loftiness_n thereof_o stoop_v and_o bow_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o foolish_a babe_n of_o the_o beget_n of_o life_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v ear_n have_v not_o hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o the_o power_n of_o life_n have_v wrought_v through_o they_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v long_v after_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n o_o the_o breathe_n and_o melt_n of_o soul_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o live_a presence_n of_o god_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o lord_n the_o awaken_n of_o and_o give_v strength_n unto_o his_o witness_n the_o fall_v down_o and_o weaken_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o clear_a shine_a of_o the_o light_n of_o life_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o sweet_a run_v of_o the_o pure_a stream_n thereof_o into_o the_o enliven_a soul_n which_o have_v often_o be_v know_v and_o seal_v to_o from_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o their_o ministry_n indeed_o when_o i_o have_v consider_v these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o narrow_o mark_v they_o in_o my_o converse_n with_o they_o i_o have_v be_v often_o force_v to_o cry_v out_o concern_v they_o true_o here_o be_v man_n very_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a but_o god_n very_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o when_o at_o any_o time_n i_o look_v on_o the_o man_n i_o be_v hardly_o able_a to_o forbear_v disdain_v they_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o spirit_n behold_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o they_o i_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v over-esteeming_a and_o exalt_v they_o 7._o the_o glory_n which_o the_o lord_n advance_v these_o vessel_n to_o since_o his_o beginning_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o how_o have_v he_o enrich_v they_o with_o gift_n and_o ability_n and_o every_o way_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o service_n and_o employment_n he_o have_v have_v for_o they_o how_o have_v he_o enlarge_v their_o ministry_n that_o they_o who_o have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v either_o by_o way_n of_o declaration_n or_o disputation_n at_o first_o now_o abound_v with_o strength_n and_o abundant_o surpass_v the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n both_o of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o other_o professor_n of_o religion_n the_o lord_n indeed_o have_v adorn_v they_o put_v his_o beauty_n upon_o they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o his_o strength_n and_o in_o his_o wisdom_n this_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o often_o take_v notice_n of_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o sure_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v either_o know_v himself_o or_o hear_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o these_o young_a stripling_n when_o they_o first_o come_v forth_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o empty_a in_o themselves_o they_o then_o be_v how_o sensible_a they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o of_o their_o own_o weakness_n how_o little_a they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o people_n that_o come_v to_o observe_v they_o and_o inquire_v of_o they_o how_o afraid_a they_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o their_o watch_n at_o what_o a_o distance_n they_o stand_v from_o enter_v into_o reason_v about_o thing_n i_o say_v he_o that_o do_v know_v and_o do_v consider_v this_o and_o shall_v also_o behold_v how_o the_o lord_n have_v advance_v they_o since_o make_v they_o mighty_a and_o honourable_a with_o his_o gift_n and_o ability_n with_o the_o beauty_n whereof_o the_o very_a man_n flourish_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o eye_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_o open_a can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o change_n to_o be_v wonderful_a 8._o i_o have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o this_o also_o in_o my_o heart_n that_o their_o danger_n be_v now_o great_a than_o when_o they_o be_v poor_a weak_a and_o not_o so_o enrich_v and_o gift_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o enemy_n be_v very_o subtle_a and_o watchful_a and_o there_o be_v danger_n to_o israel_n all_o along_o both_o in_o the_o poverty_n and_o in_o the_o riches_n but_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v in_o the_o riches_n because_o then_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n and_o to_o lose_v somewhat_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o dependence_n which_o keep_v the_o soul_n low_a and_o safe_a in_o the_o life_n and_o also_o to_o suffer_v somewhat_o of_o exaltation_n to_o creep_v upon_o he_o which_o present_o in_o a_o degree_n corrupt_v and_o betray_v he_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n lift_v up_o in_o its_o self_n so_o far_o it_o be_v not_o upright_o to_o the_o lord_n let_v every_o one_o feel_v this_o wait_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v most_o beautify_v and_o advance_v by_o gift_n and_o ability_n from_o the_o life_n because_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o at_o this_o time_n their_o danger_n be_v great_a when_o israel_n be_v poor_a low_a weak_a tremble_a see_v no_o loveliness_n nor_o worthiness_n in_o himself_o but_o depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a mercy_n and_o tender_a bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o his_o love_n &c_n &c_n then_o be_v israel_n safe_a but_o when_o he_o have_v a_o be_v give_v he_o in_o the_o life_n and_o be_v rich_o adorn_v with_o the_o ornament_n of_o life_n and_o come_v to_o have_v the_o power_n itself_o in_o his_o hand_n to_o make_v use_n of_o then_o be_v he_o in_o more_o danger_n of_o become_v somewhat_o of_o himself_o and_o of_o forget_v he_o that_o form_v he_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o gift_n without_o such_o a_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o giver_n as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o tremble_a and_o weak_a estate_n and_o so_o of_o depart_v out_o of_o that_o humble_a tender_a abase_v contrite_a state_n and_o temper_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o he_o be_v still_o preserve_v 9_o this_o also_o have_v be_v manifest_a to_o i_o and_o deep_o impress_v on_o my_o spirit_n all_o along_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v if_o he_o see_v good_a suffer_v some_o great_a and_o eminent_a one_o to_o fall_n in_o israel_n man_n may_v forget_v himself_o and_o the_o lord_n may_v let_v out_o temptation_n upon_o he_o and_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v that_o he_o may_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o weakness_n again_o yea_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o and_o through_o a_o instrument_n may_v give_v more_o to_o the_o instrument_n than_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o so_o put_v the_o lord_n upon_o recover_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o which_o be_v misplace_v and_o misapply_v to_o that_o which_o be_v but_o his_o instrument_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o light_n thereof_o be_v he_o the_o life_n his_o the_o power_n his_o and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o will_v he_o not_o give_v to_o another_o if_o therefore_o any_o man_n in_o this_o day_n shall_v take_v to_o himself_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o shall_v give_v it_o he_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o so_o lose_v it_o but_o will_v find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o recover_v his_o own_o and_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n who_o lie_v continual_o perfectly-abased_n before_o the_o lord_n assume_v nothing_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o himself_o nor_o attribute_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o another_o that_o the_o lord_n alone_o may_v be_v exalt_v every_o where_o and_o let_v all_o gift_n serve_v the_o seed_n and_o its_o rise_n over_o all_o gift_n be_v wait_v for_o that_o the_o life_n every_o where_o may_v have_v its_o due_a be_v lift_v up_o over_o all_o 10._o i_o have_v have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o this_o also_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v suffer_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o it_o may_v cause_v a_o great_a shake_n and_o shatter_v in_o israel_n sure_o i_o may_v say_v it_o will_v come_v very_o unexpected_o and_o unsuspected_o to_o many_o and_o so_o such_o person_n will_v be_v surprise_v with_o it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o prepare_v for_o it_o alas_o who_o can_v suspect_v feel_v person_n so_o eminent_a in_o the_o power_n and_o so_o exercise_v and_o skilful_a in_o the_o way_n and_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o so_o able_a to_o instruct_v other_o therein_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o fall_v in_o any_o degree_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o temptation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v confident_a of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o forget_v the_o tender_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o may_v suffer_v a_o temptation_n to_o enter_v they_o which_o present_o beget_v a_o ground_n for_o evil_a weed_n to_o spring_v up_o in_o and_o for_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n and_o error_n from_o the_o pure_a power_n to_o creep_v in_o at_o o_o
many_o deep_a consideration_n have_v be_v upon_o my_o heart_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o israel_n both_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v some_o of_o which_o i_o find_v drawing_n to_o communicate_v together_o with_o some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v unity_n the_o consideration_n concern_v israel_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v 1._o the_o precious_a live_a state_n which_o my_o soul_n remember_v to_o have_v be_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n of_o this_o nation_n when_o israel_n be_v bend_v to_o seek_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o apply_v their_o heart_n to_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o fasting_n and_o earnest_a supplication_n wherein_o my_o heart_n have_v often_o have_v the_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o have_v many_o time_n the_o seal_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n among_o they_o yea_o my_o heart_n do_v true_o unite_v with_o and_o enjoy_v the_o lord_n in_o what_o be_v then_o give_v forth_o and_o i_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v to_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o worth_n of_o that_o dispensation_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o great_a desolation_n soon_o follow_v after_o and_o since_o by_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o a_o more_o lively_a dispensation_n 2._o the_o overrun_v of_o that_o state_n by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy_n draw_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o upright-hearted_n from_o the_o live_a feeling_n and_o from_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o religion_n into_o disputation_n and_o contention_n about_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o church-government_n which_o draw_v out_o the_o reason_a part_n and_o withdraw_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o feed_v on_o its_o proper_a nourishment_n and_o so_o life_n decay_v in_o the_o spirit_n while_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o subtlety_n increase_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o so_o the_o upright-hearted_n miss_v of_o life_n where_o before_o they_o have_v find_v it_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o those_o who_o abode_n where_o they_o be_v grow_v dry_a barren_a and_o contentious_a lose_v the_o savour_n sweetness_n meekness_n love_n and_o indeed_o whatever_o be_v live_v and_o precious_a and_o remain_v fix_v their_o mind_n on_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v depart_v from_o oh_o the_o darkness_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o state_n o_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o heart_n where_o life_n be_v stir_v for_o want_v of_o the_o live_a god_n o_o the_o death_n and_o formality_n of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o formal_a sure_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n pity_v his_o people_n in_o this_o state_n and_o appear_v to_o they_o in_o his_o life_n and_o power_n which_o this_o great_a desolation_n make_v way_n for_o it_o have_v be_v determine_v concern_v israel_n for_o ever_o for_o death_n have_v overgrow_v the_o generality_n and_o life_n be_v even_o gasp_v and_o expire_n in_o the_o single-hearted_n 3._o the_o precious_a break_n forth_o of_o the_o lord_n at_o this_o dismal_a time_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o distress_n and_o desperate_a condition_n of_o israel_n in_o some_o hide_a vessel_n who_o he_o have_v keep_v wait_v upon_o he_o and_o who_o he_o have_v preserve_v fresh_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o to_o who_o his_o appearance_n be_v very_o glorious_a to_o who_o he_o open_v the_o state_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o state_n of_o his_o people_n give_v they_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o promise_v they_o that_o his_o spirit_n and_o power_n shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o bid_v they_o go_v forth_o to_o till_o and_o dress_v the_o earth_n and_o to_o gather_v his_o people_n into_o his_o fold_n and_o who_o can_v utter_v what_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n be_v in_o its_o shine_a and_o break_v forth_o in_o their_o heart_n how_o welcome_n to_o their_o weary_a soul_n how_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o spirit_n how_o demonstrative_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o their_o heart_n o_o the_o joy_n of_o that_o day_n sure_o it_o can_v never_o be_v forget_v by_o they_o wherein_o they_o sensible_o feel_v the_o pour_v down_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o heart_n gather_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o eternal_a rest_n and_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o service_n 4._o the_o contemptible_a mean_n god_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o work_v his_o work_n by_o which_o be_v not_o by_o preach_v any_o new_a thing_n but_o by_o direct_v to_o a_o principle_n which_o god_n have_v already_o hide_v in_o the_o earth_n of_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o divine_a nature_n and_o light_n turn_v against_o and_o repove_v sin_n testify_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v choose_v to_o bring_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n into_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o life_n o_o what_o heart_n can_v receive_v this_o what_o eye_n can_v see_v any_o beauty_n in_o this_o but_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n touch_v and_o open_v i_o testify_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o life_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n yea_o the_o wisdom_n of_o israel_n corrupt_v can_v but_o despise_v and_o turn_v from_o this_o be_v not_o this_o the_o low_a of_o all_o dispensation_n be_v not_o this_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n do_v not_o this_o fall_n short_a in_o its_o self_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o as_o it_o have_v former_o be_v dispense_v of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o jew_n much_o more_o of_o the_o dispensation_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o will_v have_v look_v for_o the_o lord_n here_o and_o yet_o this_o have_v the_o lord_n choose_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n by_o and_o to_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o have_v gather_v the_o life_n virtue_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o former_a dispensation_n into_o it_o as_o those_o who_o be_v gather_v thereby_o and_o have_v wait_v upon_o he_o therein_o and_o feel_v the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o his_o life_n and_o see_v thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v live_v witness_n of_o against_o all_o the_o gainsaying_n thought_n and_o reason_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 5._o the_o contemptibleness_n of_o the_o vessel_n which_o the_o lord_n choose_v to_o fill_v with_o this_o treasure_n and_o to_o let_v forth_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o life_n through_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mean_v as_o to_o the_o outward_a young_a country_n lad_n of_o no_o dèep_a understanding_n or_o ready_a expression_n but_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v despise_v every_o where_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o only_o to_o be_v own_v in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o life_n wherein_o they_o come_v forth_o how_o ridiculous_a be_v their_o manner_n of_o come_v forth_o and_o appearance_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n about_o what_o poor_a trivial_a circumstance_n habit_n gesture_n and_o thing_n do_v they_o seem_v to_o lay_v great_a weight_n and_o make_v great_a matter_n of_o moment_n how_o far_o do_v they_o seem_v from_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mystery_n and_o depth_n of_o religion_n but_o their_o chief_a preach_v be_v repentance_n and_o about_o a_o light_n within_o and_o of_o turn_v to_o that_o and_o proclaim_v the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o i_o confess_v my_o heart_n exceed_o despise_v they_o and_o can_v wonder_v that_o any_o wise_a man_n or_o sort_n of_o professor_n do_v or_o do_v yet_o despise_v they_o yea_o they_o themselves_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o unfitness_n for_o that_o great_a work_n and_o service_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v honour_v they_o and_o of_o their_o inability_n to_o reason_n with_o man_n and_o so_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o in_o the_o watch_n of_o their_o spirit_n keep_v close_o to_o their_o tetsimony_n and_o to_o the_o moving_n of_o his_o power_n not_o matter_a to_o answer_n or_o satisfy_v the_o reason_a part_n of_o man_n but_o single_o mind_v the_o reach_a to_o and_o raise_n of_o that_o to_o which_o their_o testimony_n be_v 6._o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n give_v to_o this_o his_o dispensation_n of_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n o_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n prosper_v they_o in_o gather_v his_o scatter_a wander_v sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n of_o rest_n how_o do_v their_o word_n drop_v down_o like_o dew_n and_o refresh_v the_o hungry_a thirsty_a soul_n how_o do_v they_o reach_v to_o the_o life_n in_o those_o to_o who_o they_o minister_v raise_v up_o that_o which_o lie_v dead_a in_o the_o grave_n to_o give_v a_o live_a testimony_n to_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o god_n in_o they_o how_o do_v they_o batter_v the_o wisdom_n and_o reason_v of_o man_n make_v the_o
dear_a friend_n who_o know_v the_o pretiousness_n of_o life_n and_o desire_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o your_o several_a condition_n let_v we_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o remember_v what_o a_o low_a ebb_n we_o be_v at_o when_o the_o lord_n visit_v we_o and_o how_o free_o he_o visit_v and_o how_o free_o he_o daily_o preserve_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v harden_v or_o lift_v up_o against_o the_o world_n or_o against_o any_o sort_n of_o professor_n but_o may_v magnify_v the_o grace_n which_o have_v make_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o and_o watch_v for_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o they_o exercise_v all_o manner_n of_o sweetness_n and_o meekness_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n also_o pity_v and_o bear_v with_o all_o the_o tempt_v one_o among_o ourselves_o as_o such_o who_o be_v sensible_a that_o we_o also_o may_v be_v tempt_v and_o that_o understand_v the_o ground_n why_o we_o fall_v not_o by_o the_o temptation_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o there_o be_v three_o query_n appear_v in_o my_o view_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o may_v desire_v satisfaction_n about_o to_o which_o i_o find_v somewhat_o in_o way_n of_o answer_n spring_v up_o in_o i_o querie_n 1_o how_o may_v a_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v exalt_v by_o gift_n and_o service_n to_o he_o be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v answ_n 1._o there_o be_v that_o which_o wait_v to_o preserve_v &_o be_v still_o stretch_v forth_o its_o hand_n to_o keep_v to_o its_o self_n that_o which_o it_o have_v gather_v which_o be_v hearken_v and_o yield_v unto_o in_o its_o discovery_n and_o warning_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o deliver_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o danger_n and_o snare_n of_o every_o condition_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o free_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o the_o soul_n may_v find_v help_n and_o pity_n although_o it_o shall_v be_v somewhat_o taint_v and_o entangle_v with_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o enemy_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o proper_a frame_n or_o state_n of_o spirit_n to_o wit_n of_o humility_n and_o brokenness_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o israel_n in_o every_o condition_n but_o more_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o life_n and_o honour_v with_o great_a gift_n and_o service_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o israel_n be_v safe_a and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o abide_v in_o any_o degree_n of_o exaltation_n of_o spirit_n but_o be_v bring_v down_o again_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n into_o this_o though_o by_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n querie_n 2._o how_o may_v the_o little_a one_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v suffer_v one_o or_o more_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v very_o eminent_a in_o his_o service_n to_o decline_v and_o fall_v how_o may_v they_o be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v with_o he_o or_o they_o answer_n keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o the_o particular_a and_o not_o value_v other_o by_o a_o apprehension_n concern_v they_o but_o only_o know_v and_o honour_v they_o as_o they_o be_v feel_v and_o discern_v in_o the_o life_n this_o will_v preserve_v every_o particular_a that_o be_v thus_o order_v from_o be_v taint_v with_o any_o of_o their_o snare_n or_o deviation_n o_o israel_n o_o little_a babe_n know_v no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o lord_n alone_o in_o his_o live_a spirit_n for_o man_n be_v but_o a_o vessel_n wherein_o the_o life_n may_v appear_v or_o disappear_v at_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o engage_v to_o make_v use_n of_o man_n in_o his_o service_n further_o than_o he_o see_v good_a the_o lord_n may_v appear_v where_o he_o have_v never_o appear_v before_o and_o he_o may_v not_o appear_v where_o he_o have_v hitherto_o appear_v very_o frequent_o and_o powerful_o o_o know_v the_o life_n in_o thy_o own_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n in_o thou_o concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o life_n in_o other_o if_o that_o judge_n not_o be_v still_o and_o silent_a in_o thy_o heart_n wait_v for_o its_o judgement_n when_o that_o judge_v let_v all_o thy_o thought_n and_o reason_n be_v bow_v down_o under_o it_o let_v man_n have_v no_o more_o than_o his_o due_n while_o the_o lord_n please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o he_o and_o to_o such_o there_o will_v accrue_v no_o great_a shake_n or_o damage_n when_o the_o lord_n lay_v aside_o any_o of_o his_o own_o instrument_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o life_n judge_n it_o will_v still_o either_o be_v set_v up_o or_o throw_v down_o man_n whereby_o there_o will_v come_v loss_n on_o either_o hand_n in_o the_o issue_n to_o all_o such_o who_o thus_o act_n querie_n 3_o how_o may_v any_o such_o as_o have_v fall_v from_o a_o high_a and_o glorious_a state_n in_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o life_n be_v again_o recover_v answ_n indeed_o this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n not_o because_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o or_o concern_v man_n in_o this_o state_n but_o because_o this_o condition_n set_v a_o man_n spirit_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o use_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o man_n recovery_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o bring_v such_o a_o one_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o loss_n whereby_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n may_v be_v prevent_v until_o he_o be_v go_v very_o far_o and_o the_o far_o he_o go_v in_o his_o decline_v from_o the_o life_n the_o hard_a will_v his_o recovory_n be_v again_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o become_v so_o poor_a and_o lie_v so_o low_a and_o so_o long_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n grace_n as_o also_o to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v so_o lay_v aside_o and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v judge_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o bring_v he_o into_o a_o perfect_a abasement_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o work_v that_o perfect_o out_o of_o he_o whereby_o the_o enemy_n now_o enter_v to_o betray_v he_o yea_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a and_o severe_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o this_o state_n and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o such_o a_o vessel_n do_v not_o break_v here_o in_o its_o new_a form_v on_o the_o wheel_n yet_o that_o which_o bow_v before_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v smite_v and_o abase_v by_o he_o and_o to_o lie_v under_o his_o correction_n and_o judgement_n his_o season_n even_o until_o he_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o the_o lord_n will_v without_o doubt_n restore_v into_o his_o favour_n if_o not_o also_o into_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o service_n again_o object_n but_o some_o tender_a heart_n may_v say_v which_o feel_v many_o weakness_n much_o unbelief_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v daily_a if_o this_o be_v true_a o_o what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o if_o such_o as_o these_o be_v liable_a to_o fall_v and_o to_o fall_v so_o dangerous_o how_o shall_v i_o stand_v i_o be_v wound_v enough_o before_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o condition_n but_o this_o affright_v i_o much_o more_o answ_n o_o tender_a heart_n the_o enemy_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o to_o trouble_v and_o afflict_v thou_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o intend_v by_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v very_o full_a of_o unutterable_a bowel_n and_o who_o have_v a_o day_n of_o bowel_n for_o thy_o state_n yea_o his_o day_n which_o have_v already_o dawn_v be_v so_o dawn_v as_o to_o reach_v thou_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o do_v gather_v his_o scatter_a sheep_n nor_o yet_o show_v the_o utmost_a skill_n he_o have_v either_o to_o gather_v or_o to_o preserve_v and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o weak_a under_o the_o preserve_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v safe_a create_v be_v the_o disease_n of_o israel_n great_a be_v yet_o the_o loss_n of_o scatter_a soul_n which_o as_o yet_o know_v not_o the_o call_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o do_v feel_v a_o touch_n thereof_o be_v easy_o reason_v again_o out_o of_o it_o and_o drive_v back_o by_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n o_o great_a great_a also_o be_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o his_o hand_n very_o tender_a which_o the_o lord_n be_v put_v forth_o for_o the_o help_n of_o thâ—se_a bless_a be_v his_o name_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o these_o need_v and_o require_v that_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o do_v not_o require_v so_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n and_o love_n in_o it_o to_o answer_v their_o state_n and_o will_v give_v it_o out_o in_o his_o day_n and_o season_n o_o let_v none_o be_v offend_v thereat_o let_v no_o eye_n throughout_o all_o israel_n be_v evil_a because_o the_o lord_n be_v exceed_o good_a if_o he_o please_v to_o kill_v the_o fat_a calf_n and_o set_v it_o before_o his_o prodigal_a son_n let_v none_o that_o have_v walk_v faithful_o with_o he_o in_o any_o dispensation_n be_v offend_v thereat_o but_o rather_o let_v all_o in_o who_o be_v life_n stand_v ready_a to_o shout_n at_o the_o issue_n forth_o of_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o need_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o sort_n of_o vessel_n prepare_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v it_o therefore_o o_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v thou_o shall_v know_v and_o feel_v this_o from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v home_o his_o consolation_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o to_o cast_v thou_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o his_o life_n and_o bring_v thou_o forth_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o find_v any_o worthyness_n or_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o for_o he_o can_v create_v and_o make_v room_n for_o it_o in_o thy_o heart_n yea_o he_o can_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_a his_o work_n in_o thou_o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o to_o thou_o o_o break_a soul_n i_o can_v so_o much_o say_v do_v this_o or_o believe_v this_o but_o rather_o the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o yea_o the_o lord_n will_v quicken_v faith_n in_o thou_o and_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o nature_n from_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o own_o life_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v sow_v in_o thy_o inward_a part_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o preserve_v beside_o this_o break_a state_n of_o thou_o wherein_o the_o vileness_n and_o weakness_n of_o self_n be_v daily_o feel_v with_o the_o exceed_a great_a need_n of_o the_o lord_n preserve_v power_n and_o mercy_n be_v a_o safe_a state_n towards_o which_o that_o which_o alone_o preserve_v be_v continual_o issue_v forth_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o its_o tenderness_n and_o though_o thou_o do_v not_o see_v the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o tender_a care_n over_o thou_o and_o so_o want_v the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o own_o condition_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o thou_o and_o in_o divers_a respect_n i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o at_o present_a to_o want_v the_o sight_n of_o it_o i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o heart_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v that_o mercy_n in_o he_o which_o my_o soul_n cry_v for_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o treasure_v up_o but_o about_o to_o be_v issue_v forth_o towards_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n the_o cry_n be_v unto_o he_o for_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n even_o upon_o the_o mourner_n and_o distress_a one_o in_o zion_n he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o a_o fearful_a heart_n and_o mourn_v bitter_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n find_v themselves_o as_o unable_a to_o believe_v now_o for_o righteousness_n as_o ever_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o work_v for_o it_o be_v strong_a stand_v still_o wait_v on_o i_o your_o god_n behold_v my_o righteousness_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v and_o i_o be_o bring_v that_o faith_n with_o i_o which_o you_o want_v to_o give_v your_o soul_n the_o entrance_n into_o my_o promise_n and_o into_o my_o divine_a nature_n promise_v you_o be_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o bosom_n be_v for_o you_o and_o thither_o will_v i_o gather_v you_o yea_o you_o have_v already_o conceive_v and_o be_v with_o young_a though_o you_o know_v it_o not_o and_o i_o will_v lead_v you_o on_o gentle_o in_o a_o way_n that_o you_o can_v nor_o never_o shall_v know_v as_o you_o will_v know_v it_o but_o shall_v not_o want_v or_o miss_v of_o that_o knowledge_n thereof_o that_o i_o see_v good_a for_o you_o i_o will_v beget_v a_o deep_a life_n in_o you_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o after_o a_o deep_a way_n of_o dispensation_n than_o you_o have_v yet_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o than_o your_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v but_o in_o the_o death_n which_o i_o be_o bring_v upon_o you_o and_o in_o the_o travel_a pang_n which_o you_o shall_v feel_v in_o your_o heart_n shall_v it_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o and_o be_v bring_v forth_o o_o dear_a lamb_n mind_v the_o quickening_n of_o life_n and_o the_o savour_n and_o sense_n which_o the_o lord_n beget_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o let_v the_o outward_a knowledge_n even_o of_o what_o you_o have_v have_v experience_n go_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n quicken_v it_o and_o mind_v not_o the_o noise_n of_o thought_n and_o reason_n about_o thing_n which_o the_o soul_n enemy_n will_v be_v strive_v to_o fill_v you_o with_o and_o batter_v you_o by_o but_o sink_v down_o from_o these_o and_o wait_v to_o feel_v that_o which_o lie_v beneath_o they_o in_o the_o free_a nature_n life_n virtue_n power_n and_o motion_n whereof_o alone_o be_v your_o soul_n salvation_n and_o if_o you_o can_v receive_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o direction_n at_o present_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n either_o for_o it_o or_o for_o what_o other_o manifestation_n or_o tender_a help_n he_o shall_v please_v to_o give_v forth_o unto_o you_o some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v spiritual_a unity_n quest_n 1._o what_o be_v spiritual_a unity_n answ_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o divers_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spiritual_a centre_n or_o stream_n of_o life_n when_o the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o creature_n be_v beget_v by_o one_o power_n into_o one_o life_n and_o meet_v in_o heart_n there_o so_o far_o as_o they_o thus_o meet_v there_o be_v true_a unity_n among_o they_o quest_n 2._o wherein_o do_v this_o unity_n consist_v answ_n in_o the_o life_n in_o the_o nature_n in_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o beget_v and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v form_v and_o where_o their_o meeting_n be_v it_o consist_v not_o in_o any_o outward_a or_o inward_a thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n but_o only_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o do_v not_o unite_v here_o in_o this_o state_n in_o this_o nature_n but_o only_o the_o do_v or_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o life_n yea_o though_o the_o do_n or_o thought_n or_o word_n be_v divers_a yet_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o true_a unity_n feel_v therein_o where_o the_o life_n alone_o be_v judge_v quest_n 3._o how_o be_v this_o unity_n preserve_v answ_n only_o by_o abide_v in_o the_o life_n only_o by_o keep_v to_o the_o power_n and_o in_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o the_o unity_n spring_v and_o in_o which_o it_o stand_v here_o be_v a_o knit_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a centre_n here_o the_o divers_a and_o different_a motion_n of_o several_a member_n in_o the_o body_n thus_o come_v from_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v to_o and_o own_v by_o the_o same_o life_n where_o it_o be_v fresh_a and_o sensible_a it_o be_v not_o keep_v up_o a_o outward_a knowledge_n or_o belief_n concern_v thing_n that_o unite_v nor_o keep_v up_o a_o outward_a conformity_n in_o action_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o may_v be_v hold_v and_o do_v by_o another_o part_n in_o man_n and_o in_o another_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v by_o keep_v and_o act_v in_o that_o which_o do_v at_o first_o unite_v in_o this_o there_o be_v neither_o matter_n nor_o room_n for_o division_n and_o he_o that_o be_v within_o these_o limit_n can_v but_o be_v find_v in_o the_o oneness_n quest_n 4._o how_o be_v this_o unity_n interrupt_v answ_n by_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n or_o spirit_n from_o the_o life_n when_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a part_n come_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n this_o interrupt_v the_o soul_n unity_n with_o the_o life_n itself_o and_o it_o also_o interrupt_v its_o unity_n with_o the_o life_n in_o other_o and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n in_o other_o with_o it_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n of_o the_o man_n wisdom_n of_o the_o man_n will_n not_o bow_v down_o and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n and_o so_o not_o come_v forth_o in_o and_o under_o the_o
authority_n and_o guidance_n of_o life_n in_o this_o be_v somewhat_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o division_n yea_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o hold_v of_o it_o forth_o by_o the_o man_n wisdom_n and_o in_o his_o will_n out_o of_o the_o moving_n and_o power_n of_o the_o life_n bring_v a_o damp_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o interrupt_v the_o unity_n for_o the_o life_n in_o other_o can_v unite_v with_o this_o in_o spirit_n though_o it_o may_v own_o the_o word_n to_o be_v true_a quest_n 5._o how_o may_v this_o unity_n be_v recover_v if_o at_o any_o time_n decay_v answ_n in_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v the_o recovery_n of_o israel_n from_o any_o degree_n of_o loss_n in_o any_o kind_n at_o any_o time_n who_o alone_o can_v teach_v to_o retire_v into_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o wherein_o the_o unity_n be_v and_o stand_v and_o into_o which_o division_n can_v enter_v this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o restore_a unity_n to_o israel_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o want_n thereof_o even_o every_o one_o through_o the_o lord_n help_n retire_v in_o his_o own_o particular_a and_o further_a the_o retire_n of_o other_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n that_o every_o one_o there_o may_v feel_v the_o wash_n from_o what_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n corrupt_v and_o the_o new_a beget_n into_o the_o power_n of_o life_n from_o this_o the_o true_a and_o last_a unity_n will_v spring_v amain_o to_o the_o glad_n of_o all_o heart_n that_o know_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o and_o who_o can_v but_o natural_o and_o most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o o_o mark_v therefore_o the_o way_n be_v not_o by_o strive_v to_o beget_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o apprehension_n concern_v thing_n nor_o by_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o practice_n but_o by_o allure_a and_o drive_v into_o that_o wherein_o the_o unity_n consist_v and_o which_o bring_v it_o forth_o in_o the_o vessel_n which_o be_v season_v therewith_o and_o order_v thereby_o and_o from_o this_o let_v all_o wait_v for_o the_o daily-new_a and_o live_a knowledge_n and_o for_o the_o order_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o practice_n in_o that_o light_n and_o drawing_n thereof_o and_o in_o that_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n of_o heart_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n at_o present_a hold_v forth_o and_o work_v in_o they_o and_o the_o life_n will_v be_v feel_v and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n praise_v in_o all_o the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n &_o through_o all_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o israel_n and_o there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o heart_n &_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o way_n and_o power_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v already_o wrought_v in_o every_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o and_o his_o name_n praise_v and_o the_o lord_n season_n content_o wait_v for_o his_o fill_v up_o of_o what_o be_v want_v any_o where_o so_o the_o live_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o god_n of_o everlasting_a tender_a bowel_n and_o compassion_n to_o israel_n fill_v the_o vessel_n of_o his_o heritage_n with_o his_o life_n and_o cause_v the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o his_o holy_a nature_n and_o spirit_n to_o descend_v upon_o their_o dwelling_n and_o to_o spring_v up_o powerful_o in_o they_o towards_o his_o live_a truth_n &_o towards_o one_o another_o and_o let_v all_o strive_v to_o excel_v in_o tenderness_n and_o in_o long-suffering_a and_o to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o hard_a and_o evil_a thought_n one_o of_o another_o and_o from_o harsh_a interpretation_n concern_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o one_o another_o oh_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v sound_a in_o a_o israelite_n towards_o a_o egyptian_a but_o exceed_v shameful_a and_o inexcusable_a to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o brother_n towards_o another_o how_o many_o weakness_n do_v the_o lord_n pass_v by_o in_o we_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o interpret_v every_o thing_n well_o concern_v his_o disciple_n that_o may_v bear_v a_o good_a interpretation_n the_o spirit_n say_v he_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a when_o they_o have_v be_v all_o scatter_a from_o he_o upon_o his_o death_n he_o do_v not_o afterward_o upbraid_v they_o but_o sweet_o gather_v they_o again_o o_o dear_a friend_n have_v we_o receive_v the_o same_o life_n of_o sweetness_n let_v we_o bring_v forth_o the_o same_o sweet_a fruit_n be_v ready_a to_o excuse_v and_o to_o receive_v what_o may_v tend_v towards_o the_o excuse_n of_o another_o in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o evil_a manifest_a wait_v o_o wait_v to_o overcome_v it_o with_o good_a o_o let_v we_o not_o spend_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o cry_v out_o of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o evil_a but_o watch_n and_o wait_v where_o the_o mercy_n and_o the_o heal_a virtue_n will_v please_v to_o arise_v o_o lord_n my_o god_n when_o thou_o have_v show_v the_o want_n of_o israel_n in_o any_o kind_n sufficient_o whether_o in_o the_o particular_a or_o in_o the_o general_a bring_v forth_o the_o supply_n thereof_o from_o thy_o fullness_n so_o order_v it_o in_o thy_o eternal_a wisdom_n that_o all_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o abase_v before_o thou_o and_o thy_o name_n praise_v in_o and_o over_o all_o isaac_n penington_n the_o end_n