Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	act_n	act_v	alive_a	28	3	8.1547	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A91887	Some few considerations propounded, as so many scruples by Mr. Henry Robinson in a letter to Mr. Iohn Dury upon his epistolary discourse: with Mr. Duryes answer thereunto. VVherein is observable with what overtures of spirit they endeavour to edifie each other, not withstanding their differing judgements and opinions about the Independent and Presbyterian way. Published by a well-willer to peace and truth, in expectation that it may no little conduce, either to the reconciling of such controversies, or to the debating them with lesse noise and bitternesse. Whereunto is annexed another epistolary discourse, written by Mr. John Dury, to a worthy knight, concerning the principles of meditation: from which rules may be gathered to direct men to order their thoughts, so as to finde a resolution of all their doubts.	Robinson, Henry, 1605?-1664?; Dury, John, 1596-1680.; Well-Willer to Peace and Truth.	1646 (1646)	Wing R1679; Thomason E345_1; ESTC R200979	39,103	49

you_o or_o he_o any_o scruple_n concern_v any_o intention_n which_o shall_v always_o be_v harmless_a unto_o all_o but_o true_o 〈◊〉_d and_o faithful_a to_o do_v you_o service_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o w●●●…_n i_o 〈◊〉_d his_o and_o your_o affectionate_a servant_n john_n dury_n to_o sir_n cheny_n culpeper_n knight_n sir_n i_o be_o very_o desirous_a to_o gratify_v you_o in_o the_o virtuous_a desire_n which_o you_o have_v express_v unto_o i_o concern_v the_o method_n of_o meditation_n for_o i_o think_v myself_o a_o debtor_n more_o to_o you_o therein_o then_o unto_o other_o because_o your_o zeal_n do_v lead_v you_o to_o more_o universal_a conception_n than_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o if_o therefore_o it_o we●●_n god_n will_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n unto_o i_o towards_o you_o at_o this_o time_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o initiate_v you_o full_o in_o the_o way_n of_o future_a conference_n with_o the_o about_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v be_v exceed_o glad_a not_o only_o for_o your_o sake_n but_o even_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o fit_a object_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o particular_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o mind_n and_o which_o without_o some_o good_a and_o sit_v opportunity_n i_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o elaborate_v and_o put_v to_o paper_n i_o be_o willing_a then_o at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v you_o my_o conception_n concern_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o method_n which_o i_o think_v everyone_o shall_v follow_v that_o will_v walk_v by_o a_o rule_n in_o order_v his_o thought_n for_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n here_o you_o have_v the_o aim_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n with_o you_o wherein_o you_o may_v observe_v distinct_o that_o i_o presuppose_v first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o order_v his_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n second_o that_o the_o mean_n to_o order_v they_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v walk_v three_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v certain_a principle●_n 〈◊〉_d which_o now_o i_o be_o chief_o to_o speak_v four_o and_o that_o the_o end_n or_o ●●ther_n the_o object_n towards_o which_o the_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v order_v be_v the_o act_n of_o meditate_v and_o consult_v if_o any_o body_n make_v these_o presupposall_n disputable_a or_o if_o you_o shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o they_o i_o can_v proceed_v clear_o with_o you_o except_o i_o know_v where_o his_o or_o your_o scruple_n do_v lie_v that_o some_o principle_n wherein_o we_o can_v agree_v may_v be_v take_v up_o to_o rosolve_v it_o but_o suppose_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o much_o scruple_v and_o make_v disputable_a as_o not_o well_o and_o full_o understand_v then_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v open_v the_o same_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v then_o concern_v the_o first_o that_o my_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n have_v any_o such_o command_n over_o himself_o that_o all_o the_o rise_n of_o thought_n in_o his_o mind_n shall_v be_v under_o his_o power_n either_o to_o prevent_v thought_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v to_o come_v in_o his_o mind_n or_o to_o lay_v down_o thought_n rise_v or_o to_o reduce_v at_o all_o time_n into_o good_a order_n the_o thought_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v down_o this_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n for_o i_o know_v that_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n prov._n 16._o 1._o and_o that_o man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o way_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o motion_n thereof_o ibid._n chap._n 20._o 24_o to_o which_o that_o place_n of_o jerem._n 10._o 23._o be_v parallel_n o_o lord_n i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n viz._n the_o first_o motion_n be_v not_o from_o a_o man_n nor_o can_v a_o man_n by_o any_o humane_a instruction_n or_o habitual_a practice_n and_o premeditation_n attain_v to_o any_o such_o perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o direct_v and_o over-rule_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o thence_o unto_o his_o own_o preconceive_a aim_n and_o end_n for_o although_o a_o man_n heart_n do_v deceive_v his_o way_n and_o lay_v plot_n unto_o itself_o and_o make_v many_o resolution_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o who_o direct_v a_o man_n step_n towards_o the_o event_n thereof_o so_o that_o neither_o 9_o 〈◊〉_d ●6_n 9_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n nor_o the_o constant_a &_o absolute_a progress_n thereof_o be_v in_o our_o power_n but_o this_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o order_v our_o thought_n viz._n that_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o reflexive_a faculty_n to_o consider_v of_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o action_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o motion_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o some_o regular_a frame_n and_o free_v from_o confusion_n and_o unsettlednesse_n for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o matter_n whereupon_o the_o spirit_n be_v full_o bend_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v fix_v this_o reflexive_a faculty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n understanding_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o one_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v of_o it_o for_o neither_o can_v every_o one_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o motion_n when_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a not_o when_o he_o do_v reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n can_v he_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o but_o this_o ability_n to_o make_v use_n and_o to_o make_v right_a use_n of_o the_o reflexive_a faculty_n be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o do_v bestow_v it_o upon_o whosoever_o he_o please_v for_o as_o elihu_n say_v to_o job_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o although_o the_o faculty_n of_o order_v our_o way_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n yet_o except_o god_n breath_n upon_o it_o and_o make_v it_o alive_a it_o can_v either_o act_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n aright_o but_o it_o lie_v there_o as_o a_o dead_a thing_n without_o motion_n while_o a_o man_n do_v walk_v at_o random_n in_o a_o vain_a show_v not_o know_v himself_o what_o he_o be_v do_v or_o if_o perhaps_o he_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o himself_o what_o he_o be_v do_v or_o if_o perhaps_o he_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o himself_o as_o natural_o man_n use_v to_o do_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o flatter_v himself_o in_o idle_a conceit_n and_o imagination_n or_o to_o follow_v eager_o some_o particular_a plot_n then_o to_o order_n and_o regulate_v his_o way_n unto_o true_a felicity_n and_o subordinate_a his_o motion_n unto_o the_o lawful_a end_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v undertake_v thus_o i_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o first_o presupposal_n aright_o lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o attribute_v too_o much_o unto_o our_o own_o ability_n in_o nature_n and_o exempt_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n from_o god_n immediate_a work_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o he_o do_v leave_v it_o whole_o to_o a_o man_n self_n or_o as_o if_o by_o any_o art_n method_n instruction_n and_o direction_n which_o we_o can_v give_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v able_a to_o rule_v all_o his_o thought_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v compose_v at_o all_o time_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o object_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v unto_o himself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v think_v but_o my_o meaning_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v of_o the_o ordinary_a faoulty_a of_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o move_v to_o intend_v good_a and_o lawful_a matter_n for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o edificution_n how_o then_o we_o shall_v frame_v and_o compose_v our_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n to_o attain_v by_o rule_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v undertake_v and_o not_o to_o proceed_v as_o fool_n and_o child_n do_v at_o a_o random_n in_o the_o act_n wherein_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v take_v place_n be_v the_o true_a object_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o supposal_n the_o second_o presupposal_n think_v have_v no_o difficulty_n for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o reflexive_a faculty_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o this_o faculty_n can_v act_v upon_o the_o thought_n and_o that_o those_o thought_n can_v be_v order_v and_o free_v from_o

confusion_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o mean_n to_o order_v our_o thought_n shall_v be_v some_o rule_n or_o other_o according_a to_o which_o the_o understanding_n shall_v proceed_v in_o work_v upon_o itself_o and_o then_o concern_v the_o three_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o where_o order_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o a_o rule_n may_v be_v use_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o order_v thing_n by_o rule_n principle_n must_v be_v observe_v whence_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o see_v by_o order_n be_v employ_v a_o set_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o precedency_n and_o consecution_n one_o to_o another_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o form_n and_o frame_v or_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o precedency_n and_o consecution_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o see_v all_o form_n and_o frame_n which_o be_v rational_o compose_v have_v a_o ground_n in_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whence_o they_o arise_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o humane_a thought_n be_v to_o be_v order_v must_v have_v certain_a principle_n which_o principle_n we_o will_v now_o speak_v of_o god_n will_v in_o brief_a that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o overture_n make_v unto_o you_o either_o to_o proceed_v by_o yourself_o upon_o the_o ground_n that_o shall_v be_v afford_v unto_o you_o or_o to_o call_v upon_o i_o hereafter_o and_o give_v i_o cause_n to_o open_v myself_o further_o in_o due_a time_n for_o your_o better_a satisfaction_n you_o have_v now_o already_o understand_v that_o by_o principle_n i_o mean_v the_o ground_n of_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o thought_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n the_o end_n then_o to_o which_o we_o drive_v be_v to_o meditate_v and_o consult_v aright_o by_o meditate_v i_o conceive_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o true_a property_n and_o use_v thereof_o by_o consult_v i_o understand_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n reflect_v upon_o the_o action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undertake_v or_o leave_v off_o or_o not_o undertake_v about_o any_o thing_n to_o gain_v some_o good_a end_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_v according_a as_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v possible_a or_o useful_a from_o whence_o you_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v which_o we_o call_v meditation_n and_o consultation_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n whereupon_o they_o be_v to_o reflect_v which_o we_o have_v call_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o action_n which_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o we_o for_o some_o good_a end_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reflection_n itself_o that_o whether_o we_o meditate_v or_o consult_v we_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o order_v the_o reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o any_o subject_n whatsoever_o the_o rule_n then_o which_o we_o seek_v at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o right_n frame_v one_o towards_o another_o and_o not_o from_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o may_v have_v to_o w●rds_n the_o discovery_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a object_n you_o see_v then_o that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n ●●_o they_o have_v a_o twofold_a relation_n so_o they_o admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a rule_n for_o as_o they_o relate_v other_o object_n beside_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v make_v proportionate_a unto_o the_o end_n which_o the_o understanding_n ●●●…th_v ●t_a in_o these_o object_n but_o as_o they_o relate_v one_o another_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v and_o order_v according_a to_o their_o own_o inward_a property_n and_o make_v answerable_a unto_o the_o end_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o reflect_v one_o upon_o another_o where_o i_o observe_v that_o to_o find_v the_o principle_n whereby_o these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v be_v to_o discover_v three_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v 2._o how_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o their_o several_a inward_a property_n 3._o what_o the_o end_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v gain_v for_o this_o relation_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o reflection_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v the_o first_o inward_a principle_n of_o goodness_n and_o of_o that_o well_o be_v whereupon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o constitute_v and_o from_o which_o all_o the_o well_o order_a act_n thereof_o must_v natural_o flow_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o answerable_a thereunto_o in_o the_o agitation_n of_o thought_n &_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v irrational_a &_o void_a of_o understanding_n now_o then_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o act_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a except_o we_o know_v what_o a_o man_n and_o what_o his_o mind_n be_v by_o a_o m●●●●●…_n conceive_v this_o creature_n which_o we_o 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o to_o be_v ●s_v we_o 〈◊〉_d distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o live_v and_o animal_n thing_n by_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o body_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o image_n of_o god_n since_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o be_v now_o unknown_a unto_o nature_n and_o there_o fore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a reason_n no_o man_n can_v know_v himself_o true_o what_o he_o be_v because_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o image_n after_o which_o he_o be_v make_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o body_n be_v make_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o ●●●d_v into_o our_o nostril_n we_o be_v become_v a_o livi●●_n s●●le_a and_o ●●at_a god_n make_v we_o thus_o after_o his_o own_o image_n that_o we_o shall_v under_o 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o substitute_n bear_v his_o image_n and_o likeness_n in_o this_o world_n have_v dominion_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v therein_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o this_o much_o we_o have_v by_o this_o doctrine_n new_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o to_o discern_v ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o what_o our_o mind_n be_v and_o what_o the_o end_n be_v wherefore_o it_o be_v put_v in_o our_o earthly_a b●●y_n of_o which_o thing_n i_o will_v no●_n now_o sp●●●●…_n at_o large_a ●_o but_o in_o a_o wo●d_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o according_a to_o this_o scripturall_a truth_n i_o conceive_v man_n and_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v viz._n a_o spirit_n a_o soul_n and_o a_o body_n join_v together_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a rational_a and_o sensual_a life_n whereof_o the_o act_n shall_v be_v answerable_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o their_o predominant_a or_o subordinate_a property_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o act_n then_o of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v threefold_a some_o be_v sensual_a some_o be_v rational_a and_o some_o be_v spiritual_a the_o sensual_a arise_v from_o the_o body_n and_o its_o outward_a or_o inward_a sense_n the_o rational_a arise_v from_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o natural_a soul_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o memory_n in_o the_o discern_a and_o judge_v faculty_n and_o in_o the_o will_n the_o spiritual_a arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o same_o by_o which_o you_o see_v what_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o act_n we_o shall_v regulate_v viz._n the_o live_a faculty_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rational_a soul_n dwell_v in_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n as_o concern_v the_o sensual_a life_n wherein_o we_o differ_v not_o from_o beast_n we_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n although_o we_o hold_v not_o that_o man_n have_v more_o soul_n than_o one_o or_o that_o these_o act_n of_o the_o sensual_a life_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v and_o no_o way_n bring_v under_o a_o rule_n but_o we_o affirm_v both_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o one_o and_o also_o that_o these_o act_n may_v and_o must_v be_v regulate_v although_o we_o conceive_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o proper_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v and_o

how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v namely_o into_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o into_o the_o act_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n dwell_v in_o the_o memorative_n understanding_n and_o will_v faculty_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a sensual_a life_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n be_v subordinate_a the_o relation_n wherein_o these_o act_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o property_n of_o these_o faculty_n whence_o they_o proceed_v be_v this_o that_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o act_n and_o enditement_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v supreme_a and_o predominant_a above_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o memory_n understanding_n and_o will_v be_v immediate_o subordinate_a and_o to_o these_o the_o act_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o sensual_a passion_n be_v subservient_fw-fr and_z submit_v and_o if_o this_o relation_n and_o subordination_n be_v alter_v so_o that_o the_o sensual_a shall_v be_v predominant_a above_o the_o rational_a or_o the_o rational_a above_o the_o spiritual_a act_n than_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o a_o man_n life_n be_v either_o beastly_a or_o devilish_a the_o ●nd_n wherefore_o this_o relation_n and_o subordination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o appoint_v and_o order_v by_o god_n be_v that_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o faculty_n he_o shall_v express_v the_o image_n and_o life_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o state_n of_o happiness_n that_o god_n glory_n may_v appear_v as_o in_o himself_o so_o also_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o perfection_n so_o that_o to_o gain_v this_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v thus_o frame_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o rule_n be_v none_o other_o but_o to_o observe_v the_o true_a relation_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v we_o which_o be_v that_o our_o spirit_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o conscience_n whole_o subject_v unto_o his_o spirit_n and_o dependent_a from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o word_n ingraft_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o think_v say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n second_o that_o our_o reason_n shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o servant_n unto_o the_o ●ndictment_n of_o the_o spiritual_a word_n make_v manifest_a unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n thereof_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o three_o that_o our_o sensual_a motion_n shall_v be_v servant_n unto_o the_o prescript_n of_o reason_n to_o help_v our_o rational_a faculty_n to_o express_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v it_o unto_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v outward_o from_o all_o which_o you_o may_v gather_v for_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o speak_v of_o much_o more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a at_o this_o time_n to_o utter_v for_o here_o you_o have_v a_o fountain_n of_o rule_n f●●m_v whence_o many_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v how_o to_o order_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o for_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n whereof_o we_o do_v think_v except_o they_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n unto_o sense_n there_o ought_v to_o concur_v the_o act_n of_o conscience_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o imaginative_a faculty_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sensual_a faculty_n and_o see_v these_o act_n shall_v continual_o concur_v in_o all_o the_o mind_v of_o outward_a matter_n the_o rule_n be_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v nor_o preposterous_o bring_v forth_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v first_o order_v the_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n within_o itself_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o meditate_v upon_o any_o particular_a object_n for_o except_o the_o conscience_n be_v clear_a and_o at_o rest_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o understanding_n will_v not_o perform_v the_o duty_n aright_o and_o if_o the_o understand_a faculty_n be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o sense_n will_v not_o be_v well_o employ_v administer_v and_o seek_v out_o evidence_n or_o to_o represent_v they_o orderly_o unto_o 〈◊〉_d rational_a ability_n so_o that_o to_o lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n aright_o a_o man_n of_o judgement_n shall_v look_v to_o himself_o that_o these_o three_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o ser_z in_o order_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o conscience_n the_o 〈◊〉_d ability_n and_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n lest_o the_o conscience_n be_v under_o guilt_n and_o desilement_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n and_o from_o who_o mouth_n alone_a wisdom_n do_v proceed_v 17._o ●am_fw-la 1._o 17._o prov._n 2._o 6._o for_o god_n do_v not_o give_v true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n but_o unto_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o to_o seek_v it_o now_o to_o come_v to_o he_o or_o to_o seek_v wisdom_n from_o he_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o 〈◊〉_d any_o thing_n be_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o doubt_v and_o waver_a mind_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n jam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o cleanse_v 〈◊〉_d from_o dead_a work_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o it_o when_o it_o come_v before_o god_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v find_v unfit_a to_o receive_v wisdom_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o for_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o joy_n but_o to_o the_o sinner_n he_o give_v travel_v eccles_n 2._o 26._o nor_o can_v wisdom_n enter_v or_o find_v place_n into_o a_o unclean_a soul_n because_o it_o be_v prepossess_v with_o sin_n which_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n 8._o isai_n 59_o 8._o and_o it_o beside_o all_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v not_o a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v have_v no_o wisdom_n because_o jeremiah_n say_v that_o see_v they_o have_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o 9_o ●erem_fw-la 8._o 9_o the_o lord_n what_o wisdom_n be_v in_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o wisdom_n where_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o regard_v and_o this_o word_n can_v be_v regard_v except_o the_o heart_n he_o possess_v with_o his_o fear_n and_o this_o can_v be_v except_o the_o conscience_n be_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o dead_a work_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o first_o principl●…_n and_o preparative_n unto_o meditation_n must_v be_v the_o compose_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v think_v god_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n through_o his_o fear_n depend_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o de●●●ing_v his_o direction_n that_o not_o only_o with_o his_o leave_n and_o ●●●●●●_o ion_n but_o by_o his_o order_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o think_v all_o our_o thought_n this_o predispose_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o god_n to_o reflect_v first_o upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o meditation_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o tune_n of_o a_o instrument_n before_o a_o man_n do_v begin_v to_o play_v a_o piece_n of_o good_a music_n so_o by_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtinsse_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o grace_n and_o direction_n the_o string_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v tune_v and_o set_v in_o a_o good_a harmony_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o may_v play_v some_o harmonious_a melodicall_a piece_n upon_o the_o same_o which_o without_o this_o tune_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v do_v and_o this_o tune_n can_v be_v perform_v except_o the_o conscience_n be_v bring_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v enlighten_v for_o by_o look_v to_o he_o and_o compare_v itself_o to_o his_o will_n and_o live_a word_n it_o

thought_n aright_o and_o whosoever_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n he_o may_v expect_v that_o in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o 33._o now_o because_o i_o labour_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o call_n and_o in_o all_o the_o meditation_n which_o i_o use_v to_o propose_v unto_o other_o to_o draw_v man_n thought_n unto_o this_o rule_n therefore_o although_o none_o do_v contradict_v the_o proposal_n which_o i_o make_v yet_o i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o relish_v because_o most_o man_n even_o of_o this_o call_v wherein_o i_o live_v seek_v not_o true_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a but_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v temporal_a either_o in_o a_o rational_a or_o sensual_a way_n for_o except_o they_o can_v perceive_v a_o particular_a present_a advantage_n of_o honour_n and_o credit_n or_o of_o profit_n to_o themselves_o they_o never_o care_v for_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o i_o can_v sinde_v a_o patron_n for_o my_o work_n because_o i_o do_v not_o set_v my_o mind_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o particular_a interest_n unto_o which_o all_o party_n now_o adays_o be_v wed_v and_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lubordinate_a thereunto_o this_o then_o be_v the_o combat_n which_o i_o have_v to_o fight_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n namely_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o their_o private_a aim_n to_o a_o true_a general_a good_a wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n without_o any_o other_o respect_n may_v be_v advance_v i_o have_v add_v this_o digression_n to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o i_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v expect_v promotion_n for_o my_o endeavour_n but_o from_o such_o as_o can_v and_o will_v follow_v with_o i_o these_o principle_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n to_o join_v with_o i_o therein_o to_o further_o the_o public_a good_a whereat_o i_o aim_v for_o except_v man_n aim_n concur_v there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a conjunction_n of_o endeavour_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o leave_v my_o aim_n and_o way_n of_o meditation_n to_o serve_v inferior_a end_n and_o see_v they_o can_v raise_v their_o thought_n to_o walk_v with_o i_o by_o these_o rule_n i_o be_o like_a to_o be_v as_o i_o be_o continual_o desert_v yet_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v for_o i_o know_v that_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o who_o i_o serve_v and_o he_o in_o due_a time_n be_v able_a to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o see_v that_o they_o weary_a themselves_o for_o vanity_n and_o wander_v in_o the_o foolishness_n of_o troublesome_a counsel_n so_o long_o as_o they_o follow_v not_o these_o ground_n of_o meditation_n for_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o purpose_n of_o man_n mere_o rational_a though_o never_o so_o plausible_o and_o strong_o lay_v will_v vanish_v when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n draw_v near_o which_o be_v now_o at_o hand_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o universal_a and_o spiritual_a shall_v remain_v if_o then_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o be_v frustrate_a of_o our_o reward_n we_o shall_v sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o sound_a way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n and_o consultation_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o every_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o desire_v to_o walk_v rational_o among_o man_n and_o to_o apply_v our_o sense_n in_o a_o right_a course_n may_v be_v first_o consider_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n conscionable_o these_o general_a principle_n of_o meditation_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o order_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o particular_a object_n if_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o ground_n rule_n be_v deliver_v to_o direct_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o disquirie_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n as_o well_o rational_a and_o humane_a as_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a so_o far_o as_o these_o can_v be_v bring_v under_o a_o rule_n for_o we_o can_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o motion_n because_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o mystery_n the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o please_v yet_o some_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o deceit_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o mistake_v discover_v that_o a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n both_o by_o propose_v caution_n to_o himself_o and_o call_v his_o thought_n unto_o a_o account_n that_o he_o may_v discern_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o regulate_v his_o course_n so_o far_o as_o reason_n do_v go_v lest_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o some_o false_a light_n and_o a_o deceive_a spirit_n bring_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o 2._o 3._o do_v warn_v every_o man_n not_o to_o think_v above_o that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v distribute_v unto_o every_o one_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n he_o do_v clear_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o discern_v our_o own_o thought_n by_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o proportion_n which_o they_o have_v with_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v and_o as_o in_o this_o so_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o meditation_n the_o rule_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o proportion_n now_o the_o object_n of_o meditation_n concern_v which_o doubt_n may_v arise_v and_o wherein_o mistake_n may_v be_v incident_a which_o by_o the_o regulate_a of_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v prevent_v or_o resolve_v be_v chief_o these_o first_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o find_v that_o many_o doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o interpreter_n which_o without_o a_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v resolve_v therefore_o concern_v scripturall_a interpretation_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o way_n of_o analyse_a the_o text_n literal_o material_o and_o mystical_o may_v be_v deliver_v so_o as_o to_o discover_v the_o ground_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n do_v lead_v we_o and_o further_o we_o be_v not_o warrant_v to_o proceed_v second_o concern_v all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o free_a and_o need_v not_o be_v bind_v up_o as_o in_o scripturall_a meditation_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o another_o meaning_n the_o rule_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o for_o theoreticall_a some_o for_o practical_a meditation_n and_o both_o these_o be_v either_o in_o humane_a or_o divine_a object_n the_o theory_n of_o humane_a object_n may_v have_v rule_n to_o direct_v the_o mind_n to_o sinde_v out_o hide_v truth_n in_o natural_a thing_n the_o practical_a meditation_n of_o humane_a matter_n require_v rule_n discover_v the_o way_n of_o prudency_n by_o which_o the_o best_a course_n of_o do_v lawful_a business_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o follow_v the_o theory_n of_o divine_a object_n must_v whole_o be_v scripturall_a therefore_o all_o the_o rule_n which_o can_v be_v deliver_v to_o direct_v the_o mind_n to_o sin_v out_o hide_v truth_n of_o this_o kind_n must_v be_v consequence_n of_o that_o analyticall_a doctrine_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o text._n last_o the_o practical_a meditation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a object_n concern_v either_o the_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n which_o christian_n may_v have_v within_o themselves_o or_o the_o work_n of_o edification_n to_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o of_o the_o first_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v how_o the_o conscience_n shall_v resolve_v itself_o of_o its_o doubt_n of_o the_o second_o how_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v prosecute_v and_o propose_v towards_o other_o of_o all_o which_o much_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o very_o great_a concemment_n to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o many_o outward_a let_n and_o distraction_n and_o some_o inward_a infirmity_n of_o my_o own_o take_v i_o off_o from_o the_o attention_n and_o intentivenesse_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o elaborate_n of_o so_o weighty_a matter_n time_n and_o leisure_n be_v then_o requisite_a which_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v grant_v with_o other_o necessary_a grace_n and_o this_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o assure_v you_o of_o that_o you_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o put_v i_o upon_o these_o task_n than_o i_o shall_v be_v find_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o grant_v unto_o i_o ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o apply_v myself_o thereunto_o for_o your_o edisication_n as_o be_v in_o truth_n your_o most_o affectionate_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o christ_n j._n dury_n finis_fw-la