n to_o their_o body_n they_o bring_v from_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v purge_v or_o of_o which_o cure_v but_o by_o tear_n of_o timely_a repentance_n and_o the_o happy_a change_n of_o due_a renovation_n both_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o defer_v sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n 1._o slothfulness_n and_o affect_a dulness_n of_o mind_n and_o laziness_n of_o body_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n by_o any_o but_o to_o many_o seem_v so_o modest_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a that_o they_o wonder_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v rank_v among_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deadly_a but_o as_o we_o before_o observe_v sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v estimate_v from_o their_o intrinsic_a or_o absolute_a evil_n only_o but_o also_o from_o the_o tail_n they_o draw_v after_o they_o and_o the_o brood_n issue_v from_o they_o and_o thus_o slothfullnesse_n may_v be_v inferior_a in_o consequential_a mischief_n to_o none_o for_o this_o numbness_n of_o mind_n and_o indisposition_n of_o body_n to_o act_n extend_v itself_o equal_o to_o both_o capacity_n viz._n natural_a and_o divine_a or_o religious_a it_o be_v seldom_o know_v that_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v dull_v by_o indulge_v to_o ease_v be_v active_a any_o way_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o truth_n so_o notorious_a be_v it_o that_o divine_v treat_v of_o it_o only_o or_o chief_o as_o to_o religion_n which_o it_o corrupt_v if_o not_o total_o destroy_v 2._o for_o as_o labour_v and_o honest_a industry_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o virtue_n insinuate_v in_o scripture_n and_o appoint_v to_o man_n so_o may_v the_o vice_n of_o sloth_n be_v the_o very_a first_o of_o practical_a error_n suppose_v that_o pride_n be_v the_o first_o of_o mental_a vice_n for_o we_o read_v genesis_n chap._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o no_o man_n to_o till_o the_o ground_n v._o 5._o and_o we_o read_v v._o 8._o that_o god_n make_v man_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v make_v eden_n and_o put_v he_o therein_o sure_o not_o to_o be_v idle_a lest_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v idle_a too_o so_o that_o action_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o paradise_n and_o so_o it_o be_v afterward_o when_o man_n turn_v out_o from_o thence_o be_v to_o make_v a_o virtue_n of_o necessity_n and_o work_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n and_o calamity_n unto_o calamity_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n well_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o turn_v fall_v man_n out_o of_o paradise_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n and_o a_o blessing_n to_o he_o to_o curse_v the_o land_n so_o that_o without_o hard_a labour_n he_o can_v not_o well_o subsist_v for_o if_o when_o man_n be_v master_n of_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o owner_n of_o so_o much_o grace_n give_v he_o of_o god_n he_o fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o sin_n who_o can_v imagine_v but_o destitute_a in_o great_a measure_n of_o such_o aid_n and_o ability_n he_o shall_v riot_n unmeasurable_o live_v in_o ease_n plenty_n spontaneous_a and_o unactive_a rest_n odious_a and_o dangerous_a 3._o and_o therefore_o though_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o oppose_v sloth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o religion_n the_o connexion_n be_v so_o near_o and_o straight_o between_o diligence_n in_o humane_a and_o divine_a affair_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o declare_v the_o sinfullnesse_n and_o odiousness_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o pravitie_n of_o the_o first_o before_o we_o can_v expect_v any_o good_a event_n in_o the_o latter_a for_o a_o soft_a heavy_a temper_n be_v the_o original_n of_o both_o and_o a_o sicklenesse_n and_o weariness_n in_o do_v any_o thing_n long_o or_o of_o difficulty_n but_o a_o certain_a spiritless_a loy_a and_o lie_v still_o or_o as_o the_o say_n be_v wander_v up_o and_o down_o to_o see_v who_o do_v nothing_o and_o help_v they_o until_o all_o mean_n use_v to_o gratify_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o none_o suffice_v idleness_n prove_v more_o tedious_a and_o tiresome_a than_o labour_n to_o other_o and_o none_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n and_o heat_n and_o length_n of_o the_o day_n by_o labour_v so_o much_o as_o the_o slothful_a and_o idle_a person_n do_v under_o void_a time_n and_o empty_a hour_n and_o none_o bring_v more_o distemper_n upon_o his_o body_n by_o work_v nor_o so_o many_o as_o the_o sluggard_n by_o do_v nothing_o 4._o but_o do_v i_o say_v or_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n awake_v and_o well_o in_o his_o wit_n and_o limb_n can_v rest_v in_o the_o negative_a do_v nothing_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v believe_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o aristotle_n understanding_n of_o infant_n rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la a_o smooth_a and_o even_a table_n or_o as_o white_a paper_n in_o which_o nothing_o be_v write_v but_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o stamp_n or_o impression_n it_o please_v the_o slander_n by_o to_o make_v in_o it_o but_o he_o will_v write_v his_o mind_n in_o it_o speedy_o this_o be_v say_v cassian_n collat._n 10._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o monastique_a father_n of_o old_a in_o egypt_n that_o the_o industrious_a monk_n be_v tempt_v with_o one_o devil_n but_o the_o idle_a with_o innumerable_a so_o that_o as_o the_o same_o author_n there_o also_o tell_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o abbot_n paul_n to_o avoid_v idleness_n to_o burn_v those_o effect_n of_o his_o labour_n which_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o a_o bare_a livelihood_n that_o he_o may_v never_o want_v work_n or_o become_v idle_a 5._o and_o this_o he_o may_v learn_v of_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 11._o who_o teach_v we_o the_o dependence_n secular_a labour_n in_o a_o honest_a way_n have_v upon_o religion_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a say_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n diligence_n here_o in_o business_n be_v set_v before_o fervour_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n intimate_v the_o usefulness_n of_o bodily_a labour_n in_o dispose_v to_o
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
they_o present_o feel_v most_o grievous_a torment_n and_o this_o i_o rehearse_v very_o believe_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v elevate_v some_o man_n so_o extraordinary_o as_o that_o they_o exceed_v humane_a order_n in_o contemplation_n and_o sensation_n heavenly_a and_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v counterfeit_v notable_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o their_o servant_n and_o hereupon_o i_o leave_v these_o few_o rule_n to_o all_o sober_a faithful_a and_o devout_a christian_n tend_v to_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n good_a and_o evil_a 5._o first_o they_o who_o pursue_v the_o great_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o height_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n they_o to_o god_n and_o cause_v a_o acquiescence_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o in_o effect_v their_o reason_n and_o sense_n natural_a inconsi_v with_o such_o perfection_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n undisturbed_a by_o it_o be_v laudable_o and_o safe_o extaticall_a 6._o second_o that_o they_o who_o may_v have_v surpass_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o the_o unitive_a way_n with_o god_n and_o no_o way_n aim_v at_o such_o perfection_n or_o desire_v they_o as_o at_o the_o best_a not_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o good_a but_o more_o great_a rather_o and_o not_o more_o dear_a or_o acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v every_o prime_a christian_n study_n and_o endeavour_v may_v have_v exaltation_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o importunate_o covet_v may_v provoke_v god_n to_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n 7._o three_o see_v counterfeit_a ware_n come_v too_o often_o under_o the_o countenance_n and_o resemblance_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o pass_o good_a the_o soundness_n of_o the_o faith_n profess_v by_o such_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o such_o excess_n but_o such_o excess_n must_v be_v rather_o judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 8._o upon_o which_o faith_n be_v ground_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v for_o no_o otherwise_o true_a be_v that_o description_n of_o ecstasy_n give_v by_o that_o ancient_a author_n call_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n that_o ecstasy_n be_v a_o wisdom_n put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o than_o that_o suspension_n or_o absorption_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o dominion_n of_o divine_a irradiation_n true_o so_o call_v so_o that_o this_o excess_n of_o light_n and_o love_n must_v be_v itself_o subject_a to_o trial_n and_o that_o twofold_a principal_o the_o one_o take_v from_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o consequent_a circumstance_n for_o if_o soberness_n of_o believe_v and_o divinenesse_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o lead_v not_o to_o these_o ecstasy_n they_o be_v spurious_a and_o dangerous_a again_o if_o such_o transport_v mind_n thereupon_o fall_v into_o unreasonable_a unjust_a or_o ridiculous_a action_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o gravity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n there_o suppose_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suspect_v the_o scene_n to_o be_v manage_v by_o idle_a spirit_n for_o rapt_n of_o a_o royal_a stamp_n be_v such_o as_o gerson_n describe_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n obtain_v by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o unitive_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n may_v be_v have_v without_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n and_o may_v also_o dissetle_v it_o so_o as_o to_o depend_v for_o some_o time_n whole_o upon_o god_n supportation_n and_o transportation_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a judgement_n for_o thus_o be_v christ_n judge_v to_o be_v mark_v 3._o 21._o and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o friend_n beside_o himself_o and_o saint_n paul_n also_o by_o festus_n and_o by_o some_o other_o believer_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 2_o corinth_n 5._o 13._o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n of_o this_o latter_a 1._o when_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n be_v distinguish_v as_o sometime_o they_o be_v contemplation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v direct_v immediate_o to_o god_n and_o the_o fix_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o he_o and_o from_o and_o through_o he_o to_o cast_v a_o eye_n on_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o various_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o which_o he_o be_v see_v also_o with_o a_o evening_n light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v with_o a_o morning_n light_n as_o saint_n austin_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v by_o that_o immediate_a intuition_n which_o yet_o proper_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n but_o meditation_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o create_a thing_n not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o natural_a philosopher_n but_o as_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o design_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o dull_a and_o weak_a eye_n which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o as_o man_n do_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o water_n and_o yet_o from_o hence_o ascent_n be_v make_v to_o a_o faithful_a and_o fruitful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n himself_o where_o the_o soul_n mount_v as_o be_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n desire_v to_o abide_v and_o have_v its_o residence_n for_o ever_o 2._o but_o grace_n and_o goodness_n here_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n yea_o and_o under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v galat_n 4._o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o promise_a and_o expect_a inheritance_n in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o method_n hereunto_o be_v this_o which_o we_o find_v exemplify_v in_o david_n speak_v thus_o psalm_n 17._o i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n in_o righteousness_n here_o when_o i_o awake_v i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o likeness_n for_o as_o saint_n paul_n also_o say_v 1_o corinth_n 13._o 12._o 2_o corinth_n 3._o 18._o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v as_o into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n meaning_n hereby_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o the_o glass_n of_o god_n creature_n and_o his_o reveal_v word_n give_v we_o a_o true_a but_o a_o distant_a and_o so_o dim_a representation_n of_o god_n as_o through_o perspective_n and_o these_o to_o improve_v to_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o advantage_n be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o present_a state_n here_o as_o whereby_o we_o be_v daily_o wrought_v to_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n deface_v in_o we_o and_o return_v unto_o his_o likeness_n and_o a_o like_n of_o he_o which_o two_o be_v both_o unitive_a of_o we_o to_o god_n and_o actual_a union_n with_o he_o according_a to_o our_o present_a capacity_n for_o it_o be_v true_a in_o religion_n what_o philosophy_n in_o her_o sphere_n teach_v that_o the_o understanding_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n answerable_a to_o its_o object_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n wonderful_o conform_v itself_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o ear_n or_o eye_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n figure_v by_o they_o as_o we_o see_v that_o water_n admit_v any_o body_n more_o solid_a than_o itself_o into_o itself_o give_v way_n to_o it_o and_o receive_v the_o shape_n thereof_o within_o itself_o as_o do_v the_o air_n also_o though_o not_o so_o visible_o to_o our_o sense_n so_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n contemplate_v and_o conceive_v god_n and_o divine_a matter_n be_v form_v or_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o moral_o lose_v its_o natural_a shape_n and_o posture_n and_o propensity_n which_o be_v thus_o express_v by_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a that_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god._n for_o instance_n a_o man_n hear_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o absurd_a riotous_a and_o obscene_a discourse_n or_o book_n as_o be_v in_o part_n note_v before_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o and_o corrupt_v therewith_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n so_o imbibe_v or_o impress_v be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o with_o great_a facility_n and_o promptitude_n stir_v up_o or_o at_o least_o yield_v to_o sinful_a temptation_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v agreeable_o and_o so_o in_o man_n read_v of_o the_o history_n of_o far_a and_o unknown_a country_n and_o the_o strange_a fruit_n of_o
the_o devil_n so_o fugitive_a and_o fickle_a be_v man_n mind_n natural_o so_o many_o acquaintance_n have_v he_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v constant_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n as_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v with_o he_o a_o little_a even_o while_o he_o be_v busy_a with_o god_n himself_o that_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v without_o great_a circumspection_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o use_v these_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n though_o but_o for_o a_o season_n when_o complaint_n be_v make_v to_o a_o ancient_a holy_a man_n by_o a_o novice_n in_o severe_a life_n that_o he_o be_v wonderful_o infest_a with_o idle_a thought_n in_o pray_v unto_o god_n he_o will_v he_o to_o go_v abroad_o and_o gather_v the_o wind_n into_o his_o lap_n but_o say_v he_o father_n i_o can_v do_v it_o no_o more_o say_v he_o can_v thou_o stay_v thy_o thought_n at_o thy_o pleasure_n from_o wave_v and_o wander_v which_o we_o mention_v not_o for_o person_n under_o pretence_n of_o frailty_n and_o humane_a infirmity_n to_o connive_v at_o such_o fail_n in_o themselves_o suffer_v they_o patient_o so_o to_o rule_v without_o any_o censure_n or_o due_a sense_n of_o such_o evil_a for_o it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n military_a office_n in_o this_o life_n to_o war_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n thus_o oppose_v he_o and_o according_o to_o arm_v himself_o for_o the_o encounter_n by_o these_o or_o the_o like_a mean_n and_o help_v in_o prayer_n 3._o first_o then_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v understand_v what_o he_o say_v to_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o language_n he_o use_v at_o such_o time_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o he_o for_o next_o to_o if_o not_o altogether_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v mind_v that_o which_o be_v never_o in_o his_o mind_n as_o strange_a language_n be_v not_o and_o how_o can_v the_o heart_n be_v actual_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o it_o know_v not_o what_o 4._o second_o to_o avoid_v alienation_n of_o mind_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v requisite_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v well_o preadvised_a of_o his_o danger_n in_o err_v and_o thereupon_o stand_v more_o upon_o his_o watch_n and_o guard_n and_o especial_o not_o give_v way_n to_o strange_a thought_n though_o civil_a modest_a yea_o religious_a in_o another_o kind_n for_o the_o experience_n of_o divers_a have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o at_o no_o other_o time_n a_o man_n shall_v have_v so_o many_o pretty_a witty_a and_o often_o useful_a cogitation_n come_v into_o his_o head_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n better_a contrivance_n of_o worldly_a affair_n will_v be_v then_o inject_v than_o at_o other_o time_n he_o can_v hit_v of_o sometime_o some_o acute_a and_o useful_a distinction_n in_o scholastical_a and_o difficult_a point_n of_o divinity_n and_o perhaps_o a_o very_a plausible_a notion_n of_o pray_v right_a shall_v fall_v into_o his_o mind_n hinder_v he_o from_o actual_o pray_v aright_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v mighty_a temptation_n to_o divert_v and_o hold_v the_o mind_n from_o its_o more_o proper_a duty_n but_o more_o gross_a and_o avoidable_a much_o be_v they_o which_o be_v the_o remain_v of_o some_o evil_a affection_n or_o passion_n we_o general_o carry_v about_o we_o and_o only_o formal_o put_v by_o for_o the_o present_a which_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o so_o but_o as_o rude_a fellow_n in_o a_o crowd_n or_o great_a concourse_n where_o civil_a distance_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o some_o in_o authority_n say_v stand_v off_o give_v back_o for_o the_o present_a and_o sudden_o again_o press_v forward_o among_o their_o better_n so_o idle_a and_o vain_a if_o not_o direct_o evil_a thought_n be_v put_v off_o for_o a_o moment_n while_o we_o attend_v god_n service_n sudden_o break_v their_o bound_n and_o molest_v we_o these_o contingency_n as_o we_o may_v civil_o call_v they_o ought_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o the_o mind_n fortify_v with_o great_a resolution_n against_o the_o assault_n so_o make_v and_o be_v well_o assure_v against_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o usefullnesse_n of_o some_o cogitation_n that_o whatever_o be_v not_o seasonable_a as_o these_o be_v not_o can_v be_v reasonable_a nor_o religious_a and_o as_o for_o those_o thought_n which_o proceed_v from_o some_o lurk_a vice_n cover_v for_o the_o present_a as_o they_o be_v evil_a at_o all_o time_n so_o be_v they_o of_o a_o double_a guilt_n interpose_v in_o sacred_a action_n and_o the_o best_a no_o better_a than_o golden_a apple_n throw_v in_o our_o way_n by_o the_o envier_n of_o all_o good_a action_n to_o stop_v our_o direct_a course_n to_o godward_o 5._o another_o proper_a mean_n to_o constancy_n in_o the_o good_a intend_a be_v to_o begin_v well_o and_o set_v out_o at_o first_o with_o good_a advice_n consider_v with_o ourselves_o what_o we_o do_v who_o we_o be_v before_o who_o we_o come_v who_o we_o serve_v and_o for_o what_o we_o so_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o who_o majesty_n be_v incomparable_a who_o seat_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o to_o trifle_v with_o he_o be_v to_o arm_v he_o against_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o pull_v down_o a_o curse_n upon_o our_o head_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n but_o trifle_v we_o do_v when_o with_o our_o mouth_n we_o worship_v he_o and_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o but_o though_o no_o man_n be_v to_o allow_v in_o himself_o such_o deviation_n yet_o where_o they_o be_v involuntarie_a rather_o than_o affect_v a_o mitigation_n of_o their_o evil_n may_v be_v in_o some_o degree_n expect_v from_o the_o first_o general_n and_o habitual_a design_n of_o offer_v a_o entire_a sacrifice_n to_o god._n a_o man_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o be_v maim_v or_o imperfect_a but_o if_o he_o have_v choose_v a_o absolute_o perfect_a sheep_n lamb_n or_o heifer_n to_o give_v to_o god_n and_o it_o happen_v to_o fall_v lame_a by_o the_o way_n as_o it_o be_v drive_v to_o jerusalem_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o such_o be_v refuse_v a_o man_n must_v therefore_o choose_v and_o intend_v the_o best_a he_o can_v and_o if_o in_o pray_v it_o happen_v against_o his_o will_n and_o desire_n to_o halt_v by_o the_o way_n god_n may_v accept_v the_o same_o a_o man_n not_o approve_v that_o accessory_a imperfection_n 6._o a_o four_o expedient_a then_o may_v be_v the_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n not_o that_o presumptuous_a giftednesse_n vain_a man_n boast_v of_o but_o that_o spiritual_a disposition_n that_o habitual_a prayer_n which_o saint_n paul_n commend_v to_o we_o when_o he_o say_v pray_v without_o cease_v not_o require_v that_o our_o tongue_n shall_v always_o be_v go_v but_o that_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isaiah_n 26._o 8._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 and_o the_o heart_n be_v fix_v the_o heart_n be_v fix_v as_o david_n be_v psalm_n 57_o 9_o and_o 108._o 1._o upon_o and_o from_o such_o a_o general_a addiction_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n do_v flow_v a_o readiness_n and_o regularnesse_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n towards_o god_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o the_o mind_n move_v according_a to_o the_o good_a stock_n treasure_v in_o the_o heart_n 7._o five_o habitual_a piety_n not_o alone_o suffice_v to_o bear_v a_o man_n up_o in_o his_o duty_n herein_o frequent_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o recover_v ourselves_o falter_a or_o trip_v in_o such_o case_n some_o hot_a metal_a jade_n will_v set_v out_o too_o fierce_o but_o soon_o flag_n in_o travail_v and_o must_v be_v spur_v up_o and_o quicken_v often_o to_o perform_v their_o journey_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o so_o must_v the_o fickle_a fervour_n of_o divers_a which_o endure_v for_o a_o time_n and_o fail_v without_o fresh_a excitation_n and_o remembrance_n 8._o and_o sixthly_a peradventure_o care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o too_o anxious_a or_o solicitous_a in_o pray_v lest_o he_o shall_v not_o pray_v as_o become_v he_o and_o so_o by_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o man_n become_v distract_v in_o his_o thought_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v distract_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v very_a intent_n upon_o two_o thing_n at_o a_o time_n no_o more_o than_o by_o his_o will_n he_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o fault_n apprehend_v in_o a_o man_n self_n sudden_o condemn_v present_o correct_v by_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o true_a object_n may_v suffice_v without_o such_o a_o long_o censure_v himself_o as_o may_v hinder_v rather_o than_o far_a
that_o he_o may_v do_v they_o good_a at_o the_o latter_a end_n not_o feast_v they_o so_o by_o the_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o rest_n for_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o the_o day-labourer_n that_o his_o meal_n be_v very_o short_a in_o comparison_n of_o his_o toil_n so_o be_v it_o also_o with_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n their_o spiritual_a refreshment_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o their_o labour_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a so_o that_o as_o bernard_n observe_v the_o day_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o stay_n be_v short_a of_o consolation_n 6._o and_o a_o four_o reason_n hereof_o may_v be_v god_n great_a design_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o humility_n which_o may_v be_v endanger_v by_o such_o exaltation_n and_o upon_o which_o inferior_a and_o hard_a service_n may_v be_v slight_v and_o neglect_v as_o more_o proper_a for_o person_n not_o so_o high_o privilege_v or_o it_o may_v be_v vain_o presume_v that_o such_o privilege_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o soul_n for_o its_o extraordinary_a diligence_n in_o god_n service_n which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v but_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o overplus_n of_o his_o favour_n 7._o five_o the_o withhold_v or_o withdraw_v of_o such_o delectation_n in_o god_n service_n may_v be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v time_n and_o season_n in_o his_o own_o power_n which_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v as_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n act_n 1._o and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o by_o observation_n or_o according_a to_o our_o expectation_n 8._o but_o because_o it_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o our_o service_n give_v a_o cheerful_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o which_o chieerfulness_n be_v much_o advance_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n good_a will_n towards_o we_o such_o a_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v whole_o slight_v as_o it_o be_v not_o too_o importunate_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o the_o mean_n therefore_o to_o obtain_v the_o same_o may_v be_v first_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_v now_o mention_v second_o a_o free_a submission_n of_o ourselves_o and_o service_n to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o contentedness_n to_o persist_v unalterable_o in_o our_o station_n under_o such_o aridity_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o to_o be_v direct_a occasion_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o incline_v god_n to_o manifest_v his_o favour_n unto_o we_o more_o full_o which_o call_v to_o my_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v be_v tell_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o court_n of_o charles_n the_o first_o for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o illustrate_v thing_n as_o well_o by_o modern_a as_o ancient_a example_n and_o domestic_a as_o well_o as_o foreign_a in_o which_o rare_a and_o noble_a divertisement_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o delight_n of_o such_o as_o he_o favour_v a_o inferior_a person_n demand_v entrance_n into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o splendour_n but_o be_v repulse_v by_o a_o noble_a person_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n be_v give_v he_o say_v well_o if_o i_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v i_o know_v what_o i_o will_v do_v do_v say_v the_o noble_a man_n why_o what_o will_v you_o do_v i_o will_v go_v home_o say_v the_o other_o and_o go_v to_o bed._n nay_o then_o if_o you_o be_v so_o indifferent_a and_o well_o content_a without_o it_o come_v in_o reply_v that_o lord_n so_o do_v it_o usual_o happen_v unto_o such_o who_o can_v but_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o way_n of_o sensible_a delectation_n and_o yet_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n absolute_a to_o god_n will_v ready_o and_o quiet_o rest_v in_o their_o ordinary_a duty_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o here_o in_o fulfil_n his_o will_n so_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n according_a to_o humane_a ability_n where_o alone_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o that_o union_n we_o have_v but_o in_o part_n here_o never_o to_o be_v dissolve_v or_o interrupt_v last_o of_o all_o retirement_n for_o some_o time_n into_o our_o private_a chamber_n and_o then_o into_o our_o own_o self_n by_o stillnesse_n and_o composedness_n of_o spirit_n and_o mind_n from_o not_o only_o worldly_a cogitation_n but_o forcible_a as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v devotion_n towards_o god_n become_a as_o it_o be_v blank_n before_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v write_v his_o own_o will_n and_o in_o his_o own_o way_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o have_v so_o do_v not_o to_o intermitt_v the_o wont_a worship_n of_o god_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a fulfil_n what_o be_v say_v lamentation_n 3._o 28._o he_o sit_v alone_a and_o keep_v silence_n because_o he_o have_v bear_v it_o upon_o he_o he_o put_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n for_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o a_o great_a mistake_n be_v commit_v through_o the_o speciousnesse_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o have_v he_o in_o our_o eye_n as_o if_o we_o intend_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o more_o cheerful_a and_o acceptable_a service_n when_o love_n of_o ourselves_o bear_v the_o great_a share_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o serenity_n of_o mind_n and_o consolation_n for_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o heaviness_n and_o weariness_n upon_o it_o natural_o desire_v ease_n and_o relief_n which_o religion_n itself_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o disallow_v provide_v it_o be_v pure_a from_o self-love_n often_o concern_v herein_o and_o a_o humble_a apprehension_n of_o our_o vileness_n unworthiness_n and_o unfitnesse_n to_o entertain_v christ_n in_o such_o singular_a manner_n move_v one_o to_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o saint_n peter_n luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n o_o lord_n may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o profitable_a and_o save_a presence_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o possession_n of_o he_o in_o consolation_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a way_n to_o attain_v what_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o though_o not_o direct_o crave_v in_o this_o kind_n a_o prayer_n for_o true_a union_n with_o god._n most_o high_a and_o holy_a lord_n god_n who_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v who_o dwell_v on_o high_a and_o yet_o humble_a thyself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yea_o to_o dwell_v with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n and_o break_a heart_n and_o take_v the_o simple_a out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o lifte_v the_o poor_a out_o of_o the_o mire_n to_o set_v he_o with_o prince_n even_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o his_o people_n even_o with_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o this_o end_n vouchsafe_v to_o begin_v that_o glorious_a state_n here_o by_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n whereby_o thou_o interest_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o be_v unite_v to_o they_o o_o most_o gracious_a father_n in_o thy_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o through_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o descend_v into_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v thy_o abode_n with_o i_o as_o by_o thy_o son_n thou_o have_v promise_v unite_v my_o heart_n to_o fear_v thy_o name_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o with_o clear_a and_o pure_a contemplation_n of_o thou_o and_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a may_v be_v so_o far_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o thou_o and_o thy_o worship_n that_o all_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a content_n and_o pleasure_n may_v be_v strange_a and_o unsavourie_a to_o i_o and_o that_o such_o a_o spiritual_a gust_n may_v so_o affect_v my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v refuse_v all_o delight_n and_o glory_v not_o place_v in_o thou_o and_o derive_v from_o thou_o and_o tend_v to_o thou_o which_o may_v more_o firm_o oblige_v and_o endear_v i_o to_o thou_o so_o that_o nuptial_a bond_n whereby_o thou_o have_v espouse_v i_o to_o thou_o and_o thy_o son_n jesus_n christ_n may_v never_o be_v dissolve_v but_o amid_o the_o many_o care_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n which_o may_v befall_v i_o in_o this_o life_n i_o may_v constant_o and_o faithful_o persevere_v to_o serve_v thou_o without_o distraction_n and_o much_o more_o alienation_n from_o thou_o thou_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o this_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n muse_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n thou_o know_v that_o though_o our_o spirit_n be_v willing_a our_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o yet_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o thy_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o thy_o strength_n be_v make_v know_v in_o our_o weakness_n as_o thy_o mercy_n be_v in_o our_o wickedness_n wherefore_o righteous_a father_n take_v possession_n of_o this_o thy_o house_n which_o thou_o have_v choose_v to_o dwell_v in_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o sin_n the_o flesh_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o worldly_a vanity_n apt_a to_o deceive_v i_o or_o draw_v i_o from_o thou_o that_o so_o like_o thy_o servant_n stephen_n by_o a_o strong_a eye_n of_o faith_n evermore_o steadfast_o behold_v thou_o and_o the_o glory_n with_o thou_o i_o may_v joy_v in_o thou_o here_o and_o everlasting_o enjoy_v thou_o hereafter_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n finis_fw-la