auditor_n etc._n etc._n he_o call_v it_o speculation_n because_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o measure_v divine_a vision_n by_o the_o will_n but_o by_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n and_o measure_n of_o its_o purgation_n psell_n 9_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o sensible_fw-fr that_o god_n be_v in_o intellectual_n for_o as_o it_o do_v illuminate_v the_o visible_a world_n he_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o invisible_a moreover_o as_o it_o make_v those_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o bright_a so_o he_o make_v they_o divine_a and_o deiform_a nicetas_n the_o presence_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o divine_a splendour_n convert_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o glory_n and_o contemplation_n from_o many_o and_o various_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n to_o that_o which_o true_o be_v that_o be_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n nicetas_n for_o what_o the_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o body_n this_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o therefore_o to_o behold_v the_o lightning_n when_o it_o break_v out_o there_o be_v need_n of_o good_a eye_n so_o also_o for_o this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o sound_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o looking-glass_n sordid_a and_o impure_a the_o form_n of_o a_o face_n can_v be_v represent_v so_o neither_o in_o a_o foul_a and_o unclean_a mind_n the_o splendour_n of_o god_n ni._n whoever_o know_v that_o they_o be_v only_a mind_n have_v pasle_v the_o bulk_n and_o grossness_n of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v purge_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o stain_n of_o vice_n and_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o or_o chief_a mind_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v unite_v to_o they_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o incorrupt_a he_o do_v converse_v with_o the_o mind_n without_o any_o thing_n intervening_a and_o by_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o soul_n as_o again_o by_o this_o he_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n but_o he_o be_v unite_v not_o as_o he_o be_v but_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o union_n and_o hence_o at_o last_o he_o become_v know_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o otherwise_o know_v god_n unless_o he_o open_v his_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o in_o it_o psellus_n god_n do_v so_o much_o become_v know_v to_o man_n as_o he_o be_v familiar_o join_v to_o they_o who_o by_o virtue_n be_v join_v to_o he_o for_o according_a as_o be_v their_o ascent_n he_o do_v descend_v and_o how_o much_o man_n do_v approach_n to_o god_n so_o much_o also_o do_v god_n become_v know_v to_o man_n impart_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o purity_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o see_v whether_o the_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a gradation_n will_v raise_v we_o for_o from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o from_o the_o first_o step_n of_o a_o ladder_n we_o be_v raise_v to_o admiration_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o second_o step_n again_o from_o admiration_n we_o ascend_v to_o more_o earnest_a desire_n then_o from_o desire_n be_v we_o raise_v up_o to_o purgation_n and_o from_o hence_o further_o to_o likeness_n with_o god_n and_o last_o we_o arrive_v to_o converse_v familiar_o with_o god_n and_o know_v he_o more_o perfect_o by_o union_n then_o when_o we_o be_v make_v deiform_a do_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a god_n converse_v familiar_o with_o those_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v call_v god_n infuse_v the_o divine_a fulgers_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o we_o as_o every_o one_o be_v purify_v nicetas_n to_o be_v make_v god_n be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a illumination_n but_o not_o to_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a essence_n since_o we_o be_v set_v in_o the_o confine_n between_o god_n and_o matter_n if_o we_o decline_v to_o matter_n we_o be_v gross_a and_o material_a if_o we_o tend_v towards_o god_n we_o be_v call_v divine_a and_o thereupon_o go_n nicetas_n st._n austin_n concern_v the_o same_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n that_o our_o body_n also_o may_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o we_o have_v from_o god_n ser._n 18._o de_fw-fr verb._n apost_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o incorporeal_a soul_n be_v so_o illuminate_v with_o the_o incorporeal_a light_n of_o the_o simple_a or_o pure_a wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o corporeal_a light_n and_o as_o the_o air_n grow_v dark_a upon_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o light_n 11_o de_fw-la civ_o dei_fw-la c._n 10._o mind_n be_v to_o soul_n as_o their_o sense_n but_o of_o science_n whatever_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_a they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v illustrate_v or_o shine_v upon_o by_o the_o sun_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v as_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n but_o god_n be_v he_o who_o do_v illustrate_v but_o i_o reason_n be_o so_o in_o mind_n as_o the_o aspect_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mind_n pure_a from_o all_o stain_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v remote_a and_o purge_v from_o all_o desire_n of_o mortal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o rare_a thing_n with_o the_o intenseness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o transcend_v all_o creature_n corporeal_a or_o incorporeal_a be_v consider_v and_o find_v mutable_a and_o to_o approach_v to_o that_o unchangeable_a substance_n of_o god_n and_o there_o learn_v from_o he_o that_o none_o but_o he_o make_v all_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o himself_o for_o so_o god_n speak_v with_o man_n not_o by_o any_o corporal_a creature_n sound_v in_o corporal_a ear_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o if_o one_o be_v fit_a to_o hear_v with_o the_o mind_n not_o with_o the_o body_n 11_o de_fw-fr c._n d._n 2._o v._n ibid._n coq_fw-la when_o the_o soul_n see_v that_o singular_a and_o true_a beauty_n it_o will_v the_o more_o love_n it_o but_o unless_o it_o fix_v on_o it_o its_o eye_n with_o a_o mighty_a love_n and_o decline_v not_o any_o whether_o from_o behold_v it_o it_o can_v remain_v in_o that_o most_o bless_a vision_n 1_o solil_n c._n 7._o one_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o i_o can_v prescribe_v thou_o i_o know_v no_o more_o that_o these_o sensible_a thing_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v forsake_v and_o that_o we_o must_v great_o beware_v while_o we_o act_v this_o body_n that_o our_o wing_n which_o we_o need_v have_v entire_a and_o perfect_a be_v not_o hinder_v by_o any_o of_o their_o birdlime_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v away_o from_o this_o darkness_n to_o that_o light_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v such_o that_o nothing_o of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v at_o all_o delight_n thou_o believe_v i_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o same_o point_n of_o time_n thou_o shall_v see_v what_o thou_o desire_v etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 14._o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o see_v and_o embrace_v wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v naked_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o cover_v so_o as_o she_o do_v not_o suffer_v herself_o except_z to_z very_o few_o and_o her_o most_o choice_a lover_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o certain_a ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a light_n of_o mind_n that_o vulgar_a light_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n c._n 13._o confide_v constant_o in_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v commit_v thyself_o entire_o to_o he_o do_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thou_o own_o but_o profess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bountiful_a lord_n for_o so_o will_v he_o not_o cease_v to_o raise_v thou_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v permit_v nothing_o to_o befall_v thou_o but_o what_o shall_v profit_v thou_o though_o thou_o know_v it_o not_o 1_o soliloq_fw-la 14._o hear_v i_o my_o god_n hear_v i_o after_o that_o manner_n of_o thou_o know_v to_o very_a few_o command_v i_o beseech_v thou_o whatever_o thou_o will_v but_o heal_v and_o open_v my_o ear_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thy_o voice_n heal_n and_o open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o beck_n say_v to_o i_o which_o way_n i_o shall_v look_v that_o i_o may_v behold_v thou_o etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 1._o be_v admonish_v to_o return_v to_o myself_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o most_o inward_a part_n thou_o be_v my_o leader_n and_o i_o can_v do_v it_o because_o thou_o be_v become_v my_o helper_n i_o enter_v and_o i_o discern_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n such_o as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o
tract_n theological_a i._o ascetick_n or_o the_o heroic_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a anchoret_n and_o coenobite_n ii_o the_o life_n of_o st._n antony_n out_o of_o the_o greek_a of_o st._n athanasius_n iii_o the_o antiquity_n and_o tradition_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n among_o the_o gentile_n iv_o of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o discourse_n of_o sir_n matthew_n hale_n concern_v it_o v._o a_o invitation_n to_o the_o quaker_n to_o rectify_v some_o error_n which_o through_o the_o scandal_n give_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o london_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o dan._n brown_n at_o the_o black-swan_n and_o bible_n without_o temple-bar_n and_o rich._n smith_n at_o the_o angel_n without_o lincolns-inn-gate_n near_o the_o field_n 1697._o advertisement_n the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o ancient_n represent_v in_o english_a form_n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o divers_a other_o paper_n and_o tract_n by_o the_o same_o author_n sell_v by_o dan._n brown_n and_o rich._n smith_n ascetick_n or_o the_o heroic_a piety_n &_o virtue_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a anchoret_n and_o coenobite_n part_n i._n exemplary_a ascetick_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1696._o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a subtle_a and_o wicked_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o evil_a man_n first_o to_o render_v name_n odious_a and_o then_o by_o affix_v they_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n thereby_o to_o render_v they_o so_o too_o with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o by_o that_o mean_n they_o impose_v upon_o and_o make_v their_o tool_n by_o such_o mean_n have_v not_o only_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a but_o also_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v much_o injure_v and_o abuse_v and_o few_o party_n there_o be_v who_o have_v not_o one_o time_n or_o other_o smart_v by_o it_o that_o the_o well-meaning_a reader_n therefore_o may_v not_o be_v so_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o put_v together_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o who_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o monkery_n and_o popery_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o popery_n take_v proper_o for_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v deserve_v all_o the_o odium_n cast_v upon_o it_o yet_o may_v most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a abuse_n be_v commit_v by_o pretence_n and_o imputation_n of_o that_o odious_a name_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o the_o people_n have_v be_v more_o abuse_v by_o popery_n itself_o or_o by_o the_o odium_n and_o imputation_n of_o the_o name_n and_o not_o only_o the_o people_n but_o the_o gospel_n itself_o i_o may_v add_v and_o the_o reformation_n too_o for_o while_o christian_a truth_n have_v be_v misrepresent_v and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o odium_n under_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n the_o cause_n on_o the_o side_n of_o popery_n be_v support_v strengthen_v and_o make_v so_o much_o the_o more_o defensible_a by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o so_o much_o truth_n and_o the_o cause_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o much_o the_o more_o weaken_a and_o disparage_v by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o so_o much_o indefensible_a error_n whereas_o if_o they_o be_v only_a thing_n inexcusable_a in_o they_o which_o be_v question_v as_o charity_n do_v require_v they_o must_v have_v sink_v in_o the_o cause_n long_o before_o this_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a affectation_n of_o reformation_n and_o uncharitable_a seek_v occasion_n have_v make_v a_o reformation_n now_o as_o needful_a on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v show_v in_o divers_a particular_n but_o i_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o my_o way_n for_o that_o the_o other_o name_v mention_v may_v serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n here_o monkery_n be_v not_o only_o render_v odious_a as_o of_o itself_o but_o also_o as_o a_o part_n of_o popery_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o imagine_v all_o that_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v popery_n it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o then_o we_o shall_v leave_v little_a of_o true_a christianity_n for_o the_o reformation_n but_o if_o what_o be_v true_a christianity_n be_v not_o popery_n than_o neither_o be_v monkery_n as_o some_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o monastic_a life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a christianity_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o great_a perfection_n that_o mortal_n be_v capable_a of_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v will_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o who_o will_v consider_v what_o here_o follow_v with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o competent_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v more_o here_o but_o only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v peruse_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o contemplative_a live_n and_o religious_a society_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n some_o principle_n of_o inclination_n to_o religion_n which_o if_o not_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a education_n or_o other_o unhappy_a occurrence_n do_v insensible_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o in_o due_a time_n exert_v themselves_o in_o action_n though_o for_o some_o time_n they_o lie_v dormant_a as_o it_o be_v and_o do_v not_o appear_v even_o as_o some_o other_o which_o in_o all_o animal_n be_v manifest_o most_o natural_a and_o yet_o appear_v not_o till_o after_o some_o growth_n towards_o maturity_n have_v be_v observe_v believe_v and_o assert_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o ancient_a time_n and_o to_o this_o day_n these_o principle_n have_v among_o mankind_n be_v in_o many_o much_o corrupt_a and_o stifle_v by_o evil_a education_n or_o conversation_n with_o evil_a person_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n energy_n and_o instigation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n but_o in_o other_o again_o much_o cherish_v and_o improve_v not_o only_o by_o good_a education_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o of_o his_o good_a minister_a spirit_n from_o hence_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v produce_v and_o raise_v up_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v as_o light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o several_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o different_a way_n of_o live_v some_o live_v a_o life_n of_o civil_a conversation_n with_o other_o but_o strict_o conscientious_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a as_o be_v say_v of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 6._o or_o to_o speak_v more_o comprehensive_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act._n 23.1_o or_o according_a to_o the_o character_n of_o job_n perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o other_o live_v a_o more_o abstract_a life_n of_o retirement_n and_o contemplation_n abstract_v not_o only_o from_o business_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o from_o ordinary_a conversation_n with_o man_n that_o they_o may_v without_o distraction_n converse_v with_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n and_o other_o again_o live_v a_o kind_n of_o mix_a or_o middle_a life_n between_o these_o two_o avoid_v unnecessary_a business_n and_o incumberance_n and_o exercise_v recollection_n and_o abstraction_n as_o much_o as_o their_o occasion_n will_v permit_v and_o even_o in_o and_o amid_o their_o business_n of_o those_o three_o way_n of_o live_v that_o more_o strict_a and_o contemplative_a life_n be_v believe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n to_o have_v be_v begin_v by_o enos_n or_o in_o his_o time_n and_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o as_o the_o principle_n beforementioned_a be_v apt_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n so_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o singular_a note_v concern_v religion_n or_o some_o religious_a institution_n or_o practice_n in_o that_o sacred_a record_n gen._n 4._o ult_n but_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n not_o only_o before_o the_o flood_n but_o also_o for_o some_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n we_o know_v but_o very_o little_a but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o we_o have_v some_o more_o knowledge_n beside_o priest_n and_o profess_a philosopher_n there_o have_v always_o be_v both_o single_a person_n and_o complete_a or_o form_v society_n of_o people_n who_o discern_v the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o solidity_n and_o perminence_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o those_o
our_o saviour_n in_o his_o subjection_n to_o joseph_n and_o his_o mother_n which_o though_o self-denial_n be_v a_o precept_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a freewill_n offer_n and_o a_o do_v it_o daily_o as_o be_v express_v luk._n 9.23_o a_o live_n in_o it_o and_o a_o continual_a reasonable_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o prime_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o a_o abstract_a ascetic_a life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o reasonable_a religious_a and_o devout_a exercise_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o his_o admonition_n to_o martha_n luk._n 10.41_o 42._o against_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o short_a entertainment_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o that_o mary_n choice_n be_v of_o the_o better_a part_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n of_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o our_o life_n mat._n 6.25_o 34._o in_o his_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a concern_v the_o care_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n luk._n 8.14_o and_o concern_v watch_v that_o we_o be_v not_o surprise_v mat._n 24.42_o 25.13_o mar._n 13.35_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o now_o if_o any_o one_o please_v as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o make_v any_o question_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o what_o more_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v than_o what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v always_o approve_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o such_o case_n usage_n and_o practice_n afterward_o which_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o law_n and_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n do_v sufficient_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n certain_o practise_v all_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o preach_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n too_o as_o far_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v they_o forsake_v all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o marry_v any_o wife_n afterward_o though_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o abstract_v from_o all_o diversion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o order_v deacon_n for_o other_o necessary_a work_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o preach_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o preach_v and_o of_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o communion_n in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v etc._n etc._n act._n 2.42_o and_o again_o act._n 4.32_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o aught_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n what_o be_v here_o brief_o say_v of_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o primitive_a christian_n at_o jerusalem_n agree_v so_o well_o all_o thing_n consider_v with_o what_o philo_z more_o large_o relate_v concern_v those_o about_o alexandria_n who_o he_o call_v therapeut_n who_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o after_o under_o any_o denomination_n unless_o of_o that_o of_o christian_n which_o begin_v early_o at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n where_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o that_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v affirm_v we_o also_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cavil_n of_o some_o of_o the_o last_o age_n which_o have_v since_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v not_o long_o appear_v in_o that_o form_n of_o community_n for_o they_o be_v dissolve_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o disperse_v into_o divers_a region_n by_o that_o great_a persecution_n after_o the_o death_n of_o stephen_n and_o doubtless_o by_o like_a occasion_n in_o other_o place_n but_o the_o example_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o provoke_v many_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n before_o well-disposed_a for_o it_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o retire_a abstract_a contemplative_a life_n the_o natural_a inclination_n in_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o fortify_v by_o the_o various_a example_n which_o be_v common_a among_o they_o before_o and_o then_o receive_v such_o further_a encouragement_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o direct_o and_o indirect_o from_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v self-denial_n mortification_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n this_o can_v not_o but_o mighty_o affect_v they_o general_o with_o a_o heroic_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n the_o very_a doctrine_n promise_n and_o miracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v be_v apt_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v all_o this_o but_o much_o more_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o be_v and_o certain_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n even_o then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o have_v settle_v in_o coenobitical_a society_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o commom_n obstacle_n the_o persecution_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o do_v first_o in_o egypt_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v many_o descend_v from_o the_o recabite_n and_o essean_n and_o in_o no_o long_a time_n after_o in_o most_o other_o part_n concern_v those_o in_o egypt_n in_o his_o time_n st._n john_n chrysostome_n give_v we_o this_o account_n shall_v any_o one_o come_v now_o to_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n he_o will_v see_v all_o the_o wilderness_n altogether_o more_o excellent_a than_o a_o paradise_n and_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n shine_v in_o mortal_a body_n for_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v spread_v over_o all_o that_o region_n the_o camp_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o admirable_a royal_a flock_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a power_n illustrious_o shine_v upon_o earth_n and_o this_o you_o may_v see_v most_o splendid_a not_o in_o men_n only_o but_o also_o in_o woman_n heaven_n itself_o do_v not_o so_o shine_v with_o various_a constellation_n of_o star_n as_o egypt_n be_v beset_v and_o illustrate_v with_o innumerable_a convent_v of_o monk_n and_o virgin_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v very_o plain_a 1._o that_o they_o who_o have_v derive_v these_o religious_a institution_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o assertion_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o have_v raise_v such_o prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n against_o such_o holy_a religious_a society_n in_o general_a as_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o odium_n against_o all_o if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o simplicity_n and_o mere_o through_o the_o prejudice_n they_o themselves_o have_v conceive_v from_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o their_o time_n yet_o do_v they_o very_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o temporize_v and_o ingratiate_v themselves_o with_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n who_o have_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o monastery_n and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v very_o wicked_o and_o impious_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o who_o be_v they_o by_o who_o the_o righteous_a god_n do_v usual_o execute_v such_o judgement_n and_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v that_o for_o a_o warn_v to_o ourselves_o be_v they_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o laziness_n and_o corruption_n what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o expect_v suppose_v you_o that_o
into_o the_o carnal_a part_n cap._n 17._o v._n col._n 9_o cap._n 26._o abbot_n daniel_n concern_v the_o triple_a state_n of_o soul_n cass_n coll._n 4._o cap._n 19_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v three_o state_n of_o soul_n the_o first_o carnal_a the_o second_o animal_n the_o three_o spiritual_a which_o we_o read_v thus_o noted-out_a by_o the_o apostle_n for_o concern_v the_o carnal_a it_o be_v say_v i_o have_v give_v you_o milk_n to_o drink_v not_o meat_n for_o than_o you_o be_v not_o able_a neither_o yet_o indeed_o be_v you_o for_o you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o again_o while_o there_o be_v among_o you_o emulation_n and_o contention_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a ibid._n concern_v the_o animal_n it_o be_v thus_o mention_v the_o animal_n man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o 1_o cor._n 2._o but_o of_o the_o spiritual_a but_o the_o spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n but_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o ibid._n and_o again_o you_o who_o be_v spiritual_a instruct_v those_o who_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n gal._n 6._o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v diligent_a that_o when_o by_o our_o renunciation_n we_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v carnal_a that_o be_v have_v begin_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o worldly_a people_n and_o to_o cease_v from_o that_o manifest_a pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o strive_v present_o with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o acquire_v the_o spiritual_a state_n lest_o flatter_a ourselves_o because_o we_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n or_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o contagion_n of_o carnal_a fornication_n as_o if_o by_o this_o we_o have_v get_v the_o top_n of_o perfection_n we_o shall_v thenceforth_o become_v more_o remiss_a towards_o the_o emundation_n of_o other_o passion_n and_o more_o slothful_a and_o be_v detain_v between_o both_o not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a profit_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o for_o perfection_n that_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n we_o seem_v separate_v from_o the_o conversation_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n or_o that_o we_o be_v set_v free_a from_o carnal_a corruption_n and_o mixture_n and_o so_o be_v find_v in_o that_o tepid_a state_n which_o be_v reckon_v the_o worst_a we_o shall_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v vomit_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o sentence_n say_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a but_o because_o thou_o be_v now_o tepid_a or_o lukewarm_a i_o will_v begin_v to_o spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n rev._n 3.15_o etc._n etc._n abbot_n isaac_n concern_v prayer_n cass_n col._n 9_o the_o end_n of_o every_o monk_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o heart_n tend_v to_o a_o continual_a and_o uninterrupted_a perseverance_n in_o prayer_n and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v permit_v to_o humane_a frailty_n strive_v after_o a_o unmoveable_a tranquillity_n and_o perpetual_a purity_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o we_o unwearied_o seek_v and_o continual_o exercise_v as_o well_o labour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o contrition_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v between_o these_o a_o certain_a reciprocal_a and_o inseparable_a conjunction_n for_o as_o the_o structure_n of_o all_o virtue_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n so_o unless_o all_o these_o be_v bind_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o the_o tope_n of_o it_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n hold_v out_o firm_a and_o stable_a for_o as_o without_o they_o can_v this_o perpetual_a and_o continual_a tranquillity_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v so_o neither_o can_v those_o virtue_n which_o prepare_v for_o it_o without_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o be_v accomplish_v wherefore_o neither_o can_v we_o right_o treat_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n or_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n unless_o first_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o to_o be_v prepare_v be_v in_o order_n enumerate_v and_o discuss_v and_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o building_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o more_o sublime_a tower_n be_v count_v and_o diligent_o prepare_v for_o it_o which_o notwithstanding_o will_v neither_o profit_n be_v prepare_v nor_o right_o admit_v those_o high_a toping_n of_o perfection_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o unless_o first_o all_o refuse_n of_o vice_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o all_o dead_a rubbish_n of_o passion_n dig_v up_o the_o most_o firm_a foundation_n of_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o sound_n and_o solid_a earth_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o evangelical_n rock_n upon_o which_o this_o tower_n to_o be_v build_v with_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a virtue_n may_v be_v both_o unmovable_o establish_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n by_o the_o consistence_n of_o its_o own_o firmness_n cap._n 2._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o that_o fervour_n and_o purity_n it_o ought_v these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o solicitude_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o general_a be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o next_o not_o only_o the_o care_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o any_o business_n or_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v detraction_n idle_a talk_n much_o talk_v jesting_n be_v likewise_o also_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o anger_n above_o all_o thing_n or_o the_o perturbation_n of_o sadness_n be_v to_o be_v thorough_o root_v out_o the_o pernicious_a food_n of_o carnal_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a vice_n which_o be_v visible_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o whole_o thrust_v out_o and_o such_o a_o cleanse_n of_o the_o rubbish_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o simplicity_n or_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o innocence_n first_o make_v the_o unshaken_a foundation_n of_o a_o profound_a humility_n which_o may_v bear_v a_o tower_n reach_v to_o the_o heaven_n be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v then_o be_v the_o superstruction_n of_o spiritual_a virtue_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o from_o all_o discourse_n or_o reason_v and_o light_n wander_v be_v the_o mind_n to_o be_v restrain_v that_o so_o it_o may_v by_o degree_n be_v elevate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o spiritual_a intuition_n for_o whatever_o our_o soul_n conceive_v before_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n of_o necessity_n it_o will_v occur_v to_o we_o while_o we_o pray_v by_o intrusion_n of_o our_o remembrance_n wherefore_o such_o as_o we_o will_v be_v find_v while_o we_o pray_v such_o ought_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n for_o from_o the_o precedent_a state_n be_v the_o mind_n form_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o light_a feather_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o spoil_v by_o some_o wet_a from_o without_o happen_v to_o it_o by_o the_o levity_n of_o its_o own_o substance_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o gentle_a breath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o raise_v up_o on_o high_a and_o to_o the_o heaven_n but_o if_o it_o be_v aggravate_v with_o the_o accession_n of_o any_o wet_a it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o raise_v up_o to_o any_o aerial_a flight_n by_o its_o natural_a mobility_n but_o will_v be_v depress_v down_o to_o the_o very_a earth_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o wet_a receive_v so_o also_o our_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v not_o aggravate_v with_o contract_a vice_n and_o worldly_a care_n or_o corrupt_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o noxious_a lust_n be_v lift_v up_o as_o with_o the_o natural_a advantage_n of_o its_o purity_n will_n with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n be_v elevate_v on_o high_a and_o forsake_v low_a and_o earthly_a thing_n will_v be_v transport_v to_o those_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o invisible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o proper_o admonish_v by_o our_o lord_n precept_n see_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcharge_v with_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n luk._n 21.34_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v our_o prayer_n shall_v pierce_v not_o only_o the_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o raise_v our_o mind_n purge_v from_o all_o earthly_a corruption_n and_o cleanse_v from_o
the_o first_o and_o continue_v their_o way_n of_o live_v afterward_o for_o none_o can_v be_v more_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o account_n be_v with_o any_o probability_n give_v of_o they_o and_o monastery_n there_o be_v in_o egypt_n before_o st._n antony_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o his_o life_n c._n 3._o p._n 6._o and_o more_o full_o by_o socrates_n lib._n 4._o c._n 23._o who_o say_v that_o monastery_n in_o egypt_n have_v their_o original_a from_o very_o great_a antiquity_n but_o they_o be_v enlarge_v and_o much_o increase_v by_o a_o pious_a man_n who_o name_n be_v ammon_n of_o who_o athanasius_n make_v mention_n in_o the_o life_n of_o antony_n c._n 32._o which_o socrates_n also_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o that_o the_o question_v mention_v by_o st._n hierom_n in_o his_o life_n of_o paul_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o who_o be_v the_o first_o monk_n nor_o who_o be_v the_o first_o anchoret_n but_o who_o be_v the_o first_o eremite_n who_o retire_v so_o far_o as_o into_o the_o desert_n for_o athanasius_n mention_n a_o old_a man_n when_o st._n antony_n begin_v who_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o solitary_a life_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o doubtless_o many_o such_o there_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n but_o such_o society_n there_o be_v also_o of_o woman_n before_o st._n antony_n time_n to_o one_o of_o which_o he_o commit_v his_o sister_n as_o appear_v in_o his_o life_n and_o of_o who_o st._n athanasius_n give_v we_o a_o noble_a testimony_n apolog._n p._n 698._o to_o 1._o but_o there_o be_v none_o of_o who_o we_o have_v any_o such_o particular_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n more_o ancient_a than_o st._n antony_n none_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o for_o example_n of_o the_o heroic_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n than_o he_o be_v write_v by_o so_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a a_o person_n as_o st._n athanasius_n who_o deserve_a character_n the_o english_a reader_n may_v peruse_v in_o dr._n cave_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o for_o the_o life_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o athanasius_n in_o greek_a and_o soon_o after_o translate_v by_o evagrius_n into_o latin_a be_v so_o attest_v by_o the_o ancient_n as_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o the_o agreement_n and_o disagreement_n too_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o liberty_n which_o evagrius_n say_v he_o take_v in_o translate_n of_o it_o which_o be_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o latin_a copy_n now_o extant_a be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o all_o so_o agreeable_a with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o it_o or_o out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o ancient_n as_o render_v all_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretend_a doubtfulness_n great_a blemish_n to_o their_o write_n candour_n and_o integrity_n who_o abuse_v people_n with_o such_o pretence_n than_o it_o can_v be_v to_o either_o the_o greek_a or_o latin_a copy_n which_o so_o mutual_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o other_o and_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o testimony_n make_v such_o a_o triple_a cord_n as_o nothing_o but_o great_a regard_n to_o faction_n and_o party_n than_o to_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v ever_o attempt_v to_o break_v why_o be_v not_o some_o other_o reckon_v doubtful_a for_o which_o there_o be_v more_o colour_n but_o that_o one_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o the_o other_o not_o but_o undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a secret_a cause_n of_o some_o people_n prejudice_n against_o this_o holy_a life_n his_o heroic_a virtue_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o tacit_n reproach_n to_o their_o laziness_n and_o tepidity_n his_o miracle_n to_o their_o want_n of_o grace_n which_o make_v that_o seem_v incredible_a to_o they_o which_o they_o see_v nothing_o of_o among_o themselves_o and_o hence_o they_o catch_v at_o any_o thing_n to_o bring_v all_o into_o question_n as_o his_o combat_n with_o devil_n c._n 7._o though_o certain_o write_v by_o st._n athanasius_n and_o cite_v out_o of_o he_o by_o ruffinus_n socrates_n and_o nicephorus_n and_o the_o like_v relate_v by_o other_o and_o even_o in_o our_o own_o time_n the_o smell_n of_o spirit_n c._n 35._o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o common_a for_o foul_a spirit_n to_o leave_v a_o stink_n behind_o they_o or_o that_o we_o must_v deny_v credit_n to_o all_o relation_n of_o that_o kind_n even_o among_o ourselves_o because_o not_o agree_v with_o our_o finespun_a imaginary_a notion_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n both_o recommend_v to_o other_o and_o practise_v by_o himself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o christian_n long_o before_o his_o time_n and_o the_o triumphant_a erect_v of_o cross_n ever_o since_o constantine_n time_n at_o the_o least_o see_v eusebius_n be_v life_n of_o constantine_n l._n 1._o c._n 28_o 31_o 40._o and_o l._n 2._o c._n 7._o and_o we_o have_v brave_o mend_v the_o matter_n by_o set_v up_o instead_o of_o it_o the_o effigy_n of_o the_o dragon_n upon_o our_o high_a spire_n without_o and_o the_o ensign_n of_o the_o beast_n over_o our_o altar_n within_o in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n as_o real_a emblem_n or_o representation_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o condition_n as_o if_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o magical_a enchantment_n in_o they_o we_o may_v argue_v and_o cavil_v at_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o but_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v that_o holy_a man_n if_o we_o judge_v by_o our_o saviour_n rule_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a but_o empty_a talker_n among_o those_o who_o exclaim_v most_o against_o these_o thing_n and_o magnify_v the_o active_a life_n above_o the_o contemplative_a what_o do_v their_o activity_n produce_v antony_n we_o see_v convert_v great_a number_n to_o forsake_v their_o estate_n and_o embrace_v the_o state_n recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o all_o who_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o how_o many_o do_v we_o see_v by_o these_o orator_n convert_v from_o their_o covetousness_n vanity_n and_o superfluity_n to_o obedience_n to_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n in_o antony_n the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n shine_v glorious_o even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o our_o little_a morality_n make_v ourselves_o suspect_v first_o and_o then_o our_o religion_n too_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o give_v great_a occasion_n to_o such_o as_o have_v more_o wit_n than_o solid_a virtue_n to_o turn_v atheist_n and_o deist_n and_o such_o as_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o religion_n to_o turn_v separatist_n or_o dissenter_n nay_o the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o life_n have_v produce_v more_o noble_a convertion_n than_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n put_v all_o together_o who_o cavil_v at_o it_o whereof_o we_o have_v particular_a instance_n in_o st._n augustin_n confession_n l._n 8._o c._n 6._o and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n who_o so_o unadvised_o oppose_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o general_n and_o resist_v his_o inspiration_n in_o such_o as_o consult_v they_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a case_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o shall_v answer_v when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o wary_a in_o such_o case_n that_o they_o do_v not_o obstruct_v the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o as_o they_o ought_v promote_v it_o a_o abstract_n of_o the_o life_n of_o st._n antony_z out_o of_o sozomon_n l._n 1._o c._n 13._o whether_o they_o be_v egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o who_o be_v the_o first_o beginner_n of_o that_o monastic_a philosophy_n this_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o that_o that_o great_a antony_z the_o monk_n do_v excellent_o practise_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n with_o proper_a exercise_n and_o action_n of_o diligence_n and_o perfection_n who_o at_o that_o time_n grow_v famous_a in_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n the_o emperor_n constantine_n in_o honour_n of_o his_o virtue_n receive_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o friendship_n honour_v he_o with_o his_o letter_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o write_v to_o he_o for_o what_o he_o have_v occasion_n he_o be_v a_o egyptian_a bear_v of_o a_o noble_a family_n at_o a_o place_n call_v coma_n which_o be_v a_o village_n near_o heraclea_n when_o he_o be_v a_o well-grown_a youth_n the_o land_n descend_v to_o he_o from_o his_o father_n he_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sell_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o estate_n he_o distribute_v the_o price_n among_o the_o poor_a for_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o student_n of_o philosophy_n not_o only_o to_o deprive_v himself_o
even_o whilst_o he_o wear_v his_o frail_a body_n of_o flesh_n for_o our_o lord_n who_o wear_v flesh_n himself_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o give_v the_o body_n a_o conquest_n over_o the_o devil_n wrought_v and_o wrestle_v together_o with_o this_o holy_a youth_n so_o that_o every_o one_o who_o strive_v in_o good_a earnest_n with_o the_o devil_n may_v with_o good_a reason_n say_v not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.57_o at_o last_o the_o devil_n perceive_v that_o he_o can_v not_o overthrow_v and_o discourage_v antony_n by_o this_o device_n gnash_v his_o tooth_n and_o be_v like_o one_o beside_o himself_o to_o see_v himself_o drive_v out_o he_o who_o be_v real_o black_a in_o his_o nature_n within_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o black_a boy_n to_o antony_n and_o as_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n for_o the_o crafty_a spirit_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n now_o no_o long_o invade_v his_o thought_n assume_v a_o humane_a voice_n and_o say_v i_o have_v deceive_v many_o yea_o very_o i_o have_v worsted_n and_o deceive_v very_o many_o but_o have_v now_o exert_v my_o strength_n against_o thou_o as_o against_o many_o other_o i_o have_v be_v weaken_a and_o overcome_v who_o be_v this_o say_v antony_n that_o talk_v thus_o to_o i_o the_o devil_n answer_v in_o a_o wretched_a whine_a tone_n to_o this_o day_n i_o have_v ply_v soft_a fleshly_a allurement_n in_o young_a person_n and_o have_v be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o fornication_n how_o many_o when_o willing_a to_o be_v sober_a have_v i_o deceive_v how_o many_o have_v i_o by_o hypocrisy_n and_o sense-affecting_a motion_n draw_v aside_o i_o be_o he_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v hos_fw-la 4.12_o you_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o fornication_n it_o be_v by_o i_o that_o they_o be_v trip_v up_o i_o be_o he_o who_o have_v so_o often_o disturb_v thou_o and_o as_o often_o be_v humble_v by_o thou_o antony_z therefore_o have_v pay_v his_o thanks_o to_o god_n and_o be_v become_v more_o valiant_a in_o spirit_n say_v hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o thou_o be_v very_o contemptible_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v black_a and_o swart_a and_o thou_o be_v weak_a as_o a_o child_n neither_o will_v i_o for_o the_o future_a give_v way_n to_o any_o solicitude_n upon_o thy_o account_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n and_o i_o shall_v look_v down_o upon_o my_o enemy_n with_o scorn_n which_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o say_v but_o the_o black_a monster_n flee_v away_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v or_o come_v near_o the_o hero_n 5._o this_o be_v st._n antony_n first_o conflict_n with_o the_o devil_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o as_o i_o ought_v this_o be_v our_o lord_n first_o defeat_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o antony_n who_o rom._n 8.3_o 4._o condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n but_o for_o all_o this_o st._n antony_n do_v not_o neglect_v himself_o as_o if_o the_o devil_n be_v entire_o under_o his_o foot_n nor_o do_v the_o enemy_n as_o though_o vanquish_a desist_v from_o form_v stratagem_n for_o he_o range_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v out_o some_o pretence_n against_o he_o antony_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v many_o continual_o and_o therefore_o continual_o give_v himself_o to_o exercise_v consider_v that_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o deceive_v his_o heart_n by_o pleasure_n he_o will_v try_v the_o more_o subtle_o and_o diligent_o to_o do_v it_o by_o other_o method_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v sin_n be_v sure_a friend_n wherefore_o antony_n tame_v his_o body_n more_o and_o more_o lest_o after_o he_o have_v conquer_v in_o some_o combat_n he_o shall_v be_v drag_v a_o captive_n by_o he_o in_o other_o hence_o he_o resolve_v to_o accustom_v himself_o to_o severe_a discipline_n still_o at_o which_o resolution_n many_o be_v startle_v through_o surprise_n but_o however_o he_o go_v thorough_a with_o it_o very_o patient_o for_o the_o bend_v of_o his_o soul_n have_v last_v a_o long_a time_n wrought_v such_o a_o good_a habit_n in_o he_o that_o he_o seize_v on_o every_o even_o the_o least_o occasion_n of_o exert_v his_o strenuous_a pursuit_n after_o virtue_n 6._o he_o watch_v so_o very_a much_o that_o ofttimes_o he_o lay_v without_o sleep_v all_o night_n long_o and_o this_o not_o once_o or_o so_o but_o very_o often_o to_o admiration_n he_o eat_v once_o a_o day_n after_o sunset_n sometime_o but_o once_o in_o two_o day_n nay_o and_o sometime_o but_o once_o in_o four_o day_n his_o diet_n be_v bread_n and_o salt_n his_o drink_n only_a water_n instead_o of_o a_o featherbed_n he_o lay_v on_o a_o mat_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o bare_a ground_n he_o never_o anoint_v himself_o because_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o the_o young_a to_o addict_v themselves_o to_o ascetic_a exercise_n than_o to_o seek_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o effeminate_a the_o body_n they_o shall_v rather_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o labour_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o their_o mind_n 2_o cor._n 12.10_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a than_o i_o be_o strong_a for_o then_o say_v he_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v renew_v and_o become_v athletic_a when_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n languish_v and_o be_v impair_v this_o also_o be_v a_o admirable_a thought_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o measure_v our_o progress_n in_o virtue_n by_o the_o length_n of_o the_o time_n we_o first_o set_v out_o or_o by_o our_o retirement_n so_o much_o as_o by_o our_o divine_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o holy_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o remember_v the_o time_n past_a but_o every_o day_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o first_o he_o will_v express_v a_o more_o ardent_a thirst_n and_o endeavour_n after_o a_o further_o advance_v speak_v by_o the_o way_n of_o soliloquie_n that_o of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.14_o forget_v that_o which_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v forward_o and_o remember_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o prophet_n elias_n who_o say_v 2_o king_n 18.15_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n life_n before_o who_o i_o stand_v i_o will_v sure_o show_v myself_o to_o day_n for_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o prophet_n saying_n to_o day_n he_o do_v not_o take_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o time_n past_a but_o every_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o study_v to_o approve_v himself_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v before_o god_n pure_a in_o heart_n and_o ready_a to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o not_o once_o else_o every_o christian_a ascetic_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o learn_v within_o himself_o his_o own_o life_n from_o elias_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n 7._o antony_n have_v by_o this_o time_n and_o by_o these_o mean_n recollect_v and_o simplify_v himself_o travel_v to_o the_o tomb_n which_o be_v at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n from_o that_o town_n have_v first_o acquaint_v one_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o who_o supply_v he_o with_o bread_n enough_o to_o subsist_v upon_o a_o good_a while_n when_o he_o be_v get_v thither_o he_o go_v into_o one_o of_o the_o tomb_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n over_o his_o head_n and_o tarry_v within_o there_o by_o himself_o now_o the_o devil_n not_o be_v able_a to_o away_o with_o this_o and_o afraid_a jest_n in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o whole_a desert_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o ascetick_n come_v one_o night_n with_o a_o great_a company_n of_o devil_n and_o beat_v and_o bruise_v he_o at_o that_o fearful_a rate_n that_o he_o lie_v a_o long_a time_n dumb_n because_o of_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o torment_n for_o he_o protest_v his_o pain_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o like_a but_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o forget_v those_o who_o hope_v in_o he_o the_o day_n after_o a_o acquaintance_n come_v with_o some_o loaf_n to_o he_o who_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v open_v the_o door_n see_v he_o lie_v along_o like_o a_o dead_a man_n upon_o the_o ground_n take_v he_o up_o and_o carry_v he_o to_o the_o town-church_n and_o lay_v he_o upon_o the_o pavement_n where_o many_o of_o his_o relation_n and_o towns-people_n sit_v by_o he_o as_o they_o there_o use_v to_o do_v about_o the_o corpse_n of_o the_o dead_a now_o about_o midnight_n antony_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o awake_v and_o see_v all_o asleep_a but_o himself_o and_o his_o acquaintance_n that_o bring_v he_o from_o the_o tomb_n
that_o after_o he_o come_v to_o maturity_n of_o think_v and_o judge_v he_o become_v as_o he_o find_v reason_n in_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n he_o have_v first_o receive_v by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o religion_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o not_o of_o his_o education_n and_o be_v no_o ecclesiastic_a but_o a_o man_n of_o a_o civil_a employment_n he_o stand_v fair_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o indifferent_a judge_n and_o not_o as_o a_o advocate_n or_o party_n as_o clergyman_n general_o be_v repute_v by_o some_o and_o by_o consequence_n his_o write_n upon_o such_o subject_n beside_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o reason_n will_v have_v a_o double_a weight_n of_o authority_n if_o we_o take_v in_o his_o example_n too_o above_o other_o to_o make_v they_o successful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v prejudice_n from_o the_o scandalous_a practice_n of_o too_o many_o professor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o atheism_n heretofore_o and_o of_o deism_n at_o present_a and_o of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o more_o effectual_a and_o prevalent_a than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v assign_v in_o print_n though_o by_o scandalous_a i_o intend_v here_o nothing_o but_o zeal_n for_o preferment_n and_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v right_o observe_v when_o virtue_n fail_v in_o the_o priest_n faith_n will_v fail_v in_o the_o people_n be_v their_o preach_a what_o it_o will_n now_o by_o how_o much_o great_a be_v the_o advantage_n that_o the_o write_n of_o this_o man_n have_v above_o other_o to_o have_v do_v service_n in_o this_o cause_n so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o gratification_n which_o these_o wicked_a spirit_n receive_v in_o the_o suppression_n of_o they_o i_o know_v nothing_o so_o sordid_a that_o ever_o appear_v in_o his_o life_n but_o that_o this_o have_v be_v order_v by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o have_v get_v advantage_n against_o he_o or_o his_o family_n however_o some_o particular_a disposition_n in_o person_n may_v make_v it_o more_o feasible_a as_o i_o very_o believe_v so_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v he_o will_v not_o at_o all_o have_v doubt_v have_v he_o be_v live_v and_o to_o have_v speak_v his_o judgement_n in_o a_o like_a case_n he_o and_o i_o both_o before_o he_o die_v have_v have_v experience_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v such_o matter_n and_o i_o wish_v his_o and_o all_o other_o family_n who_o be_v fall_v into_o any_o such_o snare_n may_v consider_v well_o of_o it_o and_o be_v well_o advise_v how_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o if_o it_o may_v be_v many_o such_o have_v i_o know_v and_o though_o the_o burden_n be_v seal_v upon_o some_o and_o the_o decree_n fix_v yet_o in_o other_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o door_n open_a if_o opportunity_n be_v not_o neglect_v man_n belief_n or_o disbelief_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o disbelief_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o great_a vnhappiness_n and_o they_o who_o disbelieve_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v not_o the_o less_o obnoxious_a to_o their_o malice_n but_o more_o secure_a in_o their_o power_n so_o much_o as_o this_o be_v not_o impertinent_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n before_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o gracious_a conduct_n of_o the_o good_n and_o i_o think_v myself_o special_o oblige_v to_o declare_v my_o sentiment_n of_o both_o upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o indeed_o i_o confess_v the_o preface_n be_v not_o write_v so_o much_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o book_n as_o the_o book_n publish_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o write_v on_o that_o subject_a which_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o do_v as_o a_o act_n of_o penitence_n for_o a_o unhappy_a miscarriage_n whereby_o my_o enemy_n get_v that_o advantage_n against_o i_o which_o i_o mention_v before_o and_o shall_v here_o repeat_v in_o the_o word_n then_o print_v as_o follow_v i_o must_v not_o here_o forbear_v upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o add_v not_o my_o opinion_n but_o my_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n upon_o great_a and_o long_o and_o in_o some_o respect_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n woeful_a experience_n in_o a_o humble_a confession_n of_o my_o fault_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o warn_v to_o men._n i_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o this_o divine_a conduct_n and_o of_o the_o blessing_n and_o curse_n attend_v obedience_n and_o disobedience_n to_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o conduct_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o wilderness_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n be_v a_o visible_a manifestation_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o secret_a spiritual_a conduct_n of_o soul_n out_o of_o slavery_n under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o land_n of_o rest_n and_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n in_o action_n and_o representation_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n and_o admonition_n in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la four_o 11_o 20._o and_o vi_o 18_o 31._o the_o cross_n disappointment_n and_o affliction_n which_o i_o have_v go_v through_o have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o many_o of_o they_o know_v to_o the_o world_n though_o nothing_o have_v appear_v in_o my_o life_n to_o which_o they_o can_v be_v impute_v by_o other_o as_o a_o cause_n in_o any_o respect_n i_o must_v therefore_o declare_v that_o while_o i_o do_v act_n in_o a_o ready_a compliance_n with_o that_o conduct_n i_o not_o only_o have_v great_a peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n but_o all_o thing_n go_v strange_o prosperous_a and_o successful_a with_o i_o and_o i_o have_v extraordinary_a answer_n to_o my_o prayer_n not_o only_o for_o myself_o but_o for_o other_o also_o but_o whenever_o i_o have_v do_v contrary_a i_o always_o have_v trouble_n in_o my_o mind_n and_o what_o i_o do_v be_v either_o blast_v or_o unsuccessful_a and_o often_o of_o such_o evil_a consequence_n as_o i_o do_v not_o foresee_v this_o i_o have_v find_v so_o by_o great_a and_o long_a experience_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o my_o life_n wherein_o i_o act_v not_o only_o upon_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o advice_n and_o persuasion_n of_o very_a considerable_a person_n and_o after_o considerable_a experience_n of_o this_o i_o be_v once_o so_o unhappy_a in_o my_o disobedience_n to_o this_o conduct_n upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n have_v none_o to_o advise_v with_o and_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o anti-enthusiasts_a which_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v special_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v like_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n to_o i_o a_o inlet_n unto_o all_o the_o vnhappiness_n that_o have_v since_o befall_v i_o and_o my_o family_n and_o i_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v turn_v back_o into_o the_o wilderness_n ever_o since_o the_o thing_n wherein_o i_o have_v this_o conduct_n be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o themselves_o or_o not_o in_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o either_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o humane_a appearance_n so_o indifferent_a that_o i_o may_v have_v use_v my_o liberty_n or_o the_o conduct_n be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o i_o can_v say_v whether_o the_o affliction_n i_o have_v suffer_v be_v so_o order_v as_o a_o punishment_n for_o my_o miscarriage_n yet_o i_o be_o assure_v they_o be_v a_o consequence_n thereof_o at_o least_o such_o as_o we_o often_o fall_v into_o when_o we_o neglect_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o make_v this_o public_a penitential_a confession_n whatever_o prejudice_n i_o may_v suffer_v thereby_o from_o man_n if_o i_o can_v but_o thereby_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_n man_n i_o shall_v accept_v that_o as_o part_v of_o my_o punishment_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o i_o can_v true_o affirm_v that_o i_o have_v immediate_o upon_o my_o miscarriage_n as_o sensible_a notice_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o have_v since_o befall_v i_o as_o i_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n by_o any_o sense_n i_o have_v as_o plain_a as_o if_o a_o sentence_n have_v be_v pronounce_v against_o i_o and_o what_o i_o have_v suffer_v have_v have_v two_o several_a mark_n as_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o my_o miscarriage_n as_o the_o print_n of_o a_o seal_n upon_o the_o wax_n
of_o he_o be_v not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o by_o a_o divine_a presence_n which_o far_o exceed_v any_o knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n he_o say_v hinder_v union_n therefore_o we_o must_v go_v beyond_o knowledge_n and_o be_v abstract_v from_o all_o other_o object_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o clear_a light_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o state_n say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n too_o neither_o be_v the_o person_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d like_o one_o in_o a_o rapture_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o enjoy_v god_n in_o that_o state_n of_o quiescency_n as_o in_o a_o silent_a wilderness_n which_o he_o call_v be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n see_v god_n in_o themselves_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n be_v one_o with_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a state_n of_o dei-formity_n of_o porphyry_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o confident_a of_o plotinus_n the_o same_o author_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o theurgic_a way_n as_o liable_a to_o deceit_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o high_a perfection_n which_o theurgic_a way_n lie_v in_o the_o initiate_a of_o man_n in_o some_o sacred_a mystery_n by_o partake_v of_o certain_a rite_n and_o symbol_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o deity_n the_o end_v whereof_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reduce_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o body_n so_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o from_o porphyry_n that_o they_o who_o be_v purify_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v converse_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o angel_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o see_v but_o porphyry_n himself_o as_o he_o do_v not_o utter_o reject_v this_o low_a and_o symbolical_a way_n so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o purify_n the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o the_o intellectual_a by_o the_o low_a part_n he_o understand_v the_o irrational_a which_o by_o the_o theurgical_a rite_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o conversation_n with_o angel_n but_o the_o intellectual_a part_n can_v not_o be_v elevate_v by_o it_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o he_o place_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o return_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o upper_a part_n or_o fund_z of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o utmost_a the_o other_o attain_v to_o be_v only_o to_o live_v among_o the_o aetherial_a spirit_n but_o the_o contemplative_a soul_n return_v to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o speak_v which_o as_o many_o other_o of_o his_o notion_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n to_o show_v what_o this_o intellectual_a or_o contemplative_a life_n be_v that_o shall_v bring_v man_n soul_n to_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n porphyry_n write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o who_o quote_v many_o passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o particular_a precept_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v fly_v from_o all_o body_n if_o it_o will_v live_v happy_a with_o god_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n and_o pure_a contemplative_a life_n in_o that_o book_n he_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a way_n yet_o know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n not_o the_o indian_a chaldaick_n or_o any_o other_o but_o what_o that_o be_v which_o he_o mean_v appear_v by_o what_o he_o say_v near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n over_o all_o and_o four_o time_n say_v he_o when_o i_o be_v with_o he_o he_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n by_o a_o unexpressible_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o he_o before_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o divine_a illumination_n without_o any_o image_n or_o idea_n be_v above_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o intelligible_a thing_n and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v once_o in_o this_o state_n of_o union_n when_o he_o be_v 68_o year_n of_o age._n which_o holstenius_fw-la understand_v of_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o then_o fall_v into_o and_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o melancholy_n join_v with_o his_o abstract_a and_o severe_a life_n his_o frequent_a watch_n and_o almost_o continual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o and_o eunapius_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o little_a a_o lover_n of_o the_o body_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v in_o sicily_n he_o be_v almost_o famish_v by_o abstinence_n and_o shun_v all_o conversation_n with_o mankind_n as_o he_o begin_v the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n that_o he_o be_v like_o one_o ashamed_a that_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o body_n so_o that_o we_o find_v the_o foundation_n here_o lay_v say_v our_o author_n not_o only_o for_o the_o mystical_a union_n but_o the_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o rather_o in_o a_o cessation_n of_o these_o act_n be_v likewise_o express_o affirm_v by_o porphyry_n many_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v say_v of_o understanding_n thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v better_o perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d otio_fw-la &_o vacation_n intellectû_v as_o holstenius_fw-la render_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o rest_n and_o cessation_n of_o operation_n in_o the_o understanding_n than_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o many_o thing_n while_o a_o man_n wake_v be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o sleep_v but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o they_o be_v by_o sleep_n for_o thing_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o assimilation_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o understanding_n all_o thing_n be_v different_a according_a to_o their_o essence_n those_o thing_n above_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o way_n of_o unknowing_a and_o after_o a_o super-essential_a manner_n where_o we_o see_v the_o very_a phrase_n of_o dionysius_n use_v by_o he_o and_o in_o many_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v and_o lose_v itself_o from_o the_o body_n and_o draw_v itself_o near_a to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o god_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o clear_a light_n which_o follow_v the_o abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o state_n and_o life_n of_o contemplation_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a thereto_o such_o as_o abstinence_n from_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o from_o affection_n to_o it_o which_o say_v he_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o very_o much_o disparage_v the_o active_a and_o political_a life_n in_o comparison_n with_o this_o the_o end_n of_o one_o be_v only_a man_n living_n according_a to_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o other_o assimilation_n to_o god_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o practical_a virtue_n be_v only_o a_o good_a man_n but_o he_o that_o live_v the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n be_v a_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o understand_v the_o deiformity_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n the_o way_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o for_o purify_n the_o soul_n be_v this_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o know_v itself_o i._n e._n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o bind_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o another_o substance_n 2._o recollection_n or_o gather_v itself_o up_o from_o the_o body_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o advise_v to_o deny_v the_o body_n in_o its_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o show_v as_o little_a care_n of_o it_o and_o concernment_n for_o it_o as_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n to_o lessen_v all_o sense_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o so_o to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n then_o he_o describe_v the_o superlative_a be_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o little_a but_o above_o both_o and_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o least_o but_o above_o all_o and_o that_o his_o presence_n be_v not_o topical_a but_o assimilative_a and_o
bernier_n to_o monsieur_n chaplain_n date_v 4_o octob._n 1667._o concern_v the_o gentile_n of_o indostan_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o certain_a order_n of_o religious_a among_o they_o who_o make_v vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n live_v in_o convent_v under_o superior_n who_o be_v common_o call_v jauguis_n i._n e._n unite_a to_o god_n who_o use_v themselves_o to_o many_o hardship_n and_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o many_o eremite_n by_o the_o people_n be_v account_v true_a saint_n illuminate_v and_o perfect_a jauguis_n these_o be_v people_n that_o have_v entire_o abandon_v the_o world_n and_o sequester_v themselves_o into_o some_o very_a remote_a corner_n or_o garden_n like_o eremite_n without_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o town_n if_o you_o carry_v they_o any_o meat_n they_o receive_v it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o and_o subfist_n by_o the_o sole_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o perpetual_a fast_n prayer_n and_o profound_a meditation_n for_o they_o sink_v themselves_o so_o deep_o into_o these_o rapture_n that_o they_o spend_v many_o hour_n together_o in_o be_v insensible_a and_o behold_v in_o that_o time_n as_o they_o give_v out_o god_n himself_o like_o a_o very_a bright_a and_o ineffable_a light_n with_o a_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n attend_v with_o a_o entire_a contempt_n and_o forsake_v of_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o much_o one_o of_o they_o that_o pretend_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o this_o rapture_n when_o he_o please_v and_o have_v be_v often_o in_o it_o tell_v i_o and_o other_o that_o be_v about_o they_o affirm_v the_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o seriousness_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o earnest_n that_o there_o be_v no_o imposture_n in_o it_o to_o these_o other_o may_v be_v add_v who_o have_v have_v the_o like_a notion_n and_o use_v the_o like_a exercise_n as_o well_o ancient_o as_o at_o this_o time_n such_o as_o the_o indian_a brahmin_n or_o gymnosophist_n the_o persian_a magi_n and_o the_o druid_n who_o be_v say_v by_o some_o to_o have_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o abraham_n time_n the_o character_n give_v by_o bardisanes_n syrus_n of_o the_o brachmanes_n that_o they_o neither_o worship_v image_n nor_o eat_v what_o be_v animate_v neither_o drink_n wine_n or_o beer_n be_v far_o from_o all_o malignity_n attend_v whole_o to_o god_n be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o take_v in_o both_o the_o austerity_n and_o contemplation_n of_o those_o beforementioned_a but_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o conceal_v their_o most_o sacred_a mystery_n from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o their_o communication_n of_o they_o principal_o by_o successive_a verbal_a tradition_n be_v a_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v so_o little_a of_o this_o in_o any_o write_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o we_o call_v heathen_n but_o even_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o what_o be_v collect_v by_o our_o author_n that_o these_o notion_n and_o exercise_n be_v not_o first_o introduce_v by_o plotinus_n and_o his_o disciple_n but_o derive_v to_o they_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o chaldean_n and_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v from_o what_o original_a they_o derive_v they_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discover_v any_o other_o than_o either_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n as_o many_o assert_v or_o at_o least_o the_o common_a parent_n noah_n so_o that_o what_o our_o author_n have_v collect_v to_o disparage_v mystical_a theology_n be_v well_o consider_v will_v prove_v a_o notable_a recommendation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o noah_n do_v instruct_v his_o posterity_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v transmit_v to_o after-generation_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n in_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n entire_o and_o without_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o inquisite_fw-la person_n and_o especial_o into_o divine_a mystery_n as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o plato_n man_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n and_o so_o favour_v as_o they_o be_v must_v have_v obtain_v a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o all_o these_o nation_n and_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n in_o and_o after_o the_o captivity_n when_o they_o seem_v by_o divine_a providence_n to_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o may_v be_v more_o full_o know_v to_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v undoubted_o design_v by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v a_o light_n and_o admonition_n to_o the_o gentile_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n in_o all_o their_o various_a state_n in_o egypt_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o their_o captivity_n and_o in_o their_o dispersion_n to_o this_o very_a day_n nor_o do_v i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o other_o nation_n as_o together_o with_o what_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o common_a ancestor_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o who_o use_v and_o improve_v the_o same_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o rest_n who_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o find_v that_o these_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mystic_a divinity_n that_o be_v with_o the_o thing_n whether_o under_o that_o name_n or_o any_o other_o it_o matter_n not_o if_o we_o find_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o it_o among_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o other_o before_o if_o we_o find_v the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a ascetick_n well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o much_o or_o rather_o altogether_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o before_o dionysius_n his_o theologia_n mystica_fw-la be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n this_o put_v together_o be_v such_o a_o constellation_n of_o concurrent_a and_o corroborate_n evidence_n that_o whencesoever_o that_o name_n and_o some_o term_n and_o expression_n which_o seem_v somewhat_o uncouth_a come_v in_o after_o age_n yet_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o must_v have_v be_v derive_v from_o some_o very_a ancient_a common_a original_a to_o those_o nation_n and_o to_o those_o christian_a ascetick_n not_o from_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a groundless_a oratorical_a fiction_n to_o expose_v it_o no_o more_o than_o from_o dionysius_n who_o our_o author_n do_v not_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_a but_o either_o from_o some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v of_o the_o jew_n or_o which_o seem_v more_o likely_a from_o a_o divine_a conduct_n and_o inspiration_n for_o they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o unacquainted_a with_o humane_a learning_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o mystical_a theology_n which_o be_v thus_o oppose_v by_o our_o author_n but_o rather_o that_o the_o same_o institution_n be_v convey_v as_o secret_n by_o tradition_n to_o some_o principal_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n from_o the_o common_a parent_n noah_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v but_o fair_o that_o be_v candid_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v that_o account_n of_o this_o divinity_n which_o our_o author_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o purpose_n to_o collect_v from_o a_o late_a author_n father_n austin_n baker_n and_o mr._n cressy_n preface_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v sufficient_o recommend_v itself_o as_o no_o improper_a or_o unlikely_a method_n to_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v of_o it_o say_v he_o and_o so_o say_v i_o by_o these_o passage_n in_o he_o viz._n mr._n cressy_n preface_n 1_o the_o only_a proper_a disposition_n towards_o receive_v supernatural_a irradiation_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o sequestration_n from_o all_o business_n that_o concern_v other_o and_o a_o attendance_n to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o little_a after_o 2._o the_o light_n here_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o be_v such_o as_o do_v expel_v all_o image_n of_o creature_n and_o do_v calm_a all_o manner_n of_o passion_n to_o the_o end_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o vacuity_n may_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o receive_v and_o entertain_v god_n in_o the_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o far_o our_o author_n out_o of_o mr._n cressy_n but_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v to_o these_o two_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o character_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o fanaticism_n
up_o in_o judgement_n against_o such_o as_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o tepidity_n carelessness_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n note_n and_o observation_n to_o discern_v illusion_n from_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o quarrel_n which_o our_o author_n have_v to_o this_o mystical_a divinity_n beside_o that_o that_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o it_o lead_v person_n into_o strange_a illusion_n of_o fancy_n which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n not_o only_o to_o those_o melancholy_a soul_n that_o be_v lead_v through_o this_o valley_n of_o shade_n and_o darkness_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o which_o if_o true_a be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o quarrel_n indeed_o but_o if_o well_o consider_v no_o great_a cause_n than_o other_o have_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o it_o be_v true_a many_o person_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o many_o more_o by_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o must_v we_o therefore_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o true_a divine_a illumination_n inspiration_n motion_n or_o communication_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o because_o o._n n._n in_o the_o book_n which_o our_o author_n answer_v have_v a_o discourse_n on_o that_o subject_a which_o have_v pass_v his_o examination_n without_o any_o hard_a censure_n which_o be_v a_o implicit_a approbation_n that_o may_v not_o improper_o here_o be_v add_v for_o the_o discern_a of_o such_o illusion_n proceed_v from_o satan_n from_o the_o true_a inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o affirm_v that_o many_o note_n and_o observation_n there_o be_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v if_o not_o certain_o whether_o divine_a as_o to_o their_o original_a where_o no_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n yet_o whether_o contain_v truth_n and_o advance_v virtue_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o any_o way_n noxious_a and_o hurtful_a either_o to_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o or_o other_o and_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a now_o for_o these_o note_n of_o discern_v they_o i_o need_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o no_o other_o book_n then_o to_o the_o doctor_n be_v martyr_n sancta_fw-la sophia_n though_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o there_o in_o the_o preface_n from_o §_o 29._o to_o §_o 35._o again_o in_o the_o three_o treatise_n p._n 268._o from_o §_o 9_o to_o §_o 22._o where_o after_o direct_v a_o strict_a observation_n to_o be_v make_v concern_v the_o person_n whether_o 1._o vicious_o incline_v 2._o arrogant_a and_o proud_a or_o 3._o curious_a 4._o or_o much_o addict_v to_o melancholy_a there_o be_v particular_o cast_v off_o and_o mark_v out_o for_o satanical_a illusion_n among_o other_o these_o all_o such_o pretend_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n as_o do_v invite_v the_o person_n to_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n obedience_n humility_n peace_n and_o unity_n honesty_n purity_n and_o any_o other_o divine_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n or_o obedience_n for_o instance_n as_o the_o attempt_v to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o seditious_a reformation_n as_o likewise_o when_o the_o person_n obstinate_o believe_v these_o revelation_n to_o be_v of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o experience_a superior_n and_o director_n all_o such_o i_o say_v be_v condemn_v for_o satanical_a illusion_n which_o cut_v all_o the_o nerve_n of_o all_o such_o pretend_a revelation_n as_o can_v any_o way_n disturb_v the_o church_n faith_n or_o peace_n and_o most_o of_o all_o of_o those_o enthusiasm_n and_o fanatic_a frenzy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o common_a among_o protestant_n §_o 14._o last_o in_o all_o these_o pretension_n where_o there_o be_v any_o great_a difficulty_n of_o discern_v the_o good_a and_o divine_a from_o the_o bad_a and_o satanical_a spirit_n we_o have_v a_o judge_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n §_o 15._o but_o there_o be_v other_o influence_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n direct_v we_o also_o in_o action_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a or_o of_o counsel_n and_o on_o either_o side_n lawful_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n some_o of_o which_o inspiration_n can_v be_v try_v or_o distinguish_v from_o enthusiasm_n by_o any_o such_o way_n as_o the_o former_a which_o because_o they_o be_v much_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o mystic_n and_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o advance_v christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n it_o seem_v requisite_a for_o the_o free_v these_o also_o from_o mistake_v to_o give_v the_o reader_n here_o some_o account_n of_o they_o §_o 18._o 1._o we_o must_v know_v then_o as_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n tr._n 1._o p._n 57_o and_o other_o have_v discourse_v more_o at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o spirit_n within_o we_o that_o be_v all_o the_o regenerate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o of_o corrupt_a nature_n assist_v with_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o take_v a_o kind_n of_o possession_n of_o we_o upon_o adam_n fall_n eph._n 2.2_o that_o this_o last_o spirit_n be_v never_o total_o expel_v or_o silence_v in_o we_o during_o this_o life_n but_o tempt_v we_o still_o gal._n 5.17_o and_o that_o its_o suggestion_n may_v appear_v many_o time_n like_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n pretend_v good_a end_n the_o perform_v some_o duty_n to_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n our_o advancement_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o spirit_n sanctify_v grace_n receive_v in_o our_o regeneration_n or_o justification_n be_v in_o its_o infusion_n ordinary_o but_o as_o a_o small_a sâ—ed_z 1_o john_n 3.9_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o mat._n 13.31_o 33._o or_o spark_n capable_a of_o a_o daily_a growth_n and_o increase_n and_o which_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o our_o free_a will_n and_o further_a aid_n that_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n receive_v from_o god_n work_v in_o we_o at_o length_n a_o total_a reformation_n and_o christian_a perfection_n which_o so_o many_o among_o the_o regenerate_v as_o do_v attain_v be_v say_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n to_o be_v spiritual_a person_n and_o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o iâ—_n this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 〈◊〉_d brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o to_o spiritual_a but_o as_o 〈◊〉_d carnal_a and_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o anâ—_n so_o ver_fw-la 3._o for_o you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a and_o walk_v according_a to_o man_n that_o be_v you_o be_v babe_n only_o in_o christ_n and_o iâ—_n in_o some_o degree_n carnal_a and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o and_o not_o as_o yet_o entire_o spiritual_a and_o frequent_a mention_n we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d these_o several_a degree_n and_o growth_n in_o a_o regeneral_n condition_n it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n that_o the_o neâ—_n man_n as_o the_o old_a shall_v grow_v by_o degree_n and_o not_o bâ—_n make_v complete_a in_o we_o all_o at_o once_o mention_v i_o say_v of_o some_o babe_n and_o little_a one_o and_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o yet_o only_o with_o milk_n of_o strong_a meat_n and_o wisdom_n and_o high_a mystery_n only_o to_o be_v deliver_v to_o and_o speak_v among_o the_o perfect_a see_v heb._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 1.2_o 6._o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o receive_v increase_n from_o god_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o col._n 2.19_o of_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n 2_o cor._n 〈◊〉_d .16_o of_o arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n 〈◊〉_d the_o stature_n or_o age_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.13_o of_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o present_v every_o 〈◊〉_d perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o full_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.28_o 4.12_o and_o of_o this_o perfection_n still_o contain_v in_o it_o high_o and_o high_a degree_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.12_o though_o therefore_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o habitual_a grace_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v already_o translate_v from_o the_o former_a be_v of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o a_o divine_a be_v of_o supernatural_a grace_n free_v at_o the_o first_o from_o the_o former_a state_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o from_o the_o slavery_n and_o captivity_n we_o suffer_v under_o its_o
dominion_n yet_o have_v not_o this_o spirit_n as_o yet_o attain_v such_o a_o sovereign_a empire_n and_o mastery_n over_o the_o importunate_a solicitation_n of_o concupiscence_n and_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o still_o fall_v frequent_o into_o many_o lesser_a and_o those_o call_v venial_a sin_n or_o at_o least_o as_o to_z action_n that_o be_v not_o sinful_a but_o in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a or_o lawful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n still_o prosecute_v those_o that_o be_v more_o grateful_a or_o advantageous_a to_o our_o present_a carnal_a desire_n and_o our_o sensual_a or_o secular_a design_n though_o such_o action_n be_v no_o way_n expedient_a for_o we_o nor_o acceptable_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o which_o now_o we_o live_v nor_o do_v conduce_v to_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n but_o be_v great_a hindrance_n thereof_o and_o though_o these_o act_n contain_v indeed_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o lawful_a yet_o often_o expose_v we_o to_o occasion_n of_o sin_n now_o so_o long_o as_o we_o stay_v here_o and_o advance_v no_o further_o we_o appear_v but_o as_o infant_n and_o babe_n in_o grace_n it_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o obtain_v its_o perfect_a reign_n in_o we_o either_o over_o our_o concupiscence_n which_o carry_v we_o still_o into_o frequent_a venial_a sin_n or_o over_o our_o nature_n and_o will_n which_o carry_v we_o in_o other_o matter_n lawful_a to_o those_o satisfy_n our_o natural_a condition_n but_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o have_v potestatem_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 7.37_o come_v once_o to_o act_v seldom_o according_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concupiscence_n to_o fall_v seldom_o into_o venial_a sin_n especial_o with_o advertency_n and_o unsurprised_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o have_v a_o more_o absolute_a power_n over_o sense_n reason_n our_o own_o will_n propriety_n and_o self-love_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a when_o come_v to_o st._n paul_n omne_fw-la mihi_fw-la license_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la sub_fw-la nullius_fw-la redigar_fw-la potestate_fw-la 1_o cor._n 6.12_o and_o to_o his_o corpus_fw-la in_o servitem_fw-la redigo_fw-la 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o to_o act_v more_o constant_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n move_v now_o more_o perceptible_o in_o we_o and_o give_v the_o law_n to_o we_o when_o grace_n be_v as_o to_o these_o non-expedients_a also_o predominant_a and_o sole_a mistress_n order_v all_o thing_n without_o our_o reluctance_n or_o also_o with_o our_o zeal_n to_o the_o great_a love_n praise_n honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o do_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o this_o his_o spirit_n then_o be_v we_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a growth_n to_o a_o complete_a man_n in_o christ_n to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n such_o as_o this_o life_n attain_v but_o few_o regenerate_v there_o be_v that_o do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o disorder_n die_v in_o their_o spiritual_a youth_n before_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o mature_a age._n as_o therefore_o in_o our_o regeneration_n a_o man_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o the_o church_n desire_v in_o that_o which_o be_v call_v from_o some_o high_a mystery_n it_o speak_v of_o as_o to_o the_o supreme_a effect_n of_o this_o grace_n mystical_a theology_n to_o advance_v those_o already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o of_o perfection_n and_o from_o the_o spirit_n dwelling_n to_o it_o more_o absolute_o reign_v in_o we_o which_o find_v so_o many_o great_a reward_n not_o only_o in_o the_o next_o but_o this_o present_a life_n §_o 19_o 2._o we_o must_v know_v therefore_o that_o to_o such_o end_n this_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v in_o our_o regeneration_n assi_v and_o work_v in_o we_o not_o only_o as_o to_o afford_v general_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n such_o internal_a illumination_n and_o motion_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o any_o sinful_a temptation_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o but_o also_o in_o afford_v we_o light_n and_o ability_n in_o all_o indifferent_a action_n and_o occurrence_n with_o which_o may_v be_v also_o join_v all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a virtue_n when_o no_o necessity_n oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o of_o they_o and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o without_o sin_n to_o do_v or_o omit_v they_o whereby_o we_o be_v guide_v to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o god_n will_n and_z particular_a circumstance_n consider_v may_v much_o more_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christian_a perfection_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v avoid_v such_o other_o of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v suggest_v either_o by_o corrupt_a nature_n or_o the_o evil_a spirit_n under_o pretence_n also_o of_o some_o good_a end_n but_o to_o defeat_v a_o better_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n excite_v we_o and_o assist_v we_o not_o only_o in_o do_v duty_n of_o necessary_a obligation_n or_o in_o the_o avoid_n what_o be_v prohibit_v and_o perform_v what_o be_v command_v by_o god_n under_o penalty_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o all_o these_o act_n also_o that_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v more_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o our_o great_a perfection_n though_o these_o be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v without_o sin_v choose_v or_o refuse_v for_o in_o this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o be_v like_a to_o concupiscence_n in_o we_o the_o one_o continual_o exciting_a we_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v better_o as_o the_o other_o to_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o see_v the_o apostle_n description_n of_o these_o two_o inmate_n rom._n 8.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o gal._n 5.16_o 17_o 18._o where_o he_o say_v v._o 7._o that_o spiritus_fw-la concupiscit_fw-la adversus_fw-la carnem_fw-la &_o caro_fw-la adversus_fw-la spiritum_fw-la and_o that_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la adversantur_fw-la and_o ibid._n v._n 18._o as_o also_o rom._n 8.14_o that_o those_o who_o be_v god_n child_n or_o regenerate_v aguntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o guide_v we_o into_o truth_n jo._n 16.13_o bring_v thing_n forget_v to_o our_o remembrance_n jo._n 14.26_o give_v knowledge_n and_o argument_n to_o one_o act._n 6.10_o utterance_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o power_n to_o persuade_v to_o another_o act._n 2.4_o to_o another_o wisdom_n or_o a_o good_a judgement_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 12.8_o 9_o 28._o prudence_n in_o govern_v in_o execute_v another_o command_n rom._n 12.6_o 7._o to_o another_o courage_n and_o boldness_n act._n 4.29_o 31._o it_o open_v man_n understanding_n and_o heart_n and_o render_v they_o docile_a and_o apt_a to_o believe_v luk._n 24.8_o act._n 16.14_o eph._n 1.18_o what_o be_v there_o that_o be_v not_o do_v in_o we_o by_o this_o holy_a spirit_n when_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o the_o son_n so_o be_v our_o regenerate_a life_n whole_o manage_v by_o this_o spirit_n as_o the_o natural_a be_v by_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o not_o obstruct_v work_v in_o we_o a_o continual_a growth_n in_o grace_n till_o we_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o eph._n 4.13_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v he_o convert_v gal._n 5.25_o that_o as_o they_o live_v their_o new_a life_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o will_v walk_v in_o it_o according_a to_o its_o direction_n and_o that_o they_o will_v mind_v or_o affect_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o thing_n it_o mind_v they_o of_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d within_o they_o be_v death_n in_o the_o end_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d within_o they_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n to_o they_o exhort_v they_o also_o eph._n 4.30_o with_o no_o corrupt_a and_o fruitless_a communication_n to_o contristate_v or_o grieve_v this_o spirit_n tim._n 4.14_o not_o to_o neglect_v it_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v void_a or_o idle_a in_o they_o 1_o thess_n 5.19_o not_o to_o quench_v it_o eph._n 5.18_o to_o replenish_v themselves_o with_o it_o and_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o continual_o to_o revive_v it_o rom._n 12.11_o to_o be_v fervent_a in_o it_o without_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 3.5_o we_o can_v think_v a_o good_a thought_n and_o our_o lord_n jo._n 15_o 5._o that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o §_o 20._o 3._o these_o action_n of_o the_o latter_a kind_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o that_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v or_o omit_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o perform_v without_o any_o guilt_n of_o
sin_n be_v either_o such_o as_o by_o the_o evangelical_n counsel_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o rectify_a reason_n be_v clear_o discern_v by_o we_o the_o one_o to_o be_v better_o and_o more_o to_o lead_v to_o christian_a perfection_n than_o the_o other_o or_o such_o where_o we_o have_v some_o doubt_n of_o these_o two_o action_n good_a or_o lawful_a which_o be_v the_o better_a or_o more_o expedient_a in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o we_o to_o be_v the_o better_a as_o to_o our_o perfection_n be_v the_o motion_n in_o we_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o do_v it_o be_v the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o reject_v or_o neglect_v this_o so_o often_o we_o contristate_v the_o spirit_n that_o will_v thus_o conduct_v we_o to_o perfection_n and_o refuse_v to_o do_v god_n will_n when_o this_o be_v know_v to_o we_o who_o will_v it_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o all_o thing_n consider_v to_o be_v best_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o good_a to_o be_v do_v though_o such_o omission_n or_o neglect_n amount_v not_o to_o a_o sin_n but_o to_o a_o fail_v so_o much_o in_o perfection_n and_o indeed_o the_o not_o vigilant_o observe_v these_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o and_o the_o not_o harken_v to_o and_o obey_v they_o when_o evident_a to_o be_v such_o or_o also_o the_o not_o preconsult_v by_o prayer_n what_o it_o advise_v but_o rather_o precipitate_v our_o action_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o their_o no_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o it_o to_o they_o be_v a_o check_n to_o the_o further_o and_o strong_a operation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n for_o who_o will_v offer_v counsel_n seldom_o or_o never_o accept_v or_o ask_v abate_v the_o fervour_n and_o solace_n that_o there_o will_v be_v in_o prosecute_a its_o suggestion_n and_o leave_v we_o guilty_a of_o much_o unkindness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o as_o st._n bernard_n cum_fw-la hae_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la circa_fw-la nos_fw-la dispensatoriae_fw-la quidem_fw-la vicissitudines_fw-la vigilantissime_fw-la non_fw-la observantur_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la nec_fw-la absentem_fw-la desideres_fw-la nec_fw-la presentem_fw-la glorifices_fw-la in_o cant._n serm._n 17._o when_o these_o condescend_v vicissitness_n concern_v we_o be_v not_o most_o watchful_o heed_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thou_o do_v neither_o desire_n he_o when_o absent_a nor_o glorify_v he_o when_o present_a but_o in_o the_o latter_a action_n wherein_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o doubt_n which_o be_v best_a and_o yet_o wherein_o the_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n may_v be_v exceed_o beneficial_a to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o condition_n to_o the_o better_a order_n of_o our_o life_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o illumination_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o also_o a_o clear_a discern_a thereof_o be_v obtain_v especial_o by_o much_o purity_n of_o conversation_n and_o abstraction_n from_o worldly_a thing_n by_o frequent_a recollection_n and_o introversion_n and_o attendance_n on_o god_n in_o the_o perfect_a practice_n of_o prayer_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o for_o god_n have_v gracious_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o effectual_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n as_o that_o of_o elias_n avail_v much_o jam._n 5.17_o that_o he_o hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o one_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n him_z he_o hear_v jo._n 9.31_o that_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n that_o be_v such_o person_n not_o doubt_v but_o believe_v we_o shall_v receive_v they_o mat._n 21.22_o mar._n 11.23_o that_o if_o we_o abide_v in_o christ_n and_o he_o in_o we_o ask_v what_o we_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o we_o jo._n 15.7_o because_o indeed_o such_o ask_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o live_v in_o they_o and_o so_o ask_v according_a to_o god_n will._n that_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v what_o be_v please_v in_o god_n sight_n whatever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o 1_o jo._n 3.22_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o grant_v our_o request_n 1_o jo._n 5.14_o that_o though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v desire_v or_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v rom._n 8.26_o 27._o that_o be_v as_o to_o temporal_a prosperity_n or_o affliction_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n there_o speak_v what_o therein_o be_v best_a for_o god_n glory_n or_o our_o own_o proficiency_n yet_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o with_o unutterable_a groan_n and_o great_a ardour_n intercee_v for_o we_o according_a to_o god_n will_n and_o that_o god_n know_v its_o mind_n though_o not_o express_v in_o word_n and_o grant_v its_o request_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n search_v the_o profound_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v they_o but_o they_o many_o time_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o it_o but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v discern_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n most_o of_o which_o text_n seem_v to_o be_v speak_v not_o only_o of_o our_o petition_v god_n concern_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o our_o or_o other_o salvation_n but_o more_o universal_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o request_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o lawful_a and_o of_o his_o spirit_n direct_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o do_v in_o they_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v those_o to_o we_o which_o may_v be_v best_a for_o we_o wherein_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o saint_n much_o soon_o than_o of_o other_o §_o 21._o i_o say_v then_o since_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v declare_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v these_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v what_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o may_v rational_o presume_v and_o be_v pious_o confident_a that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o request_n when_o this_o be_v only_o to_o know_v his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o it_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o take_v that_o for_o his_o will_n to_o which_o after_o such_o address_n and_o other_o due_a preparation_n make_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o more_o strong_o incline_v and_o also_o take_v such_o inclination_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n either_o illuminate_n sometime_o our_o understanding_n in_o discover_v to_o it_o some_o reason_n not_o so_o well_o discern_v or_o else_o disesteem_v and_o think_v inconsiderable_a before_o or_o sometime_o more_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o judgement_n our_o own_o reason_n make_v of_o the_o thing_n before_o or_o sometime_o effect_v a_o strong_a and_o sudden_o injected_a inclination_n in_o the_o will_n so_o sway_v without_o any_o precede_a reason_n or_o discourse_n of_o the_o intellect_n present_v to_o it_o or_o sometime_o cause_v a_o extraordinary_a tranquillity_n consolation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o accompany_v such_o our_o election_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o abbot_n isaac_n in_o cassian_n collat._n 9_o c._n 32._o cum_fw-la orantes_fw-la nos_fw-la nulla_fw-la interpellaverit_fw-la haesitatio_fw-la si_fw-la obtinuisse_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o ipsa_fw-la orationis_fw-la effusione_n quod_fw-la poscimus_fw-la senserimus_fw-la non_fw-la ambigamus_fw-la preces_fw-la nostras_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la efficaciter_fw-la penetrasse_fw-la where_o note_n that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o creature_n can_v work_v so_o immediate_o and_o intimate_o on_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o god_n spirit_n do_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o phantasm_n or_o image_n of_o the_o spirit_n humour_n etc._n etc._n or_o where_o no_o such_o preponderation_n to_o any_o side_n be_v perceive_v in_o the_o soul_n than_o we_o may_v presume_v this_o to_o be_v his_o will_n that_o make_v use_n of_o our_o best_a reason_n or_o other_o advice_n without_o any_o solicitude_n we_o take_v either_o side_n §_o 22._o now_o in_o the_o discern_a of_o these_o divine_a illumination_n and_o inspiration_n from_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a from_o those_o of_o our_o own_o or_o a_o bad_a spirit_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o any_o one_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a perfection_n in_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n they_o attain_v hereby_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o hence_o its_o illumination_n and_o inspiring_n in_o they_o be_v also_o much_o
great_a and_o strong_a and_o more_o intimate_o effective_a on_o the_o soul_n than_o any_o other_o motion_n from_o whencesoever_o they_o come_v can_v be_v and_o so_o also_o these_o become_v more_o evident_a to_o such_o and_o many_o time_n be_v so_o clear_o discern_v by_o they_o from_o the_o supernatural_a impression_n they_o make_v upon_o the_o soul_n as_o that_o it_o can_v resist_v disbelieve_v or_o any_o way_n doubt_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a so_o st._n austin_n relate_v of_o his_o mother_n monica_n that_o she_o clear_o know_v such_o supernatural_a act_n in_o she_o from_o her_o own_o imagination_n dicebat_fw-la enim_fw-la discernere_fw-la se_fw-la nescio_fw-la quo_fw-la sapore_fw-la quem_fw-la verbis_fw-la explicare_fw-la non_fw-la poterat_fw-la quid_fw-la interesset_fw-la inter_fw-la revelantem_fw-la te_fw-la &_o animam_fw-la svam_fw-la somniantem_fw-la confess_v l._n 6._o c._n 13._o for_o she_o say_v she_o do_v discern_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o savour_n which_o she_o can_v not_o explain_v in_o word_n what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o thou_o reveal_v and_o her_o own_o soul_n dream_v and_o indeed_o if_o such_o interior_a divine_a operation_n be_v not_o sometime_o certain_o discernible_a how_o can_v st._n paul_n be_v assure_v when_o he_o intend_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n and_o again_o in_o bythinia_n a_o most_o charitable_a design_n that_o the_o spirit_n forbid_v it_o and_o not_o rather_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n act._n 16.6_o 7._o or_o that_o it_o be_v by_o revelation_n and_o not_o a_o fancy_n of_o he_o that_o he_o ascend_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 2.2_o or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o testify_v and_o not_o man_n fear_n that_o much_o affliction_n shall_v happen_v to_o he_o there_o act._n 20.23_o how_o the_o corinthian_n know_v when_o they_o have_v a_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n since_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v transact_v only_o interiorly_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o that_o in_o all_o these_o give_v the_o evidence_n to_o itself_o a_o certain_a assurance_n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o at_o sometime_o may_v have_v of_o divine_a operation_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v here_o that_o all_o person_n less_o advance_v in_o prayer_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n or_o also_o the_o great_a saint_n at_o all_o time_n discern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o they_o so_o clear_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o action_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sometime_o mistake_v and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o person_n pious_o dispose_v and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n may_v have_v a_o rational_a presumption_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v any_o more_o communicate_v unto_o they_o perhaps_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o that_o no_o absolute_a certitude_n be_v herein_o to_o be_v expect_v be_v a_o thing_n often_o confess_v by_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n see_v 1_o vol._n p._n 139._o and_o p._n 137._o §_o 23._o 4._o but_o in_o case_n such_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v yet_o can_v no_o damage_n come_v thereby_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o commit_v any_o sin_n 1._o the_o subject_a of_o they_o we_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v matter_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o on_o any_o side_n lawful_a see_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n 1_o vol._n p._n 143._o 2._o no_o command_n of_o superior_n in_o these_o any_o way_n neglect_v 3._o no_o neglect_v beside_o use_v prayer_n in_o practise_v any_o other_o mean_n of_o make_v a_o secure_a choice_n either_o in_o weigh_v reason_n on_o all_o side_n or_o take_v advice_n from_o other_o only_a the_o devout_a soul_n in_o use_v these_o endeavour_n yet_o rely_v not_o on_o they_o but_o on_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n work_v continual_o in_o the_o regenerate_v both_o by_o prevenient_a and_o subsequent_a grace_n make_v no_o sudden_a resolution_n nor_o rush_n hasty_o upon_o any_o action_n but_o diligent_o hearken_v first_o to_o this_o internal_a guide_n what_o it_o may_v tell_v she_o be_v best_o desire_v faithful_o all_o natural_a passion_n and_o self-love_n lay_v aside_o to_o correspond_v with_o all_o its_o motion_n the_o careful_a observer_n of_o which_o with_o a_o pure_a intention_n of_o mind_n may_v be_v just_o presume_v seldom_o to_o want_v they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o certain_o know_v they_o and_o mean_v while_o such_o person_n if_o not_o free_a always_o from_o mistake_v yet_o be_v secure_a in_o this_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o from_o entertain_v any_o sinful_a enthusiasm_n or_o such_o as_o any_o other_o person_n except_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n can_v either_o censure_n or_o discover_v §_o 24._o here_o the_o author_n proceed_v to_o another_o discourse_n which_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o this_o purpose_n than_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o mystic_a divinity_n it_o may_v be_v both_o proper_a for_o this_o place_n and_o also_o useful_a and_o grateful_a to_o many_o devout_a people_n to_o add_v part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o direction_n give_v by_o spiritual_a writer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o devotion_n first_o for_o preparation_n for_o prayer_n they_o be_v advise_v 1._o to_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n at_o all_o time_n to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n clear_a from_o all_o sin_n even_o the_o least_o as_o much_o as_o humane_a frailty_n permit_v and_o to_o a_o care_n of_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o without_o which_o endeavour_n our_o devotion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n from_o he_o any_o great_a plenty_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o 2._o at_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o abstraction_n from_o all_o secular_a business_n recollection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n from_o all_o creature_n and_o all_o object_n of_o the_o exterior_a sense_n and_o then_o to_o begin_v at_o first_o with_o form_n for_o all_o occasion_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n where_o novice_n say_v he_o begin_z and_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a also_o frequent_o return_v to_o §_o 25._o from_o these_o they_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o mental_a prayer_n in_o which_o the_o cessation_n from_o external_n action_n render_v the_o inward_a more_o attent_a and_o affective_a more_o free_a from_o distraction_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o from_o the_o wander_v of_o the_o thought_n for_o this_o many_o useful_a subject_n of_o meditation_n be_v recommend_v chief_o touch_v our_o own_o misery_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o divine_a perfection_n 1._o of_o their_o natural_a condition_n the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n the_o divine_a justice_n the_o bitter_a passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n judgement_n and_o hell_n to_o plant_v in_o they_o the_o due_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o mortification_n and_o purification_n from_o all_o habit_n of_o sin_n 2._o of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o imitation_n and_o growth_n in_o virtue_n and_o 3._o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o benefit_n both_o receive_v and_o promise_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o and_o the_o ability_n for_o do_v good_a and_o please_a god_n restore_v to_o man_n by_o it_o if_o attentive_o observe_v and_o obey_v to_o advance_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o christian_a perfection_n and_o to_o enkindle_v in_o they_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n the_o acquisition_n of_o which_o love_n and_o not_o of_o knowledge_n be_v chief_o design_v in_o they_o §_o 26._o when_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o meditation_n they_o be_v well_o prepare_v they_o be_v direct_v by_o lay_v more_o aside_o their_o former_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o brain_n with_o the_o frequent_a stroke_n of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o kindle_v this_o fire_n in_o the_o heart_n how_o to_o exercise_v these_o affection_n now_o in_o that_o lesson_n of_o loving_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n luke_n 10.27_o in_o a_o more_o simple_a and_o quiet_a intuition_n and_o contemplation_n advertency_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o in_o more_o fervent_a and_o amorous_a colloquy_n with_o god_n in_o praise_v thank_v solace_v herself_o with_o he_o whilst_o she_o cast_v her_o eye_n upon_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n past_a and_o promise_v in_o many_o resolution_n for_o the_o future_a to_o serve_v he_o better_o and_o no_o more_o so_o to_o grieve_v and_o offend_v he_o in_o offer_v all_o she_o have_v she_o can_v do_v or_o suffer_v to_o his_o service_n and_o in_o put_v herself_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o silence_n and_o attention_n to_o hear_v what_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v to_o
without_o these_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o grant_v they_o that_o active_a contemplation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o passive_a and_o that_o though_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o rare_a and_o give_v to_o few_o yet_o in_o some_o inferior_a degree_n they_o be_v communicate_v to_o many_o and_o however_o that_o a_o active_a contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n by_o love_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o the_o great_a advancement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n gain_v thereby_o if_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o no_o high_a thing_n of_o which_o true_a humility_n always_o esteem_v its_o self_n unworthy_a be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n in_o this_o world_n for_o any_o pain_n of_o we_o in_o purge_v of_o our_o life_n and_o close_a attendance_n on_o god_n in_o solitude_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v undertake_v for_o it_o last_o since_o such_o christian_a perfection_n chief_o contain_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o on_o high_a knowledge_n or_o speculation_n therefore_o it_o be_v recommend_v as_o attainable_a by_o all_o sex_n and_o condition_n and_o all_o be_v equal_o encourage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o contemplation_n as_o s._n gregory_n observe_v in_o ezek._n hom_n 17._o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o high_a and_o not_o give_v to_o the_o low_a but_o this_o do_v often_o the_o high_a and_o often_o the_o low_a more_o often_o those_o who_o be_v remote_a that_o be_v from_o worldly_a care_n but_o sometime_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n receive_v §_o 30_o 31._o more_o of_o this_o he_o have_v afterward_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v as_o follow_v of_o the_o step_n in_o order_n to_o the_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o this_o life_n arrive_v to_o mention_v in_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n p._n 32._o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o way_n of_o external_n and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v use_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o meditation_n as_o also_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o which_o step_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n observe_v many_o go_v no_o further_o but_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o such_o meditation_n be_v take_v up_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n 2._o the_o second_o step_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o after_o long_a practice_n break_v forth_o into_o continual_a aspiration_n and_o elevation_n thereof_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v divine_a inaction_n or_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a and_o more_o sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o god_n act_v more_o than_o she_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n at_o all_o to_o procure_v soon_o or_o retain_v long_o than_o god_n please_v of_o which_o much_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 4._o after_o which_o usual_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o these_o celestial_a visit_n do_v follow_v great_a desolation_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o experience_a have_v describe_v they_o partly_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o her_o loss_n and_o a_o impatient_a longing_n after_o these_o favour_n once_o taste_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o great_a nauseat_n and_o disrelish_v that_o she_o have_v now_o of_o those_o entertainment_n of_o the_o creature_n from_o which_o she_o former_o receive_v some_o content_a such_o we_o may_v imagine_v be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n wheâ—â—_n he_o say_v heu_fw-la mihi_fw-la quia_fw-la incolatus_fw-la meus_fw-la prolongatus_fw-la est_fw-la and_o concupiscit_fw-la &_o deficit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la in_fw-la atria_fw-la dominiâ—_n and_o after_o a_o non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la psal_n 29._o a_o avertisti_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o factus_fw-la sum_fw-la conturbatuâ—_n §_o 63._o but_o not_o only_o this_o but_o god_n also_o sometime_o with_o draw_v even_o from_o his_o great_a saint_n and_o that_o for_o somâ—_n long_a duration_n of_o time_n any_o sensible_a assistance_n at_o all_o oâ—_n his_o grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o purâ—_n natural_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v quite_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o great_a aridity_n obscurity_n solitude_n pressure_n and_o heaviness_n disgu_v with_o all_o thing_n she_o know_v not_o why_o perform_v still_o her_o devotion_n and_o accustom_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o former_o but_o without_o any_o sensible_a comfort_n in_o such_o performance_n meditation_n aspiration_n read_v very_o difficult_a sterile_a insipid_a and_o seem_v without_o fruit_n only_o forbear_v her_o consent_n to_o any_o sin_n vanity_n or_o sensuality_n and_o not_o seek_v any_o secular_a consolation_n much_o discourage_v also_o at_o such_o time_n many_o be_v in_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v so_o desert_v they_o for_o fail_n in_o their_o duty_n or_o for_o something_o wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n which_o double_v this_o anguish_n or_o if_o not_o this_o at_o least_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o some_o great_a indisposition_n of_o body_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v sometime_o partly_o it_o may_v so_o as_o some_o begin_v therefore_o to_o dispense_v for_o a_o time_n with_o the_o former_a exercise_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o other_o pious_a employment_n but_o notwithstanding_o many_o time_n in_o these_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v mistake_v and_o this_o strange_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n come_v without_o any_o such_o respect_n mere_o from_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o those_o also_o who_o be_v by_o his_o former_a grace_n well_o ground_v and_o arrive_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o be_v send_v only_o for_o their_o much_o great_a advancement_n therein_o and_o the_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o high_a favour_n and_o therefore_o ought_v as_o such_o to_o be_v entertain_v with_o all_o equanimity_n patience_n resignation_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o will._n these_o consolation_n and_o desolation_n take_v as_o it_o be_v their_o certain_a turn_n in_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v they_o have_v by_o course_n a_o day_n and_o a_o night_n a_o ascent_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o descent_n and_o decadence_n into_o themselves_o a_o vivification_n by_o and_o in_o he_o and_o a_o mortification_n in_o themselves_o a_o summer_n wherein_o the_o branch_n shoot_v forth_o and_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n and_o a_o winter_n when_o the_o root_n spread_v more_o and_o the_o tree_n become_v more_o sure_o fix_v to_o all_o god_n child_n do_v these_o vicissitude_n happen_v but_o these_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o further_o advance_v in_o perfection_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n be_v precede_v with_o great_a desolation_n and_o these_o ordinary_o proportion_v one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o always_o necessary_a less_o or_o more_o be_v such_o purgation_n and_o refining_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o interior_a cross_n because_o always_o something_o in_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o as_o yet_o imperfect_a our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v still_o produce_v something_o in_o we_o to_o be_v amend_v and_o some_o selfwill_a and_o self-love_n to_o be_v part_v away_o by_o this_o sharp_a remedy_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o desolation_n if_o right_o comply_v with_o as_o well_o as_o of_o divine_a consolation_n be_v very_o great_a in_o many_o respect_n §_o 64._o for_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n come_v most_o perfect_o to_o know_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o see_v it_o own_o nothingness_n and_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o self-love_n and_o propriety_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v most_o especial_o teach_v non_fw-la quiescere_fw-la iâ—_n donis_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la and_o adorare_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o spiritâ—_n &_o veritate_fw-la not_o in_o devotione_n and_o exercere_fw-la se_fw-la aâ—_n deum_fw-la in_o adversis_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o prosperis_fw-la the_o seek_v gust_n and_o suavity_n and_o consolation_n even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o its_o imperfection_n since_o these_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d preserve_v amid_o such_o divine_a favour_n which_o aâ—â—_n apt_a to_o inflate_v it_o in_o a_o due_a and_o necessary_a humility_n angelus_n satanae_n colaphisan_n ne_fw-la magnitudo_fw-la revelation_n num_fw-la extollat_fw-la i_o say_v the_o apostle_n after_o his_o rapt_v herein_o its_o true_a love_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n quveniendo_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la and_o then_o derelinquendo_fw-la probat_fw-la donis_n firmat_n and_o then_o tribulationibus_fw-la tentat_fw-la say_v st._n gregory_n moral_n l._n 20._o c._n 19_o its_o perseverance_n and_o loyalty_n be_v especial_o discern_v in_o keep_v constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o he_o when_o deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n in_o it_o avoid_v any_o application_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o
offer_v to_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o the_o water_n which_o in_o all_o those_o motion_n be_v keep_v entire_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o with_o the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a facility_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n can_v and_o often_o do_v infallible_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o king_n and_o yet_o without_o force_n or_o violation_n of_o its_o natural_a liberty_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n nor_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_n it_o be_v as_o universal_a and_o common_a as_o the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o upon_o some_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v more_o special_a and_o effectual_a than_o upon_o other_o even_o in_o the_o gentile_a world_n i_o have_v always_o esteem_v those_o excellent_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a famous_a for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n as_o man_n illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o divine_a influence_n though_o possible_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o a_o more_o signal_n manner_n than_o to_o other_o man_n such_o be_v socrates_n plato_n zeno_n citticus_fw-la solon_n lycurgus_n pythagoras_n tully_n seneca_n aristotle_n and_o divers_a other_o excellent_a philosopher_n moralist_n and_o lawgiver_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n excite_v illuminate_v and_o instruct_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o heathen_a world_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o great_a light_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o select_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o special_a government_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o descendant_n the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o set_v they_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n like_o a_o beacon_n upon_o a_o hill_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o common_a instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n make_v they_o signal_n to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o his_o special_a government_n over_o they_o by_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o give_v they_o law_n from_o heaven_n in_o great_a majesty_n and_o terror_n by_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a oracle_n by_o raise_v up_o prophet_n and_o man_n special_o inspire_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o by_o effuse_v among_o they_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o sacred_a spirit_n for_o that_o i_o may_v say_v it_o once_o for_o all_o it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influx_n whereof_o i_o speak_v the_o divine_a providence_n accompany_v that_o efflux_n with_o suitable_a external_a mean_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a and_o the_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n but_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o the_o message_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n the_o sun_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o meridian_n and_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o god_n be_v more_o effectual_a and_o universal_a so_o be_v also_o the_o efflux_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n more_o vigorous_a diffusive_a and_o universal_a and_o as_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n of_o heal_v disease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o like_a to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o faith_n belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o but_o the_o secret_a and_o effectual_a influence_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n appear_v in_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o persuade_v and_o mighty_o subdue_a their_o will_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o convert_v man_n mind_n unto_o god_n and_o place_v they_o in_o they_o just_a and_o due_a habitude_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o various_a working_n thereof_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n the_o spirit_n of_o renovation_n the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o various_a energy_n that_o this_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o this_o great_a and_o more_o diffusive_a and_o effectual_a effusion_n of_o this_o influence_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n isa_n 25.7_o i_o will_v destroy_v in_o this_o mountain_n the_o cover_v cast_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o people_n isa_n 11.9_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n isa_n 54.13_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 59.20_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o they_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n seed_n ezek._n 36.27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o isa_n 44.3_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n joel_n 2.28_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o this_o energy_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n appear_v 1._o by_o a_o secret_a irradiation_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n 2._o by_o a_o powerful_a persuasion_n and_o incline_v of_o the_o will_n both_o which_o as_o they_o be_v with_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o effectual_a dispensation_n under_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o do_v accompany_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n not_o with_o equal_a success_n in_o all_o age_n we_o have_v here_o the_o judgement_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o great_a and_o good_a man_n of_o a_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o among_o the_o heathen_a those_o so_o fame_v for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n be_v illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o we_o have_v here_o also_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o his_o judgement_n 1._o observation_n in_o nature_n 2._o the_o sentiment_n of_o learned_a and_o understanding_n man_n philosopher_n in_o all_o age_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o add_v his_o own_o experience_n and_o whereas_o he_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n change_v his_o opinion_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o young_a time_n this_o he_o receive_v early_o as_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o first_o write_n and_o retain_v constant_o to_o the_o last_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o treatise_n of_o humility_n which_o he_o write_v upon_o my_o motion_n not_o long_o before_o his_o last_o sickness_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 10_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o secret_a but_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o high_o improve_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o those_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n have_v a_o secret_a guidance_n from_o a_o high_a wisdom_n than_o what_o be_v bare_o humane_a namely_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n that_o do_v real_o and_o true_o but_o secret_o prevent_v and_o direct_v they_o and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n any_o man_n that_o sincere_o and_o true_o fear_v almighty_a god_n rely_v upon_o he_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o guidance_n and_o direction_n have_v it_o as_o real_o as_o the_o son_n have_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o father_n and_o though_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o audible_a nor_o the_o direction_n always_o perceptible_a to_o sense_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o as_o real_a as_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n
nazianzen_n ambrose_n hierom_n austin_n and_o many_o other_o but_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o for_o this_o place_n and_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v short_a work_n instead_o of_o that_o i_o will_v here_o represent_v their_o sentiment_n in_o some_o short_a note_n of_o a_o eminent_a and_o most_o learned_a annotator_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o do_v sometime_o intersperse_v some_o of_o their_o testimony_n in_o his_o write_n it_o be_v the_o famous_a hugo_n grotius_n these_o say_v he_o upon_o mat._n 18.10_o who_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o thereupon_o be_v account_v his_o peculiar_a people_n god_n as_o he_o do_v favour_v they_o with_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n so_o he_o seem_v to_o give_v to_o each_o a_o angel_n guardian_n to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o either_o perpetual_o or_o certain_o until_o they_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n for_o so_o i_o see_v the_o ancient_a 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humane_a mean_n upon_o 1_o jo._n 2.20_o the_o spirit_n do_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o all_o circumstance_n both_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o hint_n or_o notice_n as_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o occasion_n v._o 27._o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o every_o circumstance_n for_o there_o be_v certain_a difference_n which_o time_n place_n and_o person_n require_v therefore_o be_v there_o often_o need_v of_o admonition_n to_o hit_v the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n see_v jer._n 31.34_o jo._n 6.45_o and_o if_o you_o please_v seneca_n epist_n 94._o and_o upon_o 1_o thess_n 4.9_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v you_o concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n so_o much_o the_o less_o need_n be_v there_o of_o prescript_n this_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_n precept_n but_o of_o special_a determination_n as_o all_o thing_n person_n and_o time_n do_v require_v and_o gal._n 5.18_o those_o who_o be_v 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their_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n as_o part_v of_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v to_o suffer_v it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v foretell_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n that_o be_v false_a teacher_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o deceive_v many_o and_o give_v great_a caution_n not_o to_o go_v out_o or_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o his_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o do_v with_o great_a earnestness_n exhort_v all_o to_o beware_v of_o division_n schism_n and_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n and_o according_o in_o all_o age_n for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o a_o regular_a ordination_n derive_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o people_n after_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o separate_a party_n have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o whoever_o have_v do_v so_o have_v be_v infamous_a in_o the_o church_n 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church_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o presume_v either_o upon_o my_o own_o head_n or_o by_o my_o own_o ability_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o it_o but_o my_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o you_o upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o that_o you_o do_v assert_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v very_o unworthy_o and_o even_o despiteful_o treat_v by_o too_o many_o who_o have_v get_v into_o or_o seek_v preferment_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o church_n without_o check_n or_o reproof_n and_o so_o unworthy_o desert_v by_o most_o for_o fear_v of_o reproach_n or_o disgrace_n or_o hindrance_n in_o their_o preferment_n that_o i_o have_v not_o know_v it_o generous_o assert_v by_o above_o two_o or_o three_o in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o those_o great_a man_n indeed_o though_o it_o be_v plain_o a_o doctrine_n most_o authentical_o and_o solemn_o profess_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o 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be_v and_o whether_o one_o or_o divers_a in_o my_o judgement_n do_v deserve_v very_o good_a consideration_n you_o know_v what_o spirit_n it_o be_v which_o god_n send_v between_o abimelech_n and_o the_o shechemite_n jud._n 9.23_o and_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 6.14_o and_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v commission_v by_o god_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 22.22_o 23._o and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o noph_n isa_n 19.14_o which_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n too_o and_o that_o such_o a_o spirit_n have_v be_v among_o some_o call_a quaker_n be_v manifest_a both_o by_o their_o action_n speech_n and_o write_n nay_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o antichrist_n be_v apparent_a and_o undeniable_a from_o the_o indignity_n offer_v both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n to_o holy_a thing_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n now_o to_o be_v consider_v what_o spirit_n may_v have_v appear_v among_o they_o for_o even_o among_o the_o apostle_n satan_n have_v power_n to_o enter_v into_o judas_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n tell_v you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o and_o even_o peter_n himself_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o he_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n may_v not_o at_o the_o time_n be_v free_a from_o some_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v a_o peculiarity_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n to_o have_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o spirit_n that_o be_v which_o at_o first_o excite_v and_o have_v now_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o people_n and_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v send_v or_o commission_v from_o god_n but_o
whether_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o one_o of_o those_o seduce_v spirit_n to_o who_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n that_o some_o will_v give_v heed_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o take_v this_o into_o very_o deep_a consideration_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o and_o weighty_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o our_o warning_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o go_v out_o after_o they_o with_o admonition_n concern_v their_o subtlety_n their_o energy_n or_o power_n and_o their_o strong_a delusion_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o that_o even_a satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n that_o be_v put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o and_o last_o that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o jo._n 4.1_o 2._o because_o if_o the_o trial_n be_v by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authorize_v by_o he_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v apostatise_v and_o go_v off_o or_o at_o least_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o special_a concern_v those_o before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o some_o spirit_n of_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v that_o malice_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v conquer_a and_o vanquish_a and_o against_o the_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o that_o victory_n that_o can_v he_o but_o keep_v people_n from_o engage_v in_o that_o holy_a covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o that_o memorial_n he_o will_v be_v willing_a himself_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o other_o truth_n upon_o that_o condition_n rather_o than_o fail_v yet_o notwithstanding_o since_o they_o be_v a_o sober_a people_n have_v receive_v retain_v and_o do_v act_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v divers_a commendable_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o what_o error_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n give_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o i_o do_v hope_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a spirit_n which_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v lead_v and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v sincere_a among_o they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o those_o thing_n whereto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o resign_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o to_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o better_a guide_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o society_n of_o complete_a christian_n come_v out_o of_o this_o despise_a people_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o know_v of_o these_o be_v my_o thought_n and_o hope_n concern_v this_o people_n in_o general_n at_o present_a and_o hope_n i_o say_v ground_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o no_o good_a be_v will_v oppose_v nor_o no_o evil_a power_n can_v stand_v before_o and_o in_o his_o name_n i_o come_v unto_o you_o know_v assure_o that_o neither_o i_o nor_o any_o humane_a ability_n be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o power_n that_o be_v among_o you_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n almighty_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n more_o full_o to_o explain_v unto_o you_o in_o due_a time_n but_o as_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a power_n it_o will_v favour_v i_o and_o assist_v i_o in_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a power_n commissioned_n it_o must_v cease_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o victorious_a and_o all-conquering_a name_n its_o enchantment_n must_v be_v dissolve_v and_o its_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n detect_v i_o therefore_o as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n beseech_v you_o be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n that_o be_v meet_v without_o cavil_v or_o regard_n to_o any_o temporal_a concern_v i_o do_v not_o invite_v you_o to_o return_v to_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o you_o have_v forsake_v but_o to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o those_o holy_a thing_n against_o which_o you_o have_v be_v scandalize_v by_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n nor_o do_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o dissolve_v your_o society_n or_o to_o leave_v off_o your_o meeting_n and_o drown_v yourselves_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n no_o you_o have_v in_o part_n bear_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v so_o still_o but_o i_o invite_v you_o only_o to_o make_v your_o testimony_n more_o complete_a illustrious_a and_o irrefragable_a by_o bear_v your_o testimony_n to_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o not_o any_o long_o a_o testimony_n like_o the_o foot_n of_o daniel_n image_n partly_o strong_a and_o partly_o weak_a by_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n for_o that_o can_v stand_v long_o together_o but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v that_o you_o may_v stand_v for_o otherwise_o you_o will_v certain_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n i_o invite_v you_o but_o to_o what_o i_o be_o do_v myself_o with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v bear_v a_o testimony_n for_o god_n and_o manifest_o under_o his_o conduct_n but_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o a_o sufficient_a time_n and_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n consider_v their_o learning_n and_o pretence_n to_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o a_o despise_a people_n that_o god_n may_v humble_v the_o proud_a and_o highminded_a and_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a by_o mean_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n be_v wise_a and_o neglect_v not_o the_o opportunity_n and_o you_o who_o be_v last_o in_o the_o world_n account_n shall_v be_v first_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v solid_a truth_n in_o the_o proposal_n and_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v receive_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o you_o will_v then_o find_v i_o to_o have_v be_v your_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a friend_n e._n s._n 31_o aug._n 1696._o after_o this_o there_o be_v other_o letter_n and_o paper_n send_v which_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o hereafter_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n but_o the_o last_o contain_v certain_a question_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a now_o to_o propose_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o do_v desire_v not_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o will_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o any_o notwithstanding_o will_v presume_v to_o go_v on_o in_o any_o false_a or_o erroneous_a way_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o their_o blood_n if_o they_o miscarry_v must_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o these_o question_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o case_n what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o some_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o or_o counterfeit_n christian_n that_o be_v antichristian_o whether_o hypocritical_a professor_n in_o word_n but_o renagadoe_n in_o deed_n refuse_v the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o sincere_a christian_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n out_o of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o out_o of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o imagination_n and_o error_n and_o mistake_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o of_o delusion_n and_o perdition_n the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v