confusion_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o mean_n to_o order_v our_o thought_n shall_v be_v some_o rule_n or_o other_o according_a to_o which_o the_o understanding_n shall_v proceed_v in_o work_v upon_o itself_o and_o then_o concern_v the_o three_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o where_o order_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o a_o rule_n may_v be_v use_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o order_v thing_n by_o rule_n principle_n must_v be_v observe_v whence_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o see_v by_o order_n be_v employ_v a_o set_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o precedency_n and_o consecution_n one_o to_o another_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o form_n and_o frame_v or_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o precedency_n and_o consecution_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o see_v all_o form_n and_o frame_n which_o be_v rational_o compose_v have_v a_o ground_n in_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whence_o they_o arise_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o humane_a thought_n be_v to_o be_v order_v must_v have_v certain_a principle_n which_o principle_n we_o will_v now_o speak_v of_o god_n will_v in_o brief_a that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o overture_n make_v unto_o you_o either_o to_o proceed_v by_o yourself_o upon_o the_o ground_n that_o shall_v be_v afford_v unto_o you_o or_o to_o call_v upon_o i_o hereafter_o and_o give_v i_o cause_n to_o open_v myself_o further_o in_o due_a time_n for_o your_o better_a satisfaction_n you_o have_v now_o already_o understand_v that_o by_o principle_n i_o mean_v the_o ground_n of_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o thought_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n the_o end_n then_o to_o which_o we_o drive_v be_v to_o meditate_v and_o consult_v aright_o by_o meditate_v i_o conceive_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o true_a property_n and_o use_v thereof_o by_o consult_v i_o understand_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n reflect_v upon_o the_o action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undertake_v or_o leave_v off_o or_o not_o undertake_v about_o any_o thing_n to_o gain_v some_o good_a end_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_v according_a as_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v possible_a or_o useful_a from_o whence_o you_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v which_o we_o call_v meditation_n and_o consultation_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n whereupon_o they_o be_v to_o reflect_v which_o we_o have_v call_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o action_n which_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o we_o for_o some_o good_a end_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reflection_n itself_o that_o whether_o we_o meditate_v or_o consult_v we_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o order_v the_o reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o any_o subject_n whatsoever_o the_o rule_n then_o which_o we_o seek_v at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o right_n frame_v one_o towards_o another_o and_o not_o from_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o may_v have_v to_o wâ—rds_n the_o discovery_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a object_n you_o see_v then_o that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n â—â—_o they_o have_v a_o twofold_a relation_n so_o they_o admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a rule_n for_o as_o they_o relate_v other_o object_n beside_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v make_v proportionate_a unto_o the_o end_n which_o the_o understanding_n â—â—â—…th_v â—t_a in_o these_o object_n but_o as_o they_o relate_v one_o another_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v and_o order_v according_a to_o their_o own_o inward_a property_n and_o make_v answerable_a unto_o the_o end_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o reflect_v one_o upon_o another_o where_o i_o observe_v that_o to_o find_v the_o principle_n whereby_o these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v be_v to_o discover_v three_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v 2._o how_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o their_o several_a inward_a property_n 3._o what_o the_o end_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v gain_v for_o this_o relation_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o reflection_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v the_o first_o inward_a principle_n of_o goodness_n and_o of_o that_o well_o be_v whereupon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o constitute_v and_o from_o which_o all_o the_o well_o order_a act_n thereof_o must_v natural_o flow_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o answerable_a thereunto_o in_o the_o agitation_n of_o thought_n &_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v irrational_a &_o void_a of_o understanding_n now_o then_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o act_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a except_o we_o know_v what_o a_o man_n and_o what_o his_o mind_n be_v by_o a_o mâ—â—â—â—â—…_n conceive_v this_o creature_n which_o we_o 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o to_o be_v â—s_v we_o 〈◊〉_d distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o live_v and_o animal_n thing_n by_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o body_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o image_n of_o god_n since_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o be_v now_o unknown_a unto_o nature_n and_o there_o fore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a reason_n no_o man_n can_v know_v himself_o true_o what_o he_o be_v because_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o image_n after_o which_o he_o be_v make_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o body_n be_v make_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o â—â—â—d_v into_o our_o nostril_n we_o be_v become_v a_o liviâ—â—_n sâ—â—le_a and_o â—â—at_a god_n make_v we_o thus_o after_o his_o own_o image_n that_o we_o shall_v under_o 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o substitute_n bear_v his_o image_n and_o likeness_n in_o this_o world_n have_v dominion_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v therein_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o this_o much_o we_o have_v by_o this_o doctrine_n new_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o to_o discern_v ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o what_o our_o mind_n be_v and_o what_o the_o end_n be_v wherefore_o it_o be_v put_v in_o our_o earthly_a bâ—â—y_n of_o which_o thing_n i_o will_v noâ—_n now_o spâ—â—â—â—…_n at_o large_a â—_o but_o in_o a_o woâ—d_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o according_a to_o this_o scripturall_a truth_n i_o conceive_v man_n and_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v viz._n a_o spirit_n a_o soul_n and_o a_o body_n join_v together_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a rational_a and_o sensual_a life_n whereof_o the_o act_n shall_v be_v answerable_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o their_o predominant_a or_o subordinate_a property_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o act_n then_o of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v threefold_a some_o be_v sensual_a some_o be_v rational_a and_o some_o be_v spiritual_a the_o sensual_a arise_v from_o the_o body_n and_o its_o outward_a or_o inward_a sense_n the_o rational_a arise_v from_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o natural_a soul_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o memory_n in_o the_o discern_a and_o judge_v faculty_n and_o in_o the_o will_n the_o spiritual_a arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o same_o by_o which_o you_o see_v what_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o act_n we_o shall_v regulate_v viz._n the_o live_a faculty_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rational_a soul_n dwell_v in_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n as_o concern_v the_o sensual_a life_n wherein_o we_o differ_v not_o from_o beast_n we_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n although_o we_o hold_v not_o that_o man_n have_v more_o soul_n than_o one_o or_o that_o these_o act_n of_o the_o sensual_a life_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v and_o no_o way_n bring_v under_o a_o rule_n but_o we_o affirm_v both_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o one_o and_o also_o that_o these_o act_n may_v and_o must_v be_v regulate_v although_o we_o conceive_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o proper_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v and_o
my_o discourse_n and_o i_o be_o still_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n which_o then_o i_o be_v in_o but_o if_o you_o or_o any_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o first_o position_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o i_o raise_v it_o and_o if_o you_o or_o any_o can_v show_v i_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sound_a i_o shall_v quit_v they_o with_o their_o consequence_n i_o conceive_v then_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n over_o the_o society_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v a_o civil_a body_n and_o that_o his_o charge_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n and_o visible_a face_n of_o that_o society_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o frame_n subordinate_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o god_n by_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n he_o than_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o vicegerent_n of_o the_o most_o high_a to_o authorise_v that_o be_v to_o set_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o sovereign_n nothing_o but_o that_o which_o his_o best_a understanding_n tell_v he_o be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o sovereign_n now_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o that_o his_o true_a worship_n shall_v only_o be_v authorise_v in_o his_o name_n because_o that_o be_v only_o according_a to_o his_o will_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o he_o to_o authorise_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o state_n commit_v by_o god_n unto_o his_o inspection_n but_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o god_n worship_n he_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o he_o may_v if_o he_o can_v avoid_v the_o toleration_n do_v as_o god_n do_v with_o we_o wink_n at_o it_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n direct_v all_o unto_o the_o best_a end_n he_o can_v in_o hope_n of_o redress_n but_o may_v not_o authorise_v and_o settle_v what_o his_o sovereign_n do_v not_o allow_v in_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v my_o ground_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o for_o that_o which_o i_o call_v the_o only_a way_n of_o god_n which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o look_v to_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o true_a way_n which_o god_n do_v intend_v shall_v be_v observe_v for_o his_o glory_n for_o i_o conceive_v that_o his_o true_a way_n be_v but_o one_o only_a way_n for_o god_n be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n and_o his_o name_n be_v one_o the_o way_n of_o his_o glory_n must_v be_v therefore_o as_o his_o name_n be_v one_o only_a way_n because_o his_o glory_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o name_n from_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v lawful_o infer_v thus_o much_o except_o the_o apologist_n can_v show_v that_o their_o way_n of_o non-communion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o state_n to_o authorise_v it_o joint_o with_o the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v settle_v and_o acknolege_v to_o be_v the_o true_a way_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o he_o in_o his_o vicegerency_n be_v to_o uphold_v which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o glory_n manifold_a against_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o vicegerency_n for_o if_o god_n do_v manifest_o declare_v that_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v in_o christ_n to_o partake_v of_o his_o glory_n by_o be_v one_o 4._o ephes_n 4._o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n in_o he_o as_o partake_v of_o one_o baptism_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o of_o one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n throuhg_v he_o than_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o his_o vicegerent_n on_o earth_n among_o man_n shall_v advance_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n which_o belong_v outward_o to_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o charge_n though_o setlement_n of_o this_o unity_n to_o be_v as_o visible_a as_o may_v be_v among_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n to_o answer_v the_o call_n of_o god_n in_o christianity_n from_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v you_o may_v gather_v a_o answer_n to_o your_o supposal_n for_o when_o you_o say_v to_o obtain_v a_o toleration_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o way_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n if_o but_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n therein_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o see_v not_o how_o god_n way_n to_o salvation_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v many_o christ_n jesus_n be_v but_o one_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o the_o same_o heb._n 13._o 8._o and_o without_o he_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n now_o his_o way_n to_o save_v be_v but_o one_o which_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o beget_v faith_n be_v but_o one_o this_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v the_o faithful_a by_o this_o mean_n to_o the_o father_n be_v but_o one_o namely_o the_o government_n and_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o direct_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o all_o truth_n answerable_a to_o and_o discernible_a by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o the_o word_n if_o then_o the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o the_o covenant_n in_o it_o one_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o spirit_n but_o one_o and_o the_o government_n of_o soul_n to_o enjoy_v god_n it_o that_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n be_v also_o but_o one_o i_o know_v not_o what_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o many_o way_n of_o god_n and_o those_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n except_o you_o mean_v the_o manifold_a degree_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o and_o of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o one_o way_n in_o several_a person_n which_o be_v very_o improper_o call_v the_o way_n of_o god_n so_o then_o when_o you_o say_v one_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n if_o i_o shall_v take_v your_o word_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n that_o i_o can_v give_v they_o i_o must_v understand_v they_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o any_o one_o degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n which_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o work_v salvation_n by_o god_n blessing_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o agree_v with_o you_o that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v come_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o save_a knowledge_n aught_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o light_n which_o they_o have_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v constrain_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o follow_v a_o practice_n wherein_o they_o see_v no_o light_n but_o although_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o as_o professor_n of_o christiany_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o growth_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o authorise_v their_o way_n by_o a_o act_n of_o public_a toleration_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v stint_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o state_n do_v not_o know_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a way_n which_o god_n do_v intend_v and_o allow_v to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n answerable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n for_o see_v god_n have_v reveal_v that_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o minister_n be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o this_o degree_n of_o growth_n in_o a_o manly_a stature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o always_o be_v in_o a_o childish_a condition_n of_o doubtfulness_n and_o 〈…〉_o tainty_n to_o be_v toss_v too_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o everyâ—â—â—…_n blast_v of_o doctrine_n which_o cunning_a man_n for_o their_o own_o end_n will_v 17._o eph._n 4._o 12._o 17._o crafty_o insinuate_v lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v unstable_a soul_n see_v i_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v this_o to_o be_v his_o intention_n and_o have_v show_v to_o his_o saint_n the_o way_n by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v namely_o by_o this_o only_a way_n that_o they_o shall_v deal_v true_o without_o deceit_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n one_o with_o another_o in_o love_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o their_o true_a deal_n may_v work_v out_o this_o growth_n in_o they_o effectual_o and_o prevent_v the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o
how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v namely_o into_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o into_o the_o act_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n dwell_v in_o the_o memorative_n understanding_n and_o will_v faculty_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a sensual_a life_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n be_v subordinate_a the_o relation_n wherein_o these_o act_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o property_n of_o these_o faculty_n whence_o they_o proceed_v be_v this_o that_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o act_n and_o enditement_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v supreme_a and_o predominant_a above_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o memory_n understanding_n and_o will_v be_v immediate_o subordinate_a and_o to_o these_o the_o act_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o sensual_a passion_n be_v subservient_fw-fr and_z submit_v and_o if_o this_o relation_n and_o subordination_n be_v alter_v so_o that_o the_o sensual_a shall_v be_v predominant_a above_o the_o rational_a or_o the_o rational_a above_o the_o spiritual_a act_n than_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o a_o man_n life_n be_v either_o beastly_a or_o devilish_a the_o â—nd_n wherefore_o this_o relation_n and_o subordination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o appoint_v and_o order_v by_o god_n be_v that_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o faculty_n he_o shall_v express_v the_o image_n and_o life_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o state_n of_o happiness_n that_o god_n glory_n may_v appear_v as_o in_o himself_o so_o also_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o perfection_n so_o that_o to_o gain_v this_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v thus_o frame_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o rule_n be_v none_o other_o but_o to_o observe_v the_o true_a relation_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v we_o which_o be_v that_o our_o spirit_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o conscience_n whole_o subject_v unto_o his_o spirit_n and_o dependent_a from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o word_n ingraft_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o think_v say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n second_o that_o our_o reason_n shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o servant_n unto_o the_o â—ndictment_n of_o the_o spiritual_a word_n make_v manifest_a unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n thereof_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o three_o that_o our_o sensual_a motion_n shall_v be_v servant_n unto_o the_o prescript_n of_o reason_n to_o help_v our_o rational_a faculty_n to_o express_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v it_o unto_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v outward_o from_o all_o which_o you_o may_v gather_v for_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o speak_v of_o much_o more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a at_o this_o time_n to_o utter_v for_o here_o you_o have_v a_o fountain_n of_o rule_n fâ—â—m_v whence_o many_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v how_o to_o order_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o for_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n whereof_o we_o do_v think_v except_o they_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n unto_o sense_n there_o ought_v to_o concur_v the_o act_n of_o conscience_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o imaginative_a faculty_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sensual_a faculty_n and_o see_v these_o act_n shall_v continual_o concur_v in_o all_o the_o mind_v of_o outward_a matter_n the_o rule_n be_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v nor_o preposterous_o bring_v forth_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v first_o order_v the_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n within_o itself_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o meditate_v upon_o any_o particular_a object_n for_o except_o the_o conscience_n be_v clear_a and_o at_o rest_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o understanding_n will_v not_o perform_v the_o duty_n aright_o and_o if_o the_o understand_a faculty_n be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o sense_n will_v not_o be_v well_o employ_v administer_v and_o seek_v out_o evidence_n or_o to_o represent_v they_o orderly_o unto_o 〈◊〉_d rational_a ability_n so_o that_o to_o lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n aright_o a_o man_n of_o judgement_n shall_v look_v to_o himself_o that_o these_o three_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o ser_z in_o order_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o conscience_n the_o 〈◊〉_d ability_n and_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n lest_o the_o conscience_n be_v under_o guilt_n and_o desilement_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n and_o from_o who_o mouth_n alone_a wisdom_n do_v proceed_v 17._o â—am_fw-la 1._o 17._o prov._n 2._o 6._o for_o god_n do_v not_o give_v true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n but_o unto_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o to_o seek_v it_o now_o to_o come_v to_o he_o or_o to_o seek_v wisdom_n from_o he_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o 〈◊〉_d any_o thing_n be_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o doubt_v and_o waver_a mind_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n jam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o cleanse_v 〈◊〉_d from_o dead_a work_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o it_o when_o it_o come_v before_o god_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v find_v unfit_a to_o receive_v wisdom_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o for_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o joy_n but_o to_o the_o sinner_n he_o give_v travel_v eccles_n 2._o 26._o nor_o can_v wisdom_n enter_v or_o find_v place_n into_o a_o unclean_a soul_n because_o it_o be_v prepossess_v with_o sin_n which_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n 8._o isai_n 59_o 8._o and_o it_o beside_o all_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v not_o a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v have_v no_o wisdom_n because_o jeremiah_n say_v that_o see_v they_o have_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o 9_o â—erem_fw-la 8._o 9_o the_o lord_n what_o wisdom_n be_v in_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o wisdom_n where_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o regard_v and_o this_o word_n can_v be_v regard_v except_o the_o heart_n he_o possess_v with_o his_o fear_n and_o this_o can_v be_v except_o the_o conscience_n be_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o dead_a work_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o first_o principlâ—…_n and_o preparative_n unto_o meditation_n must_v be_v the_o compose_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v think_v god_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n through_o his_o fear_n depend_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o deâ—â—â—ing_v his_o direction_n that_o not_o only_o with_o his_o leave_n and_o â—â—â—â—â—â—_o ion_n but_o by_o his_o order_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o think_v all_o our_o thought_n this_o predispose_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o god_n to_o reflect_v first_o upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o meditation_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o tune_n of_o a_o instrument_n before_o a_o man_n do_v begin_v to_o play_v a_o piece_n of_o good_a music_n so_o by_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtinsse_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o grace_n and_o direction_n the_o string_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v tune_v and_o set_v in_o a_o good_a harmony_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o may_v play_v some_o harmonious_a melodicall_a piece_n upon_o the_o same_o which_o without_o this_o tune_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v do_v and_o this_o tune_n can_v be_v perform_v except_o the_o conscience_n be_v bring_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v enlighten_v for_o by_o look_v to_o he_o and_o compare_v itself_o to_o his_o will_n and_o live_a word_n it_o
mean_n only_o be_v capable_a to_o build_v we_o up_o therein_o thus_o have_v i_o presume_v in_o as_o weak_a as_o cursory_a a_o manner_n to_o weigh_v the_o forego_n passage_n of_o your_o epistolary_a discourse_n in_o the_o unequal_a balance_n like_a enough_o of_o my_o own_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v entire_o from_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v in_o what_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o singular_a candidnesse_n of_o mind_n will_v make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o it_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v of_o such_o eminent_a weight_n and_o consideration_n as_o that_o without_o it_o christian_n will_v never_o in_o any_o comparative_a degree_n be_v bring_v to_o unity_n in_o discipline_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o more_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o miscarry_v through_o persecute_v one_o another_o for_o cause_n 〈◊〉_d conscience_n then_o by_o reason_n of_o all_o other_o such_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o whether_o for_o discipline_n or_o doctrine_n if_o you_o have_v publish_v any_o of_o your_o other_o thought_n concern_v this_o subject_n beside_o your_o consultatio_fw-la theology_n etc._n etc._n letter_n to_o the_o l._n forbes_n and_o your_o informatiâ—_n ecclesiis_fw-la reformatis_fw-la oblata_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v exceed_o rejoice_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n thereof_o and_o especial_o touch_v the_o demonstrative_a analize_v the_o scripture_n which_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v a_o great_a jewel_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o solomon_n write_v of_o from_o the_o cedar_n to_o the_o shrub_n wherefore_o i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o public_a good_a that_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o least_o dram_n of_o your_o meditation_n in_o this_o behalf_n any_o long_a to_o lie_v waste_n or_o dormant_a which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a and_o complete_a may_v by_o degree_n and_o contemplation_n of_o other_o well-affected_a be_v further_o improve_v to_o the_o eternal_a honour_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o who_o gracious_a protection_n i_o cordial_o recommend_v your_o most_o pious_a endeavous_a and_o to_o they_o most_o earnest_o desire_v to_o become_v any_o way_n subservient_fw-fr do_v in_o all_o humble_a manner_n remain_v london_n the_o 5._o of_o november_n 1644._o your_o most_o devote_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n henry_n robinson_n to_o his_o much_o respect_a and_o love_a friend_n in_o christ_n mr._n henry_n robinson_n worthy_a sir_n although_o your_o letter_n do_v miscarry_v and_o never_o come_v in_o the_o original_a to_o my_o hand_n nor_o the_o copy_n thereof_o till_o i_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v from_o rotterdam_n towards_o england_n yet_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o answer_v your_o love_n which_o than_o i_o do_v begin_v to_o do_v but_o be_v interrupt_v in_o the_o prosecution_n hitherto_o nevertheless_o lest_o either_o i_o own_o purpose_n or_o your_o equitable_a desire_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a or_o i_o seem_v careless_a to_o give_v you_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o your_o scruple_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v the_o thought_n which_o once_o be_v in_o my_o mind_n beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o assist_v we_o both_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o service_n his_o glory_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o we_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o matter_n i_o must_v true_o tell_v you_o that_o as_o i_o can_v acknowledge_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o myself_o which_o you_o attribute_v unto_o i_o beyond_o my_o measure_n so_o i_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o large_a expression_n of_o your_o affection_n which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o requite_v and_o entertain_v not_o only_o because_o you_o have_v moderate_a and_o sober_a thought_n of_o yourself_o and_o because_o your_o way_n seem_v to_o i_o very_o ingenuous_a and_o your_o whole_a strain_n conscionable_a in_o the_o doubt_n which_o you_o make_v all_o which_o deserve_v respect_n but_o chief_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n even_o towards_o those_o that_o deserve_v it_o not_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o edification_n towards_o they_o for_o it_o do_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d thereof_o without_o offence_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v through_o god_n blessing_n with_o profit_n by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v for_o as_o god_n be_v move_v and_o be_v powerful_a only_o by_o his_o love_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o offer_v himself_o as_o a_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o his_o child_n which_o be_v our_o soul_n so_o we_o as_o child_n of_o such_o a_o father_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o love_n for_o so_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 5._o 1_o 2._o and_o towards_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v as_o member_n of_o each_o other_o advance_v that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n in_o love_n only_o and_o not_o otherwise_o for_o what_o we_o do_v with_o any_o other_o affection_n be_v do_v in_o our_o ownestrength_n and_o will_v be_v find_v either_o ineffectual_a or_o hurtful_a to_o edification_n therefore_o as_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o you_o have_v speak_v the_o truth_n from_o your_o heart_n so_o i_o shall_v assure_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v without_o partiality_n lie_v open_a unto_o you_o my_o thought_n and_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v propose_v but_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n now_o then_o beseech_v he_o again_o to_o direct_v our_o thought_n and_o guide_v our_o spirit_n in_o all_o truth_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n unblamable_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o our_o mutual_a comfort_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o you_o propose_v and_o give_v you_o as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v 1._o to_o the_o first_o scruple_n than_o out_o of_o pag._n 20._o concern_v the_o toleration_n of_o the_o apologist_n i_o find_v that_o you_o take_v not_o up_o right_o my_o meaning_n i_o will_v therefore_o explain_v it_o first_o more_o full_o and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o exception_n consider_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o consequent_o in_o that_o place_n which_o you_o allege_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o toleration_n of_o forbearance_n whereby_o one_o christian_n be_v bind_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n to_o support_v another_o in_o meekness_n nor_o of_o a_o toleration_n of_o connivance_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n whereby_o the_o magistrate_n may_v wink_v at_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v mend_v when_o they_o be_v not_o settle_v according_a to_o his_o judgement_n but_o i_o do_v speak_v of_o that_o toleration_n which_o i_o suppose_v the_o apologist_n do_v sue_v for_o which_o i_o must_v call_v a_o toleration_n of_o approbation_n which_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o public_a minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n shall_v settle_v therein_o for_o the_o welfare_n thereof_o my_o question_n then_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o what_o in_o state_n policy_n i_o shall_v have_v say_v humane_a prudencie_n a_o magistrate_n may_v do_v lawful_o if_o his_o inclination_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o or_o what_o in_o charity_n as_o a_o christian_a he_o shall_v intend_v to_o do_v private_o but_o what_o in_o state_n wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o god_n will_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v most_o expedient_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o his_o public_a place_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n i_o say_v that_o i_o think_v it_o no_o wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n seek_v a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n to_o tolerate_v by_o way_n of_o approbation_n that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o authorise_v and_o settle_v for_o a_o time_n a_o public_a profession_n which_o they_o can_v find_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n which_o god_n allow_v this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o my_o assertion_n in_o the_o whole_a first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n only_o i_o dissuade_v the_o state_n to_o grant_v the_o apologist_n their_o petition_n but_o if_o for_o other_o more_o important_a reason_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v than_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o state_n so_o to_o limitate_v the_o toleration_n which_o they_o shall_v grant_v for_o time_n and_o manner_n that_o thereby_o a_o full_a agreement_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v between_o the_o apologist_n and_o their_o brethren_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a head_n of_o
deceive_v see_v he_o have_v show_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v settle_v together_o in_o one_o body_n under_o their_o only_a head_n and_o be_v fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v in_o one_o society_n that_o by_o the_o spiritual_a joint_n and_o ligature_n which_o his_o spirit_n through_o love_n in_o the_o mutual_a care_n of_o each_o other_o do_v frame_v among_o they_o they_o may_v make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v unto_o the_o edify_n of_o themselves_o in_o their_o duty_n of_o love_n see_v i_o say_v again_o all_o this_o be_v thus_o by_o god_n declare_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o nation_n may_v by_o a_o right_n from_o god_n compact_v themselves_o together_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o ligature_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o one_o man_n in_o christ_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o depend_v in_o this_o relation_n only_o from_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o act_n towards_o each_o other_o only_o by_o the_o ability_n which_o he_o give_v and_o christ_n vicegerent_n on_o earth_n appoint_v for_o the_o inspection_n of_o civil_a and_o outward_a matter_n must_v not_o presume_v either_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n of_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n unto_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n within_o themselves_o or_o enjoin_v they_o to_o act_v only_o as_o from_o and_o under_o his_o authority_n that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n for_o this_o cause_n we_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n sanction_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n of_o edification_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o duty_n and_o compact_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o cumulatiuè_fw-fr requisite_a for_o outward_a protection_n and_o not_o at_o all_o necessary_a for_o to_o give_v a_o be_v unto_o the_o work_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o from_o his_o civil_a sanction_n that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v make_v one_o but_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o their_o own_o growth_n and_o preservation_n to_o make_v themselves_o one_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n nor_o may_v the_o vicegerent_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n if_o he_o will_v not_o incur_v the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o his_o sovereign_n abstruct_v this_o growth_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a body_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o further_o it_o by_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o he_o can_v contribute_v thereunto_o and_o aught_o to_o take_v away_o the_o let_n which_o may_v hinder_v it_o whereof_o this_o will_v be_v a_o main_a one_o to_o authorise_v several_a way_n and_o allow_v they_o as_o way_n of_o god_n to_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n when_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o do_v this_o as_o touch_v the_o place_n mark_n 9_o 20._o which_o you_o allege_v he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n do_v infer_v to_o i_o thus_o much_o only_o that_o private_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prohibit_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n not_o opposite_a to_o christ_n although_o they_o join_v not_o themselves_o to_o follow_v christ_n with_o his_o true_a disciple_n for_o the_o question_n be_v there_o of_o hinder_v some_o who_o follow_v not_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o name_n to_o do_v miracle_n christ_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o hinder_v such_o from_o do_v what_o they_o do_v by_o a_o rule_n of_o prudencie_n that_o such_o can_v not_o light_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o this_o case_n do_v hold_v well_o among_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o mutual_a edification_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n which_o i_o insist_v upon_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o state_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_v not_o hinder_v particular_a man_n practice_n which_o hurt_v not_o their_o way_n in_o christianity_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o a_o toleration_n by_o a_o magistrate_n to_o a_o assembly_n or_o many_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o practice_n public_o in_o the_o state_n that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o find_v to_o be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o god_n this_o difference_n be_v great_a many_o way_n but_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o such_o a_o grant_n of_o a_o toleration_n be_v a_o act_n of_o public_a approbation_n which_o to_o declare_v be_v not_o always_o wisdom_n in_o a_o private_a christian_a far_o less_o in_o a_o state_n therefore_o not_o to_o hinder_v in_o that_o case_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v a_o toleration_n in_o this_o be_v quite_o another_o matter_n as_o for_o the_o charge_n lay_v upon_o the_o presbyterial_a brethren_n in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o paragraphe_n that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o civil_a abode_n to_o any_o that_o differ_v in_o opinion_n separate_v from_o church_n society_n from_o they_o i_o know_v not_o how_o you_o can_v make_v it_o good_a nor_o will_v i_o believe_v it_o without_o sufficient_a proof_n nor_o ought_v you_o to_o allege_v it_o without_o a_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a warrant_n therefore_o as_o a_o thing_n speak_v in_o haste_n and_o out_o of_o too_o much_o jealousy_n i_o will_v leave_v it_o till_o god_n let_v you_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o their_o unblameable_a way_n of_o conversation_n to_o gain_v all_o man_n by_o love_a forbearance_n with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o doctrine_n 2._o pag._n 21._o upon_o the_o word_n the_o less_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o great_a the_o fault_n be_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o you_o make_v no_o exception_n but_o you_o apply_v the_o assertion_n against_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o apologist_n contrary_a to_o the_o application_n that_o i_o make_v thereof_o the_o ground_n that_o i_o have_v to_o apply_v the_o assertion_n to_o the_o apologist_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o word_n in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o apology_n where_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n they_o say_v plain_o of_o their_o own_o way_n that_o be_v differ_v but_o a_o little_a from_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o speech_n of_o your_o observation_n when_o you_o say_v that_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o apologist_n the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v great_a and_o little_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o if_o you_o mark_v the_o argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o the_o parliament_n it_o will_v be_v find_v this_o that_o which_o differ_v but_o a_o little_a from_o the_o way_n which_o you_o allow_v you_o may_v safe_o tolerate_v but_o the_o way_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v differ_v but_o a_o little_a from_o that_o which_o you_o allow_v therefore_o you_o may_v safe_o tolerate_v it_o and_o grant_v our_o suit_n but_o if_o you_o make_v the_o argument_n thus_o because_o the_o way_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v be_v great_o different_a from_o that_o which_o you_o allow_v therefore_o you_o shall_v grant_v we_o a_o toleration_n i_o suppose_v this_o will_v be_v no_o strong_a persuasion_n and_o no_o part_n of_o the_o apologist_n meaning_n but_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o as_o you_o apprehend_v and_o deliver_v it_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o which_o do_v relate_v conscience_n as_o to_o conscience_n can_v just_o be_v count_v small_a yet_o the_o difference_n of_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o each_o other_o may_v be_v small_a when_o you_o compare_v they_o together_o but_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v trouble_v at_o that_o small_a difference_n it_o be_v to_o he_o no_o small_a matter_n to_o digest_v it_o if_o he_o make_v true_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n but_o if_o his_o own_o conscience_n be_v not_o sound_a nothing_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o it_o or_o else_o every_o thing_n of_o too_o great_a for_o it_o will_v always_o be_v in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o extreme_a now_o a_o good_a and_o sound_a conscience_n be_v that_o which_o be_v enlighten_v by_o a_o rule_n to_o determine_v all_o that_o it_o do_v for_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o i_o leave_v my_o conscience_n at_o large_a without_o a_o rule_n i_o make_v my_o own_o will_n and_o reason_n a_o rule_n and_o serve_v god_n not_o as_o he_o require_v but_o as_o i_o think_v good_a than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n name_n whereby_o he_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o
for_o some_o respect_n ground_v upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n to_o intend_v a_o separation_n from_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o except_o they_o cast_v i_o out_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o be_v of_o their_o society_n any_o long_o i_o may_v not_o break_v off_o from_o they_o 11._o your_o eleven_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 34._o concern_v fundamental_n in_o practice_n and_o knowledge_n tend_v to_o justify_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o apologist_n to_o be_v permit_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o think_v requisite_a but_o you_o mention_v nothing_o in_o particular_a which_o may_v be_v count_v fundamental_a in_o their_o profession_n for_o which_o only_o a_o separation_n be_v justifiable_a when_o due_o attest_v and_o not_o only_o not_o receive_v but_o reject_v together_o with_o the_o witness_n bearer_n now_o the_o case_n between_o they_o and_o their_o brethren_n be_v quite_o contrary_a at_o this_o present_a for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v desire_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o way_n but_o they_o do_v decline_v it_o and_o yet_o will_v be_v separate_a although_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n from_o which_o they_o depart_v and_o although_o those_o brethren_n from_o who_o they_o depart_v intend_v to_o offer_v they_o all_o equitable_a forbearance_n and_o redress_n of_o their_o grievance_n so_o far_o as_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n 12._o your_o twelve_o and_o last_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 37._o wherein_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o subjection_n which_o member_n owe_v to_o their_o pastor_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o pastor_n join_v with_o he_o be_v somewhat_o dark_a to_o i_o for_o first_o you_o seem_v to_o yield_v the_o point_n namely_o that_o such_o a_o subjection_n be_v due_a and_o then_o you_o make_v a_o restriction_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o certain_a thing_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o censure_v they_o in_o case_n of_o not_o submit_v you_o say_v then_o if_o i_o take_v you_o right_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o presbytery_n in_o thing_n only_o unto_o which_o they_o may_v yield_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v allege_v because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o pastor_n join_v with_o a_o presbytery_n will_v require_v no_o subjection_n but_o in_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v yield_v unto_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o their_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o god_n will_n that_o they_o may_v understand_o submit_v unto_o it_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o other_o be_v not_o offer_v authoritative_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v have_v do_v because_o they_o so_o have_v determine_v it_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o worldly_a state_n unto_o their_o subject_n but_o they_o offer_v it_o as_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o declare_v as_o his_o messenger_n by_o the_o word_n his_o will_n for_o they_o watch_v in_o all_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n obedience_n and_o submission_n be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o you_o will_v put_v the_o case_n that_o he_o who_o be_v direct_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o a_o presbytery_n find_v reason_n to_o dissent_v because_o he_o be_v not_o convict_v in_o conscience_n that_o the_o direction_n be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n you_o say_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v no_o power_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v censure_v only_o by_o his_o own_o church_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n he_o stand_v here_o i_o suppose_v you_o speak_v of_o the_o point_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o a_o humane_a sense_n and_o suppose_v in_o all_o this_o discourse_n that_o which_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o relation_n which_o christ_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o part_n of_o his_o church_n fit_o compact_v together_o and_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o you_o suppose_v your_o pastor_n and_o his_o congregation_n under_o who_o censure_n alone_o you_o will_v stand_v to_o be_v alone_o a_o body_n by_o itself_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o other_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n i_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o body_n by_o itself_o but_o if_o you_o suppose_v a_o presbytery_n right_o constitute_v with_o it_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o separate_v but_o as_o compact_a and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a and_o as_o you_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o that_o congregation_n whereof_o you_o be_v a_o immediate_a member_n so_o it_o do_v stand_v proportional_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o body_n to_o which_o it_o be_v combine_v as_o a_o part_n as_o than_o you_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o your_o own_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n immediate_o so_o you_o must_v be_v mediate_o by_o their_o mean_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o they_o be_v a_o part_n and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v associate_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o grant_v any_o such_o associate_a &_o compact_v of_o church_n together_o into_o one_o body_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n which_o be_v certain_o christ_n clear_a intention_n from_o eph._n 4._o 1._o till_o 17._o but_o will_v suppose_v that_o all_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n must_v stand_v single_a and_o separate_v by_o themselves_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o you_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o none_o but_o your_o own_o pastor_n and_o eldership_n but_o suppose_v that_o which_o can_v be_v deny_v if_o you_o grant_v it_o lawful_a to_o combine_v pastor_n and_o eldership_n into_o a_o presbytery_n which_o i_o suppose_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o your_o pastor_n and_o his_o eldership_n be_v accountable_a in_o his_o proceed_n to_o his_o confederate_a brethren_n as_o they_o be_v accountable_a unto_o he_o for_o mutual_a edification_n and_o that_o he_o find_v you_o a_o refractory_a and_o unruly_a member_n of_o his_o flock_n disturb_v the_o peace_n thereof_o and_o have_v deal_v with_o you_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o obedience_n and_o submission_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n suppose_v this_o to_o be_v so_o if_o then_o he_o to_o strengthen_v himself_o and_o his_o eldership_n by_o counsel_n first_o do_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o have_v receive_v counsel_n and_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n do_v find_v it_o without_o effect_n you_o remain_v still_o disobedient_a and_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o and_o perhaps_o of_o some_o neighbour_n church_n may_v not_o he_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o confederate_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o may_v not_o he_o call_v you_o before_o they_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o himself_o and_o they_o joint_o and_o he_o and_o their_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o presbyterial_a office_n be_v put_v forth_o by_o all_o at_o once_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o you_o think_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n against_o you_o will_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n if_o it_o be_v right_o pronounce_v or_o do_v you_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v allow_v of_o this_o plea_n that_o you_o be_v exempt_v from_o their_o jurisdiction_n because_o they_o be_v not_o your_o immediate_a pastor_n have_v not_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o combine_a society_n of_o church_n officer_n a_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o word_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n bring_v unto_o their_o arbitration_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o power_n to_o judge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o office_n there_o also_o a_o power_n to_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v a_o censure_n the_o same_o authority_n which_o do_v pronounce_v it_o have_v power_n to_o see_v it_o execute_v suppose_v again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o a_o pastor_n do_v some_o injury_n to_o his_o flock_n or_o to_o some_o one_o of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o or_o he_o can_v find_v redress_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n if_o there_o be_v no_o association_n of_o eldership_n they_o or_o he_o have_v no_o remedy_n but_o to_o make_v a_o trouble_n and_o perhaps_o a_o rent_n in_o the_o
you_o or_o he_o any_o scruple_n concern_v any_o intention_n which_o shall_v always_o be_v harmless_a unto_o all_o but_o true_o 〈◊〉_d and_o faithful_a to_o do_v you_o service_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o wâ—â—â—…_n i_o 〈◊〉_d his_o and_o your_o affectionate_a servant_n john_n dury_n to_o sir_n cheny_n culpeper_n knight_n sir_n i_o be_o very_o desirous_a to_o gratify_v you_o in_o the_o virtuous_a desire_n which_o you_o have_v express_v unto_o i_o concern_v the_o method_n of_o meditation_n for_o i_o think_v myself_o a_o debtor_n more_o to_o you_o therein_o then_o unto_o other_o because_o your_o zeal_n do_v lead_v you_o to_o more_o universal_a conception_n than_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o if_o therefore_o it_o weâ—â—_n god_n will_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n unto_o i_o towards_o you_o at_o this_o time_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o initiate_v you_o full_o in_o the_o way_n of_o future_a conference_n with_o the_o about_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v be_v exceed_o glad_a not_o only_o for_o your_o sake_n but_o even_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o fit_a object_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o particular_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o mind_n and_o which_o without_o some_o good_a and_o sit_v opportunity_n i_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o elaborate_v and_o put_v to_o paper_n i_o be_o willing_a then_o at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v you_o my_o conception_n concern_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o method_n which_o i_o think_v everyone_o shall_v follow_v that_o will_v walk_v by_o a_o rule_n in_o order_v his_o thought_n for_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n here_o you_o have_v the_o aim_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n with_o you_o wherein_o you_o may_v observe_v distinct_o that_o i_o presuppose_v first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o order_v his_o 〈◊〉_d thought_n second_o that_o the_o mean_n to_o order_v they_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v walk_v three_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v certain_a principleâ—_n 〈◊〉_d which_o now_o i_o be_o chief_o to_o speak_v four_o and_o that_o the_o end_n or_o â—â—ther_n the_o object_n towards_o which_o the_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v order_v be_v the_o act_n of_o meditate_v and_o consult_v if_o any_o body_n make_v these_o presupposall_n disputable_a or_o if_o you_o shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o they_o i_o can_v proceed_v clear_o with_o you_o except_o i_o know_v where_o his_o or_o your_o scruple_n do_v lie_v that_o some_o principle_n wherein_o we_o can_v agree_v may_v be_v take_v up_o to_o rosolve_v it_o but_o suppose_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o much_o scruple_v and_o make_v disputable_a as_o not_o well_o and_o full_o understand_v then_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v open_v the_o same_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v then_o concern_v the_o first_o that_o my_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n have_v any_o such_o command_n over_o himself_o that_o all_o the_o rise_n of_o thought_n in_o his_o mind_n shall_v be_v under_o his_o power_n either_o to_o prevent_v thought_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v to_o come_v in_o his_o mind_n or_o to_o lay_v down_o thought_n rise_v or_o to_o reduce_v at_o all_o time_n into_o good_a order_n the_o thought_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v down_o this_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n for_o i_o know_v that_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n prov._n 16._o 1._o and_o that_o man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o way_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o motion_n thereof_o ibid._n chap._n 20._o 24_o to_o which_o that_o place_n of_o jerem._n 10._o 23._o be_v parallel_n o_o lord_n i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n viz._n the_o first_o motion_n be_v not_o from_o a_o man_n nor_o can_v a_o man_n by_o any_o humane_a instruction_n or_o habitual_a practice_n and_o premeditation_n attain_v to_o any_o such_o perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o direct_v and_o over-rule_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o thence_o unto_o his_o own_o preconceive_a aim_n and_o end_n for_o although_o a_o man_n heart_n do_v deceive_v his_o way_n and_o lay_v plot_n unto_o itself_o and_o make_v many_o resolution_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o who_o direct_v a_o man_n step_n towards_o the_o event_n thereof_o so_o that_o neither_o 9_o 〈◊〉_d â—6_n 9_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n nor_o the_o constant_a &_o absolute_a progress_n thereof_o be_v in_o our_o power_n but_o this_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o order_v our_o thought_n viz._n that_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o reflexive_a faculty_n to_o consider_v of_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o action_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o motion_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o some_o regular_a frame_n and_o free_v from_o confusion_n and_o unsettlednesse_n for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o matter_n whereupon_o the_o spirit_n be_v full_o bend_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v fix_v this_o reflexive_a faculty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n understanding_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o one_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v of_o it_o for_o neither_o can_v every_o one_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o motion_n when_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a not_o when_o he_o do_v reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n can_v he_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o but_o this_o ability_n to_o make_v use_n and_o to_o make_v right_a use_n of_o the_o reflexive_a faculty_n be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o do_v bestow_v it_o upon_o whosoever_o he_o please_v for_o as_o elihu_n say_v to_o job_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o although_o the_o faculty_n of_o order_v our_o way_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n yet_o except_o god_n breath_n upon_o it_o and_o make_v it_o alive_a it_o can_v either_o act_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n aright_o but_o it_o lie_v there_o as_o a_o dead_a thing_n without_o motion_n while_o a_o man_n do_v walk_v at_o random_n in_o a_o vain_a show_v not_o know_v himself_o what_o he_o be_v do_v or_o if_o perhaps_o he_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o himself_o what_o he_o be_v do_v or_o if_o perhaps_o he_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o himself_o as_o natural_o man_n use_v to_o do_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o flatter_v himself_o in_o idle_a conceit_n and_o imagination_n or_o to_o follow_v eager_o some_o particular_a plot_n then_o to_o order_n and_o regulate_v his_o way_n unto_o true_a felicity_n and_o subordinate_a his_o motion_n unto_o the_o lawful_a end_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v undertake_v thus_o i_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o first_o presupposal_n aright_o lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o attribute_v too_o much_o unto_o our_o own_o ability_n in_o nature_n and_o exempt_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n from_o god_n immediate_a work_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o he_o do_v leave_v it_o whole_o to_o a_o man_n self_n or_o as_o if_o by_o any_o art_n method_n instruction_n and_o direction_n which_o we_o can_v give_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v able_a to_o rule_v all_o his_o thought_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v compose_v at_o all_o time_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o object_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v unto_o himself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v think_v but_o my_o meaning_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v of_o the_o ordinary_a faoulty_a of_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o move_v to_o intend_v good_a and_o lawful_a matter_n for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o edificution_n how_o then_o we_o shall_v frame_v and_o compose_v our_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n to_o attain_v by_o rule_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v undertake_v and_o not_o to_o proceed_v as_o fool_n and_o child_n do_v at_o a_o random_n in_o the_o act_n wherein_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v take_v place_n be_v the_o true_a object_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o supposal_n the_o second_o presupposal_n think_v have_v no_o difficulty_n for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o reflexive_a faculty_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o this_o faculty_n can_v act_v upon_o the_o thought_n and_o that_o those_o thought_n can_v be_v order_v and_o free_v from_o
thought_n aright_o and_o whosoever_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n he_o may_v expect_v that_o in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o 33._o now_o because_o i_o labour_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o call_n and_o in_o all_o the_o meditation_n which_o i_o use_v to_o propose_v unto_o other_o to_o draw_v man_n thought_n unto_o this_o rule_n therefore_o although_o none_o do_v contradict_v the_o proposal_n which_o i_o make_v yet_o i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o relish_v because_o most_o man_n even_o of_o this_o call_v wherein_o i_o live_v seek_v not_o true_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a but_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v temporal_a either_o in_o a_o rational_a or_o sensual_a way_n for_o except_o they_o can_v perceive_v a_o particular_a present_a advantage_n of_o honour_n and_o credit_n or_o of_o profit_n to_o themselves_o they_o never_o care_v for_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o i_o can_v sinde_v a_o patron_n for_o my_o work_n because_o i_o do_v not_o set_v my_o mind_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o particular_a interest_n unto_o which_o all_o party_n now_o adays_o be_v wed_v and_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lubordinate_a thereunto_o this_o then_o be_v the_o combat_n which_o i_o have_v to_o fight_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n namely_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o their_o private_a aim_n to_o a_o true_a general_a good_a wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n without_o any_o other_o respect_n may_v be_v advance_v i_o have_v add_v this_o digression_n to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o i_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v expect_v promotion_n for_o my_o endeavour_n but_o from_o such_o as_o can_v and_o will_v follow_v with_o i_o these_o principle_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n to_o join_v with_o i_o therein_o to_o further_o the_o public_a good_a whereat_o i_o aim_v for_o except_v man_n aim_n concur_v there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a conjunction_n of_o endeavour_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o leave_v my_o aim_n and_o way_n of_o meditation_n to_o serve_v inferior_a end_n and_o see_v they_o can_v raise_v their_o thought_n to_o walk_v with_o i_o by_o these_o rule_n i_o be_o like_a to_o be_v as_o i_o be_o continual_o desert_v yet_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v for_o i_o know_v that_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o who_o i_o serve_v and_o he_o in_o due_a time_n be_v able_a to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o see_v that_o they_o weary_a themselves_o for_o vanity_n and_o wander_v in_o the_o foolishness_n of_o troublesome_a counsel_n so_o long_o as_o they_o follow_v not_o these_o ground_n of_o meditation_n for_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o purpose_n of_o man_n mere_o rational_a though_o never_o so_o plausible_o and_o strong_o lay_v will_v vanish_v when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n draw_v near_o which_o be_v now_o at_o hand_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o universal_a and_o spiritual_a shall_v remain_v if_o then_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o be_v frustrate_a of_o our_o reward_n we_o shall_v sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o sound_a way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n and_o consultation_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o every_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o desire_v to_o walk_v rational_o among_o man_n and_o to_o apply_v our_o sense_n in_o a_o right_a course_n may_v be_v first_o consider_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n conscionable_o these_o general_a principle_n of_o meditation_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o order_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o particular_a object_n if_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o ground_n rule_n be_v deliver_v to_o direct_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o disquirie_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n as_o well_o rational_a and_o humane_a as_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a so_o far_o as_o these_o can_v be_v bring_v under_o a_o rule_n for_o we_o can_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o motion_n because_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o mystery_n the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o please_v yet_o some_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o deceit_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o mistake_v discover_v that_o a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n both_o by_o propose_v caution_n to_o himself_o and_o call_v his_o thought_n unto_o a_o account_n that_o he_o may_v discern_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o regulate_v his_o course_n so_o far_o as_o reason_n do_v go_v lest_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o some_o false_a light_n and_o a_o deceive_a spirit_n bring_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o 2._o 3._o do_v warn_v every_o man_n not_o to_o think_v above_o that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v distribute_v unto_o every_o one_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n he_o do_v clear_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o discern_v our_o own_o thought_n by_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o proportion_n which_o they_o have_v with_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v and_o as_o in_o this_o so_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o meditation_n the_o rule_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o proportion_n now_o the_o object_n of_o meditation_n concern_v which_o doubt_n may_v arise_v and_o wherein_o mistake_n may_v be_v incident_a which_o by_o the_o regulate_a of_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v prevent_v or_o resolve_v be_v chief_o these_o first_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o find_v that_o many_o doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o interpreter_n which_o without_o a_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v resolve_v therefore_o concern_v scripturall_a interpretation_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o way_n of_o analyse_a the_o text_n literal_o material_o and_o mystical_o may_v be_v deliver_v so_o as_o to_o discover_v the_o ground_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n do_v lead_v we_o and_o further_o we_o be_v not_o warrant_v to_o proceed_v second_o concern_v all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o free_a and_o need_v not_o be_v bind_v up_o as_o in_o scripturall_a meditation_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o another_o meaning_n the_o rule_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o for_o theoreticall_a some_o for_o practical_a meditation_n and_o both_o these_o be_v either_o in_o humane_a or_o divine_a object_n the_o theory_n of_o humane_a object_n may_v have_v rule_n to_o direct_v the_o mind_n to_o sinde_v out_o hide_v truth_n in_o natural_a thing_n the_o practical_a meditation_n of_o humane_a matter_n require_v rule_n discover_v the_o way_n of_o prudency_n by_o which_o the_o best_a course_n of_o do_v lawful_a business_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o follow_v the_o theory_n of_o divine_a object_n must_v whole_o be_v scripturall_a therefore_o all_o the_o rule_n which_o can_v be_v deliver_v to_o direct_v the_o mind_n to_o sin_v out_o hide_v truth_n of_o this_o kind_n must_v be_v consequence_n of_o that_o analyticall_a doctrine_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o text._n last_o the_o practical_a meditation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a object_n concern_v either_o the_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n which_o christian_n may_v have_v within_o themselves_o or_o the_o work_n of_o edification_n to_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o of_o the_o first_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v how_o the_o conscience_n shall_v resolve_v itself_o of_o its_o doubt_n of_o the_o second_o how_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v prosecute_v and_o propose_v towards_o other_o of_o all_o which_o much_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o very_o great_a concemment_n to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o many_o outward_a let_n and_o distraction_n and_o some_o inward_a infirmity_n of_o my_o own_o take_v i_o off_o from_o the_o attention_n and_o intentivenesse_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o elaborate_n of_o so_o weighty_a matter_n time_n and_o leisure_n be_v then_o requisite_a which_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v grant_v with_o other_o necessary_a grace_n and_o this_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o assure_v you_o of_o that_o you_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o put_v i_o upon_o these_o task_n than_o i_o shall_v be_v find_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o grant_v unto_o i_o ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o apply_v myself_o thereunto_o for_o your_o edisication_n as_o be_v in_o truth_n your_o most_o affectionate_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o christ_n j._n dury_n finis_fw-la