to_o it_o by_o his_o freewill_n so_o that_o if_o one_o at_o present_a do_v submit_v his_o will_n to_o that_o of_o god_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v he_o will_v certain_o feel_v the_o same_o operation_n of_o divine_a virtue_n that_o he_o feel_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o will_v likewise_o do_v the_o outward_a miracle_n that_o he_o do_v if_o there_o be_v need_n for_o they_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o lessen_v and_o his_o power_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n only_o see_v he_o say_v that_o his_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v with_o the_o child_n of_o men._n he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o one_o singular_a man_n but_o of_o all_o man_n who_o submit_v their_o will_n to_o he_o and_o renounce_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o new_a which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 11._o those_o will_v find_v sufficient_o by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o agreeable_a when_o they_o be_v denude_v of_o that_o old_a adam_n for_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n this_o truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bear_v this_o yoke_n but_o carnal_a person_n do_v certain_o lie_v while_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imitate_v he_o since_o he_o do_v nothing_o as_o man_n but_o that_o which_o another_o man_n may_v do_v be_v possess_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o gâ—d_n be_v impassable_a and_o can_v have_v endure_v the_o suffering_n of_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n it_o be_v his_o humanity_n only_o that_o suffer_v assiâ—â—_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o thoâ—â—_n that_o ask_v it_o see_v god_n be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o man_n and_o promise_n to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o his_o promise_n be_v infallible_a the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o this_o say_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o bring_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o evil_a father_n who_o will_v not_o give_v his_o son_n a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n nor_o a_o serpent_n for_o a_o high_a fish_n ask_v they_o how_o then_o shall_v not_o your_o heaâ—â—â—_n father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o he_o who_o ask_v he_o 12._o true_o my_o dear_a child_n i_o can_v scarce_o reason_v more_o to_o make_v appear_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a i_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o several_a time_n and_o they_o still_o bring_v i_o new_a argument_n to_o maintain_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o miserable_a time_n wherein_o man_n have_v invent_v so_o much_o silly_a stuff_n whereby_o to_o flatter_v such_o as_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n false_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o use_v any_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o we_o see_v man_n to_o the_o eâ—â—y_n of_o one_o another_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o pastime_n take_v their_o pleasure_n and_o heap_v up_o riches_n as_o if_o they_o be_v create_v for_o this_o look_v for_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o recompense_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o will_v make_v many_o to_o be_v deceive_v at_o death_n who_o in_o this_o life_n think_v that_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n because_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o gross_a sin_n of_o theft_n whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n and_o have_v frequent_v church_n and_o sacrament_n prayer_n much_o and_o give_v much_o alm_n all_o this_o will_v avail_v nothing_o before_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o animate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 13._o for_o god_n will_v know_v no_o man_n but_o those_o who_o at_o death_n shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v charitable_a humble_a poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o short_a adorn_v with_o all_o his_o virtue_n and_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n one_o must_v imitate_v he_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v say_v for_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o history_n to_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v out_o of_o curiosity_n but_o be_v all_o lesson_n which_o we_o must_v retain_v to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n else_o we_o shall_v false_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a which_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o person_n dead_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o live_v unto_o the_o spirit_n or_o one_o who_o have_v renounce_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n to_o live_v renew_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 14._o it_o be_v far_o more_o safe_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o the_o grace_n of_o die_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v satisfy_v all_o for_o we_o while_o we_o rest_v upon_o this_o false_a pillow_n abide_v in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o nature_n eat_v drink_v and_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o our_o sensuality_n this_o be_v the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o perdition_n and_o many_o there_o be_v who_o walk_n in_o it_o but_o you_o my_o dear_a child_n take_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n even_o though_o there_o be_v few_o that_o walk_v in_o it_o every_o one_o will_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n if_o your_o friend_n will_v not_o walk_v in_o it_o leave_v they_o rather_o than_o follow_v they_o see_v jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o we_o must_v can_v off_o the_o member_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o eye_n that_o offend_v we_o and_o that_o he_o who_o leave_v not_o father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o i_o do_v not_o require_v of_o you_o the_o perfection_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v but_o that_o you_o tend_v to_o it_o and_o aspire_v after_o it_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o you_o in_o do_v of_o which_o you_o will_v oblige_v she_o to_o love_v you_o who_o subscribe_v herself_o you_o whole_o in_o god_n antho._n bourignon_fw-fr amsterdam_n july_n 1â—th_n 1670._o letter_n iu._n that_o god_n do_v not_o pardon_v sin_n without_o penitence_n to_o the_o same_o wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o man_n fall_v every_o day_n of_o new_a into_o adam_n sin_n turn_v away_o from_o god_n to_o love_v the_o creature_n and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v save_v without_o be_v revive_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v merit_v for_o we_o the_o grace_n to_o imitate_v he_o this_o letter_n be_v the_o eight_o of_o la_fw-fr lum_n nèe_v en_fw-fr tenebr_n part_n iii._o my_o dear_a child_n 1._o i_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o your_o friend_n shall_v say_v that_o i_o reject_v the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n see_v that_o i_o do_v not_o look_v for_o salvation_n for_o myself_o but_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o after_o that_o we_o have_v be_v all_o lose_v by_o sin_n and_o by_o it_o sell_v and_o deliver_v up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o for_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o turn_n away_o from_o god_n to_o turn_v towards_o the_o creature_n the_o angel_n do_v first_o thus_o turn_v away_o when_o they_o see_v themselves_o so_o beautiful_a and_o so_o perfect_a they_o be_v please_v in_o themselves_o desire_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o become_v devil_n enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o his_o work_n look_v on_o they_o with_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n labour_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o destroy_v and_o corrupt_v they_o therefore_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o perceive_v his_o creation_n that_o he_o may_v hinder_v the_o design_n which_o god_n have_v of_o take_v his_o delight_n with_o he_o and_o man_n by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o devil_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o god_n to_o regard_v the_o creature_n in_o regard_v of_o which_o he_o covet_v and_o love_v they_o against_o the_o prohibition_n of_o his_o god_n thus_o withdraw_v himself_o by_o his_o will_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o we_o do_v yet_o daily_o 3._o and_o this_o turn_n away_o from_o god_n be_v call_v sin_n which_o bring_v forth_o death_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o adam_n and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o he_o see_v adam_n have_v in_o his_o loin_n all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v
since_o or_o shall_v be_v bear_v by_o his_o seed_n in_o generation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o man_n have_v perish_v in_o he_o have_v contract_v the_o corruption_n that_o we_o do_v yet_o feel_v in_o our_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n do_v pardon_n adam_n and_o man_n in_o he_o his_o sin_z as_o to_o the_o guilt_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o misery_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o flesh_n which_o the_o same_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o he_o see_v even_o to_o this_o day_n we_o feel_v inconstancy_n ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o spirit_n and_o corruption_n pain_n and_o death_n in_o our_o flesh_n 4._o god_n can_v have_v make_v all_o these_o thing_n since_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o good_a be_v himself_o the_o perfect_a goodness_n from_o which_o no_o evil_a can_v ever_o proceed_v but_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o adam_n and_o his_o posterity_n the_o misery_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v bring_v forth_o that_o thereby_o penitence_n may_v be_v do_v for_o it_o during_o this_o life_n which_o be_v our_o time_n of_o trial_n for_o see_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v not_o promise_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n without_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v needful_a by_o a_o straight_a justice_n that_o the_o same_o flesh_n which_o have_v take_v pleasure_n to_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o shall_v likewise_o suffer_v pain_n that_o it_o may_v return_v unto_o he_o 5._o but_o man_n since_o adam_n instead_o of_o accept_v of_o this_o penitence_n and_o suffer_v willing_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n rebel_v against_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o charm_v their_o misery_n by_o strive_v to_o reject_v suffering_n and_o to_o take_v their_o delight_n instead_o of_o penitence_n and_o thus_o they_o stray_v more_o and_o more_o from_o god_n so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o quite_o forget_v he_o to_o delight_v in_o themselves_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n raise_v up_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o moses_n and_o other_o to_o withdraw_v man_n from_o these_o error_n he_o give_v they_o law_n and_o ordinance_n that_o they_o may_v discover_v their_o sin_n and_o amend_v they_o by_o return_v unto_o he_o and_o repent_v that_o they_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o very_o few_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o many_o harden_a their_o heart_n choose_v rather_o to_o adhere_v to_o themselves_o and_o follow_v their_o sensuality_n than_o willing_o to_o take_v up_o the_o penitence_n ordain_v by_o god_n for_o this_o short_a life_n so_o that_o all_o man_n in_o general_n have_v at_o last_o corrupt_v their_o way_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o have_v all_o merit_a damnation_n and_o that_o incomparable_o more_o than_o adam_n since_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o repent_v how_o soon_o he_o hear_v his_o voice_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v before_o he_o out_o of_o great_a confusion_n for_o his_o sin_n 6._o but_o man_n after_o he_o have_v voluntary_o damn_v themselves_o and_o give_v the_o devil_n power_n to_o rule_v over_o their_o soul_n who_o they_o do_v insensible_o obey_v more_o than_o god_n for_o while_o they_o follow_v their_o natural_a will_n they_o do_v indirect_o follow_v that_o of_o the_o devil_n see_v these_o two_o will_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o of_o man_n be_v equal_o rebellious_a against_o god_n and_o those_o man_n who_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o their_o corrupt_a flesh_n may_v be_v well_o call_v the_o devil_n angel_n for_o one_o be_v always_o his_o angel_n who_o will_v he_o do_v if_o he_o submit_v his_o will_n to_o god_n he_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o god_n for_o angel_n import_v subject_a or_o obedient_a those_o man_n who_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v attend_v with_o his_o angel_n which_o be_v not_o pure_a spirit_n according_a to_o the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o man_n who_o have_v follow_v the_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 7._o this_o be_v so_o he_o may_v be_v well_o call_v our_o saviour_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o come_v at_o last_o into_o the_o world_n all_o man_n have_v perish_v he_o alone_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o salvation_n since_o sin_n and_o i_o confess_v before_o all_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n teach_v i_o that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o the_o come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o i_o will_v always_o ascribe_v my_o salvation_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o reject_v they_o as_o your_o friend_n do_v blind_o believe_v and_o i_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o they_o reject_v the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n since_o they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o grace_n to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n while_o they_o look_v only_o to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n without_o make_v use_n of_o his_o suffering_n which_o have_v merit_v for_o we_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v able_a to_o imitate_v he_o yea_o to_o obtain_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v his_o merit_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o let_v his_o spirit_n fill_v it_o since_o truth_n itself_o say_v to_o we_o be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a jesus_n christ_n will_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o that_o be_v impossible_a no_o more_o than_o his_o father_n but_o he_o say_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v this_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o even_o to_o aim_v at_o that_o of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 8._o remark_n well_o my_o dear_a child_n the_o sentiment_n of_o your_o friend_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o can_v come_v but_o from_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o under_o a_o good_a pretext_n of_o ascribe_v their_o salvation_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o if_o they_o true_o believe_v that_o his_o suffering_n have_v merit_v for_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n say_v that_o they_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n since_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v strength_n to_o the_o weak_a to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n from_o which_o we_o ought_v never_o to_o ask_v advice_n if_o we_o may_v imitate_v jesus_n christ_n for_o if_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n have_v ask_v advice_n from_o their_o wife_n their_o child_n father_n and_o mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o have_v counfel_v they_o to_o forsake_v they_o that_o they_o may_v follow_v jesus_n christ_n since_o no_o man_n hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n which_o seek_v its_o own_o advantage_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ask_v counsel_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o their_o selfwill_n if_o they_o can_v follow_v jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v apostle_n nor_o disciple_n see_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o know_v our_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n 9_o but_o since_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o his_o father_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o back_o to_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o cause_n of_o fear_n on_o god_n part_n we_o may_v do_v what_o we_o will_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v to_o he_o who_o seek_v and_o ask_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v to_o merit_v it_o for_o we_o by_o his_o suffering_n but_o not_o to_o merit_v salvation_n for_o we_o while_o we_o continue_v to_o cleave_v to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v clear_o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v all_o for_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o so_o many_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o make_v they_o sleep_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o grace_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o of_o his_o father_n to_o embrace_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o flesh_n and_o live_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n follow_v his_o example_n and_o imitate_v his_o virtue_n that_o hereafter_o we_o may_v follow_v he_o in_o eternity_n where_o none_o shall_v enter_v but_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 10._o this_o be_v that_o of_o which_o i_o be_v desirous_a to_o warn_v you_o for_o fear_v that_o you_o let_v yourself_o be_v deceive_v by_o false_a appearance_n hear_v those_o poor_a
christian_n i_o have_v seek_v from_o my_o nativity_n i_o live_v i_o write_v to_o show_v how_o such_o to_o be_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o error_n sin_n abuse_n all_o hate_v i_o for_o it_o each_o one_o my_o name_n traduce_v to_o death_n they_o persecute_v i_o every_o where_o how_o shall_v i_o other_o lot_n than_o jesus_n bear_v a_o apology_n for_o m._n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr in_o four_o part_n i._o a_o abstract_n of_o her_o sentiment_n and_o a_o character_n of_o her_o write_n ii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la raise_v against_o they_o iii_o the_o evidence_n she_o bring_v of_o she_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o her_o answer_n to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la oppose_v thereunto_o to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o dissertation_n of_o dr._n de_fw-fr heyde_n on_o the_o same_o subject_a iv._o a_o abstract_n of_o her_o life_n to_o which_o be_v add_v two_o letter_n from_o different_a hand_n contain_v remark_n on_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o snake_n in_o the_o grass_n 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to_o which_o it_o invite_v you_o with_o a_o evil_a eye_n they_o who_o come_v to_o consider_v write_n or_o person_n with_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o understand_v they_o aright_o themselves_o or_o of_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o they_o to_o other_o i_o know_v no_o person_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a nor_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a nor_o book_n though_o write_v with_o never_o so_o much_o plainness_n sincerity_n and_o consistency_n which_o they_o who_o consider_v with_o this_o spirit_n may_v not_o mistake_v expose_v misrepresent_v and_o ridicule_fw-la nothing_o more_o true_a than_o our_o saviour_n word_n nothing_o more_o confirm_v from_o daily_a experience_n the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n it_o be_v from_o those_o different_a 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they_o believe_v they_o be_v good_a christian_n though_o real_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v not_o one_o of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o instead_o of_o love_a poverty_n they_o love_v the_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o love_a suffering_n they_o love_v their_o pleasure_n their_o ease_n and_o their_o contentment_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v despise_v they_o desire_v to_o be_v honour_v 5._o and_o so_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o in_o l'antichrist_n decouvert_v a._n b._n have_v make_v appear_v beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n prevail_v among_o all_o the_o party_n of_o christendom_n and_o that_o thereby_o the_o devil_n have_v with_o more_o cunning_a and_o more_o irreclaimable_o possess_v man_n with_o his_o spirit_n and_o especial_o the_o well-meaning_n so_o that_o the_o harlot_n and_o open_o wicked_a will_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n soon_o than_o they_o 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spirit_n into_o other_o and_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o they_o who_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o they_o and_o there_o their_o doctrine_n and_o life_n have_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n in_o the_o convert_v of_o other_o even_o as_o one_o flame_n kindle_v another_o they_o have_v a_o live_n not_o a_o dead_a and_o barren_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n their_o fervent_a charity_n do_v animate_v all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o charity_n this_o make_v they_o pray_v fervent_o to_o god_n for_o his_o divine_a grace_n to_o other_o and_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o request_n of_o such_o ardent_a charity_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n increase_a the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o labour_n do_v inseparable_o join_v his_o powerful_a operation_n to_o awaken_v convert_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n 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for_o his_o word_n be_v with_o power_n or_o to_o speak_v with_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o make_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v feel_v in_o the_o heart_n moreover_o they_o teach_v man_n by_o their_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o their_o word_n the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o their_o abstraction_n from_o all_o earthly_a thing_n do_v procure_v belief_n to_o all_o they_o say_v and_o let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o they_o bid_v other_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o hearty_o set_v about_o themselves_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a when_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v require_v only_o to_o embrace_v a_o evangelical_n life_n and_o to_o give_v evidence_n of_o the_o sincere_a love_n they_o bear_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n but_o 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say_v he_o be_v our_o pledge_n and_o by_o his_o suffering_n have_v pay_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o our_o sin_n have_v die_v to_o redeem_v we_o while_o we_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o nor_o share_v in_o his_o pain_n be_v well_o please_v to_o have_v our_o debt_n pay_v with_o the_o good_n of_o another_o it_o be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o great_a boldness_n in_o those_o who_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o merit_n without_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o merit_v for_o they_o the_o grace_n to_o do_v well_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o good_a thought_n or_o desire_n of_o do_v one_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v of_o do_v any_o good_a come_v from_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o by_o ignorance_n they_o despise_v it_o as_o poor_a blind_v one_o who_o can_v discern_v nothing_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o sight_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o come_v to_o bring_v light_n to_o the_o world_n no_o body_n will_v have_v perceive_v his_o own_o miserable_a state_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o intercede_v with_o his_o father_n no_o body_n will_v have_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o receive_v his_o light_n so_o that_o without_o jesus_n christ_n all_o man_n will_v have_v remain_v lose_v through_o their_o blindness_n and_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o ought_v to_o return_v to_o god_n if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o come_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o word_n and_o deed._n and_o if_o he_o have_v only_o teach_v they_o by_o word_n as_o the_o other_o prophet_n no_o body_n will_v have_v follow_v he_o since_o they_o believe_v even_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o evangelical_n life_n but_o he_o himself_o have_v put_v it_o in_o practice_n before_o man_n eye_n that_o after_o his_o example_n they_o must_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o the_o union_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o of_o his_o charity_n which_o be_v sacrifice_n more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n his_o father_n than_o our_o unclean_a offering_n and_o our_o work_n defile_v with_o sin_n if_o one_o have_v mortal_o offend_v his_o equal_a he_o dare_v not_o of_o himself_o procure_v peace_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o offence_n but_o he_o will_v interpose_v some_o mediator_n who_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o offend_a person_n to_o satisfy_v his_o just_a wrath._n but_o they_o who_o will_v be_v save_v by_o their_o good_a work_n have_v too_o much_o pride_n to_o take_v jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o with_o a_o up-lifted_n head_n they_o address_v to_o god_n who_o they_o have_v so_o often_o offend_v that_o they_o rather_o draw_v down_o his_o avenge_a hand_n upon_o their_o head_n than_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o the_o humble_a if_o they_o join_v their_o good_a work_n to_o the_o humility_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o may_v peradventure_o receive_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n but_o stand_v up_o as_o the_o pharisee_n who_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o good_a work_n they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v justify_v than_o he_o be_v when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n because_o he_o who_o be_v not_o clothe_v with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o his_o father_n since_o before_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n all_o man_n be_v enemy_n to_o god_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o clothe_v with_o jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o his_o friend_n far_o less_o for_o his_o son_n see_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a son_n in_o which_o he_o take_v pleasure_n and_o not_o in_o another_o he_o therefore_o who_o think_v to_o go_v to_o god_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v reject_v as_o unworthy_a and_o rash_a because_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a door_n of_o salvation_n they_o be_v thief_n who_o will_v enter_v by_o the_o window_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o those_o great_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v enter_v into_o it_o while_o they_o despise_v he_o or_o reject_v his_o merit_n which_o have_v open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v follow_v and_o imitate_v he_o yet_o not_o to_o those_o who_o esteem_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o merit_n but_o with_o all_o this_o will_v not_o embrace_v penitence_n under_o a_o pretext_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v whole_o for_o their_o sin_n comprehend_v even_o those_o which_o they_o shall_v commit_v in_o time_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o they_o have_v commit_v in_o time_n past_a in_o which_o error_n be_v the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n yea_o among_o other_o the_o most_o perfect_a we_o hear_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o their_o pious_a discourse_n than_o to_o say_v god_n be_v good_a he_o will_v save_v we_o and_o jesus_n christ_n die_v to_o give_v we_o entry_n into_o paradise_n and_o with_o these_o fine_a discourse_n every_o one_o think_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o paradise_n even_o though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o natural_a motion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o god_n though_o he_o be_v good_a will_v save_v no_o body_n but_o he_o who_o shall_v satisfy_v his_o divine_a justice_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffer_v of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v never_o be_v apply_v but_o to_o soul_n which_o be_v regenerate_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o have_v not_o suffer_v but_o for_o those_o who_o from_o a_o natural_a life_n shall_v enter_v into_o a_o spiritual_a one_o for_o jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o all_o righteousness_n must_v be_v fulfil_v now_o it_o be_v not_o just_a that_o they_o who_o have_v forsake_v a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n to_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o will_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o be_v convert_v and_o embrace_v his_o spirit_n since_o he_o come_v not_o but_o to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o he_o who_o continue_v to_o persevere_v in_o his_o natural_a life_n can_v repent_v and_o so_o can_v enjoy_v the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n since_o it_o be_v not_o for_o those_o that_o he_o have_v suffer_v or_o merit_v but_o only_o for_o those_o who_o by_o ignorance_n or_o frailty_n have_v quit_v their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o delight_v themselves_o in_o the_o creature_n without_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o delight_v themselves_o in_o god_n alone_o they_o live_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n without_o know_v it_o therefore_o christ_n have_v compassion_n on_o they_o and_o offer_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n promise_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o do_v penitence_n provide_v he_o bring_v they_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o they_o may_v get_v out_o of_o their_o darkness_n and_o their_o error_n in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o pledge_n and_o answer_v for_o our_o penitence_n with_o which_o we_o must_v be_v save_v and_o not_o otherwise_o therefore_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o imaginary_a way_n in_o the_o air_n who_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v to_o save_v we_o in_o speculative_a way_n or_o by_o some_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n see_v our_o redemption_n be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n but_o the_o devil_n to_o divert_v we_o from_o take_v the_o straight_a way_n through_o which_o jesus_n christ_n walk_v blind_v our_o eye_n with_o imaginary_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o straight_a truth_n make_v some_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o other_o that_o his_o merit_n will_v save_v they_o even_o though_o they_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v he_o many_o other_o passage_n may_v i_o bring_v out_o of_o her_o write_n but_o these_o may_v show_v her_o sentiment_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o sum_n of_o her_o sentiment_n come_v to_o this_o christ_n that_o man_n turn_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o affection_n from_o god_n thereby_o all_o communion_n between_o god_n and_o man_n cease_v and_o so_o man_n be_v plunge_v into_o a_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fall_v angel_n if_o there_o have_v be_v none_o to_o interpose_v for_o he_o with_o god_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o shall_v show_v he_o mercy_n there_o be_v nothing_o now_o in_o man_n that_o can_v move_v god_n to_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o he_o that_o jesus_n christ_n true_a god_n and_o
and_o no_o soon_o be_v a_o sinner_n convert_v but_o he_o receive_v he_o with_o joy_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o righteous_a person_n all_o this_o show_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o predestinate_v any_o soul_n to_o damnation_n that_o even_o he_o himself_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v those_o who_o will_v damn_v themselves_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o leave_v his_o many_o sheep_n to_o go_v and_o seek_v the_o one_o sheep_n that_o have_v go_v astray_o and_o bring_v it_o back_o on_o his_o shoulder_n with_o joy_n after_o all_o this_o who_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n have_v create_v we_o all_o for_o salvation_n and_o none_o for_o damnation_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o man_n self-will_a and_o not_o at_o all_o from_o the_o predestination_n or_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n to_o damnation_n be_v she_o say_v a_o most_o blasphemous_a and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n rob_v god_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o shock_n all_o his_o attribute_n of_o righteousness_n goodness_n and_o truth_n render_v he_o very_o unlovely_a to_o his_o creature_n give_v those_o occasion_n who_o think_v they_o be_v reprobate_v to_o spend_v all_o their_o life_n in_o blaspheme_a god_n for_o create_v they_o to_o damnation_n for_o no_o fault_n of_o they_o before_o they_o have_v a_o be_v and_o not_o rather_o leave_v they_o into_o nothing_o and_o discourage_v they_o from_o all_o endeavour_n of_o become_v better_a since_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v damn_v however_o and_o it_o encourage_v those_o who_o think_v they_o be_v predestinate_v to_o salvation_n to_o a_o libertine_n kind_a of_o life_n since_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o god_n will_v some_o time_n or_o other_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n it_o seem_v man_n have_v take_v up_o these_o sentiment_n that_o they_o may_v attribute_v to_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o damnation_n and_o not_o to_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o horrible_a pride_n and_o blasphemy_n or_o to_o flatter_v their_o wickedness_n in_o excuse_v it_o by_o adam_n sin_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o fulfil_v the_o penitence_n that_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o by_o he_o and_o be_v full_a of_o passion_n themselves_o without_o righteousness_n goodness_n and_o truth_n they_o will_v give_v authority_n to_o their_o wickedness_n by_o make_v a_o god_n to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o as_o they_o see_v those_o who_o rule_n over_o man_n do_v according_a to_o their_o inclination_n disgrace_n or_o favour_v they_o so_o they_o will_v make_v god_n as_o partial_a say_v that_o he_o damn_v some_o and_o save_v other_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n which_o will_v never_o be_v for_o god_n be_v no_o more_o subject_n to_o passion_n than_o to_o change_n yet_o nevertheless_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o colour_v this_o doctrine_n with_o passage_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o some_o expression_n misunderstand_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n peter_n when_o he_o touch_v this_o very_a subject_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o adduce_n st._n paul_n testimony_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v say_v the_o same_o in_o his_o epistle_n but_o withal_o warn_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n point_v out_o it_o seem_v to_o this_o very_a subject_n the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v well_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o the_o rule_n already_o mention_v for_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n viz._n that_o we_o so_o interpret_v it_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o know_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o nothingness_n and_o if_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o do_v plain_o lead_v we_o to_o this_o and_o some_o few_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wrest_v to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o all_o these_o we_o ought_v certain_o to_o interpret_v they_o by_o those_o plain_a passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v clear_o represent_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n thus_o she_o instance_v in_o that_o expression_n jacob_n have_v i_o love_v and_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v and_o make_v appear_v that_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o irrespective_n and_o absolute_a predestination_n and_o reprobation_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o plain_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o show_n that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n she_o say_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v figure_n of_o the_o new_a and_o that_o jacob_n and_o esau_n be_v the_o figure_n of_o a_o person_n sanctify_v and_o of_o he_o who_o live_v according_a to_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o love_v its_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o love_v itself_o this_o be_v the_o esau_n and_o jacob_n which_o the_o scripture_n understand_v by_o those_o twin_n come_v from_o one_o womb_n for_o all_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v since_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o world_n the_o good_a spirit_n of_o jacob_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o esau_n for_o god_n give_v adam_n his_o good_a spirit_n when_o he_o create_v he_o and_o thereafter_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n produce_v there_o his_o evil_a spirit_n so_o that_o those_o two_o be_v engender_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n before_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n they_o reside_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o freewill_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o there_o struggle_v before_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a as_o jacob_n and_o esau_n do_v in_o their_o mother_n womb_n which_o of_o they_o shall_v get_v out_o first_o all_o man_n proceed_v from_o adam_n do_v derive_v from_o he_o all_o his_o quality_n by_o nature_n and_o grace_n as_o the_o seed_n and_o plant_n must_v still_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o stock_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v a_o inclination_n to_o good_a be_v the_o instinct_n he_o retain_v â—_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o a_o inclination_n to_o evil_a the_o instinct_n which_o he_o retain_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o these_o two_o spirit_n live_v in_o man_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v as_o we_o see_v the_o natural_a instinct_n of_o beast_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v form_v as_o a_o duckling_n come_v out_o of_o the_o shell_n can_v swim_v and_o duck_v in_o the_o water_n without_o be_v teach_v by_o its_o mother_n so_o this_o evil_a spirit_n of_o esau_n give_v all_o man_n this_o natural_a instinct_n to_o evil_a which_o they_o still_o follow_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o jacob_n do_v not_o constrain_v they_o to_o good_a and_o hinder_v they_o from_o evil._n hence_o come_v the_o war_n which_o man_n feel_v throughout_o all_o his_o life_n and_o according_a to_o the_o victory_n so_o be_v his_o eternal_a lot_n this_o evil_a spirit_n of_o esau_n always_o get_v first_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o our_o freewill_n which_o be_v rather_o incline_v to_o the_o thing_n we_o see_v than_o to_o the_o good_a that_o be_v invisible_a the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o divine_a and_o inward_a pleasure_n which_o we_o can_v perceive_v but_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o through_o darkness_n this_o we_o can_v hinder_v till_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n when_o we_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o labour_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jacob_n may_v get_v the_o uppermost_a in_o despite_n of_o wicked_a esau_n those_o thing_n be_v true_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o two_o child_n and_o in_o that_o of_o the_o two-spirit_n but_o man_n not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n do_v wrest_v and_o explain_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o blasphemous_a of_o he_o xi_o freewill_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o predestination_n how_o then_o come_v any_o man_n to_o be_v damn_v how_o come_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n
be_v impossible_a to_o observe_v and_o then_o to_o damn_v we_o for_o not_o observe_v they_o that_o it_o be_v to_o indulge_v and_o gratify_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o follow_v our_o own_o will_n and_o inclination_n and_o take_v our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n here_o and_o yet_o to_o give_v we_o the_o false_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n hereafter_o because_o of_o some_o speculative_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o some_o fine_a word_n and_o compliment_n that_o we_o give_v to_o god_n whosoever_o impartial_o consider_v the_o ordinary_a system_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o use_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n make_v of_o they_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n will_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o be_v exact_o calculate_v for_o dispense_n with_o a_o man_n follow_v close_o the_o life_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o allow_v he_o to_o gratify_v his_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o sound_v harsh_a in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o hateful_a before_o man_n without_o use_v the_o indispensable_o necessary_a mean_n of_o mortify_v the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n and_o recover_v the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n â—_o that_o the_o most_o pious_a dr._n henry_n more_o in_o his_o divine_a dialogue_n have_v set_v down_o his_o reason_n of_o hope_v for_o a_o glorious_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o renovation_n of_o it_o approach_v lay_v down_o some_o principle_n the_o practice_n of_o which_o he_o think_v will_v hasten_v and_o advance_v those_o excellent_a time_n and_o his_o last_o and_o chief_a principle_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o by_o this_o assistance_n we_o may_v get_v the_o conquest_n over_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o we_o be_v able_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o rectitude_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n set_v out_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v this_o doctrine_n he_o say_v that_o must_v renew_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o bring_v on_o those_o glorious_a time_n for_o what_o doctrine_n but_o this_o say_v he_o can_v reach_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o man_n heart_n who_o under_o colour_n of_o not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o their_o sin_n will_v set_v themselves_o against_o none_o or_o but_o the_o least_o considerable_a or_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o spare_v their_o darling_n sin_n and_o perpetual_o decline_v that_o self-resignation_n which_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o every_o true_a christian_a nay_o they_o will_v quit_v none_o of_o they_o under_o pretence_n we_o must_v necessary_o retain_v a_o gradual_a imperfection_n throughout_o and_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pitch_v on_o that_o degree_n that_o be_v most_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n it_o be_v this_o faith_n he_o say_v 422._o in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o must_v renew_v the_o world_n into_o the_o live_a image_n of_o god_n and_o make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n bless_v which_o must_v bring_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n from_o heaven_n and_o will_v call_v down_o god_n himself_o to_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o men._n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o much_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v say_v there_o by_o that_o excellent_a person_n if_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a for_o renew_v the_o world_n and_o awaken_n man_n out_o of_o their_o deadly_a bloth_n and_o slumber_v in_o their_o sin_n what_o need_v have_v all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n themselves_o and_o withal_o to_o inculcate_v it_o more_o earnest_o on_o the_o people_n and_o though_o perhaps_o in_o some_o particular_a church_n their_o sermon_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n have_v propagate_v quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n yet_o that_o o_o they_o may_v not_o continue_v to_o sow_v pillow_n to_o the_o armhole_n of_o sinner_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o with_o the_o false_a hope_n of_o salvation_n wo_n to_o the_o watchman_n that_o do_v so_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o possibility_n of_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o tend_v always_o to_o perfection_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o of_o the_o holy_a father_n 5._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o be_v true_o justify_v 10._o and_o this_o beget_v the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o 4._o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a for_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n etc._n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o say_v the_o command_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v impossible_a basil_n in_o verba_fw-la mos_fw-la attend_v tibi_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o detest_v say_v s._n augustin_n temp_n the_o blasphemy_n of_o those_o who_o say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n impossible_a command_v by_o god_n to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o command_v of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v observe_v by_o every_o man._n this_o doctrine_n have_v no_o dangerous_a consequence_n provide_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o found_v on_o a_o presumption_n of_o man_n strength_n but_o only_o in_o the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o perfection_n yet_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o tend_v to_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v yea_o and_o of_o perish_v 4._o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o perfection_n of_o degree_n free_a of_o all_o imperfection_n yea_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o 6._o of_o some_o that_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a but_o that_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n have_v mischievous_a and_o most_o damnable_a consequence_n have_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v it_o not_o better_o etc._n say_v one_o how_o imperfect_a so_o ever_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o sincere_a and_o generous_a soul_n that_o we_o may_v be_v animate_v by_o hope_n and_o strengthen_v in_o god_n to_o become_v what_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o than_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o cowardly_a seducer_n who_o as_o the_o guilty_a spy_n in_o moses_n time_n make_v the_o people_n heart_n to_o melt_v and_o dispose_v they_o by_o their_o diabolical_a lie_n and_o calumny_n to_o rebel_v against_o god_n and_o to_o return_v into_o egypt_n it_o be_v true_a say_v they_o the_o land_n be_v a_o good_a land_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n but_o the_o city_n be_v great_a and_o strong_a and_o there_o be_v mighty_a giant_n there_o and_o a_o strong_a people_n we_o can_v overcome_v they_o for_o they_o be_v strong_a than_o we_o it_o be_v true_a say_v they_o at_o present_a the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o perfect_a christianity_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n full_a of_o divine_a joy_n and_o delight_n but_o it_o be_v of_o hard_a access_n there_o be_v high_a wall_n of_o difficulty_n sin_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v strong_o fortify_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n there_o be_v strong_a passion_n and_o a_o profound_a corruption_n there_o we_o can_v never_o overcome_v this_o which_o be_v strong_a than_o we_o who_o be_v so_o frail_a can_v exact_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o for_o that_o end_n these_o be_v the_o execrable_a tongue_n and_o the_o live_a interpreter_n of_o the_o will_n of_o satan_n who_o they_o will_v curse_v to_o all_o eternity_n who_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o to_o live_v in_o sloth_n and_o be_v seduce_v by_o their_o mean_n let_v we_o go_v up_o let_v we_o go_v up_o say_v caleb_n and_o joshua_n wise_o let_v we_o go_v up_o bold_o and_o possess_v this_o land_n certain_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a if_o we_o strive_v to_o please_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o it_o and_o will_v give_v it_o to_o we_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o not_o fear_v those_o enemy_n we_o
they_o will_v become_v no_o less_o for_o this_o say_v and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o at_o least_o some_o will_v be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o security_n and_o endeavour_n to_o become_v so_o if_o a._n b._n have_v say_v that_o god_n by_o a_o unchangeable_a decree_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v predestinate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o damnation_n it_o may_v then_o indeed_o be_v say_v that_o she_o be_v void_a of_o charity_n to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o when_o she_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o man_n be_v live_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n she_o can_v not_o do_v they_o a_o more_o charitable_a office_n than_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n will_v they_o say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v uncharitable_a and_o damn_v all_o the_o world_n 3._o because_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v understand_v and_o seek_v god_n they_o be_v all_o go_v aside_o they_o be_v altogether_o become_v filthy_a there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o weigh_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o this_o say_v as_o to_o himself_o and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v make_v this_o particular_a exception_n to_o the_o general_a say_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n upon_o earth_n let_v he_o set_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o it_o except_o i_o myself_o and_o if_o his_o conscience_n dare_v not_o write_v down_o this_o exception_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o thank_v the_o charity_n that_o put_v he_o to_o the_o trial_n without_o regard_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a as_o to_o other_o which_o will_v avail_v he_o nothing_o so_o long_o as_o it_o hold_v as_o to_o himself_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o prejudice_n 162._o that_o god_n will_v make_v she_o and_o her_o write_n the_o mean_a of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o gospel_n spirit_n she_o say_v it_o be_v god_n who_o enlighten_v understanding_n who_o warm_v will_n with_o his_o love_n who_o produce_v charity_n in_o soul_n in_o short_a who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a without_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o cause_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v to_o live_v again_o to_o god_n and_o to_o die_v to_o one_o self_n this_o be_v a_o masterpiece_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n much_o more_o rare_a and_o precious_a than_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o nevertheless_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o creature_n who_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n who_o will_v make_v other_o partaker_n of_o the_o light_n which_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v be_v enlighten_v and_o know_v their_o error_n and_o the_o way_n to_o become_v true_a believer_n the_o understanding_n the_o speech_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o spiritual_a mother_n be_v the_o matter_n with_o which_o god_n will_v beget_v his_o true_a child_n make_v they_o comprehend_v his_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n write_n and_o action_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n immediate_o who_o be_v few_o in_o number_n because_o man_n be_v now_o so_o divert_v in_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n though_o he_o speak_v continual_o to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o supply_v their_o weakness_n and_o the_o wander_n of_o their_o spirit_n his_o great_a goodness_n cause_v to_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o sensible_a and_o visible_a object_n the_o thing_n which_o may_v render_v all_o those_o true_a believer_n who_o true_o desire_v to_o become_v so_o and_o that_o her_o write_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n full_a of_o divine_a and_o save_v truth_n simple_a and_o solid_n milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n suit_v for_o all_o capacity_n and_o all_o age_n they_o manifest_v themselves_o as_o the_o light_n do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a and_o as_o to_o their_o reproach_v she_o 62._o that_o be_v a_o woman_n yet_o she_o will_v presume_v to_o instruct_v the_o world_n when_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o call_v she_o in_o contempt_n and_o old_a wife_n she_o say_v that_o for_o she_o be_v a_o woman_n she_o can_v not_o hinder_v it_o since_o no_o body_n form_n themselves_o they_o must_v ask_v god_n if_o they_o will_v know_v why_o he_o create_v she_o a_o woman_n and_o not_o a_o man_n that_o she_o herself_o have_v be_v displease_v at_o it_o but_o since_o god_n make_v she_o know_v it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n she_o be_v content_a for_o she_o love_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o little_a atom_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o a_o whole_a world_n in_o her_o own_o will._n and_o when_o she_o begin_v to_o teach_v by_o her_o write_n it_o be_v by_o a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n which_o she_o long_o resist_v for_o which_o she_o beg_v pardon_n for_o she_o can_v not_o resolve_v on_o this_o because_o she_o be_v a_o woman_n who_o have_v never_o so_o much_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o a_o man._n but_o she_o come_v over_o all_o humane_a respect_n and_o expose_v herself_o to_o all_o their_o mockery_n she_o say_v if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n must_v be_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v dictate_v by_o a_o woman_n all_o the_o great_a and_o learned_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v reject_v see_v all_o be_v equal_o come_v of_o a_o woman_n why_o shall_v they_o then_o despise_v their_o origin_n since_o god_n do_v not_o despise_v it_o but_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o operate_v his_o great_a marvel_n and_o always_o figure_v the_o church_n his_o spouse_n by_o a_o woman_n woman_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o man_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o bodily_a difference_n respect_v nature_n only_o in_o which_o even_a woman_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o regard_v than_o man_n see_v when_o god_n will_v needs_o become_v man_n he_o will_v have_v a_o woman_n for_o his_o mother_n but_o not_o a_o man_n for_o his_o father_n and_o he_o have_v do_v his_o great_a wonder_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o woman_n what_o triumphant_a victory_n do_v judith_n obtain_v against_o holofernes_n and_o esther_n in_o the_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o permit_v woman_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n she_o say_v ordain_v the_o age_a woman_n to_o teach_v the_o young_a and_o to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o read_v of_o many_o women-prophetesses_a foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o 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they_o be_v tell_v that_o that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v wean_v from_o this_o idol_n and_o advance_n to_o another_o state_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v there_o also_o discover_v to_o it_o other_o more_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o worship_v instead_o of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n law_n be_v display_v to_o it_o far_o beyond_o what_o can_v be_v at_o first_o conceive_v so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_v broad_a this_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o cavil_v will_v serve_v to_o clear_v a._n b._n as_o to_o this_o accusation_n form_v against_o she_o and_o as_o to_o the_o passage_n mention_v as_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o etc._n etc._n though_o ultimate_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v imply_v also_o a_o more_o plentiful_a light_n and_o communication_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o aftertime_n s._n augustin_n we_o see_v give_v a_o interpretation_n of_o it_o relate_v even_o to_o this_o present_a life_n they_o say_v he_o who_o have_v faith_n 39_o hope_n and_o charity_n and_o do_v firm_o cleave_v to_o they_o do_v not_o need_v the_o scripture_n except_o for_o instruct_v other_o and_o therefore_o many_o live_v by_o these_o three_o in_o the_o desert_n without_o book_n whence_o i_o think_v that_o say_v be_v already_o fulfil_v in_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v whether_o there_o be_v tongue_n they_o shall_v cease_v whether_o there_o be_v knowledge_n it_o shall_v vanish_v away_o as_o to_o job_n 12._o 32._o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o full_a completion_n of_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o be_v that_o we_o look_v for_o as_o for_o her_o exposition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n no_o body_n who_o love_v not_o to_o carp_v will_v be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o 28._o she_o say_v that_o in_o it_o be_v comprehend_v all_o that_o we_o can_v ever_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o his_o honour_n and_o our_o salvation_n all_o the_o adoration_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o the_o thanksgiving_n we_o can_v render_v he_o all_o that_o we_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o ask_v of_o he_o for_o ourselves_o or_o for_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o pilgrimage_n in_o our_o way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o so_o may_v be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n likewise_o as_o she_o do_v so_o interpret_v it_o in_o other_o place_n yet_o since_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o nothing_o in_o perfection_n be_v grant_v here_o and_o god_n will_v not_o make_v we_o ask_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o grant_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o this_o most_o excellent_a prayer_n 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and_o extraordinary_a xx._n answer_v 2._o it_o be_v object_v against_o her_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o many_o have_v have_v vision_n and_o revelation_n and_o yet_o not_o from_o god_n but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v act_v either_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o by_o illusion_n from_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o corrupt_a man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o illusion_n pass_v for_o immediate_a communication_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o may_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o visionary_n with_o which_o the_o world_n abound_v enthusiast_n be_v a_o word_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o good_a meaning_n viz._n one_o true_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o now_o general_o it_o be_v take_v for_o one_o who_o false_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o be_v not_o and_o of_o such_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o false_a enthusiast_n in_o the_o world_n though_o all_o of_o they_o do_v not_o go_v under_o that_o name_n 1._o many_o there_o be_v who_o indulge_v still_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o be_v strong_o act_v by_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o by_o impulse_n of_o the_o devil_n pretend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o vent_v impious_a absurd_a and_o corrupt_a thing_n as_o inspire_v by_o god_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o other_o be_v become_v idolater_n of_o their_o reason_n make_v it_o their_o god_n but_o the_o most_o ordinary_a false_a enthusiast_n be_v they_o who_o least_o of_o all_o will_v own_o the_o name_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o pretend_v to_o be_v ambassador_n from_o god_n and_o that_o to_o resist_v they_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o sermon_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o vent_v their_o own_o notion_n passion_n error_n and_o wrangling_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wrest_v it_o to_o speak_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n hate_v and_o persecute_v those_o who_o be_v true_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o call_v they_o by_o the_o odious_a name_n that_o belong_v to_o themselves_o true_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o from_o the_o representation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v true_o and_o immediate_o illuminate_v of_o god_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o either_o god_n communicate_v himself_o his_o light_n and_o truth_n immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o any_o sensible_a idea_n or_o image_n or_o 2._o he_o make_v use_v of_o sensible_a image_n to_o affect_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o after_o different_a manner_n by_o dream_n vision_n voice_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v in_o these_o especial_o and_o not_o in_o the_o former_a that_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o ape_n god_n and_o to_o delude_v soul_n or_o that_o man_n be_v delude_v by_o their_o own_o warm_a imagination_n and_o the_o devil_n illusion_n or_o their_o own_o fancy_n pass_v for_o divine_a vision_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o the_o motion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o a._n b._n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o enthusiasm_n seem_v evident_o to_o appear_v from_o she_o own_o write_n it_o be_v best_a to_o hear_v herself_o that_o i_o may_v satisfy_v say_v she_o to_o a_o great_a lawyer_n the_o question_n so_o oft_o propose_v by_o you_o 1_o how_o i_o understand_v and_o speak_v with_o god_n i_o shall_v tell_v you_o in_o simplicity_n what_o i_o can_v say_v of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n the_o soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o communicate_v in_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o verbal_a discourse_n but_o spiritual_a notice_n intelligence_n spirituelle_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v more_o intelligible_a than_o the_o best_a eloquence_n of_o the_o world_n god_n make_v himself_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o soul_n by_o inward_a motion_n which_o the_o soul_n understand_v and_o comprehend_v according_a as_o it_o be_v free_v of_o earthly_a idea_n and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v cease_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o intelligible_a unto_o it_o the_o notice_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a when_o the_o soul_n be_v free_a of_o all_o image_n and_o in_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o create_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v doubtful_a when_o it_o act_v by_o imagination_n and_o seek_v sensibility_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o pure_o god_n the_o saint_n themselves_o have_v in_o this_o point_n commit_v mistake_v by_o vision_n vocal_a word_n ecstasy_n or_o other_o sensibility_n to_o which_o the_o imagination_n contribute_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n the_o soul_n purify_v be_v transform_v into_o he_o and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o word_n nor_o of_o sight_n to_o understand_v he_o more_o than_o we_o need_v a_o eye_n or_o a_o tongue_n to_o understand_v our_o own_o conception_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o declare_v how_o this_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v hard_o also_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o deception_n and_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o imagination_n if_o these_o inward_a notice_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o declare_v by_o a_o person_n who_o life_n and_o word_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v inspire_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o rest_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v transcribe_v above_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a for_o man_n understanding_n than_o to_o discern_v spirit_n 8._o to_o know_v if_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o from_o nature_n to_o discern_v this_o a_o divine_a light_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n operate_v that_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o nature_n may_v do_v also_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v a_o soul_n say_v that_o which_o be_v to_o its_o praise_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o simple_a truth_n that_o of_o the_o devil_n will_v make_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v speak_v through_o pure_a pride_n that_o of_o nature_n to_o get_v esteem_n be_v so_o subtle_a in_o its_o flattery_n that_o it_o will_v sometime_o utter_v thing_n to_o its_o contempt_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v humble_a before_o those_o who_o hear_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v holy_a diabolical_a or_o humane_a according_a to_o the_o inward_a intention_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o operate_v which_o god_n alone_o know_v evident_o in_o which_o so_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o presume_v to_o discern_v spirit_n and_o to_o guide_v soul_n by_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n these_o be_v the_o blind_a who_o lead_v the_o blind_a and_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o remark_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n where_o he_o reside_v 53._o but_o he_o manifest_v himself_o sufficient_o by_o the_o operation_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o those_o soul_n which_o possess_v he_o they_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o fruit_n which_o be_v sure_a mark_n of_o his_o operation_n for_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o nature_n can_v work_v such_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o natural_a fruit_n can_v be_v bring_v forth_o without_o the_o tree_n by_o which_o fruit_n we_o discern_v the_o tree_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o discern_v soul_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o to_o regard_v only_o the_o bark_n which_o be_v the_o outward_a action_n and_o word_n there_o be_v occasion_n of_o be_v great_o deceive_v for_o the_o devil_n cover_v himself_o with_o the_o garment_n of_o seem_a virtue_n and_o sanctity_n and_o under_o this_o deceive_v the_o most_o pious_a and_o the_o most_o learned_a the_o twelve_o fruit_n and_o the_o seven_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 29._o and_o the_o eight_o beatitude_n have_v always_o their_o operation_n in_o the_o person_n who_o possess_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o can_v reside_v any_o where_o without_o they_o more_o than_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v without_o light_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v other_o sign_n whereby_o to_o discern_v this_o spirit_n since_o these_o only_o be_v the_o true_a oneâ—_n so_o that_o we_o may_v know_v if_o a_o person_n be_v animate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o by_o the_o devil_n or_o by_o nature_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o work_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v they_o with_o a_o single_a eye_n with_o a_o pure_a intention_n without_o curiosity_n or_o affectation_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o god_n
understand_v they_o they_o afterward_o despise_v they_o and_o will_v no_o long_o believe_v they_o so_o as_o to_o mock_v and_o make_v a_o byword_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v to_o they_o even_o jeremy_n himself_o think_v he_o be_v much_o mistake_v when_o he_o see_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o good_a promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o people_n 10._o ah_o lord_n god_n sure_o thou_o have_v great_o deceive_v this_o people_n and_o jerusalem_n say_v you_o shall_v have_v peace_n whereas_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o same_o difficulty_n of_o not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o way_n of_o conceive_v it_o befall_v the_o very_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o think_v themselves_o deceive_v witness_v the_o two_o who_o after_o his_o death_n go_v to_o emmaus_n sad_a and_o without_o hope_n 21._o say_v we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o even_o when_o jesus_n christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n some_o ask_v he_o 6._o if_o at_o this_o time_n he_o will_v restore_v israel_n the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v many_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o another_o sense_n than_o man_n understand_v it_o as_o in_o what_o he_o make_v caiphas_n say_v 60._o concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o one_o man_n shall_v die_v that_o the_o whole_a people_n perish_v not_o which_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o and_o understand_v in_o another_o manner_n and_o for_o a_o quite_o different_a end_n than_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o we_o see_v we_o may_v be_v easy_o mistake_v by_o our_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abyss_n and_o depth_n of_o spirit_n which_o our_o natural_a sense_n can_v comprehend_v we_o must_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o our_o way_n of_o conceive_a thing_n and_o place_n it_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o faith_n which_o may_v make_v it_o reckon_v its_o own_o way_n of_o conceive_v obscure_a and_o dark_a there_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o the_o spirit_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n proper_a for_o conceive_v aright_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_a can_v comprehend_v or_o judge_v of_o they_o be_v divine_a he_o can_v judge_v even_o reasonable_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o judge_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o outside_n he_o be_v not_o spiritual_a for_o though_o they_o be_v cover_v with_o this_o outside_n yet_o he_o can_v understand_v they_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 14._o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v understand_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o rashness_n therefore_o to_o give_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o treat_v of_o divine_a thing_n by_o a_o way_n of_o comprehend_v they_o natural_o when_o they_o require_v a_o discern_v that_o be_v supernatural_a to_o sense_n let_v we_o conceive_v this_o also_o by_o some_o example_n suppose_v a_o holy_a person_n see_v he_o be_v persecute_v by_o his_o enemy_n and_o god_n say_v to_o he_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o they_o all_o see_v jer._n 1._o 19_o this_o prophecy_n may_v be_v true_a though_o his_o enemy_n kill_v he_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o that_o prophet_n therefore_o he_o who_o shall_v understand_v this_o prediction_n in_o a_o temporal_a way_n shall_v be_v deceive_v for_o god_n may_v have_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a and_o chief_a deliverance_n and_o victory_n which_o be_v salvation_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v victorious_a and_o deliver_v from_o all_o its_o enemy_n in_o a_o far_o more_o true_a and_o profitable_a way_n than_o the_o temporal_a and_o outward_a deliverance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o prediction_n be_v more_o true_a and_o ample_a than_o the_o man_n will_v have_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v if_o he_o understand_v it_o only_o for_o this_o temporal_a life_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v comprehend_v always_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o useful_a sense_n and_o man_n may_v understand_v they_o after_o his_o way_n according_a to_o the_o less_o principal_a sense_n and_o so_o be_v mistake_v add_v that_o if_o a_o person_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v such_o a_o promise_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o family_n or_o society_n bodily_a or_o spiritual_a the_o promise_n may_v concern_v his_o child_n or_o those_o associate_v with_o he_o bodily_a and_o may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o though_o as_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o head_n the_o promise_n be_v annihilate_v even_o so_o if_o a_o soul_n desire_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n for_o god_n receive_v this_o word_n from_o he_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o martyr_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o the_o person_n shall_v not_o die_v a_o martyr_n and_o yet_o the_o promise_n remain_v true_a for_o it_o will_v be_v accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o principal_a and_o essential_a part_n god_n give_v he_o the_o love_n and_o recompense_n of_o martyrdom_n make_v he_o a_o martyr_n of_o love_n give_v he_o a_o martyrdom_n lengthen_v out_o in_o labour_n the_o continuance_n of_o which_o will_v be_v more_o troublesome_a than_o death_n in_o which_o he_o will_v accomplish_v both_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o his_o own_o promise_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o simple_o that_o kind_n of_o death_n which_o of_o itself_o will_v signify_v nothing_o without_o god_n friendship_n but_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o service_n and_o the_o love_n of_o a_o martyr_n the_o other_o because_o god_n will_v give_v most_o perfect_o the_o reality_n and_o recompense_n of_o this_o though_o by_o other_o mean_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o righteous_a because_o their_o desire_n be_v just_a and_o true_a if_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o fulfil_v they_o during_o this_o temporal_a life_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v do_v it_o after_o this_o life_n and_o in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n so_o that_o the_o promise_n do_v still_o remain_v most_o true_a the_o second_o cause_n why_o divine_a word_n and_o vision_n though_o always_o true_a in_o themselves_o yet_o nevertheless_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a as_o to_o we_o be_v because_o of_o the_o reason_n motive_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v build_v since_o they_o may_v change_v the_o effect_n do_v not_o follow_v we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n will_v infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o long_o as_o that_o shall_v remain_v which_o move_v and_o incite_v god_n for_o example_n to_o punish_v as_o if_o god_n say_v within_o a_o year_n i_o will_v send_v such_o a_o plague_n upon_o this_o kingdom_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o threaten_v be_v a_o certain_a transgression_n which_o they_o commit_v in_o this_o kingdom_n against_o god_n if_o therefore_o the_o transgression_n cease_v or_o vary_v the_o punishment_n may_v also_o cease_v or_o be_v change_v nevertheless_o the_o threaten_v be_v true_a forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v found_v on_o a_o actual_a fault_n and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v execute_v if_o the_o offence_n have_v continue_v this_o appear_v in_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o city_n of_o ninevah_n whither_o god_n send_v the_o prophet_n jonah_n to_o denounce_v from_o he_o yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninevah_n shall_v be_v destroy_v which_o nevertheless_o be_v not_o fulfil_v because_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o threaten_v cease_v which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n who_o immediate_o repent_v otherwise_o this_o denunciation_n from_o god_n will_v certain_o have_v take_v effect_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a threaten_v we_o see_v in_o king_n ahab_n who_o god_n threaten_v by_o the_o prophet_n elias_n with_o a_o great_a judgement_n he_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n but_o because_o he_o rend_v his_o garment_n with_o grief_n cover_v himself_o with_o sackcloth_n fast_v and_o lie_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n humble_v and_o afflict_a himself_o god_n immediate_o tell_v he_o by_o the_o same_o prophet_n that_o he_o will_v not_o send_v that_o evil_a in_o his_o day_n where_o we_o see_v because_o ahab_n change_v the_o threaten_v and_o sentence_n of_o god_n cease_v also_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o though_o god_n reveal_v or_o speak_v affirmative_o to_o a_o soul_n any_o thing_n in_o good_a or_o evil_a concern_v itself_o or_o other_o this_o may_v change_v more_o or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o affection_n or_o disposition_n of_o that_o or_o these_o soul_n and_o according_a to_o
express_o bear_v 15._o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v for_o she_o own_o and_o other_o conduct_v and_o therefore_o not_o of_o such_o as_o will_v tend_v only_o to_o gratify_v pride_n and_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o a._n b._n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o she_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o doctor_n for_o ease_v the_o mind_n of_o curious_a girl_n by_o show_v they_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o fate_n as_o he_o very_o pious_o jest_n pag._n 18._o he_o fall_v very_o foul_a on_o m._n p._n â—_o narrat_fw-la p._n 49._o as_o if_o he_o and_o other_o descend_v to_o the_o light_n and_o wanton_a railleries_n of_o the_o profane_a for_o relate_v a_o much_o more_o innocent_a jest_n though_o i_o think_v his_o half_a page_n look_v like_a that_o sort_n of_o wit._n the_o doctor_n seldom_o narrate_v any_o thing_n a._n b._n say_v or_o do_v or_o be_v say_v of_o she_o but_o he_o push_v it_o to_o a_o excess_n and_o carry_v it_o to_o a_o height_n that_o be_v never_o intend_v however_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o god_n have_v discover_v the_o secret_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o illuminate_v person_n all_o than_o he_o can_v aim_v at_o must_v be_v to_o evince_v the_o nullity_n of_o this_o pretence_n as_o to_o a._n b._n 5._o 22._o to_o say*_n that_o a._n b._n require_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o her_o say_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n to_o do_v she_o very_o great_a injustice_n for_o since_o very_o plain_o and_o frequent_o she_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_n that_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v the_o standard_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o other_o doctrine_n must_v be_v try_v and_o examine_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o so_o do_v she_o own_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o neither_o she_o nor_o any_o other_o saying_n ought_v to_o pretend_v to_o 2._o look_v say_v she_o with_o a_o suspicious_a eye_n upon_o any_o thing_n i_o declare_v unto_o you_o as_o come_n from_o god_n in_o case_n you_o find_v my_o doctrine_n not_o entire_o agree_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o will_v have_v her_o say_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o the_o value_n of_o what_o she_o say_v be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o its_o conformity_n to_o they_o this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v not_o to_o put_v the_o scripture_n and_o her_o say_n in_o the_o same_o balance_n or_o to_o require_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o both_o the_o doctor_n now_o that_o he_o peruse_v a._n b_n write_n can_v not_o but_o remark_n this_o and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o bring_v not_o in_o these_o into_o his_o account_n of_o a._n b._n why_o this_o will_v spoil_v the_o design_n that_o he_o have_v conceive_v of_o expose_v she_o to_o the_o world_n altogether_o in_o black_a and_o horrid_a shape_n but_o say_v the_o doctor_n what_o she_o deliver_v must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a._n b._n to_o be_v true_o inspire_v yet_o his_o consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o one_o very_o pertinent_o express_v it_o quae_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la procedunt_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la sunt_fw-la veritatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n thing_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n be_v of_o equal_a truth_n but_o not_o of_o equal_a authority_n for_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v of_o god_n yet_o if_o any_o person_n do_v not_o know_v or_o doubt_v if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n nor_o right_a to_o such_o a_o person_n obedience_n as_o those_o thing_n who_o divine_a origin_n be_v allow_v by_o universal_a consent_n although_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o person_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o god_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o obedience_n to_o thing_n thus_o reveal_v as_o to_o god_n himself_o several_a book_n that_o be_v now_o universal_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v for_o some_o time_n doubt_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o question_v book_n though_o real_o of_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o these_o that_o be_v by_o unanimous_a consent_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a 6._o instance_n if_o the_o doctor_n can_v hit_v on_o any_o period_n in_o a._n b.'s_n book_n that_o can_v give_v the_o least_o colour_n to_o a_o invidious_a consequence_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o make_v it_o serve_v his_o turn_n but_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o that_o candour_n that_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n pag._n 32._o n._n 7._o i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o whole_a passage_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v as_o it_o be_v 85._o if_o say_v she_o i_o shall_v say_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o believe_v i_o for_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n because_o i_o say_v it_o to_o you_o but_o because_o it_o be_v real_o true_a and_o if_o you_o know_v i_o you_o shall_v also_o know_v god_n because_o he_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o you_o shall_v discern_v righteousness_n goodness_n and_o truth_n in_o any_o person_n so_o far_o shall_v you_o discern_v god_n live_v in_o they_o and_o no_o far_o so_o that_o its_o never_o good_a to_o follow_v person_n for_o themselves_o but_o to_o follow_v the_o righteousness_n goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o you_o shall_v discover_v to_o abide_v in_o they_o now_o to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o improvement_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v of_o this_o passage_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o when_o thing_n which_o import_n excellency_n be_v attribute_v both_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o christian_n his_o follower_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o we_o must_v alter_v our_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n according_a as_o we_o different_o apply_v they_o either_o to_o he_o or_o they_o our_o lord_n call_v himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o be_v so_o in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n because_o he_o be_v the_o divine_a source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o spiritual_a light_n he_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n 14._o this_o same_o very_a title_n he_o give_v all_o his_o faithful_a follower_n but_o will_v any_o body_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o in_o that_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o he_o 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you_o will_v see_v that_o i_o imitate_v and_o transcribe_v in_o my_o conversation_n the_o divine_a quality_n of_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n for_o god_n who_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n work_v uniform_o in_o all_o his_o child_n imprint_n these_o character_n of_o himself_o on_o they_o all_o and_o as_o much_o of_o these_o as_o you_o discern_v in_o i_o so_o far_o do_v you_o discern_v god_n in_o i_o and_o your_o see_v i_o exemplify_v they_o before_o you_o in_o a_o lively_a manner_n will_v be_v a_o inducement_n to_o you_o to_o imitate_v they_o and_o so_o to_o know_v god_n true_o for_o than_o we_o true_o know_v god_n when_o we_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n if_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o in_o a_o
many_o vocal_a word_n other_o to_o speculation_n or_o meditation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o call_v mental_a prayer_n but_o believe_v i_o it_o be_v neither_o word_n nor_o speculation_n that_o make_v prayer_n but_o true_a prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o conversition_n of_o spirit_n that_o man_n have_v with_o his_o god_n when_o his_o heart_n speak_v to_o he_o and_o ask_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o or_o bless_v he_o and_o thanks_o he_o for_o his_o favour_n or_o praise_v his_o greatness_n goodness_n love_n and_o the_o other_o quality_n which_o man_n observe_v in_o his_o god_n this_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n or_o conversation_n that_o he_o have_v with_o god_n make_v up_o true_a prayer_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a prayer_n though_o they_o call_v by_o this_o name_n many_o divers_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n can_v do_v continual_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v that_o he_o must_v always_o pray_v and_o never_o faint_a 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live_v without_o this_o continual_a prayer_n and_o death_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a to_o i_o than_o to_o be_v one_o hour_n out_o of_o it_o because_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n without_o this_o conversation_n be_v to_o i_o vexation_n and_o mortal_a affliction_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o abide_v always_o in_o it_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o you_o have_v see_v i_o go_v out_o of_o this_o conversation_n to_o delight_v in_o other_o thing_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o pray_v always_o and_o never_o to_o cease_v and_o that_o it_o be_v even_o good_a and_o pleasant_a see_v he_o who_o be_v in_o this_o continual_a prayer_n be_v never_o melancholy_a which_o you_o may_v also_o have_v observe_v as_o to_o i_o amid_o so_o many_o different_a event_n and_o occasion_n of_o grief_n 19_o give_v yourself_o therefore_o to_o this_o continual_a prayer_n and_o by_o it_o you_o shall_v overcome_v both_o your_o inward_a and_o outward_a enemy_n you_o shall_v have_v joy_n and_o peace_n in_o yourself_o and_o you_o shall_v learn_v all_o that_o you_o have_v need_n to_o do_v and_o avoid_v do_v not_o apply_v yourself_o to_o contemlate_v the_o great_a wonder_n of_o god_n or_o his_o conduct_n towards_o man_n nor_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o god_n or_o of_o religion_n but_o practise_v this_o continual_a prayer_n according_a to_o your_o need_n speak_v to_o god_n continual_o if_o you_o be_v in_o temptation_n beg_v his_o assistance_n if_o you_o be_v in_o ignorance_n beg_v wisdom_n from_o he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o will_n if_o you_o be_v weak_a strength_n and_o if_o you_o receive_v his_o grace_n bless_v he_o and_o thank_v he_o for_o this_o favour_n do_v to_o you_o a_o sinner_n and_o thus_o you_o shall_v have_v continual_a matter_n of_o have_v your_o spirit_n lift_v up_o to_o god_n in_o which_o true_a prayer_n consist_v by_o this_o you_o shall_v habituate_v yourself_o by_o degree_n to_o speak_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v speak_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v here_o unite_v unto_o he_o look_v for_o a_o perfect_a unity_n in_o eternity_n which_o she_o wish_v you_o who_o remain_v your_o very_a affectionate_a in_o jesus_n christ_n a._n b._n from_o the_o place_n of_o my_o retreat_n apr._n 7._o 1671._o letter_n iii_o that_o the_o spirit_n can_v rule_v where_o the_o flesh_n rule_v that_o to_o he_o who_o have_v mortify_v the_o old_a adam_n in_o himself_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v difficult_a only_o to_o he_o who_o will_v live_v according_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n this_o be_v the_o seven_o letter_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o la_fw-fr lum_n nee_n on_o tenebr_n my_o dear_a child_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o your_o friend_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a inclination_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a 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while_o in_o effect_n he_o love_v nothing_o but_o himself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o can_v love_v god_n while_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o the_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n he_o well_o let_v fly_v like_o clap_n of_o thunder_n against_o he_o who_o lay_v before_o he_o this_o truth_n because_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o conceive_v it_o and_o his_o natural_a inclination_n can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o love_v that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v nor_o feel_v such_o as_o god_n and_o eternal_a thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a to_o his_o carnal_a eye_n 2._o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n die_v to_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v never_o comprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v two_o nature_n in_o we_o the_o one_o be_v divine_a and_o other_o humane_a the_o divine_a nature_n love_v thing_n eternal_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n love_v thing_n temporal_a the_o divine_a respect_v nothing_o that_o be_v 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sin_n since_o which_o time_n it_o can_v produce_v nothing_o but_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o do_v any_o good_a or_o to_o have_v one_o good_a thought_n for_o this_o cause_n job_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n for_o none_o of_o the_o beast_n will_v be_v so_o miserable_a in_o their_o nature_n as_o be_v man_n if_o he_o have_v not_o in_o he_o a_o divine_a nature_n 4._o all_o must_v grant_v this_o and_o say_v with_o your_o friend_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n see_v he_o live_v supernatural_o have_v subject_v his_o humane_a part_n to_o his_o divine_a and_o make_v his_o flesh_n die_v that_o he_o may_v live_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o despise_v temporal_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v eternal_a but_o i_o will_v glad_o ask_v all_o those_o natural_a person_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n the_o old_a adam_n in_o they_o 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a_o divine_a truth_n that_o he_o have_v merit_v for_o they_o by_o his_o suffering_n the_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n to_o imitate_v he_o because_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o love_v rather_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n than_o to_o be_v quicken_v into_o the_o new_a which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 6._o thus_o it_o be_v that_o those_o poor_a soul_n flatter_v themselves_o to_o their_o ruin_n while_o they_o say_v that_o they_o can_v imitate_v jesus_n christ_n nor_o live_v without_o sin_n because_o of_o their_o great_a frailty_n this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o resolve_v to_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n the_o one_o of_o salvation_n the_o other_o of_o damnation_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v to_o salvation_n he_o who_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o he_o walk_v can_v find_v life_n but_o without_o all_o doubt_n shall_v die_v for_o ever_o therefore_o my_o dear_a child_n do_v not_o give_v way_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o those_o poor_a blind_v one_o who_o have_v fill_v their_o understanding_n with_o error_n but_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v give_v you_o and_o labour_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n since_o he_o say_v that_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o those_o who_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o world_n be_v they_o who_o love_v the_o transitory_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o will_n and_o proud_a in_o heart_n love_v their_o fleshly_a sensuality_n while_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o by_o say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o live_v without_o sin_n because_o of_o their_o great_a frailty_n which_o if_o they_o understand_v aright_o they_o will_v use_v mean_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o he_o who_o feel_v his_o heart_n cleave_v to_o riches_n will_v not_o possess_v they_o but_o will_v put_v they_o far_o away_o from_o he_o as_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n do_v who_o throw_v all_o their_o money_n into_o the_o sea_n fear_v lest_o it_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o so_o frail_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n he_o will_v shun_v office_n greatness_n and_o honour_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o poverty_n and_o lowliness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o hâ—_n find_v himself_o so_o frail_a as_o that_o he_o can_v not_o eat_v and_o drink_v delicate_a thing_n without_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o gluttony_n he_o will_v take_v the_o coarse_a meat_n and_o drink_v proportionable_o to_o support_v the_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n of_o nature_n wean_a it_o from_o all_o sensuality_n or_o fleshly_a apperite_n but_o man_n do_v not_o feel_v themselves_o too_o frail_a to_o iudulge_v their_o body_n in_o all_o its_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n and_o they_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v too_o frail_a to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n or_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n 7._o this_o sentiment_n be_v so_o erroneous_a that_o i_o will_v be_v ashune_v to_o refute_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o see_v so_o many_o soul_n possess_v with_o it_o especial_o among_o those_o of_o calvin_n reformatiâ—on_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v all_o for_o they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v inculcate_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o cradle_n since_o in_o effect_n we_o see_v that_o all_o their_o practice_n be_v found_v upon_o it_o while_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o with_o this_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o strive_v to_o imitate_v he_o since_o they_o be_v teach_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v this_o and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o false_a theology_n yet_o every_o one_o follow_v after_o it_o lean_v upon_o a_o break_a reed_n 8._o for_o that_o man_n of_o who_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o former_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n yea_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o attention_n no_o more_o than_o they_o with_o who_o he_o converse_v who_o he_o have_v often_o ask_v if_o they_o can_v say_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o they_o all_o answer_v they_o can_v not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remark_v that_o they_o be_v merchant_n of_o great_a trade_n and_o spirit_n who_o find_v out_o all_o sort_n of_o invention_n for_o gain_v of_o money_n with_o great_a dexterity_n and_o care_n and_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o disengage_v for_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o attention_n for_o where_o their_o treasure_n be_v there_o be_v their_o heart_n and_o the_o attention_n can_v be_v perfect_a in_o two_o so_o contrary_a thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o if_o they_o have_v purge_v their_o soul_n from_o covet_v earthly_a good_n and_o as_o careful_o apply_v their_o understanding_n to_o speak_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o without_o doubt_n they_o may_v not_o only_o have_v say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o attention_n but_o may_v also_o have_v attention_n serious_o upon_o continual_a prayer_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o much_o recommend_v to_o we_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o never_o to_o cease_v 9_o but_o those_o poor_a ignorant_n think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o fair_a word_n as_o they_o please_v man_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v too_o frail_a to_o do_v any_o good_a far_o less_o can_v they_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n for_o these_o excuse_n will_v condemn_v they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o frailty_n they_o will_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o poverty_n humility_n and_o patience_n that_o they_o may_v imitate_v jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o do_v nothing_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n but_o that_o which_o another_o will_v do_v that_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v for_o the_o same_o god_n have_v through_o all_o the_o same_o power_n and_o can_v do_v by_o the_o body_n and_o spirit_n of_o other_o man_n that_o which_o he_o do_v by_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n 10._o for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v god_n his_o power_n be_v not_o limit_v provide_v that_o man_n give_v no_o hindrance_n