by_o which_o she_o be_v exalt_v and_o adorn_v in_o her_o great_a seem_o spiritual_a glory_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o beget_v bring_v forth_o and_o feed_v zion_n even_o in_o her_o low_a ebb_n and_o diminution_n so_o that_o mark_v now_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o both_o all_o that_o you_o can_v find_v in_o zion_n you_o may_v find_v in_o babylon_n there_o be_v not_o any_o knowledge_n there_o be_v not_o any_o practice_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v take_v up_o nay_o and_o perhaps_o go_v through_o with_o better_a than_o the_o seed_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n they_o be_v still_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n which_o difference_n flow_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o root_n therefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v indeed_o know_v his_o estate_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v so_o much_o by_o consider_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o flow_v from_o he_o bare_o in_o itself_o as_o to_o search_v out_o thereby_o and_o therein_o the_o root_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conclude_v i_o be_o safe_a because_o i_o repent_v or_o believe_v but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a root_n from_o whence_o these_o flow_n &_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o true_a nature_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o make_v this_o to_o be_v more_o manifest_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n and_o show_v that_o the_o distinction_n among_o they_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o root_n as_o particular_o in_o these_o 1._o in_o regeneration_n 2._o in_o knowledge_n 3._o in_o repentance_n 4._o in_o faith_n 5._o in_o love_n 6._o in_o experience_n 7._o in_o liberty_n all_o which_o may_v grow_v from_o each_o from_o the_o root_n of_o man_n nature_n dress_v and_o purify_v and_o so_o be_v fleshly_a or_o from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v spiritual_a 1._o for_o regeneration_n you_o will_v say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o life_n that_o can_v be_v yea_o but_o regeneration_n itself_o be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n man_n spirit_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o womb_n of_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v bear_v again_o so_o say_v christ_n here_o speak_v of_o regeneration_n speak_v of_o the_o second_o birth_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n a_o man_n may_v be_v new_o bear_v in_o religion_n by_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o serve_v and_o consider_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v discover_v by_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v hold_v out_o very_o clear_o and_o miraculous_o as_o the_o case_n be_v here_o any_o man_n who_o have_v be_v ingenious_a may_v have_v acknowledge_v what_o nicodemus_n do_v here_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o regeneration_n which_o arise_v hence_o which_o be_v from_o flesh_n which_o be_v from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o wisdom_n reason_n understanding_n or_o power_n in_o man_n it_o be_v according_a to_o this_o root_n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o flesh_n from_o flesh_n into_o flesh_n it_o be_v all_o along_o but_o a_o fleshly_a change_n it_o be_v not_o the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n into_o a_o new_a nature_n but_o only_o a_o change_n of_o the_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o it_o the_o man_n indeed_o seem_v mighty_o change_v unto_o himself_o newborn_a new-made_a he_o be_v not_o what_o he_o be_v but_o a_o new_a thing_n have_v new_a thought_n of_o god_n new_a desire_n towards_o god_n new_a hope_n a_o new_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o he_o in_o a_o kind_n in_o a_o sense_n he_o be_v not_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v new_a but_o all_o this_o newness_n be_v but_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v but_o the_o put_n on_o a_o new_a garment_n a_o new_a dress_n on_o the_o old_a man_n on_o the_o old_a wisdom_n reason_n understanding_n ingenuity_n and_o integrity_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v find_v in_o that_o nature_n where_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n awaken_v and_o polish_v but_o now_o that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v from_o god_n that_o man_n who_o be_v bring_v forth_o again_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o new_a root_n from_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o life_n this_o change_n be_v true_o spiritual_a this_o man_n be_v true_o spirit_n cast_v this_o man_n into_o what_o shape_n and_o form_v you_o will_v he_o be_v still_o spirit_n the_o other_o man_n religion_n consist_v in_o his_o form_n which_o the_o sweetness_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o his_o earthly_a principle_n feed_v itself_o in_o and_o exercise_v itself_o about_o so_o that_o take_v away_o his_o form_n and_o you_o take_v away_o his_o religion_n but_o this_o man_n religion_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o root_n from_o which_o his_o spirit_n come_v and_o which_o it_o be_v one_o with_o 2._o as_o touch_v knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o the_o new_a birth_n when_o a_o man_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o any_o kind_n he_o be_v still_o bring_v forth_o into_o a_o new_a light_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o move_v and_o act_v and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v now_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n light_n of_o every_o sort_n be_v surable_a to_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o break_n of_o it_o forth_o still_o he_o can_v take_v it_o in_o indeed_o what_o can_v more_o full_o distinguish_v the_o child_n of_o light_n then_o light_a and_o yet_o what_o light_n can_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o child_n of_o darkness_n transform_v himself_o into_o what_o truth_n what_o mystery_n can_v be_v reveal_v which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v suck_v in_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o want_a love_n imply_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o rationality_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v reach_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n not_o have_v a_o divine_a root_n in_o himself_o for_o want_v of_o which_o his_o knowledge_n can_v be_v call_v true_o divine_a though_o it_o be_v from_o above_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v be_v from_o above_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o to_o he_o may_v be_v from_o above_o yea_o he_o may_v receive_v divine_a help_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o in_o he_o which_o receive_v they_o may_v be_v but_o flesh_n and_o may_v receive_v but_o the_o flesh_n of_o they_o man_n receive_v but_o the_o rationality_n but_o the_o outward_a nature_n but_o the_o external_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n not_o the_o inward_a substance_n so_o that_o all_o his_o knowledge_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n wherewith_o he_o abound_v be_v but_o fleshly_a it_o be_v not_o true_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o true_a light_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o a_o spirit_n light_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o a_o light_n of_o man_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o fleshly_a light_n of_o god_n at_o which_o man_n have_v light_v his_o fleshly_a spirit_n all_o the_o light_n which_o man_n spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o argue_v life_n do_v not_o argue_v truth_n to_o accompany_v it_o because_o it_o may_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o be_v fleshly_a nay_o indeed_o be_v and_o can_v but_o be_v so_o all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o sin_n death_n hell_n of_o life_n salvation_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o each_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o never_o so_o full_a in_o the_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v all_o but_o fleshly_a because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fleshly_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o a_o fleshly_a root_n and_o can_v give_v forth_o itself_o but_o according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o can_v be_v receive_v in_o but_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o that_o which_o receive_v it_o as_o man_n who_o receive_v these_o thing_n into_o himself_o spring_v from_o a_o root_n
this_o nature_n and_o life_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o new_a inheritance_n in_o the_o other_o world_n or_o if_o you_o will_v if_o you_o think_v that_o may_v be_v plain_o to_o you_o by_o kingdom_n be_v mean_v religion_n true_a religion_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n teach_v his_o seed_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n write_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o seed_n for_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n also_o which_o god_n write_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o teach_v man_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o dispensation_n that_o truth_n that_o virtue_n that_o light_n that_o life_n which_o come_v down_o upon_o the_o seed_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o seed_n and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v that_o breath_n of_o god_n from_o which_o the_o new_a nature_n or_o principle_n come_v in_o which_o the_o new_a nature_n live_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v perfect_v this_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n it_o denote_v every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o not_o improper_o neither_o for_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o nature_n why_o may_v it_o not_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n take_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o their_o dispensation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n take_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a dispensation_n of_o his_o life_n unto_o his_o people_n through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n â—hrist_n this_o phrase_n kingdom_n be_v of_o very_o large_a and_o full_a significancy_n note_v out_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o extent_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o riches_n of_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o its_o presence_n and_o power_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o word_n by_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v any_o outward_a form_n of_o doctrine_n any_o speech_n notion_n or_o apprehension_n whereby_o religion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v either_o conceive_v or_o express_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n or_o go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n self_n the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o inward_a spirit_n or_o outward_a command_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v the_o outward_a truth_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v it_o be_v the_o pipe_n or_o vessel_n whereby_o life_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o man_n or_o whereby_o it_o be_v take_v in_o by_o man_n it_o be_v in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o forementioned_a wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n do_v run_v as_o in_o so_o many_o vein_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o of_o these_o these_o do_v not_o bring_v in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o kingdom_n will_v of_o itself_o bring_v forth_o these_o where_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n say_v this_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v not_o a_o glorious_a description_n or_o apprehension_n of_o righteousness_n or_o peace_n or_o joy_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o lie_v not_o in_o mighty_a elevation_n or_o ravishment_n of_o heart_n through_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o this_o be_v the_o outward_a court_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o heathenish_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o have_v this_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o pain_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n the_o outward_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o most_o pure_a naked_a spiritual_a acception_n of_o they_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v they_o only_o receive_v not_o the_o kingdom_n man_n may_v receive_v every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n man_n may_v fall_v into_o any_o way_n nay_o into_o every_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o kingdom_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o power_n by_o power_n be_v mean_v the_o inward_a virtue_n the_o vigour_n the_o spirit_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o life_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n or_o power_n wherein_o it_o consist_v no_o life_n lie_v in_o the_o outwardness_n of_o its_o form_n or_o shape_n but_o in_o the_o inwardness_n of_o its_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o outward_a knowledge_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a virtue_n and_o spirit_n of_o reason_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a virtue_n a_o inward_a spirit_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o change_v the_o vessel_n whereinto_o it_o come_v subject_v the_o rational_a part_n to_o itself_o and_o advance_v it_o in_o itself_o as_o the_o rational_a part_n do_v the_o brutish_a so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o rational_a man_n all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o reason_n so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o reason_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o new_a spirit_n or_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v this_o virtue_n this_o life_n this_o spirit_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n institution_n and_o path_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o this_o only_o be_v religion_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n alas_o the_o profane_a spirit_n of_o man_n under_o a_o form_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o they_o but_o the_o nature_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v preserve_v entire_a for_o the_o pure_a into_o it_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o true_a power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a religion_n but_o there_o may_v be_v all_o the_o outward_a form_n or_o fabric_n and_o yet_o no_o true_a religion_n at_o all_o there_o may_v be_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n walk_v very_o zealous_o in_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o kingdom_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o the_o light_n life_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o every_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o inward_a spirit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o little_a further_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o threefold_a power_n in_o reference_n hereunto_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o outward_a power_n concur_v with_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n of_o heal_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v demonstrative_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n for_o else_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o that_o end_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n here_o speak_v of_o not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o resolve_v to_o know_v 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o inward_a power_n form_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v either_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o creature_n work_v by_o and_o according_a to_o its_o creature_o imagination_n by_o imagination_n i_o mean_v the_o reason_n or_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v no_o imaginer_n but_o a_o certain_a knower_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n yet_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v no_o knower_n at_o all_o but_o a_o mere_a imaginer_n now_o this_o inward_a power_n of_o reason_n or_o imagination_n will_v make_v strange_a fabric_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n especial_o where_o it_o have_v any_o superior_a principle_n to_o set_v it_o on_o work_n or_o engine_n to_o move_v it_o or_o oil_n to_o set_v it_o on_o go_v this_o power_n this_o virtue_n be_v inward_a be_v also_o of_o a_o more_o inward_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n then_o the_o former_a by_o the_o former_a a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v yet_o perhaps_o
not_o at_o all_o satisfy_v thereby_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o so_o into_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o form_v in_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o fancy_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o here_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v but_o fancy_n after_o its_o manner_n comprehend_v be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v natural_a to_o the_o man_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a power_n and_o can_v make_v mighty_a change_n and_o do_v mighty_a thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o and_o work_v very_o like_o the_o truth_n insomuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_a man_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n neither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n or_o virtue_n in_o the_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v what_o it_o do_v whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o most_o natural_o be_v and_o produce_v its_o own_o most_o natural_a effect_n there_o be_v a_o true_a virtue_n in_o truth_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disperse_v and_o leaven_v the_o lump_n with_o where_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v he_o will_v know_v this_o power_n he_o will_v distinguish_v by_o this_o virtue_n the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v be_v observe_v obseru._n that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o notion_n not_o in_o apprehension_n not_o in_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n virtue_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n let_v a_o man_n have_v the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a expression_n of_o they_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o knowledge_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v in_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o self-denial_n of_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n there_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n neither_o be_v this_o religion_n reas._o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o because_o all_o outwardness_n be_v but_o a_o garment_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v clothe_v or_o not_o clothe_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o you_o know_v a_o garment_n neither_o be_v the_o thing_n nor_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n all_o outward_a building_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rear_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v also_o leave_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o build_v his_o everlasting_a tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o therefore_o those_o he_o do_v set_v up_o be_v but_o shadow_n his_o spirit_n may_v as_o well_o leave_v as_o enter_v into_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o may_v come_v into_o apprehension_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o notion_n or_o expression_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n at_o best_a it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o true_a garment_n but_o a_o true_a appearance_n but_o a_o true_a house_n for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o appear_v and_o abide_v in_o while_o the_o lord_n please_v but_o now_o where_o there_o be_v the_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o renew_a nature_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o renew_a nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v religion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v from_o it_o this_o be_v â—n_v it_o yea_o this_o be_v it_o what_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o god_n what_o be_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v it_o in_o which_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v life_n go_v forth_o and_o reside_v quest._n but_o what_o be_v this_o same_o nature_n life_n power_n or_o virtue_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n consist_v this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v for_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n life_n virtue_n or_o power_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n that_o which_o here_o the_o apostle_n call_v word_n have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o man_n call_v power_n let_v a_o man_n receive_v any_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n full_o let_v he_o but_o receive_v it_o serious_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o come_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n it_o bring_v virtue_n with_o it_o to_o make_v change_n in_o he_o change_v in_o his_o spirit_n change_n in_o his_o understanding_n change_v in_o his_o will_n change_v in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o look_v after_o all_o this_o be_v with_o he_o but_o word_n the_o great_a inwardness_n of_o man_n be_v but_o outwardness_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o then_o be_v this_o same_o power_n here_o or_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n of_o this_o virtue_n answ._n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v return_v this_o threefold_a description_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n 1._o for_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v divine_o spiritual_a it_o be_v not_o a_o birth_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n beget_v that_o which_o be_v spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o a_o true_o spiritual_a religion_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o he_o sow_v his_o seed_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o common_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v both_o kill_n and_o quicken_a and_o that_o both_o in_o one_o self_n and_o also_o towards_o other_o in_o every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v that_o virtue_n which_o continual_o kill_v and_o quicken_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o it_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n it_o lay_v flat_a all_o the_o corruption_n yea_o all_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n where_o ever_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v like_o a_o fire_n it_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o life_n of_o every_o thing_n it_o come_v near_o and_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v live_v in_o that_o fire_n i_o know_v man_n have_v his_o several_a way_n of_o kill_v and_o quicken_n by_o his_o notion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n in_o truth_n for_o under_o all_o the_o seem_a death_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o alive_a and_o under_o all_o the_o seem_o renew_v life_n be_v of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o dead_a in_o its_o root_n and_o principle_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o operation_n 3._o for_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o every_o particular_a truth_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n portion_n or_o member_n of_o life_n which_o be_v form_v in_o we_o thus_o the_o several_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o own_o particular_a nature_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n its_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n its_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o disciple_n have_v their_o particular_a nature_n self-denial_n it_o be_v faith_n it_o be_v love_v its_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o they_o
life_n perish_v and_o man_n return_v to_o his_o earth_n to_o his_o very_a corruption_n again_o yea_o and_o take_v unto_o himself_o seven_o devil_n worse_o than_o the_o former_a for_o the_o high_a that_o man_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o breath_n from_o the_o lord_n the_o low_a he_o fall_v when_o this_o breath_n be_v withdraw_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a man_n get_v or_o advance_v by_o the_o lord_n into_o the_o pure_a way_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o filthy_a abomination_n 4._o in_o the_o result_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o evil_a will_v befall_v you_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n sin_z most_o natural_o bring_v forth_o death_n corruption_n or_o putrefaction_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o and_o a_o direct_a passage_n unto_o death_n and_o it_o will_v break_v forth_o and_o appear_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n man_n must_v have_v a_o time_n to_o corrupt_v in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o but_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n when_o his_o end_n draw_v nigh_o death_n hasten_v apace_o his_o corruption_n then_o begin_v to_o open_v itself_o and_o to_o discover_v the_o death_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o it_o then_o that_o evil_a which_o man_n hope_v all_o this_o while_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o will_v begin_v to_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o he_o hide_v within_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o have_v hide_v his_o destruction_n in_o his_o own_o bowel_n he_o have_v hug_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o design_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v ripe_a and_o strong_a thence_o it_o will_v start_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o devour_v he_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v thorough_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o when_o man_n have_v thorough_o corrupt_v himself_o then_o will_v he_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o tree_n and_o cut_v it_o down_o that_o it_o may_v cumber_v the_o ground_n no_o long_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o jew_n already_o their_o latter_a day_n wherein_o evil_a do_v befall_v they_o have_v overtake_v they_o and_o he_o will_v also_o cut_v down_o the_o gentile_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o seed_n for_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n they_o do_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o discover_v that_o they_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o flesh_n neither_o be_v the_o gentile_n the_o seed_n for_o they_o also_o after_o the_o death_n of_o that_o life_n which_o do_v flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v also_o corrupt_v themselves_o the_o uncircumcised_a and_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o temple_n and_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o former_a therefore_o the_o lord_n will_v both_o cut_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o will_v also_o down_o with_o all_o that_o into_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v enter_v and_o then_o will_v he_o bring_v forth_o his_o own_o truth_n his_o true_a temple_n his_o true_a worship_n his_o true_a worshipper_n 5._o in_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o death_n and_o destruction_n to_o man_n because_o you_o will_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n through_o the_o work_n of_o your_o hand_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o man_n anger_n god_n all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v filthy_a and_o corrupt_a in_o themselves_o and_o provocative_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o spirit_n all_o man_n knowledge_n all_o his_o life_n all_o his_o way_n of_o worship_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o every_o kind_n every_o thing_n that_o suit_v the_o eye_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o wherewith_o he_o think_v to_o please_v god_n be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n this_o lothsomness_n stir_v up_o in_o god_n his_o indignation_n which_o cause_v he_o in_o the_o proper_a season_n thereof_o to_o bring_v death_n upon_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o judgement_n after_o which_o come_v the_o second_o death_n then_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v who_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o have_v true_o follow_v he_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n now_o laugh_v at_o all_o who_o walk_v not_o with_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o understanding_n then_o shall_v all_o see_v and_o know_v who_o be_v righteous_a and_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v from_o their_o very_a heart_n say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a a_o competent_a reward_n a_o full_a reward_n unto_o they_o for_o all_o the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o have_v attend_v they_o in_o their_o way_n and_o passage_n hither_o bless_a be_v he_o who_o the_o lord_n lead_v by_o the_o proper_a cross_n attend_v every_o dispensation_n through_o trouble_n and_o death_n into_o life_n but_o excessive_o miserable_a be_v that_o man_n who_o fleshly_a spirit_n remain_v in_o any_o dispensation_n or_o who_o pass_v from_o dispensation_n to_o dispensation_n with_o his_o life_n unslain_a therewith_o feed_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n duty_n enjoyment_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a or_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o fatten_v and_o fit_v himself_o for_o death_n and_o destruction_n against_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o david_n speak_v psal._n 94.12_o 13._o with_o a_o gloss_n whereupon_o i_o shall_v draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastene_v o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v give_v he_o rest_v from_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n until_o the_o pit_n be_v dig_v for_o the_o wicked_a there_o be_v a_o pit_n dig_v for_o the_o wicked_a into_o which_o when_o it_o be_v finish_v when_o it_o be_v every_o way_n make_v large_a and_o deep_a and_o pierce_a enough_o the_o whole_a wicked_a spirit_n of_o man_n shall_v either_o fall_v or_o be_v cast_v or_o partly_o fall_v and_o partly_o be_v cast_v into_o it_o till_o this_o pit_n be_v dig_v it_o be_v a_o troublesome_a time_n to_o the_o seed_n but_o a_o quiet_a time_n with_o man_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v now_o at_o ease_n he_o can_v serve_v he_o can_v please_v he_o can_v enjoy_v himself_o in_o his_o whole_a course_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o religion_n yea_o and_o he_o can_v also_o secure_v himself_o from_o future_a danger_n from_o danger_n at_o the_o last_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o with_o hell_n be_v he_o at_o agreement_n when_o the_o overflow_a scourge_n pass_v it_o shall_v not_o come_v near_o he_o it_o be_v for_o unbeliever_n for_o sinner_n for_o person_n who_o know_v not_o god_n or_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o fear_v death_n and_o hell_n or_o eternal_a destruction_n but_o when_o this_o pit_n be_v dig_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o light_n will_v search_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n under_o all_o his_o disguise_n and_o what_o ever_o have_v not_o the_o true_a breath_n of_o life_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o and_o die_v in_o this_o pit_n there_o be_v person_n also_o to_o who_o god_n will_v give_v rest_n from_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n those_o who_o have_v all_o along_o be_v persecute_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n and_o afflict_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n that_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hunt_v wound_a grieve_a distress_a all_o the_o day_n long_o by_o the_o cruel_a spirit_n of_o man_n and_o satan_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o each_o and_o be_v refresh_v those_o who_o be_v leaven_v with_o the_o life_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v so_o new-changed_n by_o it_o that_o they_o have_v none_o of_o that_o life_n none_o of_o that_o spirit_n leave_v remain_v in_o they_o which_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o rest_n when_o the_o lord_n come_v forth_o to_o hunt_v take_v and_o devour_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n those_o in_o who_o that_o spirit_n be_v already_o dissolve_v shall_v not_o be_v in_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o his_o severity_n but_o shall_v find_v the_o abundance_n of_o love_n sweetness_n peace_n and_o rest_n administer_v to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n which_o will_v then_o so_o eager_o and_o fierce_o prosecute_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n then_o they_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v at_o ease_n shall_v be_v trouble_v and_o they_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v trouble_v shall_v have_v ease_n and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v etc._n etc._n 2_o thes._n 1._o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n lead_v he_o to_o this_o rest_n be_v
be_v peace_n the_o end_n of_o a_o man_n be_v that_o to_o which_o he_o tend_v that_o towards_o which_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o motion_n bend_v their_o course_n that_o unto_o which_o he_o grow_v that_o which_o all_o his_o exercise_n and_o variety_n in_o all_o the_o several_a dispensation_n through_o which_o god_n lead_v he_o contribute_v to_o every_o thing_n have_v its_o end_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o every_o dispensation_n and_o a_o end_n after_o every_o dispensation_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o trouble_n a_o end_n of_o all_o motion_n a_o end_n of_o all_o rest_n a_o end_n of_o all_o peace_n which_o be_v know_v in_o this_o world_n now_o there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n according_a to_o the_o two_o great_a nature_n which_o be_v sow_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v death_n and_o life_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n anguish_n and_o ease_n heaven_n and_o hell_n peace_n be_v that_o quietness_n of_o nature_n wherein_o it_o be_v and_o enjoy_v itself_o and_o what_o it_o desire_v 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and_o calmness_n both_o of_o the_o liquor_n and_o of_o the_o vessel_n of_o life_n in_o the_o land_n of_o rest_n where_o whatsoever_o may_v annoy_v or_o disturb_v be_v remove_v and_o which_o abound_v with_o whatsoever_o may_v ease_v or_o refresh_v there_o be_v a_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v not_o only_o the_o extent_n but_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n or_o at_o which_o the_o perfect_a man_n shall_v arrive_v in_o his_o end_n here_o his_o inmost_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o his_o natural_a soul_n which_o be_v also_o encompass_v with_o a_o outward_a bodily_a garment_n shall_v sit_v down_o in_o their_o proper_a seat_n of_o perfect_a rest_n when_o the_o holy_a house_n or_o habitation_n of_o god_n be_v open_v into_o which_o no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v but_o be_v disturb_v by_o it_o and_o suffer_v from_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o its_o evil_n then_o shall_v this_o holy_a child_n of_o god_n be_v admit_v and_o welcome_v into_o its_o own_o place_n and_o portion_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n there_o take_v notice_n also_o by_o the_o way_n of_o one_o great_a advantage_n this_o perfect_a man_n have_v in_o any_o present_a dispensation_n of_o god_n the_o world_n be_v now_o very_o dark_a and_o barren_a and_o if_o a_o little_a light_n shall_v break_v forth_o it_o will_v mighty_o refresh_v it_o but_o alas_o man_n will_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o himself_o and_o distemper_v by_o it_o at_o present_a and_o afterward_o he_o will_v die_v again_o and_o become_v more_o miserable_a but_o the_o perfect_a man_n will_v both_o enjoy_v it_o more_o true_o more_o full_o more_o substantial_o at_o present_a and_o also_o not_o be_v in_o such_o danger_n afterward_o because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o life_n but_o his_o life_n will_v rather_o be_v lord_n over_o it_o and_o so_o his_o chief_a happiness_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o his_o chief_a happiness_n will_v not_o pass_v away_o with_o it_o miserable_a be_v that_o man_n who_o be_v only_o difference_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o present_a dispensation_n but_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o difference_n lie_v in_o the_o root_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o change_v not_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o all_o condition_n or_o dispensation_n a_o lament_v and_o plead_v postscript_n how_o deep_a and_o true_a a_o sense_n my_o spirit_n have_v have_v of_o my_o father_n brethren_n and_o kindred_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n understand_v i_o aright_o both_o of_o their_o present_a sad_a estate_n and_o future_a misery_n and_o what_o grief_n and_o lamentation_n it_o have_v occasion_v in_o i_o it_o so_o near_o concern_v they_o of_o who_o i_o once_o be_v and_o who_o i_o always_o have_v love_v and_o can_v but_o love_v tender_o still_o the_o lord_n only_o know_v many_o time_n in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o complain_v in_o spirit_n and_o say_v unto_o my_o god_n o_o lord_n god_n behold_v how_o sweet_o and_o comfortable_o that_o stand_v in_o other_o which_o thou_o have_v so_o forcible_o break_v down_o in_o i_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o true_a substantial_a endure_a nature_n why_o be_v it_o break_v down_o in_o i_o be_v i_o not_o most_o natural_o form_v by_o thy_o hand_n into_o plainness_n into_o simplicity_n into_o a_o low_a believe_a break_a self-denying_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o this_o naked_o hang_v not_o upon_o any_o worth_n or_o excellency_n in_o itself_o but_o upon_o the_o free_a dispensation_n of_o life_n from_o thou_o of_o thy_o own_o mere_a grace_n from_o which_o it_o come_v and_o by_o which_o it_o hope_v to_o live_v o_o why_o do_v the_o severity_n of_o thy_o hand_n go_v forth_o so_o bitter_o against_o it_o how_o can_v thou_o find_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o wound_v trample_v upon_o and_o destroy_v such_o a_o poor_a worm_n and_o no_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n devote_v to_o death_n and_o destruction_n why_o be_v it_o suffer_v to_o stand_v in_o other_o have_v thou_o snatch_v i_o as_o a_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n o_o who_o can_v either_o endure_v to_o be_v so_o snatch_v out_o or_o to_o undergo_v the_o scorch_a heat_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v once_o let_v loose_a upon_o his_o spirit_n or_o how_o shall_v i_o bear_v the_o miserable_a sight_n of_o so_o dreadful_a burn_n as_o must_v be_v kindle_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v leave_v behind_o when_o thou_o once_o kindle_v thy_o fierce_a flame_n ah_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o poor_a dry_a stubble_n it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o find_v a_o shelter_n while_o thy_o wrath_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n but_o alas_o what_o shall_v cover_v poor_a naked_a adam_n for_o the_o most_o religious_a man_n which_o be_v not_o true_o renew_v be_v no_o better_a when_o thou_o walk_v towards_o he_o with_o the_o bright_a pierce_a flame_n of_o thy_o light_n o_o how_o tender_a have_v my_o spirit_n be_v of_o this_o seduce_v wander_a generation_n and_o yet_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o only_o a_o stumble_a block_n and_o not_o a_o help_n unto_o they_o thou_o have_v enforce_v i_o among_o other_o to_o give_v out_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o several_a warning_n unto_o they_o but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o avoid_v be_v offend_v it_o be_v true_a o_o lord_n their_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v or_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o thy_o sight_n of_o what_o have_v be_v testify_v against_o they_o but_o yet_o the_o testimony_n have_v not_o come_v forth_o so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o consider_v and_o receive_v it_o it_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o such_o strange_a dialect_n as_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o also_o accompany_v with_o such_o strange_a appearance_n as_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o become_v the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n then_o of_o god_n yea_o lord_n satan_n have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n there_o have_v be_v such_o multitude_n of_o his_o loud_a voice_n and_o language_n that_o thy_o low_a still_a voice_n may_v easy_o be_v drown_v no_o doubt_n o_o lord_n but_o thou_o will_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v thyself_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o these_o poor_a soul_n shall_v they_o always_o wander_v and_o please_v themselves_o this_o little_a moment_n which_o be_v their_o only_a time_n with_o strange_a invent_a vanity_n such_o as_o foolish_a vain_a man_n may_v admire_v and_o magnify_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v not_o nor_o can_v own_v dear_a friend_n let_v i_o plead_v a_o little_a with_o you_o once_o more_o from_o the_o tender_a love_n and_o pity_n of_o my_o soul_n towards_o you_o do_v you_o consider_v what_o
chief_o dispense_v under_o the_o one_o and_o the_o spirit_n under_o the_o other_o the_o letter_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o literal_a people_n and_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spiritual_a and_o so_o they_o be_v manage_v the_o literal_a people_n receive_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o feed_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o spiritual_a people_n receive_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o feed_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n live_v in_o the_o fleshly_a people_n the_o fleshly_a people_n live_v so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o word_n live_v in_o the_o spiritual_a people_n the_o spiritual_a people_n live_v for_o these_o can_v live_v no_o more_o than_o the_o former_a any_o long_a than_o they_o be_v feed_v from_o the_o root_n this_o dispensation_n and_o people_n 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and_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o live_v dwell_v and_o reign_v both_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o which_o they_o likewise_o reign_v it_o be_v the_o liquor_n in_o christ_n which_o christ_n as_o a_o vessel_n contain_v and_o also_o the_o vessel_n which_o contain_v christ._n it_o be_v both_o the_o root_n and_o the_o fruit_n the_o root_n from_o whence_o christ_n grow_v and_o the_o fruit_n which_o christ_n bear_v both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n from_o whence_o they_o both_o spring_v and_o wherein_o they_o both_o meet_v the_o ministration_n of_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v manifest_a it_o be_v only_o point_v at_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v shadow_n out_o it_o as_o the_o law_n do_v shadow_n out_o that_o ministration_n or_o if_o you_o will_v both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n do_v shadow_v this_o out_o in_o different_a respect_n and_o degree_n the_o one_o more_o 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full_o that_o both_o those_o name_n and_o nature_n whereby_o they_o do_v appear_v and_o be_v so_o various_a in_o all_o dispensation_n may_v here_o be_v drown_v and_o vanish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o either_o real_a loss_n of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v that_o they_o become_v thus_o harmonious_o unite_v but_o by_o both_o their_o enter_n into_o a_o more_o perfect_a fullness_n and_o he_o to_o who_o this_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o who_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o it_o let_v he_o fair_o answer_v i_o this_o follow_a question_n be_v not_o hell_n and_o heaven_n at_o union_n in_o their_o root_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o be_v they_o not_o at_o rest_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o power_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v produce_v without_o controversy_n what_o ever_o lie_v there_o lay_v in_o rest_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v back_o thither_o return_v to_o rest_v now_o do_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v bring_v back_o again_o and_o who_o can_v say_v he_o will_v not_o sure_o every_o thing_n most_o natural_o breathe_v after_o that_o condition_n of_o rest_n and_o fullness_n which_o it_o can_v alone_o enjoy_v in_o his_o bosom_n most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o vast_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o all_o thing_n howsoever_o it_o dispose_v of_o they_o thence_o they_o come_v thither_o they_o return_v there_o they_o be_v and_o doubtless_o there_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o union_n and_o agreement_n by_o he_o who_o spirit_n be_v quick_a and_o pierce_a enough_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o can_v read_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o wretched_o miserable_a be_v he_o who_o frame_v false_a imagination_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n by_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n concern_v it_o 3._o of_o faith_n faith_n be_v a_o shadowy_a or_o substantial_a life_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n into_o the_o seed_n seek_v after_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v faith_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v life_n it_o be_v a_o touch_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o spring_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o life_n which_o god_n bring_v forth_o in_o his_o own_o in_o his_o own_o season_n we_o may_v mistake_v in_o ascribe_v name_n to_o other_o thing_n who_o nature_n and_o principle_n we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n who_o know_v thing_n very_o well_o to_o name_v faith_n the_o life_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedience_n a_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o live_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o this_o life_n be_v faith_n a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n he_o who_o believe_v be_v only_a able_a to_o enter_v into_o this_o life_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o i_o call_v it_o shadowy_a or_o substantial_a because_o it_o be_v either_o as_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o look_v upon_o it_o backward_o and_o it_o be_v substantial_a look_v upon_o it_o forward_o and_o it_o be_v but_o shadowy_a as_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n so_o the_o life_n minister_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o substantial_a life_n in_o compare_n with_o that_o but_o look_v forward_o into_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o here_o faith_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n this_o life_n also_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n alas_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n must_v vanish_v notwithstanding_o all_o its_o glory_n it_o must_v die_v and_o lie_v in_o its_o grave_n like_o the_o law_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n into_o the_o seed_n the_o seed_n be_v the_o vessel_n the_o only_a vessel_n which_o contain_v this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o man_n that_o this_o life_n be_v sow_o in_o but_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o in_o man_n immortal_a life_n eternal_a life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o immortal_a seed_n in_o eternal_a seed_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a vessel_n and_o this_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o mortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o by_o put_v on_o mortality_n there_o it_o change_v into_o its_o own_o nature_n hence_o they_o in_o who_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o who_o be_v change_v by_o it_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n they_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n this_o life_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o this_o seed_n the_o spirit_n which_o form_v this_o seed_n breathe_v into_o it_o this_o breath_n of_o life_n this_o seed_n be_v the_o spirit_n own_o vessel_n and_o this_o life_n be_v his_o own_o liquor_n wherewith_o he_o fill_v it_o the_o spirit_n lie_v in_o the_o vessel_n and_o be_v continual_o breathe_v in_o it_o and_o that_o
of_o admit_v be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o root_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o that_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a life_n that_o love_n be_v of_o a_o new_a nature_n even_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spirit_n out_o of_o which_o it_o shoot_v 6._o for_o experience_n man_n may_v have_v many_o experience_n in_o a_o natural_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n or_o in_o any_o dispensation_n wherein_o he_o be_v place_v experience_n of_o god_n experience_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n experience_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v many_o experience_n of_o god_n own_v they_o and_o care_n of_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o these_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o root_n those_o experience_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n gather_v and_o comprehend_v they_o be_v but_o experience_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o experience_n in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n those_o experience_n alone_o which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o nature_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a life_n they_o only_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o and_o they_o alone_o be_v useful_a to_o that_o life_n 7._o and_o last_o for_o liberty_n true_a liberty_n be_v a_o very_a sweet_a effect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v common_o bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n every_o man_n darkness_n be_v his_o prison_n who_o light_n do_v set_v free_a now_o as_o man_n spirit_n may_v receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o a_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v receive_v that_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o man_v spirit_n may_v come_v forth_o into_o liberty_n into_o great_a liberty_n he_o may_v feel_v himself_o free_a from_o all_o his_o bond_n yea_o this_o freedom_n may_v be_v so_o large_a and_o clear_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o another_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o bond_n may_v have_v the_o true_a freedom_n for_o the_o one_o be_v true_a though_o but_o in_o its_o birth_n or_o seed_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a though_o in_o its_o great_a growth_n and_o flourish_a the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o truth_n be_v in_o god_n whereof_o in_o man_n there_o be_v but_o the_o weak_a dark_a shadow_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n he_o that_o flow_v from_o the_o generative_a virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v beget_v in_o that_o substance_n but_o he_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o man_n or_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v in_o man_n by_o the_o pure_a and_o exact_a strain_n of_o the_o human_a spirit_n either_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o though_o with_o the_o great_a furtherance_n and_o assistance_n even_o from_o above_o be_v beget_v but_o in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o shadow_n which_o when_o the_o substance_n appear_v can_v but_o vanish_v pass_v away_o and_o prove_v a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o pure_a extract_n that_o can_v be_v raise_v even_o by_o god_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o seed_n in_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o growth_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o take_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a image_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o truth_n itself_o all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v raise_v unto_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v work_v upon_o his_o spirit_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o that_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v in_o god_n a_o turn_n from_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o our_o spirit_n to_o turn_v from_o which_o be_v repentance_n and_o adherence_n to_o and_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o which_o be_v faith_n but_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o now_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o and_o come_v from_o it_o even_o in_o its_o great_a weakness_n be_v truth_n that_o repentance_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n etc._n etc._n that_o flow_v from_o this_o nature_n from_o this_o life_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v of_o this_o life_n the_o mean_a the_o low_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n even_o in_o its_o low_a state_n in_o its_o low_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o great_a the_o high_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o great_a height_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o all_o its_o spiritual_a exaltation_n exercise_n and_o motion_n be_v but_o flesh_n one_o man_n may_v run_v with_o much_o quickness_n and_o cleverness_n through_o all_o dispensation_n and_o be_v wonderful_o raise_v and_o yet_o remain_v but_o flesh_n before_o in_o and_o after_o all_o another_o may_v be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o the_o low_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o be_v spirit_n there_o it_o be_v true_a these_o thing_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o effect_n or_o at_o least_o concomitant_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n dark_a man_n hear_v no_o news_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o repentance_n faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v awaken_v and_o heighten_v partly_o by_o satan_n thereby_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o hereby_o he_o cozen_v and_o deceive_v man_n make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v new_a man_n whereas_o they_o be_v new_a only_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o outward_o be_v viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o form_n or_o shape_n wherein_o their_o spirit_n be_v but_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o inward_a nature_n and_o partly_o by_o god_n to_o make_v a_o proof_n or_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n throughout_o at_o first_o god_n try_v he_o in_o his_o whole_a or_o sound_a and_o now_o he_o tri_v he_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n in_o all_o the_o several_a change_n he_o can_v undergo_v there_o therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o draw_v forth_o what_o be_v in_o he_o but_o also_o add_v thereunto_o by_o gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o that_o at_o length_n he_o may_v give_v forth_o a_o complete_a experiment_n of_o man_n what_o he_o be_v or_o what_o he_o can_v come_v to_o and_o although_o these_o experiment_n be_v not_o of_o use_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o further_a his_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n and_o eye_n to_o which_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a yea_o necessary_a to_o which_o nature_n and_o eye_n the_o lord_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n manner_z season_n and_o proportion_n as_o his_o nature_n and_o they_o require_v for_o the_o better_a illustration_n yet_o a_o little_a further_o both_o of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_a and_o of_o these_o particular_a instance_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o careful_o observe_v and_o distinguish_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o threefold_a estate_n or_o condition_n first_o in_o his_o natural_a growth_n second_o in_o his_o transplantation_n three_o in_o his_o spiritual_a renovation_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o its_o natural_a way_n of_o growth_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n natural_o incline_v towards_o excellency_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o bulk_n of_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o he_o and_o turn_v he_o aside_o but_o his_o own_o spirit_n disrelish_v it_o and_o he_o wish_v he_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o make_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v natural_o excellent_a this_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n he_o will_v serve_v god_n he_o will_v enjoy_v god_n he_o will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a to_o man_n it_o be_v the_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v grow_v so_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a that_o it_o be_v now_o become_v his_o nature_n which_o make_v he_o otherwise_o but_o in_o his_o root_n in_o his_o principle_n he_o be_v not_o so_o and_o he_o
thirsterh_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n which_o thus_o turn_v he_o aside_o from_o himself_o the_o natural_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n part_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o groan_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n under_o that_o load_n and_o burden_n of_o vanity_n and_o corruption_n which_o lie_v chief_o upon_o it_o in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o friend_n thereunto_o but_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o that_o now_o whatsoever_o carry_v a_o stamp_n of_o excellency_n upon_o it_o as_o all_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o all_o the_o way_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o worship_n do_v man_n can_v but_o aspire_v after_o and_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v himself_o unto_o for_o though_o man_n can_v see_v the_o particular_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n and_o institution_n yet_o withal_o he_o can_v but_o see_v that_o he_o want_v his_o light_n and_o guidance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o observe_v and_o obey_v his_o pleasure_n and_o command_n without_o his_o particular_a understanding_n the_o reason_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v in_o any_o way_n of_o religion_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o love_n god_n to_o trust_v god_n to_o seek_v after_o and_o follow_v his_o direction_n and_o man_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o spirit_n herein_o that_o there_o be_v no_o beat_v he_o out_o of_o his_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o he_o or_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o way_n wherein_o he_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o he_o find_v that_o he_o do_v natural_o incline_v to_o god_n and_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o he_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v as_o natural_o incline_v to_o he_o and_o guide_v he_o in_o his_o way_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o present_a nature_n of_o man_n which_o hate_v god_n but_o this_o be_v also_o as_o true_a there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o louâ—â—â—_n that_o root_n of_o excellency_n in_o god_n from_o which_o it_o come_v at_o first_o and_o which_o be_v still_o its_o life_n hope_v desire_v and_o perfection_n and_o though_o man_n natural_o fall_v into_o that_o way_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o be_v educate_v yet_o so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v hold_v out_o to_o his_o understanding_n and_o reason_n either_o further_o in_o or_o different_a from_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o can_v but_o endeavour_v ingenious_o to_o weigh_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v change_v by_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o approve_v itself_o weighty_a so_o far_o as_o any_o one_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v a_o man_n and_o his_o own_o spirit_n will_v just_o condemn_v he_o therein_o now_o how_o many_o change_n by_o this_o mean_n may_v man_n be_v bring_v into_o in_o religion_n his_o eye_n and_o understanding_n be_v so_o shallow_a that_o ever_o and_o anon_o different_a discovery_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o he_o both_o concern_v outward_a worship_n yea_o and_o also_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n his_o old_a way_n his_o old_a apprehension_n may_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o he_o to_o have_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o somewhat_o more_o new_a and_o more_o seem_o substantial_a may_v be_v represent_v to_o he_o poor_a weak-spirited_n man_n be_v fit_a only_a to_o be_v baffle_v and_o make_v a_o fool_n of_o fain_o he_o will_v betake_v himself_o somewhere_o and_o fix_v and_o so_o he_o may_v for_o a_o time_n but_o afore_o he_o be_v aware_a somewhat_o strong_a will_n shake_v it_o somewhat_o clear_a will_n dispose_v it_o which_o if_o he_o do_v but_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o reason_n he_o can_v but_o let_v in_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v but_o a_o brute_n and_o not_o a_o man_n and_o maintain_v his_o own_o stand_v brutish_o not_o rational_o which_o though_o it_o may_v occasion_v some_o brutish_a ease_n to_o he_o at_o present_a yet_o will_v prove_v his_o loss_n at_o the_o upshot_n but_o that_o man_n who_o be_v true_o a_o man_n be_v industrious_a to_o search_v out_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o quick_a to_o take_v in_o that_o light_n and_o these_o discovery_n which_o in_o various_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o ray_n be_v dart_v forth_o can_v choose_v but_o undergo_v many_o change_n both_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o these_o discovery_n and_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n both_o which_o daily_o alter_v man_n be_v still_o grow_v and_o his_o light_n in_o every_o kind_n continual_o change_v how_o then_o can_v he_o himself_o escape_v change_n and_o that_o man_n which_o be_v true_o ingenious_a give_v every_o thing_n scope_n in_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n pray_v for_o the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o embrace_v every_o beam_n of_o light_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o how_o high_a may_v he_o grow_v in_o religion_n and_o yet_o the_o root_n of_o man_n nature_n may_v feed_v he_o in_o all_o these_o desire_n and_o in_o all_o these_o endeavour_n we_o mistake_v when_o we_o think_v man_n nature_n incline_v he_o only_o to_o corruption_n no_o there_o be_v a_o root_n in_o he_o that_o incline_v he_o to_o reason_n to_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v he_o give_v scope_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v bless_v in_o its_o way_n though_o this_o be_v no_o step_n or_o degree_n towards_o the_o new_a life_n the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n be_v break_v but_o not_o annihilate_v there_o be_v still_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o god_n in_o he_o though_o in_o much_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n the_o image_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v find_v in_o man_n though_o under_o a_o huge_a heap_n of_o rubbish_n and_o if_o god_n at_o any_o time_n stir_v this_o it_o can_v but_o appear_v more_o and_o act_n towards_o god_n and_o after_o righteousness_n and_o excellency_n yea_o if_o the_o lord_n dung_n and_o water_n it_o much_o it_o will_v shoot_v forth_o very_o far_o and_o grow_v very_o large_a and_o high_a in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n either_o under_o the_o law_n or_o under_o the_o gospel_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n transplant_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o dispensation_n from_o god_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n grow_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v on_o his_o old_a break_a stock_n from_o his_o old_a decay_a root_n but_o there_o be_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a stock_n and_o graft_v into_o a_o new_a olive-tree_n by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o dispensation_n in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o lose_v the_o scent_n of_o his_o old_a corruption_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o fatness_n of_o this_o new_a root_n yea_o he_o have_v by_o this_o mean_v a_o new_a spirit_n a_o new_a life_n a_o new_a power_n this_o or_o that_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o god_n seize_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v in_o it_o and_o carry_v with_o it_o make_v he_o new_a in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o new_a in_o himself_o so_o that_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o dispensation_n yea_o and_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a measure_n of_o it_o he_o may_v be_v a_o new_a tree_n and_o bring_v forth_o new_a fruit_n unto_o god_n we_o have_v two_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o the_o one_o in_o that_o national_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o in_o the_o convert_a gentile_n the_o jew_n they_o be_v transplant_v from_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o olive-tree_n rom._n 11.17.24_o out_o of_o which_o they_o grow_v they_o have_v a_o life_n within_o and_o a_o light_n without_o beyond_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n the_o guidance_n of_o god_n the_o protection_n of_o god_n the_o instruction_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o they_o may_v well_o go_v further_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n than_o other_o nation_n can_v after_o they_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o all_o nation_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v transplant_v in_o their_o stead_n yea_o and_o be_v put_v more_o within_o the_o root_n receive_v a_o strong_a influence_n from_o it_o then_o the_o jew_n do_v they_o have_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n life_n power_n etc._n
in_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o true_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v deceive_v because_o as_o it_o flow_v from_o truth_n alone_o so_o it_o be_v pure_o truth_n in_o itself_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o entertain_v or_o admit_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o be_v nature_n be_v perfect_o shut_v up_o against_o every_o lie_n and_o deceit_n it_o natural_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o thrust_v it_o away_o its_o nature_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v receive_v it_o now_o he_o which_o be_v natural_o true_a and_o can_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n sure_o he_o can_v possible_o bring_v forth_o a_o lie_n hence_o arise_v the_o certainty_n of_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o christ_n namely_o from_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v of_o a_o true_a of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n and_o can_v but_o act_v true_o according_a to_o their_o kind_n 2._o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n his_o nature_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a right_a and_o of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n but_o it_o be_v also_o in_o union_n with_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v adam_n may_v be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o that_o root_n will_v not_o preserve_v its_o offspring_n therefore_o he_o fall_v but_o christ_n nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o can_v miscarry_v both_o because_o that_o root_n can_v but_o preserve_v its_o seed_n and_o because_o that_o nature_n can_v but_o be_v suck_a nourishment_n from_o the_o root_n there_o be_v no_o nature_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v more_o independent_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o fullness_n and_o yet_o no_o nature_n be_v more_o dependent_a which_o arise_v from_o its_o constitution_n and_o be_v its_o wisdom_n and_o safety_n there_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o root_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o certainty_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a same_o certainty_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o yea_o his_o nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n have_v also_o communion_n with_o it_o insomuch_o as_o he_o enjoy_v the_o truth_n there_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o light_n and_o be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o darkness_n 3._o from_o his_o life_n christ_n have_v a_o life_n in_o he_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a life_n a_o spiritual_a life_n a_o divine_a life_n his_o spirit_n as_o it_o have_v the_o nature_n so_o also_o it_o have_v the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o his_o motion_n spring_v from_o his_o own_o life_n and_o so_o can_v but_o be_v as_o certain_a unto_o he_o in_o his_o kind_n yea_o much_o more_o his_o life_n be_v of_o a_o more_o certain_a kind_n as_o our_o motion_n which_o spring_n in_o we_o from_o our_o life_n be_v to_o we_o in_o our_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o our_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o be_v very_o certain_a because_o he_o be_v our_o knowledge_n at_o best_a be_v but_o reveal_v it_o be_v but_o give_v in_o to_o our_o life_n but_o his_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a it_o flow_v from_o his_o life_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n every_o motion_n unto_o he_o be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o satisfactory_a namely_o because_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a because_o it_o flow_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o life_n man_n attain_v his_o skill_n and_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n by_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o trouble_v he_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o defend_v and_o manage_v it_o yea_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v a_o little_a awaken_v and_o enlarge_v can_v but_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o but_o christ_n skill_n and_o understanding_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o and_o flow_v forth_o from_o he_o and_o both_o in_o its_o spring_v up_o and_o flow_v forth_o answer_v the_o truth_n largeness_n and_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n 4._o from_o his_o light_n he_o have_v a_o proper_a light_n to_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n with_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n with_o god_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n breathe_v in_o the_o same_o air_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n spirit_n and_o life_n so_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n he_o be_v call_v the_o light_n joh._n 1.7_o john_n come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n he_o himself_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n verse_n 8._o that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n verse_n 9_o the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v a_o true_a shadow_n the_o light_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a testimony_n but_o he_o be_v the_o substance_n he_o be_v that_o true_a light_n which_o all_o other_o light_n do_v but_o shadow_n out_o and_o testify_v concern_v there_o be_v a_o eye_n proper_a to_o every_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o eye_n in_o every_o nature_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v to_o behold_v and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o light_n proper_a to_o every_o eye_n now_o christ_n have_v both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o light_n how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o see_v certain_o gather_v up_o these_o together_o he_o that_o have_v a_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o true_a eye_n in_o it_o he_o who_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n and_o who_o himself_o be_v truth_n in_o he_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a life_n in_o he_o for_o his_o motion_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o true_a life_n to_o guide_v his_o eye_n with_o and_o last_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a light_n to_o see_v in_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o be_v certain_a in_o what_o he_o thus_o view_v and_o so_o his_o seed_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o life_n the_o same_o light_n how_o can_v they_o miss_v of_o the_o same_o certainty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v guide_v natural_o unto_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o infallibility_n but_o now_o man_n adam_n take_v he_o at_o his_o best_a who_o never_o have_v this_o nature_n but_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o earthly_a man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o never_o have_v this_o life_n or_o light_n in_o he_o how_o can_v he_o understand_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n he_o may_v desire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o life_n and_o fumble_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o can_v possible_o pierce_v into_o they_o he_o may_v gather_v many_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n and_o approach_v in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v to_o a_o certainty_n but_o he_o can_v reach_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v know_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o may_v perhaps_o reason_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n and_o a_o way_n unto_o it_o but_o he_o can_v possible_o conceive_v what_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v nor_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o but_o the_o son_n or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o nature_n that_o spirit_n that_o life_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v to_o it_o descends_z of_o itself_o upon_o they_o &_o spring_v up_o of_o itself_o in_o they_o use_v 1_o take_v heed_n of_o contradict_v christ_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o which_o he_o give_v out_o upon_o knowledge_n christâ—â—me_o â—â—me_z from_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o god_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n here_o the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n that_o the_o present_a state_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o future_a that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v dispense_v and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n then_o be_v by_o believe_a now_o christ_n testify_v true_o and_o wise_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v upon_o ground_n he_o speak_v what_o he_o see_v by_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o from_o thy_o own_o head_n from_o a_o strong_a fancy_n or_o reason_n in_o thy_o own_o mind_n contradict_v this_o and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n
they_o who_o be_v true_o dead_a with_o christ_n be_v free_v by_o that_o their_o death_n from_o their_o former_a husband_n the_o law_n the_o life_n which_o be_v marry_v to_o it_o die_v and_o have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n and_o there_o be_v no_o marry_v or_o give_v in_o marriage_n any_o more_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o the_o grave_n or_o after_o the_o resurrection_n the_o life_n have_v dye_v in_o that_o state_n and_o dispensation_n wherein_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o place_v that_o it_o may_v fulfil_v it_o and_o die_v and_o have_v slay_v the_o man_n also_o with_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a root_n and_o spirit_n of_o his_o life_n if_o either_o or_o both_o rise_v up_o any_o more_o they_o rise_v up_o free_a they_o can_v rise_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n of_o that_o dispensation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v slay_v so_o that_o the_o life_n in_o liberty_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o lord_n over_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o as_o they_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n to_o this_o life_n so_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a place_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o he_o in_o who_o the_o life_n live_v &_o reign_v may_v in_o or_o out_o at_o pleasure_n use_v they_o or_o leave_v they_o as_o the_o light_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o life_n direct_v he_o he_o may_v take_v any_o of_o they_o and_o seem_v bind_v under_o they_o though_o in_o himself_o he_o be_v still_o free_a he_o may_v leave_v they_o off_o again_o and_o manifest_v his_o own_o freedom_n when_o he_o see_v his_o time_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n i_o can_v use_v any_o thing_n but_o yet_o withal_o i_o know_v my_o time_n my_o spirit_n which_o know_v the_o greatness_n the_o largeness_n of_o my_o liberty_n know_v also_o how_o to_o manage_v it_o and_o he_o show_v as_o much_o in_o his_o practice_n for_o though_o at_o one_o time_n he_o can_v shave_v himself_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n in_o a_o way_n of_o legal_a purification_n yet_o at_o another_o time_n when_o certain_o creep_v in_o to_o espy_v out_o his_o liberty_n he_o will_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n but_o will_v maintain_v his_o liberty_n in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o they_o he_o can_v make_v use_n of_o circumcision_n himself_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o he_o circumcise_v timothy_n though_o he_o tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n will_v profit_v they_o nothing_o nor_o be_v this_o liberty_n restrain_v to_o the_o life_n in_o itself_o but_o sink_v with_o the_o life_n into_o the_o man_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v for_o man_n all_o creature_n all_o ordinance_n all_o law_n all_o institution_n and_o commandment_n not_o man_n for_o they_o as_o christ_n say_v particular_o concern_v the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n and_o when_o man_n come_v to_o his_o right_a place_n he_o shall_v be_v above_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o for_o who_o service_n use_n and_o discipline_n they_o be_v make_v it_o be_v true_a man_n in_o his_o present_a estate_n be_v a_o servant_n under_o they_o and_o enslave_v by_o they_o yea_o the_o life_n itself_o though_o by_o the_o right_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v far_o more_o free_a yet_o for_o a_o season_n it_o may_v lie_v under_o great_a bond_n than_o man_n in_o his_o condition_n of_o slavery_n have_v yet_o taste_v but_o when_o the_o son_n grow_v up_o to_o his_o freedom_n he_o become_v free_a indeed_o yea_o and_o that_o man_n who_o he_o make_v free_a be_v free_a also_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n for_o any_o to_o dream_v of_o and_o to_o think_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o live_v according_a to_o this_o freedom_n before_o it_o be_v true_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o by_o have_v the_o clear_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o liberty_n or_o by_o take_v scope_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o these_o notion_n that_o man_n become_v free_a but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n growth_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o true_a life_n in_o they_o from_z and_z according_a to_o the_o true_a light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o former_a be_v but_o poor_a man_n aspire_a into_o a_o state_n into_o which_o he_o be_v not_o right_o lead_v which_o tend_v to_o great_a bond_n the_o other_o be_v a_o fair_a passage_n through_o and_o from_o under_o bond_n to_o which_o that_o person_n who_o be_v once_o set_v free_a by_o the_o truth_n shall_v never_o be_v reduce_v for_o the_o lord_n will_v maintain_v that_o liberty_n unto_o which_o his_o own_o spirit_n life_n and_o power_n exalt_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o liberty_n consist_v a_o disobligation_n fâ—om_n all_o law_n and_o ordinance_n inferior_a to_o the_o nature_n or_o life_n which_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o 2._o liberty_n consist_v in_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o power_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n if_o satan_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o life_n as_o he_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o life_n in_o its_o weakness_n though_o he_o that_o than_o stand_v by_o the_o life_n and_o take_v care_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n yet_o the_o life_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o he_o the_o life_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v free_a must_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n or_o fear_v of_o his_o claw_n the_o life_n be_v not_o free_a which_o satan_n may_v interrupt_v or_o at_o least_o not_o while_o he_o may_v interrupt_v it_o satan_n must_v down_o when_o the_o life_n spring_v up_o god_n will_v trample_v down_o satan_n before_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o life_n nay_o under_o the_o foot_n both_o of_o man_n and_o the_o creature_n when_o the_o life_n appear_v in_o they_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n will_v tread_v down_o the_o troublesome_a spirit_n of_o satan_n under_o the_o spirit_n yea_o and_o under_o the_o flesh_n too_o of_o all_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o freedom_n nay_o the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v dreadful_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n for_o they_o have_v always_o complain_v of_o that_o as_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o that_o chief_o afflict_v and_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o sickness_n and_o death_n though_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v their_o chief_a support_n i_o say_v this_o power_n they_o must_v be_v secure_v from_o too_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o liberty_n god_n will_v not_o now_o interpose_v any_o more_o with_o his_o exercise_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o his_o time_n of_o nurture_v the_o life_n but_o henceforth_o there_o issue_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o what_o answer_v the_o nature_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o life_n 3._o liberty_n lie_v and_o that_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o cleverness_n strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o life_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o so_o free_a from_o all_o law_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o all_o power_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n yet_o if_o it_o fail_v of_o cleverness_n strength_n or_o perfection_n of_o life_n it_o can_v not_o be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n if_o it_o want_v either_o light_n or_o strength_n of_o life_n to_o move_v with_o it_o can_v but_o fall_v short_a in_o its_o motion_n and_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o free_a in_o other_o respect_n yet_o it_o will_v still_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o darkness_n weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o man_n reason_n be_v free_a from_o all_o law_n and_o bond_n whatsoever_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o full_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o it_o want_v either_o light_n or_o strength_n in_o its_o kind_n man_n can_v not_o be_v free_a either_o in_o the_o exercise_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o natural_a principle_n and_o this_o hold_v also_o in_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n its_o liberty_n lie_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o nature_n therefore_o though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o it_o before_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v full_o free_a until_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n there_o must_v be_v a_o clear_a spirit_n within_o a_o clear_a course_n and_o passage_n for_o the_o spirit_n clear_a light_n about_o the_o spirit_n and_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o spirit_n or_o there_o can_v be_v a_o through_o freedom_n if_o the_o spirit_n have_v any_o cloud_n
afterward_o how_o lofty_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o scorn_v they_o even_o as_o dog_n neither_o be_v the_o convert_v gentile_n altogether_o free_a from_o this_o snare_n but_o they_o be_v apt_a likewise_o to_o boast_v not_o only_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o over_o the_o jew_n also_o rom._n 11._o 2._o the_o flesh_n will_v also_o take_v advantage_n hereby_o to_o corrupt_v itself_o in_o its_o rest._n there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o rest_n from_o all_o the_o toilsome_a motion_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o the_o flesh_n will_v lay_v hold_v on_o to_o neglect_v what_o it_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o do_v whereof_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o interrupt_v this_o rest_n but_o flow_v from_o it_o the_o flesh_n by_o this_o liberty_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v become_v its_o own_o and_o may_v neglect_v any_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n duty_n of_o love_n and_o service_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o shall_v think_v good_a whereas_o the_o flesh_n have_v no_o more_o liherty_n in_o this_o respect_n then_o as_o it_o be_v drench_v into_o and_o true_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v free_a and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o spirit_n yea_o and_o as_o our_o flesh_n also_o be_v take_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o partake_v of_o this_o freedom_n but_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o part_n thus_o advance_v must_v know_v its_o place_n and_o distance_n it_o must_v know_v as_o well_o how_o to_o descend_v stand_v and_o walk_v in_o its_o present_a place_n relation_n and_o order_n as_o to_o ascend_v and_o maintain_v fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o the_o flesh_n till_o it_o be_v thorough_o mortify_v can_v learn_v to_o do_v but_o will_v be_v continual_o seek_v its_o own_o honour_n and_o ease_n and_o abuse_v all_o the_o light_n life_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v the_o flesh_n very_o short_a even_o in_o his_o choice_a one_o 3._o the_o flesh_n will_v also_o think_v it_o have_v liberty_n to_o do_v what_o it_o please_v and_o so_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o glut_v itself_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o vanity_n and_o sensuality_n the_o flesh_n which_o natural_o long_v to_o take_v its_o fill_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v as_o natural_o incline_v to_o take_v all_o advantage_n and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o bend_v aside_o the_o very_a light_n life_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n thereunto_o o_o what_o draught_n of_o vanity_n will_v it_o now_o swill_v down_o when_o once_o it_o feel_v itself_o fence_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o danger_n which_o be_v its_o only_a curb_n now_o will_v every_o fleshly_a spirit_n take_v its_o swinge_z according_a to_o its_o temper_n and_o inclination_n some_o in_o more_o gross_a and_o sensual_a some_o in_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a pollution_n thus_o that_o wherein_o the_o breath_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v a_o holy_a temper_n a_o holy_a rest_n and_o holy_a motion_n the_o flesh_n get_v into_o and_o corrupt_v and_o thereby_o eat_v out_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o vigour_n of_o life_n which_o be_v let_v out_o in_o the_o dispensation_n destroy_v that_o precious_a savour_n and_o leaven_n which_o it_o have_v from_o the_o life_n conceive_v with_o some_o new_a seed_n of_o spiritual_a filthiness_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v forth_o a_o more_o unclean_a filthy_a birth_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o its_o womb_n be_v capable_a of_o before_o but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o man_n will_v have_v liberty_n to_o reign_v he_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n serve_v he_o he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o light_n his_o life_n his_o liberty_n to_o serve_v himself_o and_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n else_o serve_v he_o but_o the_o life_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n delight_v to_o serve_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o every_o thing_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o this_o nature_n teach_v it_o not_o only_a self-love_n which_o every_o nature_n teach_v but_o also_o to_o love_v its_o neighbour_n here_o as_o itself_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v a_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o come_v not_o here_o to_o reign_v but_o to_o serve_v and_o all_o his_o seed_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o life_n follow_v he_o who_o be_v their_o guide_n in_o the_o same_o step_n as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n of_o love_n with_o he_o so_o the_o same_o nature_n guide_v they_o to_o the_o same_o service_n of_o love_n the_o love_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n that_o be_v in_o the_o saint_n make_v their_o humane_a spirit_n with_o all_o the_o life_n liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o it_o either_o have_v in_o itself_o or_o receive_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o serve_v both_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o the_o life_n in_o one_o another_o and_o that_o under_o all_o the_o weakness_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o or_o can_v grow_v up_o it_o be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o natural_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o deny_v their_o liberty_n and_o enter_v into_o bond_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o then_o to_o enjoy_v it_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o can_v lose_v and_o as_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o outward_a practice_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o much_o value_n as_o to_o be_v maintain_v to_o another_o prejudice_n liberty_n can_v exercise_v and_o enjoy_v itself_o as_o much_o in_o the_o forbearance_n as_o in_o the_o use_n nay_o it_o be_v direct_a bondage_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o wave_v it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o be_v a_o slave_n he_o be_v in_o bond_n he_o have_v not_o a_o large_a and_o free_a spirit_n who_o can_v only_o reign_v but_o can_v serve_v who_o can_v deny_v himself_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n and_o content_v wherewith_o he_o observe_v himself_o he_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v restrain_v in_o his_o liberty_n he_o be_v free_a but_o in_o part_n he_o have_v not_o arrive_v at_o the_o complete_a temper_n of_o the_o life_n for_o the_o life_n can_v do_v both_o and_o have_v a_o time_n and_o season_n for_o both_o xi_o of_o the_o low_a ebb_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bring_v to_o by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n psal._n 22.6_o but_o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n a_o reproach_n of_o man_n and_o despise_v of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n this_o be_v his_o die_a sense_n or_o his_o sense_n when_o he_o be_v die_v of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o posture_n therein_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o life_n while_o the_o power_n of_o god_n rest_v in_o he_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v upon_o he_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o no_o man_n he_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n one_o in_o substance_n one_o in_o life_n one_o in_o motion_n operation_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o now_o in_o the_o season_n of_o his_o death_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o desertion_n and_o affliction_n while_o that_o life_n fail_v and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n for_o want_v of_o the_o presence_n and_o influence_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v before_o lift_v up_o far_o above_o the_o state_n of_o man_n so_o now_o he_o fall_v far_o beneath_o it_o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o man_n that_o excellency_n which_o may_v yet_o be_v find_v in_o man_n even_o in_o his_o break_a state_n christ_n be_v strip_v of_o when_o his_o own_o life_n die_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o man_n this_o be_v not_o a_o hyperbolical_a or_o passionate_a expression_n but_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o true_a sense_n from_o a_o true_a understanding_n which_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o man_n as_o his_o beauty_n his_o majesty_n his_o wisdom_n his_o strength_n his_o intercourse_n with_o god_n all_o which_o christ_n be_v strip_v of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n in_o all_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v more_o like_a to_o a_o worm_n then_o a_o man_n 1._o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o man_n man_n be_v evident_o the_o most_o lovely_a the_o most_o comely_a piece_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o extract_n the_o quintessence_n of_o the_o creation_n
have_v be_v testify_v unto_o you_o and_o from_o whence_o that_o testimony_n may_v come_v for_o aught_o you_o know_v have_v you_o deal_v ingenuous_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o point_n or_o rather_o have_v you_o not_o watch_v for_o the_o halt_n of_o those_o which_o have_v testify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v harden_v your_o spirit_n in_o your_o own_o invent_a way_n for_o if_o you_o can_v make_v good_a that_o they_o once_o be_v the_o lord_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o now_o his_o unless_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o light_n do_v again_o lead_v into_o they_o and_o quicken_v they_o the_o lord_n love_v spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o regard_v not_o a_o dead_a form_n although_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o wherein_o his_o spirit_n once_o do_v live_v can_v you_o blame_v the_o lord_n for_o prepare_v a_o stumble_a block_n for_o you_o or_o for_o suffer_v or_o give_v you_o up_o to_o stumble_v when_o you_o yourselves_o desire_v it_o you_o will_v have_v such_o and_o such_o ordinance_n path_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o imagination_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a you_o will_v be_v judge_v and_o measure_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n before_o you_o have_v receive_v either_o a_o eye_n or_o light_n or_o measure_n from_o he_o but_o i_o injure_v you_o you_o have_v eye_n you_o have_v light_a you_o have_v the_o reed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v measure_v thing_n aright_o by_o that_o it_o be_v well_o so_o it_o must_v be_v but_o assure_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v try_v and_o judge_v all_o your_o light_n all_o your_o way_n all_o your_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o have_v find_v they_o scanty_a in_o his_o balance_n scanty_a even_o of_o that_o true_a light_n nature_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o seek_v to_o worship_v he_o and_o which_o he_o alone_o delight_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o alas_o sir_n you_o may_v please_v yourselves_o awhile_o but_o you_o can_v stand_v before_o the_o blast_a breath_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o blow_v upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o corrupt_v it_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v testify_v against_o your_o duty_n as_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o require_v not_o at_o your_o hand_n against_o your_o ordinance_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o not_o be_v those_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v against_o your_o grace_n as_o not_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n against_o your_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n as_o not_o be_v such_o as_o will_v endure_v his_o trial_n and_o touchstone_n yea_o against_o your_o very_a foundation_n as_o not_o be_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v but_o which_o your_o own_o spirit_n by_o your_o own_o art_n and_o skill_n a_o little_a heighten_v perhaps_o by_o your_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o your_o mind_n have_v fasten_v and_o build_v all_o upon_o i_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n against_o you_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o whatsoever_o your_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v you_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o they_o o_o consider_v this_o if_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o a_o building_n upon_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v not_o either_o a_o believe_a or_o obey_v from_o any_o rational_a knowledge_n from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n though_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v never_o so_o much_o heat_v therewith_o accompany_v it_o never_o so_o vigorous_o which_o will_v save_v any_o man_n but_o a_o build_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n upon_o the_o new_a nature_n of_o christ._n it_o must_v be_v a_o build_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n for_o christ_n save_v his_o building_n his_o people_n his_o seed_n his_o church_n and_o it_o must_v be_v build_v or_o found_v upon_o the_o new_a nature_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o save_v not_o according_a to_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o build_n of_o such_o a_o new_a nature_n upon_o such_o a_o christ_n as_o man_n will_v call_v so_o but_o a_o build_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o truth_n alas_o what_o a_o poor_a imaginary_a thing_n be_v the_o christ_n which_o many_o if_o not_o most_o apprehend_v christ_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o name_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o christ_n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o wisdom_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o greatness_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o life_n spirit_n etc._n etc._n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n which_o beget_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n who_o be_v beget_v either_o in_o his_o life_n or_o death_n yea_o who_o know_v himself_o man_n do_v not_o build_v himself_o i_o mean_v his_o own_o nature_n upon_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o he_o call_v himself_o upon_o that_o which_o he_o call_v christ._n here_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v strange_a work_n when_o the_o lord_n search_v into_o it_o wonderful_a serious_a be_v man_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o present_a thick_a darkness_n little_o do_v they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v little_o do_v they_o perceive_v how_o they_o build_v a_o imagination_n upon_o a_o imagination_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o come_v forth_o with_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o go_v forth_o to_o quicken_v that_o knowledge_n where_o it_o please_v he_o unto_o the_o hearer_n but_o what_o knowledge_n be_v it_o whereupon_o man_n now_o build_v who_o now_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v which_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n who_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n now_o with_o a_o new_a eye_n i_o be_o sure_a with_o a_o old_a eye_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o i_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o perhaps_o say_v therefore_o my_o eye_n be_v new_a nay_o but_o thou_o see_v with_o the_o old_a eye_n and_o therefore_o thy_o sight_n be_v not_o right_a take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o too_o late_o o_o lord_n god_n that_o ever_o man_n shall_v give_v scope_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o great_a vanity_n as_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a condition_n upon_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a dark_a nature_n but_o who_o do_v thus_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o thou_o o_o man_n that_o in_o thy_o light_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o measure_n thou_o do_v not_o so_o but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n who_o do_v not_o so_o tell_v i_o true_a do_v not_o thou_o build_v upon_o christ_n according_a to_o thy_o creature_o understanding_n ah_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n the_o fleshly_a reason_n the_o fleshly_a understanding_n the_o fleshly_a affection_n of_o man_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o enter_v into_o either_o the_o first_o adam_n how_o excellent_a soever_o can_v lay_v one_o stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n pure_a reason_n can_v read_v one_o line_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n o_o who_o know_v god_n or_o his_o christ_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o of_o his_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n why_o all_o sort_n know_v but_o yet_o my_o spirit_n say_v to_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n who_o know_v god_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v about_o the_o degree_n but_o concern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o knowledge_n the_o gross_a unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o it_o still_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o legal_a and_o evangelical_n wash_n cleanness_n and_o purity_n can_v possible_o see_v or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o lord_n no_o unclean_a eye_n no_o unclean_a heart_n no_o unclean_a hand_n etc._n etc._n can_v ever_o come_v near_o the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v true_o change_v nothing_o can_v live_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o have_v the_o true_a life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o it_o which_o grow_v not_o from_o any_o institution_n or_o form_n of_o religion_n whereby_o so_o many_o appear_a change_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n but_o from_o a_o true_a seed_n sow_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o