the_o word_n for_o the_o word_n have_v not_o only_o a_o knowledge_n but_o also_o a_o certain_a action_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n and_o splendour_n in_o we_o give_v from_o above_o but_o also_o life_n the_o interior_a word_n contain_v both_o of_o these_o which_o sometime_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n sometime_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n way_n and_o guide_v but_o also_o spirit_n truth_n and_o life_n that_o be_v which_o not_o only_o teach_v man_n that_o he_o may_v understand_v but_o also_o move_v he_o that_o he_o work_v but_o the_o exterior_a word_n be_v far_o from_o this_o privilege_n and_o have_v far_o a_o different_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o interior_a i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o shadow_n therefore_o the_o interior_a word_n as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a lively_a so_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a word_n as_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o exterior_a be_v nothing_o but_o a_o kill_a letter_n and_o a_o deceitful_a figure_n of_o the_o word_n hence_o it_o arise_v the_o letter_n as_o christ_n become_v a_o certain_a snare_n to_o wicked_a man_n a_o stone_n of_o offence_n darkness_n not_o light_n death_n and_o not_o life_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o beside_o the_o exterior_a word_n the_o interior_a be_v seek_v after_o and_o know_v since_o the_o exterior_a deceive_v a_o man_n with_o its_o shape_n be_v death_n and_o darkness_n unless_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v together_o present_a with_o it_o moreover_o the_o exterior_a suffer_v a_o man_n to_o be_v sluggous_o and_o idle_a except_o the_o power_n of_o the_o interior_a be_v present_a with_o it_o therefore_o the_o interior_a word_n may_v be_v without_o the_o exterior_a as_o the_o exterior_a without_o the_o interior_a therefore_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o he_o pretend_v and_o have_v the_o letter_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o he_o who_o want_v the_o exterior_a word_n or_o letter_n want_v also_o the_o interior_a true_a and_o heavenly_a word_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o for_o he_o do_v not_o always_o want_v the_o word_n who_o have_v not_o the_o letter_n for_o the_o letter_n do_v only_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o yea_o they_o be_v scarce_o the_o image_n of_o the_o live_a word_n much_o less_o be_v they_o it_o which_o neither_o can_v be_v write_v nor_o express_v by_o word_n both_o which_o be_v incident_a to_o the_o letter_n therefore_o the_o letter_n be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o all_o the_o word_n though_o sometime_o they_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n be_v call_v sometime_o by_o his_o name_n even_o as_o god_n be_v sometime_o call_v man_n and_o the_o word_n flesh_n not_o that_o god_n be_v man_n or_o the_o word_n or_o spirit_n be_v make_v flesh_n by_o imitation_n appellattion_n and_o permixion_n so_o as_o what_o be_v say_v of_o one_o may_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o other_o or_o so_o as_o god_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n and_o to_o be_v true_o change_v into_o man_n as_o that_o water_n in_o cana_n galilee_n be_v change_v into_o wine_n or_o so_o as_o the_o word_n be_v so_o flesh_n as_o not_o now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o word_n but_o flesh_n in_o no_o wise_a the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n that_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n or_o so_o as_o the_o word_n shall_v have_v change_v itself_o into_o the_o letter_n and_o yet_o well_o and_o right_o the_o letter_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o god_n be_v call_v man_n and_o the_o word_n flesh_n although_o to_o speak_v proper_o neither_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n change_v into_o letter_n nor_o god_n into_o man_n nor_o the_o word_n into_o flesh_n therefore_o both_o these_o may_v be_v true_a the_o letter_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o letter_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o although_o the_o letter_n be_v sometime_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o true_o be_v they_o not_o the_o sole_a nor_o altogether_o nor_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o either_o can_v be_v speak_v or_o write_v and_o that_o the_o letter_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v know_v by_o this_o that_o many_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v and_o inspire_v unto_o many_o and_o many_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o write_v by_o they_o which_o be_v not_o contain_v open_o in_o the_o letter_n yea_o which_o sometime_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dead_a letter_n the_o prophet_n and_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o have_v write_v of_o the_o temple_n the_o sacrifice_n circumcision_n and_o of_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n moreover_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n yea_o even_o before_o any_o scripture_n be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o and_o it_o will_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v perish_v therefore_o the_o word_n be_v improper_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v improper_o call_v flesh_n or_o the_o letter_n for_o my_o word_n say_v christ_n be_v spirit_n and_o life_n therefore_o the_o word_n can_v be_v that_o word_n which_o be_v flesh_n or_o dead_a letter_n wherefore_o though_o the_o word_n true_o and_o indeed_o be_v only_o in_o spirit_n as_o in_o which_o it_o only_o live_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o yet_o weak_a if_o there_o it_o be_v alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o letter_n but_o altogether_o dead_a unless_o the_o spirit_n do_v quicken_v it_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o body_n and_o it_o be_v in_o both_o and_o yet_o not_o true_o and_o if_o true_o yet_o not_o all_o and_o only_o and_o lively_a now_o although_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n lively_a and_o true_a yet_o after_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n then_o in_o the_o letter_n although_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a with_o the_o letter_n and_o lend_v a_o hand_n it_o teach_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v with_o the_o flesh_n it_o not_o only_o teach_v but_o also_o make_v alive_a and_o burst_v out_o into_o work_n so_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n bring_v man_n to_o no_o perfection_n although_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o also_o the_o scripture_n speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o write_v by_o his_o finger_n for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n do_v teach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o precept_n but_o do_v not_o give_v man_n a_o will_n and_o strength_n to_o fulfil_v the_o same_o but_o the_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n give_v life_n to_o believer_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o flesh_n inspire_v with_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_n and_o do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o word_n in_o the_o flesh_n do_v only_o give_v a_o example_n of_o life_n when_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o leave_v in_o the_o letter_n all_o thing_n idle_a and_o sleepy_a but_o in_o the_o spirit_n it_o true_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n towards_o the_o law_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n itself_o but_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o certain_a imitation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o letter_n a_o certain_a print_a picture_n and_o copy_n of_o the_o word_n wherefore_o the_o write_a word_n be_v not_o the_o true_a word_n but_o a_o certain_a image_n thereof_o yea_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v in_o word_n be_v not_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o testimony_n thereof_o for_o the_o scripture_n have_v beginning_n in_o time_n by_o occasion_n but_o the_o word_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n add_v to_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v lead_v man_n into_o error_n except_o the_o interpreter_n viz._n the_o spirit_n be_v present_a and_o they_o be_v a_o seal_a book_n and_o a_o perplex_a labyrinth_n unless_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a as_o the_o treede_n of_o theseus_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o as_o the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v unto_o we_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o man_n see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v hear_v not_o and_o as_o who_o know_v the_o scripture_n
and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v life_n with_o it_o that_o it_o mortify_v and_o kill_v the_o reader_n as_o paul_n imply_v where_o he_o say_v the_o spirit_n quicken_v and_o not_o the_o letter_n the_o jew_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o so_o man_n in_o these_o day_n do_v boast_v themselves_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o out_o of_o it_o they_o be_v able_a to_o gather_v life_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o they_o be_v far_o deceive_v wherefore_o christ_n say_v in_o who_o think_v you_o to_o have_v life_n as_o for_o the_o scripture_n his_o testimony_n of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o therefore_o all_o art_n and_o knowledge_n be_v no_o way_n the_o cause_n of_o life_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o life_n to_o know_v he_o in_o and_o with_o god_n wicked_a nature_n have_v always_o a_o perverse_a end_n propose_v to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o desire_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n not_o for_o god_n but_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n therefore_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o the_o flesh_n as_o it_o be_v its_o self_n vain_a and_o perverse_a if_o the_o learning_n of_o so_o many_o art_n have_v be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n god_n have_v create_v and_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o beginning_n neither_o will_v be_v have_v suffer_v that_o man_n shall_v so_o long_o have_v want_v that_o without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o attain_v to_o life_n but_o because_o they_o be_v form_v out_o by_o man_n and_o still_o be_v find_v out_o by_o they_o though_o no_o man_n be_v any_o whit_n the_o more_o unhappy_a if_o so_o be_v he_o never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o yea_o he_o be_v more_o happy_a if_o he_o can_v unlearn_v they_o though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n than_o he_o learn_v they_o you_o may_v by_o the_o tree_n conjecture_v what_o the_o fruit_n be_v what_o human_a art_n and_o science_n be_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n how_o then_o can_v they_o conduce_v any_o thing_n unto_o life_n be_v the_o only_a precept_n and_o in_o vention_n of_o man_n therefore_o very_o well_o in_o praise_n of_o that_o word_n of_o god_n do_v cornelius_n agrippa_n call_v all_o art_n and_o action_n of_o man_n mere_a ignorant_a fable_n and_o foolishness_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr vanitate_fw-la scientiarum_fw-la the_o beginning_n and_o end_n whereof_o we_o have_v put_v in_o this_o book_n that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v alone_o with_o ernestinus_n to_o contemn_v art_n and_o praise_n folly_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o lean_v unto_o art_n please_v and_o boast_v thyself_o in_o they_o have_v any_o hope_n or_o account_v thyself_o any_o thing_n better_o for_o they_o they_o will_v prove_v death_n unto_o thou_o for_o they_o do_v no_o more_o conduce_v to_o thy_o happiness_n then_o garment_n time_n place_n or_o such_o like_a circumstance_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o do_v they_o produce_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o thou_o then_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o wit_n self-love_n pride_n of_o spirit_n contempt_n disdain_n security_n and_o such_o like_a and_o this_o be_v verify_v by_o experience_n for_o no_o man_n be_v more_o perverse_a crafty_a and_o covetous_a than_o these_o worldly_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n be_v be_v man_n drown_v in_o their_o own_o self-love_n esteem_v of_o themselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v and_o reverence_v of_o all_o full_a of_o rash_a judgement_n lover_n of_o all_o pleasure_n and_o so_o full_a of_o all_o vice_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n give_v credit_n to_o no_o man_n less_o speak_v worse_a of_o no_o man_n more_o be_v full_a of_o taunt_a and_o reproach_v proverb_n against_o they_o such_o as_o these_o the_o better_a learned_a the_o worse_a manner_v the_o better_a scholar_n the_o worse_a christian_a no_o man_n escape_v scotfree_a out_o of_o the_o claw_n of_o a_o priest_n he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o honest_a house_n must_v keep_v it_o free_a from_o priest_n ape_n and_o dove_n a_o monk_n dare_v do_v as_o much_o as_o he_o dare_v think_v these_o and_o such_o like_a proverb_n be_v common_a in_o every_o man_n mouth_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o swell_v with_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n so_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n that_o no_o rich_a man_n be_v more_o insolent_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o riches_n than_o these_o perverse_a wise_a man_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o art_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o remove_v cyrus_n out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o one_o of_o these_o wise_a man_n out_o of_o his_o opinion_n and_o tenant_n and_o true_o it_o can_v be_v but_o by_o how_o much_o a_o man_n be_v more_o wise_a in_o the_o art_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n by_o so_o much_o he_o be_v more_o miserable_a as_o christ_n witness_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o art_n and_o knowledge_n be_v a_o impediment_n why_o they_o come_v not_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o publican_n and_o harlot_n enter_v in_o before_o they_o therefore_o these_o man_n be_v to_o perish_v with_o their_o art_n and_o to_o depart_v empty_a and_o so_o far_o be_v any_o of_o they_o from_o leave_v his_o art_n wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o righteousness_n that_o he_o esteem_v these_o to_o be_v the_o good_a and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o neither_o thief_n can_v steal_v nor_o moth_n corrupt_a when_o in_o very_a deed_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o invention_n of_o satan_n fruit_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o himself_o do_v work_v and_o teach_v in_o we_o to_o wit_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n who_o fruit_n be_v that_o it_o make_v a_o man_n gentle_a love_a humble_a lowly_a meek_a etc._n etc._n by_o this_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o with_o what_o wit_n and_o righteousness_n he_o be_v endue_v for_o if_o day_n by_o day_n he_o be_v less_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o seem_v still_o more_o foolish_a in_o himself_o and_o a_o child_n in_o his_o own_o thought_n his_o knowledge_n be_v divine_a the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n a_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o if_o he_o find_v contrary_a effect_n in_o himself_o than_o be_v all_o his_o wisdom_n devilish_a the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n and_o so_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n what_o it_o be_v why_o adam_n be_v exclude_v from_o it_o and_o not_o permit_v to_o eat_v thereof_o i_o also_o grant_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o tree_n be_v visible_a in_o paradise_n and_o have_v this_o divine_a virtue_n bestow_v upon_o it_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v thereof_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o but_o whereas_o adam_n before_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n and_o have_v incur_v death_n therefore_o he_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n lest_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o in_o a_o word_n god_n shall_v have_v be_v false_a in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n but_o god_n who_o be_v life_n itself_o will_v not_o for_o ever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v unwilling_a that_o man_n shall_v for_o ever_o live_v in_o that_o misery_n into_o which_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o and_o therefore_o drive_v he_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o afterwards_o show_v he_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v return_v into_o paradise_n again_o and_o eat_v of_o this_o tree_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o guard_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n with_o a_o cherub_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n lest_o man_n in_o his_o exile_n shall_v have_v presume_v to_o have_v come_v to_o this_o tree_n and_o have_v eat_v thereof_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o man_n shall_v die_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o put_v of_o this_o miserable_a life_n and_o change_v it_o for_o a_o better_a then_o live_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o therefore_o god_n who_o can_v nor_o will_v not_o hate_v we_o deal_v every_o way_n most_o merciful_a with_o we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o will_v true_o consider_v of_o it_o now_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o same_o also_o happen_v in_o the_o true_a paradise_n of_o adans_n heart_n the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o seed_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o
god_n and_o these_o two_o tree_n be_v as_o god_n and_o satan_n so_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o that_o the_o one_o bring_v life_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o other_o death_n therefore_o he_o that_o eat_v of_o the_o one_o its_o impossible_a he_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o other_o because_o they_o be_v divide_v by_o a_o fly_a cherub_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n which_o i_o interpret_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n which_o sometime_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o partition_n wall_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o diabolical_a wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o can_v eat_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v he_o be_v depart_v from_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n for_o these_o two_o wisdom_n be_v incompitable_a they_o can_v be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a heart_n be_v as_o contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o heaven_n to_o hell_n he_o that_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n he_o can_v die_v neither_o sin_n for_o this_o fruit_n eat_v the_o eater_n of_o it_o and_o change_v he_o into_o its_o own_o nature_n into_o life_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v of_o those_o that_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o eat_v christ_n to_o live_v in_o his_o word_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o adam_n to_o live_v in_o adam_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v god_n therefore_o those_o that_o eat_v of_o this_o deadly_a tree_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o satan_n these_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o other_o do_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v displease_v unto_o he_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o one_o must_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o other_o he_o must_v put_v off_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o vomit_v up_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n who_o will_v eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n adam_n must_v die_v in_o we_o and_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v be_v unlearned_a of_o we_o if_o we_o will_v have_v jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o we_o and_o obtain_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o death_n of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o other_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o other_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o unite_v adam_n god_n and_o the_o devil_n together_o chap._n xii_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o which_o alone_a man_n ought_v to_o build_v rest_n reside_v and_o it_o only_o know_v if_o he_o will_v remain_v unshaken_a in_o adversity_n have_v his_o faith_n manifest_a and_o approve_a and_o find_v quietness_n to_o his_o soul_n indeed_o there_o be_v many_o art_n profitable_a to_o the_o body_n which_o god_n the_o belly_n have_v create_v and_o yet_o do_v daily_o find_v out_o which_o true_o bring_v much_o profit_n to_o the_o kitchen_n and_o only_o serve_v worship_n and_o obey_v their_o god_n the_o belly_n most_o zealous_o as_o it_o be_v expedient_a they_o shall_v but_o as_o the_o common_a proverb_n be_v that_o which_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o body_n do_v often_o hurt_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o belly_n and_o flesh_n as_o life_n food_n and_o plenty_n be_v often_o time_n the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o mere_a poison_n unto_o it_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o table_n or_o belly_n art_n because_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n offspring_n and_o wit_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v altogether_o vain_a famine_n and_o death_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o only_a art_n the_o end_n whereof_o be_v not_o for_o god_n belly_n advantage_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v so_o much_o slight_n and_o little_a regard_n that_o only_o true_a wisdom_n and_o theology_n to_o wit_n god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n in_o he_o together_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o divine_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o sole_a be_v only_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n therefore_o the_o true_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a art_n the_o true_a tree_n of_o life_n of_o which_o whosoever_o eat_v have_v everlasting_a life_n furthermore_o i_o say_v this_o art_n be_v the_o food_n wine_n milk_n excellency_n defence_n and_o all_o whether_o the_o profit_n pleasure_n or_o advancement_n of_o soul_n all_o other_o art_n be_v vain_a doubtful_a and_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o soul_n hurtful_a and_o deadly_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n if_o he_o lean_v upon_o they_o rest_n in_o they_o glory_n in_o they_o or_o build_v his_o happiness_n upon_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o which_o whosoever_o eat_v as_o i_o have_v ample_o prove_v he_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n therefore_o i_o desire_v that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v to_o righteous_a nor_o wise_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n as_o solomon_n eccles._n 8._o as_o also_o proverb_n 3._o do_v faithful_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v nothing_o to_o be_v our_o wisdom_n righteousness_n or_o any_o other_o virtue_n in_o we_o but_o only_o to_o know_v god_n in_o and_o with_o himself_o and_o love_n praise_n worship_n fear_v honour_n and_o understand_v he_o as_o we_o ought_v which_o thing_n must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o eternal_a and_o in_o itself_o everlasting_a and_o immutable_a word_n which_o without_o spokesman_n from_o he_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o he_o speak_v in_o our_o heart_n teach_v himself_o in_o our_o soul_n imprint_v and_o engrave_v his_o image_n in_o we_o thereby_o enlighten_v so_o our_o understanding_n that_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o word_n he_o so_o teach_v love_n know_v understand_v pray_v unto_o hear_v guide_n govern_v and_o worship_v himself_o in_o we_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o dull_a and_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o base_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v we_o god_n and_o give_v we_o everlasting_a felicity_n or_o that_o god_n by_o they_o shall_v give_v it_o unto_o we_o god_n will_v be_v himself_o teach_v himself_o give_v and_o convey_v himself_o into_o our_o heart_n neither_o will_v he_o suffer_v his_o honour_n to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n that_o by_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o sanctify_v but_o he_o that_o hear_v and_o learn_v it_o of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v himself_o be_v the_o master_n of_o spirit_n and_o so_o a_o spirit_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o a_o spirit_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v divine_o instruct_v of_o the_o all-knowing_a and_o understand_a god_n shall_v be_v say_v true_o to_o be_v learned_a and_o wise_a the_o flesh_n have_v teacher_n who_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a covenant_n have_v commerce_n with_o the_o flesh_n the_o new_a covenant_n because_o it_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n and_o in_o like_o manner_n have_v a_o spiritual_a and_o new_a birth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v instruct_v have_v also_o a_o spiritual_a word_n and_o master_n to_o instruct_v it_o which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o life_n therefore_o if_o any_o man_n will_v know_v himself_o submit_v himself_o quiet_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o permit_v himself_o to_o be_v speak_v too_o seek_v and_o find_v in_o he_o he_o sure_o shall_v be_v elevate_v to_o a_o wonderful_a light_n if_o any_o man_n i_o say_v do_v follow_v the_o instruction_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n in_o himself_o he_o very_o shall_v find_v god_n in_o god_n and_o with_o god_n but_o the_o world_n busy_v and_o accupy_v in_o the_o creature_n pass_v away_o in_o a_o confusion_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o hide_a and_o secret_a treasure_n that_o be_v close_v in_o his_o heart_n neither_o seek_v for_o this_o precious_a pearl_n but_o cover_v all_o over_o with_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o creature_n remain_v in_o darkness_n with_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o art_n and_o science_n weary_a ignorant_a and_o void_a of_o all_o true_a art_n and_o science_n yet_o do_v he_o in_o the_o mean_a space_n learn_v art_n after_o art_n further_o and_o further_o search_v into_o the_o my_o fiery_a of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n be_v
the_o same_o and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n thereof_o with_o all_o assurance_n not_o so_o crafty_a subtlety_n can_v be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n but_o that_o may_v be_v batter_v weaken_a and_o refute_v with_o one_o word_n neither_o can_v any_o thing_n so_o acute_a be_v produce_v which_o weaken_v with_o the_o like_a acute_a may_v not_o be_v overthrow_v only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n overcome_v with_o such_o force_n that_o even_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v overcome_v and_o take_v with_o it_o the_o outward_a man_n alone_o and_o the_o face_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o will_v not_o be_v bridle_v seek_v out_o all_o kind_n of_o ambush_n trick_n and_o turn_n to_o escape_v this_o thunderclapp_v and_o falsehood_n for_o shame_n cover_v its_o face_n with_o its_o hand_n and_o thereby_o think_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v cover_v that_o it_o can_v be_v see_v moreover_o it_o be_v behooveful_a that_o all_o other_o tradition_n of_o art_n word_n and_o spirit_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o by_o a_o index_n golden_a rule_n and_o touchstone_n i_o call_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o life_n not_o the_o letter_n write_v without_o ink_n and_o paper_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n which_o speak_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v obedient_a unto_o it_o this_o i_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o the_o scripture_n or_o letter_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o mind_n spirit_n and_o that_o true_a divine_a meaning_n which_o paul_n call_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o saint_n paul_n do_v testify_v the_o letter_n say_v he_o do_v kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n thereof_o which_o only_o spiritual_a man_n be_v endue_v with_o which_o do_v quicken_v these_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n for_o the_o open_n of_o all_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o close_a book_n to_o all_o other_o the_o book_n be_v seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o dan._n 7._o apoc._n 5._o and_o mat._n 13._o by_o way_n of_o parable_n and_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o letter_n do_v hang_v before_o their_o eye_n until_o they_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o serious_o will_v obey_v his_o will_n the_o spirit_n of_o understanding_n enter_v into_o no_o froward_a scorner_n who_o in_o the_o letter_n only_o desire_v to_o show_v his_o nicety_n and_o clarkeship_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o secret_n be_v make_v manifest_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o therefore_o many_o in_o our_o time_n be_v snare_v who_o betwixt_o the_o writing_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v know_v no_o difference_n and_o so_o do_v they_o esteem_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o beside_o it_o they_o know_v no_o other_o but_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o divine_o teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n the_o shell_n the_o sheath_n the_o lantern_n the_o shrine_n the_o letter_n the_o cave_n the_o veil_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v that_o they_o appear_v so_o sinister_a and_o in_o show_n often_o repugnant_a and_o be_v hide_v from_o wicked_a man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n place_v in_o and_o under_o they_o be_v the_o kernel_n the_o life_n fullness_n and_o thing_n itself_o or_o substance_n for_o otherwise_o those_o learned_a man_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v be_v bless_v and_o happy_a if_o the_o letter_n have_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o light_n etc._n etc._n because_o they_o have_v so_o well_o con_v the_o scripture_n that_o most_o part_n of_o they_o they_o can_v say_v by_o heart_n yet_o be_v they_o for_o all_o that_o most_o miserable_o to_o perish_v with_o this_o art_n and_o so_o death_n be_v eat_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a while_o yet_o man_n think_v thereby_o to_o have_v life_n but_o christ_n do_v more_o ingenuous_o testify_v that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v what_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o what_o otherwise_o belong_v to_o the_o letter_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n they_o write_v but_o know_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o force_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o letter_n in_o my_o judgement_n be_v of_o set_a purpose_n so_o sinister_a and_o dark_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n comprehend_v and_o declare_v that_o those_o impious_a swine_n and_o dog_n may_v not_o understand_v they_o according_a as_o christ_n out_o of_o isaiah_n do_v allege_v they_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o speak_v so_o obscure_o by_o similitude_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o thing_n more_o significant_o in_o john_n lest_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o idol_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v some_o other_o thing_n more_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o bible_n to_o weet_v that_o of_o god_n we_o shall_v desire_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o this_o lantern_n and_o also_o that_o true_a teacher_n the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v direct_v lead_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o may_v open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o declare_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o shrine_n that_o be_v his_o divine_a word_n law_n pleasure_n will_n and_o meaning_n hide_v under_o the_o dead_a letter_n many_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o have_v bible_n and_o know_v how_o to_o read_v here_o forsooth_o they_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o double_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o wrap_v up_o and_o close_v in_o the_o sheath_n but_o who_o can_v understand_v gain_n find_v and_o brandish_v the_o same_o he_o answer_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n young_a child_n who_o will_v be_v afraid_a at_o this_o kill_a letter_n they_o be_v sore_o out_o of_o heart_n tremble_v and_o die_v for_o fear_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o although_o it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v bible_n what_o to_o have_v bible_n all_o the_o pharise_n have_v the_o same_o can_v say_v they_o by_o heart_n and_o yet_o they_o live_v no_o less_o blind_a and_o dead_a these_o very_a bible_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o which_o they_o do_v eat_v death_n although_o to_o the_o godly_a who_o consult_v with_o god_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o renounce_v themselves_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o his_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n god_n will_v give_v his_o glory_n to_o none_o other_o no_o not_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o have_v make_v they_o dark_a unto_o we_o and_o have_v reserve_v the_o interpretation_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v teach_v enlighten_v rule_n and_o guide_v how_o when_o and_o as_o he_o will_v and_o his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o always_o wax_v strong_a and_o by_o degree_n come_v near_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o so_o be_v we_o will_v do_v the_o same_o by_o his_o help_n but_o he_o have_v not_o sow_v his_o word_n by_o the_o way_n side_n for_o dog_n and_o swine_n but_o have_v cover_v it_o the_o same_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o letter_n that_o we_o may_v not_o rest_v ourselves_o content_v in_o the_o letter_n but_o dig_v up_o the_o hide_a treasure_n and_o with_o all_o religion_n pray_v for_o grace_n and_o understanding_n and_o consult_v with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v take_v we_o into_o his_o tuition_n guide_v we_o teach_v we_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o fruit_n whereof_o may_v feed_v we_o up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o all_o art_n doctrine_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v compare_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o which_o be_v divine_o unto_o we_o we_o find_v to_o be_v true_a by_o his_o word_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n that_o our_o spirit_n may_v confirm_v the_o same_o so_o to_o be_v by_o its_o testimony_n as_o we_o have_v divine_o learn_v the_o same_o and_o that_o we_o sustain_v for_o the_o defence_n thereof_o to_o die_v therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o what_o doctrine_n soever_o come_v from_o god_n the_o same_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n which_o divine_o teach_v we_o have_v in_o our_o heart_n but_o agreeable_a thereunto_o give_v testimony_n that_o we_o know_v his_o word_n as_o we_o be_v know_v of_o god_n and_o comprehend_v as_o we_o be_v comprehend_v of_o he_o otherwise_o how_o can_v we_o say_v amen_o and_o assent_n if_o
again_o nothing_o so_o great_a that_o can_v receive_v or_o circumscribe_v god_n as_o nothing_o be_v so_o little_a but_o god_n be_v less_o and_o nothing_o so_o great_a but_o god_n be_v great_a beyond_o without_o below_o and_o above_o all_o creature_n so_o also_o be_v his_o divine_a word_n as_o the_o free_a almighty_a eternal_a immutable_a omniscient_a incomprehensible_a invisible_a and_o unconceivable_a god_n be_v the_o be_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o as_o as_o all_o thing_n consist_v rather_o in_o he_o then_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o as_o taulerus_n and_o the_o german_a theology_n in_o a_o 1000_o place_n do_v avouch_v and_o be_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v see_v or_o comprehend_v by_o sense_n or_o express_v by_o word_n so_o his_o divine_a word_n be_v free_a in_o all_o and_o beyond_o all_o bind_v unto_o nothing_o neither_o tie_v to_o the_o prison_n or_o letter_n or_o cover_v of_o the_o letter_n conclude_v include_v and_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o that_o otherwise_o it_o be_v nowhere_o even_o as_o the_o follow_a position_n and_o sentence_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n divine_o instruct_v do_v show_v as_o the_o word_n be_v cover_v and_o hide_v by_o the_o letter_n so_o it_o be_v open_v and_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o letter_n be_v as_o a_o close_a or_o seal_v book_n so_o as_o the_o dark_a letter_n except_o it_o be_v open_v do_v slay_v but_o the_o spirit_n do_v quicken_v and_o the_o letter_n be_v as_o a_o certain_a image_n void_a of_o life_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o print_v and_o dead_a expression_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o they_o want_v life_n except_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a and_o do_v err_v therefore_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o the_o word_n be_v far_o otherwise_o a_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o letter_n for_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n truth_n and_o life_n but_o the_o letter_n be_v contrary_a flesh_n the_o letter_n and_o death_n yea_o the_o letter_n if_o they_o want_v the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o offence_n and_o if_o they_o want_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o stumble_a block_n therefore_o the_o letter_n be_v a_o otherwise_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o a_o sheath_n for_o as_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n conceive_v the_o word_n so_o the_o letter_n for_o the_o word_n be_v clothe_v both_o with_o flesh_n and_o with_o the_o letter_n that_o seed_n of_o abrahem_fw-mi lay_v hold_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o letter_n for_o they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o again_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o but_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o apprehend_v in_o the_o flesh_n or_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v this_o the_o flesh_n or_o letter_n can_v contain_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o even_o as_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o majesty_n thereof_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o letter_n that_o true_a neither_o to_o all_o or_o to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v be_v it_o obvious_a and_o apparent_a this_o be_v witness_v by_o all_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o mere_a letter_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v who_o neither_o can_v know_v find_v or_o comprehend_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n nor_o the_o word_n in_o the_o letter_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v if_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o under_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o flesh_n have_v be_v know_v unto_o all_o not_o hide_v but_o manifest_v and_o the_o letter_n have_v be_v not_o the_o cover_a mystery_n but_o the_o true_a live_n and_o enlighten_v word_n of_o god_n itself_o as_o therefore_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o word_n but_o the_o cover_n thereof_o and_o a_o certain_a great_a mystery_n so_o the_o letter_n be_v not_o the_o word_n proper_o but_o the_o shell_n the_o bark_n and_o cover_v thereof_o the_o word_n be_v make_v fleshly_a assumption_n not_o mixture_n and_o so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v make_v letter_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o letter_n as_o of_o the_o word_n but_o as_o in_o a_o certain_a seal_n therefore_o so_o far_o be_v the_o letter_n from_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o figure_n and_o bark_v thereof_o for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o letter_n but_o that_o which_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o understand_v only_o of_o the_o faithful_a therefore_o the_o letter_n do_v paint_v out_o and_o shadow_n out_o and_o after_o a_o certain_a manner_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o word_n and_o express_v something_o but_o be_v not_o the_o word_n although_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o express_v for_o the_o word_n do_v not_o assume_v the_o flesh_n that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o flesh_n so_o it_o do_v not_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o letter_n that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o letter_n for_o there_o be_v the_o word_n when_o there_o be_v no_o letter_n and_o the_o same_o will_v remain_v after_o the_o letter_n be_v perish_v therefore_o as_o the_o word_n be_v never_o include_v and_o circumscribe_v in_o the_o flesh_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o letter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n as_o it_o never_o yet_o leave_v heaven_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o letter_n as_o yet_o it_o be_v everywhere_o therefore_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o letter_n altogether_o but_o not_o all_o hereupon_o we_o see_v that_o the_o letter_n have_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o continual_a increase_n and_o addition_n therefore_o the_o letter_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o the_o word_n itself_o and_o if_o they_o be_v they_o be_v altogether_o a_o write_v and_o a_o dead_a and_o not_o a_o live_a word_n for_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a word_n one_o that_o quicken_v viz._n the_o spirit_n another_o the_o letter_n which_o be_v say_v to_o kill_v and_o slay_v the_o live_a word_n be_v that_o which_o inward_o teach_v and_o make_v we_o to_o fructify_v the_o dead_a word_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o letter_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o the_o live_a word_n be_v a_o true_a light_n which_o enlighten_v all_o man_n and_o therefore_o a_o regenerate_a spirit_n because_o it_o renew_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o god_n which_o give_v unto_o we_o that_o knowledge_n sense_n soul_n and_o life_n which_o be_v from_o god_n a_o certain_a brightness_n of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n which_o enlighten_v we_o from_o above_o and_o imprint_n in_o we_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o it_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o the_o dead_a word_n be_v the_o letter_n that_o seal_v book_n and_o dead_a letter_n sense_n and_o will_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o flesh_n not_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o true_a and_o live_a word_n be_v that_o which_o god_n beget_v in_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n effect_v in_o we_o but_o the_o dead_a and_o literal_a word_n be_v that_o which_o the_o letter_n show_v unto_o we_o and_o man_n propound_v therefore_o he_o do_v not_o always_o want_v the_o word_n who_o have_v not_o the_o letter_n for_o he_o may_v have_v the_o interior_a who_o want_v the_o exterior_a word_n to_o wit_n the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o no_o man_n have_v absolute_a need_n to_o be_v teach_v of_o a_o other_o or_o to_o admonish_v his_o brother_n concerning_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o all_o these_o shall_v know_v from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o be_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n divine_o teach_v this_o writing_n be_v not_o print_v with_o ink_n and_o paper_n but_o write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o the_o table_n of_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n the_o prophetical_a breathe_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o true_a art_n of_o god_n moreover_o he_o may_v have_v the_o live_a word_n of_o god_n who_o want_v the_o dead_a of_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o who_o want_v the_o sign_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o word_n though_o he_o want_v the_o dead_a letter_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o word_n the_o first_o be_v the_o disposition_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a light_n intend_v for_o the_o enlighten_n of_o man_n the_o other_o be_v the_o action_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o give_v action_n and_o operation_n to_o
his_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o forsake_v that_o good_a he_o have_v get_v already_o then_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o learn_v it_o for_o his_o profit_n in_o so_o much_o that_o this_o be_v true_a who_o once_o have_v play_v the_o ass_n will_v scarce_o learn_v to_o leave_v those_o doltish_a trick_n o_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o become_v fool_n who_o have_v ground_v themselves_o in_o a_o presumption_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o they_o must_v be_v or_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o that_o which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v therefore_o so_o requisite_a be_v this_o denial_n hatred_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o himself_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v endue_v with_o divine_a wisdom_n unless_o in_o his_o affection_n he_o have_v exclude_v and_o give_v a_o farewell_n and_o adieu_n to_o his_o own_o wherefore_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o the_o worldly_a man_n who_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o since_o he_o be_v not_o obedient_a to_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v spiritual_a neither_o can_v perceive_v any_o divine_a thing_n nor_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n nor_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n exchange_v his_o own_o for_o he_o neither_o care_n to_o nourish_v that_o wisdom_n in_o his_o heart_n neither_o desire_n to_o learn_v it_o and_o because_o he_o desire_v it_o not_o he_o can_v learn_v it_o and_o now_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v wise_a with_o god_n he_o must_v be_v a_o fool_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v become_v true_o wise_a that_o be_v he_o must_v cease_v to_o think_v as_o the_o world_n do_v labour_n to_o get_v a_o new_a mind_n and_o deliver_v over_o his_o sense_n and_o thought_n to_o be_v renew_v by_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o paul_n immediate_o annex_v to_o the_o same_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n say_v he_o be_v foolishness_n to_o god_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o call_v it_o death_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o same_o paul_n bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o his_o own_o wit_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliell_n above_o all_o his_o equal_n and_o account_n all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o knowledge_n as_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o glory_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v learned_a to_o unlearn_v and_o forget_v all_o thing_n and_o now_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o the_o apostle_n become_v little_a child_n again_o beside_o nichodemus_n and_o all_o other_o whosoever_o as_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v change_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n they_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o a_o little_a after_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v of_o such_o little_a child_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n admonish_v we_o so_o often_o to_o beware_v of_o our_o own_o wit_n lest_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v good_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n as_o also_o that_o we_o resist_v our_o own_o will_n neither_o that_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o our_o own_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o also_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o obey_v their_o own_o cogitation_n be_v foolish_a and_o wicked_a also_o that_o we_o seem_v not_o wise_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n nor_o magnify_v ourselves_o but_o fear_n and_o in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a work_n out_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o last_o that_o we_o trust_v not_o nor_o lean_v not_o to_o our_o own_o wit_n for_o what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v find_v out_o true_o the_o flesh_n can_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n seek_v god_n and_o have_v he_o in_o estimation_n unless_o it_o renounce_v itself_o and_o hate_v its_o own_o life_n and_o soul_n that_o be_v all_o its_o own_o work_n though_o it_o gloze_v they_o over_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o word_n honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o he_o can_v be_v believe_v love_v pray_v unto_o or_o find_v but_o only_o in_o god_n therefore_o all_o the_o endeavour_n study_n art_n and_o diligence_n of_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o god_n and_o want_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v a_o humble_a submissive_a tremble_a and_o abject_a mind_n and_o a_o soul_n poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o free_a from_o the_o bondag_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o like_v to_o tender_a wax_n or_o clay_n pliable_a in_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v the_o figure_n and_o stamp_n of_o his_o image_n imprint_v upon_o it_o to_o these_o fool_n and_o child_n such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o dug_n of_o the_o world_n do_v he_o open_v his_o secret_n and_o teach_v his_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n to_o he_o the_o lord_n will_v show_v the_o way_n that_o he_o may_v choose_v and_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v inhabit_v the_o land_n he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o to_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o in_o a_o other_o place_n the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o the_o righteous_a for_o this_o cause_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v thanks_n to_o his_o father_n that_o he_o have_v hide_v his_o secret_n from_o the_o prudent_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v reveal_v unto_o child_n and_o babe_n that_o as_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o suck_a babe_n such_o as_o be_v moses_n jeremias_n amos_n and_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n he_o may_v speak_v his_o praise_n and_o extol_v his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n again_o the_o rich_a and_o proud_a he_o send_v away_o empty_a and_o fill_v only_o the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n now_o no_o money-master_n nor_o rich_a covetous_a churl_n be_v more_o swell_v up_o with_o the_o vain_a confidence_n of_o his_o riches_n nor_o any_o woman_n more_o proud_a of_o her_o beauty_n than_o these_o wise_a man_n pride_n and_o boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o neither_o thief_n can_v steal_v nor_o rust_v canker_n it_o nor_o moth_n corrupt_v it_o when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a death_n foolishness_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v express_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n these_o righteous_a man_n famous_a for_o their_o art_n pride_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n who_o be_v arrogant_a and_o proud_a and_o be_v endue_v with_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o abide_v only_o in_o simple_a dove_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o do_v less_o square_a and_o agree_v with_o his_o word_n and_o more_o disagree_v from_o his_o will_n than_o those_o who_o lean_a and_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n knowledge_n reason_n and_o will_v christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v not_o so_o much_o against_o publican_n and_o common_a sinner_n as_o these_o who_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n reflect_v upon_o themselves_o with_o a_o self_n pleasingnes_fw-fr with_o these_o can_v christ_n lest_o accord_n and_o unto_o they_o do_v so_o often_o threaten_v woe_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o adulterer_n and_o publican_n shall_v enter_v before_o they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o be_v those_o wicked_a man_n against_o who_o david_n so_o fervent_o and_o often_o pray_v and_o of_o who_o christ_n have_v so_o little_a hope_n and_o unto_o who_o he_o with_o his_o apostle_n and_o steven_n give_v so_o cut_v language_n who_o be_v man_n of_o a_o wicked_a mind_n will_v seem_v nothing_o less_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v concerning_o wicked_a man_n they_o ignorant_o interpret_v of_o other_o these_o be_v such_o who_o the_o whole_a world_n esteem_v and_o account_n to_o be_v the_o shine_a light_n thereof_o such_o be_v nichodemus_n and_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n these_o be_v those_o who_o in_o david_n moses_n christ_n and_o all_o other_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o righteous_a scribe_n and_o pharise_n
the_o contrary_n shall_v be_v fall_n in_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v much_o deceive_v who_o think_v that_o nothing_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o what_o altogether_o differ_v from_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o compel_v themselves_o only_o to_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o inward_a man_n they_o can_v perceive_v feel_v and_o comprehend_v to_o be_v far_o want_v in_o they_o and_o contrary_a to_o they_o indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n invade_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o exceed_a force_n because_o it_o be_v spirit_n our_o heart_n be_v flesh_n but_o where_o the_o believe_a heart_n addict_v itself_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v soon_o incorporate_v in_o we_o and_o our_o heart_n make_v one_o with_o it_o be_v convert_v into_o spirit_n so_o as_o now_o the_o truth_n it_o feel_v yea_o and_o what_o more_o it_o witness_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o spirit_n do_v speak_v unto_o it_o and_o be_v so_o bind_v that_o it_o necessary_o must_v assent_v unto_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o so_o compel_v or_o force_v itself_o to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v so_o compel_v that_o it_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o will_v a_o thousand_o time_n make_v a_o loss_n of_o its_o body_n rather_o than_o believe_v otherwise_o so_o again_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v believe_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o assent_v it_o be_v a_o sure_a argument_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v have_v not_o comprehend_v nor_o as_o yet_o be_v the_o word_n incorporate_v in_o thou_o nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bear_v for_o he_o who_o comprehend_v the_o word_n as_o he_o be_v comprehend_v feel_v the_o same_o yea_o testify_v and_o know_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a wherefore_o compare_n or_o examine_v all_o learning_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n god_n dwell_v in_o thou_o and_o thou_o be_v seal_v with_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o examination_n nothing_o belong_v unto_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o believe_a thessalonian_n try_v the_o spirit_n if_o in_o a_o wicked_a man_n the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o the_o letter_n he_o can_v never_o right_o judge_v how_o he_o do_v understand_v they_o because_o he_o take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o please_v his_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a heart_n and_o eye_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v command_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o try_v and_o prove_v all_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o divine_o teach_v they_o have_v approve_v in_o their_o soul_n not_o to_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v unfit_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o who_o judgement_n god_n do_v not_o approve_v off_o but_o if_o they_o say_v they_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o willing_o grant_v the_o same_o so_o that_o you_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n which_o also_o only_a those_o who_o be_v of_o god_n do_v understand_v but_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v compare_v diverse_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deceive_v neither_o be_v this_o the_o true_a trial_n as_o more_o clear_a than_o light_n we_o may_v see_v it_o since_o all_o desire_n the_o letter_n to_o be_v this_o judge_n and_o think_v they_o of_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o same_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v not_o the_o examination_n i_o speak_v off_o which_o i_o but_o now_o speak_v off_o be_v as_o easy_o confute_v as_o it_o be_v admit_v as_o gregory_n say_v here_o be_v cashier_v all_o the_o art_n explanation_n oration_n and_o comment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v bough_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o this_o world_n from_o which_o as_o yet_o all_o man_n do_v eat_v death_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o with_o adam_n and_o eva_n think_v themselves_o to_o eat_v life_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v god_n therefore_o all_o man_n art_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o plant_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o think_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o change_v man_n into_o god_n and_o from_o hence_o promise_v life_n and_o immortality_n when_o nevertheless_o death_n be_v before_o their_o eye_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v eat_v of_o this_o fruit_n now_o that_o sentence_n stand_v firm_a every_o plant_n that_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v cut_v down_o therefore_o all_o those_o art_n must_v again_o in_o their_o original_n be_v bring_v to_o nothing_o that_o i_o confess_v be_v the_o only_a scope_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n know_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o god_n but_o that_o the_o literal_a and_o grammatical_a sense_n be_v this_o i_o do_v not_o think_v which_o wicked_a man_n do_v understand_v and_o also_o follow_v and_o yet_o by_o christ_n be_v deny_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n but_o as_o they_o expound_v themselves_o in_o the_o godly_a out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o meaning_n can_v be_v comprehend_v in_o open_a commentary_n and_o rule_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v have_v this_o book_n and_o mystery_n reserve_v to_o himself_o neither_o will_v he_o have_v it_o imprint_v but_o will_v show_v teach_v and_o open_v to_o all_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a neither_o will_v he_o have_v it_o so_o commit_v that_o one_o may_v teach_v another_o and_o so_o encroach_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n but_o will_v teach_v it_o himself_o that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v be_v divine_o teach_v and_o may_v glory_v that_o we_o have_v learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n with_o pleasant_a docility_n yet_o so_o as_o man_n ought_v and_o 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wall_n of_o sin_n now_o what_o come_v not_o from_o god_n be_v sin_n and_o not_o good_a and_o what_o shine_v not_o from_o his_o light_n be_v altogether_o darkness_n although_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v light_n and_o wisdom_n as_o isaiah_n upbraid_v the_o caldean_a philosopher_n their_o own_o wit_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v weary_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n etc._n etc._n god_n speak_v this_o against_o all_o art_n except_o the_o art_n of_o god_n form_v in_o we_o by_o his_o word_n which_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o nothing_o to_o be_v meditate_v upon_o and_o view_v in_o the_o light_n but_o only_a god_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v god_n because_o that_o word_n be_v very_o god_n without_o any_o distinction_n of_o nature_n there_o as_o god_n can_v be_v define_v describe_v or_o divide_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v feel_v conceive_v or_o 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