Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	body_n	soul_n	substance_n	8,320	5	8.4214	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B10083	Tracts theological. I. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and vertue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites. II. The life of St. Antony out of the Greek of Sr. Athanasius. III. The antiquity and tradition of mystical divinity among the Gentiles. IV. Of the guidance of the spirit of God, upon a discourse of Sir Matthew Hale's concerning it. V. An invitation to the Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into.	Stephens, Edward, d. 1706.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and virtue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Life of St. Antony.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Antiquity, tradition, and succession of mystical divinity among the Gentiles.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Enthusiasmus divinus: the guidance of the spirit of God.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Apology for, and an invitation to, the people call'd Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into.	1697 (1697)	Wing S5444E; Wing S5444E; ESTC R184630	221,170	486

auditor_n etc._n etc._n he_o call_v it_o speculation_n because_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o measure_v divine_a vision_n by_o the_o will_n but_o by_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n and_o measure_n of_o its_o purgation_n psell_n 9_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o sensible_fw-fr that_o god_n be_v in_o intellectual_n for_o as_o it_o do_v illuminate_v the_o visible_a world_n he_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o invisible_a moreover_o as_o it_o make_v those_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o bright_a so_o he_o make_v they_o divine_a and_o deiform_a nicetas_n the_o presence_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o divine_a splendour_n convert_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o glory_n and_o contemplation_n from_o many_o and_o various_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n to_o that_o which_o true_o be_v that_o be_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n nicetas_n for_o what_o the_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o body_n this_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o therefore_o to_o behold_v the_o lightning_n when_o it_o break_v out_o there_o be_v need_n of_o good_a eye_n so_o also_o for_o this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o sound_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o looking-glass_n sordid_a and_o impure_a the_o form_n of_o a_o face_n can_v be_v represent_v so_o neither_o in_o a_o foul_a and_o unclean_a mind_n the_o splendour_n of_o god_n ni._n whoever_o know_v that_o they_o be_v only_a mind_n have_v pasle_v the_o bulk_n and_o grossness_n of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v purge_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o stain_n of_o vice_n and_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o or_o chief_a mind_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v unite_v to_o they_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o incorrupt_a he_o do_v converse_v with_o the_o mind_n without_o any_o thing_n intervening_a and_o by_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o soul_n as_o again_o by_o this_o he_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n but_o he_o be_v unite_v not_o as_o he_o be_v but_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o union_n and_o hence_o at_o last_o he_o become_v know_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o otherwise_o know_v god_n unless_o he_o open_v his_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o in_o it_o psellus_n god_n do_v so_o much_o become_v know_v to_o man_n as_o he_o be_v familiar_o join_v to_o they_o who_o by_o virtue_n be_v join_v to_o he_o for_o according_a as_o be_v their_o ascent_n he_o do_v descend_v and_o how_o much_o man_n do_v approach_n to_o god_n so_o much_o also_o do_v god_n become_v know_v to_o man_n impart_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o purity_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o see_v whether_o the_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a gradation_n will_v raise_v we_o for_o from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o from_o the_o first_o step_n of_o a_o ladder_n we_o be_v raise_v to_o admiration_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o second_o step_n again_o from_o admiration_n we_o ascend_v to_o more_o earnest_a desire_n then_o from_o desire_n be_v we_o raise_v up_o to_o purgation_n and_o from_o hence_o further_o to_o likeness_n with_o god_n and_o last_o we_o arrive_v to_o converse_v familiar_o with_o god_n and_o know_v he_o more_o perfect_o by_o union_n then_o when_o we_o be_v make_v deiform_a do_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a god_n converse_v familiar_o with_o those_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v call_v god_n infuse_v the_o divine_a fulgers_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o we_o as_o every_o one_o be_v purify_v nicetas_n to_o be_v make_v god_n be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a illumination_n but_o not_o to_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a essence_n since_o we_o be_v set_v in_o the_o confine_n between_o god_n and_o matter_n if_o we_o decline_v to_o matter_n we_o be_v gross_a and_o material_a if_o we_o tend_v towards_o god_n we_o be_v call_v divine_a and_o thereupon_o go_n nicetas_n st._n austin_n concern_v the_o same_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n that_o our_o body_n also_o may_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o we_o have_v from_o god_n ser._n 18._o de_fw-fr verb._n apost_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o incorporeal_a soul_n be_v so_o illuminate_v with_o the_o incorporeal_a light_n of_o the_o simple_a or_o pure_a wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o corporeal_a light_n and_o as_o the_o air_n grow_v dark_a upon_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o light_n 11_o de_fw-la civ_o dei_fw-la c._n 10._o mind_n be_v to_o soul_n as_o their_o sense_n but_o of_o science_n whatever_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_a they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v illustrate_v or_o shine_v upon_o by_o the_o sun_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v as_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n but_o god_n be_v he_o who_o do_v illustrate_v but_o i_o reason_n be_o so_o in_o mind_n as_o the_o aspect_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mind_n pure_a from_o all_o stain_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v remote_a and_o purge_v from_o all_o desire_n of_o mortal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o rare_a thing_n with_o the_o intenseness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o transcend_v all_o creature_n corporeal_a or_o incorporeal_a be_v consider_v and_o find_v mutable_a and_o to_o approach_v to_o that_o unchangeable_a substance_n of_o god_n and_o there_o learn_v from_o he_o that_o none_o but_o he_o make_v all_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o himself_o for_o so_o god_n speak_v with_o man_n not_o by_o any_o corporal_a creature_n sound_v in_o corporal_a ear_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o if_o one_o be_v fit_a to_o hear_v with_o the_o mind_n not_o with_o the_o body_n 11_o de_fw-fr c._n d._n 2._o v._n ibid._n coq_fw-la when_o the_o soul_n see_v that_o singular_a and_o true_a beauty_n it_o will_v the_o more_o love_n it_o but_o unless_o it_o fix_v on_o it_o its_o eye_n with_o a_o mighty_a love_n and_o decline_v not_o any_o whether_o from_o behold_v it_o it_o can_v remain_v in_o that_o most_o bless_a vision_n 1_o solil_n c._n 7._o one_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o i_o can_v prescribe_v thou_o i_o know_v no_o more_o that_o these_o sensible_a thing_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v forsake_v and_o that_o we_o must_v great_o beware_v while_o we_o act_v this_o body_n that_o our_o wing_n which_o we_o need_v have_v entire_a and_o perfect_a be_v not_o hinder_v by_o any_o of_o their_o birdlime_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v away_o from_o this_o darkness_n to_o that_o light_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v such_o that_o nothing_o of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v at_o all_o delight_n thou_o believe_v i_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o same_o point_n of_o time_n thou_o shall_v see_v what_o thou_o desire_v etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 14._o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o see_v and_o embrace_v wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v naked_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o cover_v so_o as_o she_o do_v not_o suffer_v herself_o except_z to_z very_o few_o and_o her_o most_o choice_a lover_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o certain_a ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a light_n of_o mind_n that_o vulgar_a light_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n c._n 13._o confide_v constant_o in_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v commit_v thyself_o entire_o to_o he_o do_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thou_o own_o but_o profess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bountiful_a lord_n for_o so_o will_v he_o not_o cease_v to_o raise_v thou_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v permit_v nothing_o to_o befall_v thou_o but_o what_o shall_v profit_v thou_o though_o thou_o know_v it_o not_o 1_o soliloq_fw-la 14._o hear_v i_o my_o god_n hear_v i_o after_o that_o manner_n of_o thou_o know_v to_o very_a few_o command_v i_o beseech_v thou_o whatever_o thou_o will_v but_o heal_v and_o open_v my_o ear_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thy_o voice_n heal_n and_o open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o beck_n say_v to_o i_o which_o way_n i_o shall_v look_v that_o i_o may_v behold_v thou_o etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 1._o be_v admonish_v to_o return_v to_o myself_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o most_o inward_a part_n thou_o be_v my_o leader_n and_o i_o can_v do_v it_o because_o thou_o be_v become_v my_o helper_n i_o enter_v and_o i_o discern_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n such_o as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o

without_o these_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o grant_v they_o that_o active_a contemplation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o passive_a and_o that_o though_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o rare_a and_o give_v to_o few_o yet_o in_o some_o inferior_a degree_n they_o be_v communicate_v to_o many_o and_o however_o that_o a_o active_a contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n by_o love_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o the_o great_a advancement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n gain_v thereby_o if_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o no_o high_a thing_n of_o which_o true_a humility_n always_o esteem_v its_o self_n unworthy_a be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n in_o this_o world_n for_o any_o pain_n of_o we_o in_o purge_v of_o our_o life_n and_o close_a attendance_n on_o god_n in_o solitude_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v undertake_v for_o it_o last_o since_o such_o christian_a perfection_n chief_o contain_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o on_o high_a knowledge_n or_o speculation_n therefore_o it_o be_v recommend_v as_o attainable_a by_o all_o sex_n and_o condition_n and_o all_o be_v equal_o encourage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o contemplation_n as_o s._n gregory_n observe_v in_o ezek._n hom_n 17._o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o high_a and_o not_o give_v to_o the_o low_a but_o this_o do_v often_o the_o high_a and_o often_o the_o low_a more_o often_o those_o who_o be_v remote_a that_o be_v from_o worldly_a care_n but_o sometime_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n receive_v §_o 30_o 31._o more_o of_o this_o he_o have_v afterward_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v as_o follow_v of_o the_o step_n in_o order_n to_o the_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o this_o life_n arrive_v to_o mention_v in_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n p._n 32._o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o way_n of_o external_n and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v use_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o meditation_n as_o also_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o which_o step_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n observe_v many_o go_v no_o further_o but_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o such_o meditation_n be_v take_v up_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n 2._o the_o second_o step_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o after_o long_a practice_n break_v forth_o into_o continual_a aspiration_n and_o elevation_n thereof_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v divine_a inaction_n or_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a and_o more_o sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o god_n act_v more_o than_o she_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n at_o all_o to_o procure_v soon_o or_o retain_v long_o than_o god_n please_v of_o which_o much_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 4._o after_o which_o usual_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o these_o celestial_a visit_n do_v follow_v great_a desolation_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o experience_a have_v describe_v they_o partly_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o her_o loss_n and_o a_o impatient_a longing_n after_o these_o favour_n once_o taste_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o great_a nauseat_n and_o disrelish_v that_o she_o have_v now_o of_o those_o entertainment_n of_o the_o creature_n from_o which_o she_o former_o receive_v some_o content_a such_o we_o may_v imagine_v be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n whe●●_n he_o say_v heu_fw-la mihi_fw-la quia_fw-la incolatus_fw-la meus_fw-la prolongatus_fw-la est_fw-la and_o concupiscit_fw-la &_o deficit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la in_fw-la atria_fw-la domini●_n and_o after_o a_o non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la psal_n 29._o a_o avertisti_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o factus_fw-la sum_fw-la conturbatu●_n §_o 63._o but_o not_o only_o this_o but_o god_n also_o sometime_o with_o draw_v even_o from_o his_o great_a saint_n and_o that_o for_o som●_n long_a duration_n of_o time_n any_o sensible_a assistance_n at_o all_o o●_n his_o grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pur●_n natural_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v quite_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o great_a aridity_n obscurity_n solitude_n pressure_n and_o heaviness_n disgu_v with_o all_o thing_n she_o know_v not_o why_o perform_v still_o her_o devotion_n and_o accustom_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o former_o but_o without_o any_o sensible_a comfort_n in_o such_o performance_n meditation_n aspiration_n read_v very_o difficult_a sterile_a insipid_a and_o seem_v without_o fruit_n only_o forbear_v her_o consent_n to_o any_o sin_n vanity_n or_o sensuality_n and_o not_o seek_v any_o secular_a consolation_n much_o discourage_v also_o at_o such_o time_n many_o be_v in_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v so_o desert_v they_o for_o fail_n in_o their_o duty_n or_o for_o something_o wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n which_o double_v this_o anguish_n or_o if_o not_o this_o at_o least_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o some_o great_a indisposition_n of_o body_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v sometime_o partly_o it_o may_v so_o as_o some_o begin_v therefore_o to_o dispense_v for_o a_o time_n with_o the_o former_a exercise_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o other_o pious_a employment_n but_o notwithstanding_o many_o time_n in_o these_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v mistake_v and_o this_o strange_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n come_v without_o any_o such_o respect_n mere_o from_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o those_o also_o who_o be_v by_o his_o former_a grace_n well_o ground_v and_o arrive_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o be_v send_v only_o for_o their_o much_o great_a advancement_n therein_o and_o the_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o high_a favour_n and_o therefore_o ought_v as_o such_o to_o be_v entertain_v with_o all_o equanimity_n patience_n resignation_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o will._n these_o consolation_n and_o desolation_n take_v as_o it_o be_v their_o certain_a turn_n in_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v they_o have_v by_o course_n a_o day_n and_o a_o night_n a_o ascent_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o descent_n and_o decadence_n into_o themselves_o a_o vivification_n by_o and_o in_o he_o and_o a_o mortification_n in_o themselves_o a_o summer_n wherein_o the_o branch_n shoot_v forth_o and_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n and_o a_o winter_n when_o the_o root_n spread_v more_o and_o the_o tree_n become_v more_o sure_o fix_v to_o all_o god_n child_n do_v these_o vicissitude_n happen_v but_o these_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o further_o advance_v in_o perfection_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n be_v precede_v with_o great_a desolation_n and_o these_o ordinary_o proportion_v one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o always_o necessary_a less_o or_o more_o be_v such_o purgation_n and_o refining_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o interior_a cross_n because_o always_o something_o in_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o as_o yet_o imperfect_a our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v still_o produce_v something_o in_o we_o to_o be_v amend_v and_o some_o selfwill_a and_o self-love_n to_o be_v part_v away_o by_o this_o sharp_a remedy_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o desolation_n if_o right_o comply_v with_o as_o well_o as_o of_o divine_a consolation_n be_v very_o great_a in_o many_o respect_n §_o 64._o for_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n come_v most_o perfect_o to_o know_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o see_v it_o own_o nothingness_n and_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o self-love_n and_o propriety_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v most_o especial_o teach_v non_fw-la quiescere_fw-la i●_n donis_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la and_o adorare_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o spirit●_n &_o veritate_fw-la not_o in_o devotione_n and_o exercere_fw-la se_fw-la a●_n deum_fw-la in_o adversis_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o prosperis_fw-la the_o seek_v gust_n and_o suavity_n and_o consolation_n even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o its_o imperfection_n since_o these_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d preserve_v amid_o such_o divine_a favour_n which_o a●●_n apt_a to_o inflate_v it_o in_o a_o due_a and_o necessary_a humility_n angelus_n satanae_n colaphisan_n ne_fw-la magnitudo_fw-la revelation_n num_fw-la extollat_fw-la i_o say_v the_o apostle_n after_o his_o rapt_v herein_o its_o true_a love_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n quveniendo_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la and_o then_o derelinquendo_fw-la probat_fw-la donis_n firmat_n and_o then_o tribulationibus_fw-la tentat_fw-la say_v st._n gregory_n moral_n l._n 20._o c._n 19_o its_o perseverance_n and_o loyalty_n be_v especial_o discern_v in_o keep_v constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o he_o when_o deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n in_o it_o avoid_v any_o application_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o

our_o saviour_n in_o his_o subjection_n to_o joseph_n and_o his_o mother_n which_o though_o self-denial_n be_v a_o precept_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a freewill_n offer_n and_o a_o do_v it_o daily_o as_o be_v express_v luk._n 9.23_o a_o live_n in_o it_o and_o a_o continual_a reasonable_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o prime_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o a_o abstract_a ascetic_a life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o reasonable_a religious_a and_o devout_a exercise_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o his_o admonition_n to_o martha_n luk._n 10.41_o 42._o against_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o short_a entertainment_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o that_o mary_n choice_n be_v of_o the_o better_a part_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n of_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o our_o life_n mat._n 6.25_o 34._o in_o his_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a concern_v the_o care_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n luk._n 8.14_o and_o concern_v watch_v that_o we_o be_v not_o surprise_v mat._n 24.42_o 25.13_o mar._n 13.35_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o now_o if_o any_o one_o please_v as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o make_v any_o question_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o what_o more_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v than_o what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v always_o approve_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o such_o case_n usage_n and_o practice_n afterward_o which_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o law_n and_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n do_v sufficient_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n certain_o practise_v all_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o preach_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n too_o as_o far_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v they_o forsake_v all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o marry_v any_o wife_n afterward_o though_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o abstract_v from_o all_o diversion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o order_v deacon_n for_o other_o necessary_a work_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o preach_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o preach_v and_o of_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o communion_n in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v etc._n etc._n act._n 2.42_o and_o again_o act._n 4.32_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o aught_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n what_o be_v here_o brief_o say_v of_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o primitive_a christian_n at_o jerusalem_n agree_v so_o well_o all_o thing_n consider_v with_o what_o philo_z more_o large_o relate_v concern_v those_o about_o alexandria_n who_o he_o call_v therapeut_n who_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o after_o under_o any_o denomination_n unless_o of_o that_o of_o christian_n which_o begin_v early_o at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n where_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o that_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v affirm_v we_o also_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cavil_n of_o some_o of_o the_o last_o age_n which_o have_v since_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v not_o long_o appear_v in_o that_o form_n of_o community_n for_o they_o be_v dissolve_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o disperse_v into_o divers_a region_n by_o that_o great_a persecution_n after_o the_o death_n of_o stephen_n and_o doubtless_o by_o like_a occasion_n in_o other_o place_n but_o the_o example_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o provoke_v many_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n before_o well-disposed_a for_o it_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o retire_a abstract_a contemplative_a life_n the_o natural_a inclination_n in_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o fortify_v by_o the_o various_a example_n which_o be_v common_a among_o they_o before_o and_o then_o receive_v such_o further_a encouragement_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o direct_o and_o indirect_o from_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v self-denial_n mortification_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n this_o can_v not_o but_o mighty_o affect_v they_o general_o with_o a_o heroic_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n the_o very_a doctrine_n promise_n and_o miracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v be_v apt_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v all_o this_o but_o much_o more_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o be_v and_o certain_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n even_o then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o have_v settle_v in_o coenobitical_a society_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o commom_n obstacle_n the_o persecution_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o do_v first_o in_o egypt_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v many_o descend_v from_o the_o recabite_n and_o essean_n and_o in_o no_o long_a time_n after_o in_o most_o other_o part_n concern_v those_o in_o egypt_n in_o his_o time_n st._n john_n chrysostome_n give_v we_o this_o account_n shall_v any_o one_o come_v now_o to_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n he_o will_v see_v all_o the_o wilderness_n altogether_o more_o excellent_a than_o a_o paradise_n and_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n shine_v in_o mortal_a body_n for_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v spread_v over_o all_o that_o region_n the_o camp_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o admirable_a royal_a flock_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a power_n illustrious_o shine_v upon_o earth_n and_o this_o you_o may_v see_v most_o splendid_a not_o in_o men_n only_o but_o also_o in_o woman_n heaven_n itself_o do_v not_o so_o shine_v with_o various_a constellation_n of_o star_n as_o egypt_n be_v beset_v and_o illustrate_v with_o innumerable_a convent_v of_o monk_n and_o virgin_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v very_o plain_a 1._o that_o they_o who_o have_v derive_v these_o religious_a institution_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o assertion_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o have_v raise_v such_o prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n against_o such_o holy_a religious_a society_n in_o general_a as_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o odium_n against_o all_o if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o simplicity_n and_o mere_o through_o the_o prejudice_n they_o themselves_o have_v conceive_v from_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o their_o time_n yet_o do_v they_o very_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o temporize_v and_o ingratiate_v themselves_o with_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n who_o have_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o monastery_n and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v very_o wicked_o and_o impious_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o who_o be_v they_o by_o who_o the_o righteous_a god_n do_v usual_o execute_v such_o judgement_n and_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v that_o for_o a_o warn_v to_o ourselves_o be_v they_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o laziness_n and_o corruption_n what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o expect_v suppose_v you_o that_o

into_o the_o carnal_a part_n cap._n 17._o v._n col._n 9_o cap._n 26._o abbot_n daniel_n concern_v the_o triple_a state_n of_o soul_n cass_n coll._n 4._o cap._n 19_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v three_o state_n of_o soul_n the_o first_o carnal_a the_o second_o animal_n the_o three_o spiritual_a which_o we_o read_v thus_o noted-out_a by_o the_o apostle_n for_o concern_v the_o carnal_a it_o be_v say_v i_o have_v give_v you_o milk_n to_o drink_v not_o meat_n for_o than_o you_o be_v not_o able_a neither_o yet_o indeed_o be_v you_o for_o you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o again_o while_o there_o be_v among_o you_o emulation_n and_o contention_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a ibid._n concern_v the_o animal_n it_o be_v thus_o mention_v the_o animal_n man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o 1_o cor._n 2._o but_o of_o the_o spiritual_a but_o the_o spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n but_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o ibid._n and_o again_o you_o who_o be_v spiritual_a instruct_v those_o who_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n gal._n 6._o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v diligent_a that_o when_o by_o our_o renunciation_n we_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v carnal_a that_o be_v have_v begin_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o worldly_a people_n and_o to_o cease_v from_o that_o manifest_a pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o strive_v present_o with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o acquire_v the_o spiritual_a state_n lest_o flatter_a ourselves_o because_o we_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n or_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o contagion_n of_o carnal_a fornication_n as_o if_o by_o this_o we_o have_v get_v the_o top_n of_o perfection_n we_o shall_v thenceforth_o become_v more_o remiss_a towards_o the_o emundation_n of_o other_o passion_n and_o more_o slothful_a and_o be_v detain_v between_o both_o not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a profit_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o for_o perfection_n that_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n we_o seem_v separate_v from_o the_o conversation_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n or_o that_o we_o be_v set_v free_a from_o carnal_a corruption_n and_o mixture_n and_o so_o be_v find_v in_o that_o tepid_a state_n which_o be_v reckon_v the_o worst_a we_o shall_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v vomit_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o sentence_n say_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a but_o because_o thou_o be_v now_o tepid_a or_o lukewarm_a i_o will_v begin_v to_o spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n rev._n 3.15_o etc._n etc._n abbot_n isaac_n concern_v prayer_n cass_n col._n 9_o the_o end_n of_o every_o monk_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o heart_n tend_v to_o a_o continual_a and_o uninterrupted_a perseverance_n in_o prayer_n and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v permit_v to_o humane_a frailty_n strive_v after_o a_o unmoveable_a tranquillity_n and_o perpetual_a purity_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o we_o unwearied_o seek_v and_o continual_o exercise_v as_o well_o labour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o contrition_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v between_o these_o a_o certain_a reciprocal_a and_o inseparable_a conjunction_n for_o as_o the_o structure_n of_o all_o virtue_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n so_o unless_o all_o these_o be_v bind_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o the_o tope_n of_o it_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n hold_v out_o firm_a and_o stable_a for_o as_o without_o they_o can_v this_o perpetual_a and_o continual_a tranquillity_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v so_o neither_o can_v those_o virtue_n which_o prepare_v for_o it_o without_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o be_v accomplish_v wherefore_o neither_o can_v we_o right_o treat_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n or_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n unless_o first_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o to_o be_v prepare_v be_v in_o order_n enumerate_v and_o discuss_v and_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o building_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o more_o sublime_a tower_n be_v count_v and_o diligent_o prepare_v for_o it_o which_o notwithstanding_o will_v neither_o profit_n be_v prepare_v nor_o right_o admit_v those_o high_a toping_n of_o perfection_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o unless_o first_o all_o refuse_n of_o vice_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o all_o dead_a rubbish_n of_o passion_n dig_v up_o the_o most_o firm_a foundation_n of_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o sound_n and_o solid_a earth_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o evangelical_n rock_n upon_o which_o this_o tower_n to_o be_v build_v with_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a virtue_n may_v be_v both_o unmovable_o establish_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n by_o the_o consistence_n of_o its_o own_o firmness_n cap._n 2._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o that_o fervour_n and_o purity_n it_o ought_v these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o solicitude_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o general_a be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o next_o not_o only_o the_o care_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o any_o business_n or_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v detraction_n idle_a talk_n much_o talk_v jesting_n be_v likewise_o also_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o anger_n above_o all_o thing_n or_o the_o perturbation_n of_o sadness_n be_v to_o be_v thorough_o root_v out_o the_o pernicious_a food_n of_o carnal_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a vice_n which_o be_v visible_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o whole_o thrust_v out_o and_o such_o a_o cleanse_n of_o the_o rubbish_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o simplicity_n or_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o innocence_n first_o make_v the_o unshaken_a foundation_n of_o a_o profound_a humility_n which_o may_v bear_v a_o tower_n reach_v to_o the_o heaven_n be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v then_o be_v the_o superstruction_n of_o spiritual_a virtue_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o from_o all_o discourse_n or_o reason_v and_o light_n wander_v be_v the_o mind_n to_o be_v restrain_v that_o so_o it_o may_v by_o degree_n be_v elevate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o spiritual_a intuition_n for_o whatever_o our_o soul_n conceive_v before_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n of_o necessity_n it_o will_v occur_v to_o we_o while_o we_o pray_v by_o intrusion_n of_o our_o remembrance_n wherefore_o such_o as_o we_o will_v be_v find_v while_o we_o pray_v such_o ought_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n for_o from_o the_o precedent_a state_n be_v the_o mind_n form_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o light_a feather_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o spoil_v by_o some_o wet_a from_o without_o happen_v to_o it_o by_o the_o levity_n of_o its_o own_o substance_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o gentle_a breath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o raise_v up_o on_o high_a and_o to_o the_o heaven_n but_o if_o it_o be_v aggravate_v with_o the_o accession_n of_o any_o wet_a it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o raise_v up_o to_o any_o aerial_a flight_n by_o its_o natural_a mobility_n but_o will_v be_v depress_v down_o to_o the_o very_a earth_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o wet_a receive_v so_o also_o our_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v not_o aggravate_v with_o contract_a vice_n and_o worldly_a care_n or_o corrupt_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o noxious_a lust_n be_v lift_v up_o as_o with_o the_o natural_a advantage_n of_o its_o purity_n will_n with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n be_v elevate_v on_o high_a and_o forsake_v low_a and_o earthly_a thing_n will_v be_v transport_v to_o those_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o invisible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o proper_o admonish_v by_o our_o lord_n precept_n see_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcharge_v with_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n luk._n 21.34_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v our_o prayer_n shall_v pierce_v not_o only_o the_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o raise_v our_o mind_n purge_v from_o all_o earthly_a corruption_n and_o cleanse_v from_o

even_o whilst_o he_o wear_v his_o frail_a body_n of_o flesh_n for_o our_o lord_n who_o wear_v flesh_n himself_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o give_v the_o body_n a_o conquest_n over_o the_o devil_n wrought_v and_o wrestle_v together_o with_o this_o holy_a youth_n so_o that_o every_o one_o who_o strive_v in_o good_a earnest_n with_o the_o devil_n may_v with_o good_a reason_n say_v not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.57_o at_o last_o the_o devil_n perceive_v that_o he_o can_v not_o overthrow_v and_o discourage_v antony_n by_o this_o device_n gnash_v his_o tooth_n and_o be_v like_o one_o beside_o himself_o to_o see_v himself_o drive_v out_o he_o who_o be_v real_o black_a in_o his_o nature_n within_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o black_a boy_n to_o antony_n and_o as_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n for_o the_o crafty_a spirit_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n now_o no_o long_o invade_v his_o thought_n assume_v a_o humane_a voice_n and_o say_v i_o have_v deceive_v many_o yea_o very_o i_o have_v worsted_n and_o deceive_v very_o many_o but_o have_v now_o exert_v my_o strength_n against_o thou_o as_o against_o many_o other_o i_o have_v be_v weaken_a and_o overcome_v who_o be_v this_o say_v antony_n that_o talk_v thus_o to_o i_o the_o devil_n answer_v in_o a_o wretched_a whine_a tone_n to_o this_o day_n i_o have_v ply_v soft_a fleshly_a allurement_n in_o young_a person_n and_o have_v be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o fornication_n how_o many_o when_o willing_a to_o be_v sober_a have_v i_o deceive_v how_o many_o have_v i_o by_o hypocrisy_n and_o sense-affecting_a motion_n draw_v aside_o i_o be_o he_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v hos_fw-la 4.12_o you_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o fornication_n it_o be_v by_o i_o that_o they_o be_v trip_v up_o i_o be_o he_o who_o have_v so_o often_o disturb_v thou_o and_o as_o often_o be_v humble_v by_o thou_o antony_z therefore_o have_v pay_v his_o thanks_o to_o god_n and_o be_v become_v more_o valiant_a in_o spirit_n say_v hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o thou_o be_v very_o contemptible_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v black_a and_o swart_a and_o thou_o be_v weak_a as_o a_o child_n neither_o will_v i_o for_o the_o future_a give_v way_n to_o any_o solicitude_n upon_o thy_o account_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n and_o i_o shall_v look_v down_o upon_o my_o enemy_n with_o scorn_n which_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o say_v but_o the_o black_a monster_n flee_v away_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v or_o come_v near_o the_o hero_n 5._o this_o be_v st._n antony_n first_o conflict_n with_o the_o devil_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o as_o i_o ought_v this_o be_v our_o lord_n first_o defeat_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o antony_n who_o rom._n 8.3_o 4._o condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n but_o for_o all_o this_o st._n antony_n do_v not_o neglect_v himself_o as_o if_o the_o devil_n be_v entire_o under_o his_o foot_n nor_o do_v the_o enemy_n as_o though_o vanquish_a desist_v from_o form_v stratagem_n for_o he_o range_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v out_o some_o pretence_n against_o he_o antony_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v many_o continual_o and_o therefore_o continual_o give_v himself_o to_o exercise_v consider_v that_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o deceive_v his_o heart_n by_o pleasure_n he_o will_v try_v the_o more_o subtle_o and_o diligent_o to_o do_v it_o by_o other_o method_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v sin_n be_v sure_a friend_n wherefore_o antony_n tame_v his_o body_n more_o and_o more_o lest_o after_o he_o have_v conquer_v in_o some_o combat_n he_o shall_v be_v drag_v a_o captive_n by_o he_o in_o other_o hence_o he_o resolve_v to_o accustom_v himself_o to_o severe_a discipline_n still_o at_o which_o resolution_n many_o be_v startle_v through_o surprise_n but_o however_o he_o go_v thorough_a with_o it_o very_o patient_o for_o the_o bend_v of_o his_o soul_n have_v last_v a_o long_a time_n wrought_v such_o a_o good_a habit_n in_o he_o that_o he_o seize_v on_o every_o even_o the_o least_o occasion_n of_o exert_v his_o strenuous_a pursuit_n after_o virtue_n 6._o he_o watch_v so_o very_a much_o that_o ofttimes_o he_o lay_v without_o sleep_v all_o night_n long_o and_o this_o not_o once_o or_o so_o but_o very_o often_o to_o admiration_n he_o eat_v once_o a_o day_n after_o sunset_n sometime_o but_o once_o in_o two_o day_n nay_o and_o sometime_o but_o once_o in_o four_o day_n his_o diet_n be_v bread_n and_o salt_n his_o drink_n only_a water_n instead_o of_o a_o featherbed_n he_o lay_v on_o a_o mat_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o bare_a ground_n he_o never_o anoint_v himself_o because_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o the_o young_a to_o addict_v themselves_o to_o ascetic_a exercise_n than_o to_o seek_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o effeminate_a the_o body_n they_o shall_v rather_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o labour_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o their_o mind_n 2_o cor._n 12.10_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a than_o i_o be_o strong_a for_o then_o say_v he_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v renew_v and_o become_v athletic_a when_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n languish_v and_o be_v impair_v this_o also_o be_v a_o admirable_a thought_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o measure_v our_o progress_n in_o virtue_n by_o the_o length_n of_o the_o time_n we_o first_o set_v out_o or_o by_o our_o retirement_n so_o much_o as_o by_o our_o divine_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o holy_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o remember_v the_o time_n past_a but_o every_o day_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o first_o he_o will_v express_v a_o more_o ardent_a thirst_n and_o endeavour_n after_o a_o further_o advance_v speak_v by_o the_o way_n of_o soliloquie_n that_o of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.14_o forget_v that_o which_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v forward_o and_o remember_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o prophet_n elias_n who_o say_v 2_o king_n 18.15_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n life_n before_o who_o i_o stand_v i_o will_v sure_o show_v myself_o to_o day_n for_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o prophet_n saying_n to_o day_n he_o do_v not_o take_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o time_n past_a but_o every_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o study_v to_o approve_v himself_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v before_o god_n pure_a in_o heart_n and_o ready_a to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o not_o once_o else_o every_o christian_a ascetic_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o learn_v within_o himself_o his_o own_o life_n from_o elias_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n 7._o antony_n have_v by_o this_o time_n and_o by_o these_o mean_n recollect_v and_o simplify_v himself_o travel_v to_o the_o tomb_n which_o be_v at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n from_o that_o town_n have_v first_o acquaint_v one_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o who_o supply_v he_o with_o bread_n enough_o to_o subsist_v upon_o a_o good_a while_n when_o he_o be_v get_v thither_o he_o go_v into_o one_o of_o the_o tomb_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n over_o his_o head_n and_o tarry_v within_o there_o by_o himself_o now_o the_o devil_n not_o be_v able_a to_o away_o with_o this_o and_o afraid_a jest_n in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o whole_a desert_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o ascetick_n come_v one_o night_n with_o a_o great_a company_n of_o devil_n and_o beat_v and_o bruise_v he_o at_o that_o fearful_a rate_n that_o he_o lie_v a_o long_a time_n dumb_n because_o of_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o torment_n for_o he_o protest_v his_o pain_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o like_a but_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o forget_v those_o who_o hope_v in_o he_o the_o day_n after_o a_o acquaintance_n come_v with_o some_o loaf_n to_o he_o who_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v open_v the_o door_n see_v he_o lie_v along_o like_o a_o dead_a man_n upon_o the_o ground_n take_v he_o up_o and_o carry_v he_o to_o the_o town-church_n and_o lay_v he_o upon_o the_o pavement_n where_o many_o of_o his_o relation_n and_o towns-people_n sit_v by_o he_o as_o they_o there_o use_v to_o do_v about_o the_o corpse_n of_o the_o dead_a now_o about_o midnight_n antony_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o awake_v and_o see_v all_o asleep_a but_o himself_o and_o his_o acquaintance_n that_o bring_v he_o from_o the_o tomb_n

good_a authority_n and_o christian_n due_o dispose_v have_v a_o like_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o cup_n as_o st._n paul_n affirm_v and_o the_o solemn_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o father_n with_o those_o memorial_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n be_v plain_o a_o recognition_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o dominion_n over_o we_o acquire_v by_o his_o passion_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o only_a propitiation_n and_o he_o the_o only_a mediator_n by_o which_o and_o by_o who_o we_o mortal_n bear_v in_o sin_n can_v have_v access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v concern_v this_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n frequent_v this_o ordinance_n after_o they_o have_v manifest_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o be_v so_o to_o reject_v these_o either_o as_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v indeed_o antitype_n as_o the_o grecian_n express_v it_o solemn_a memorial_n and_o sensible_a declaration_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n of_o present_a internal_a action_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o great_a manifestation_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o mere_a sophistry_n shuffle_v and_o evasion_n or_o as_o needless_a upon_o pretence_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o their_o have_v the_o substance_n be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o in_o pride_n above_o the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a christian_n who_o have_v so_o manifest_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o above_o christ_n himself_o viz._n to_o reject_v that_o as_o needless_a which_o he_o institute_v as_o necessary_a and_o a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o subtlety_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n to_o oppose_v christ_n and_o detain_v and_o withdraw_v people_n from_o his_o solemn_a worship_n and_o under_o the_o most_o specious_a appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o sensible_a motion_n to_o thing_n appear_v good_a and_o by_o false_a light_n to_o corrupt_v and_o adulterate_a they_o and_o get_v and_o keep_v a_o residence_n in_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n whether_o such_o obstinacy_n such_o fallacy_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n in_o christianity_n and_o yet_o so_o easy_a to_o man_n and_o void_a of_o all_o exception_n be_v not_o plain_a evidence_n of_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o it_o xx._n whether_o to_o deliver_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o immediate_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v plain_o perceive_v and_o detect_v to_o proceed_v either_o from_o a_o humane_a spirit_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v not_o a_o great_a presumption_n against_o the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o double_a and_o great_a sin_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a and_o that_o which_o in_o germany_n former_o and_o since_o in_o this_o nation_n raise_v so_o great_a a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o these_o question_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o some_o answer_n be_v return_v and_o therefore_o some_o account_n of_o that_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v answer_v so_o reasonable_a a_o expectation_n more_o full_o but_o the_o truth_n in_o short_a be_v that_o eight_o of_o the_o first_o ten_o be_v answer_v affirmative_o but_o the_o other_o two_o be_v answer_v indeed_o but_o with_o answer_v not_o to_o the_o question_n and_o the_o other_o ten_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v answer_v but_o i_o hope_v upon_o due_a consideration_n will_v be_v answer_v at_o last_o not_o with_o word_n only_o but_o with_o deliberate_a solemn_a action_n nor_o be_v my_o hope_n without_o rational_a ground_n for_o in_o the_o several_a conference_n i_o have_v have_v with_o they_o seven_o or_o eight_o at_o a_o time_n of_o the_o principal_n lead_v man_n of_o their_o party_n they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v serious_a considerate_a person_n hear_v patient_o and_o attentive_o reply_v grave_o and_o calm_o none_o interrupt_v either_o i_o or_o any_o of_o their_o own_o party_n while_o speak_v and_o our_o conclusion_n be_v friendly_a though_o not_o altogether_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o this_o be_v my_o ground_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n itself_o in_o question_n that_o they_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o question_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v they_o sensible_a and_o when_o beside_o they_o shall_v consider_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o who_o mislead_v the_o rest_n come_v to_o overshoot_v themselves_o and_o fall_v into_o those_o mistake_v viz._n through_o the_o scandal_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o common_a infirmity_n incident_a to_o we_o mortal_n to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o this_o will_v far_o satisfy_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o to_o these_o consideration_n be_v add_v a_o clear_a explication_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v not_o right_o apprehend_v before_o this_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v far_o inlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o regard_v truth_n more_o than_o any_o temporal_a concern_v with_o much_o satisfaction_n viz._n that_o baptizm_n with_o water_n and_o that_o noble_a solemnity_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v not_o needless_a type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o fulfil_v as_o they_o imagine_v but_o solemn_a expression_n and_o declaration_n more_o comprehensive_o and_o remarkable_o significative_a than_o word_n before_o god_n angel_n devil_n and_o man_n of_o present_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o what_o be_v internal_o and_o invisible_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n act_v in_o spirit_n the_o one_o of_o our_o engagement_n in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o put_v off_o by_o repentance_n our_o pollution_n through_o sin_n and_o dedication_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o other_o of_o our_o recognition_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o of_o his_o dominion_n over_o we_o and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o even_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v his_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v do_v by_o make_v our_o solemn_a address_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o father_n with_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o passion_n as_o the_o great_a propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o participation_n of_o those_o memorial_n be_v consecrate_a not_o only_o by_o a_o separation_n to_o a_o holy_a use_n but_o by_o a_o real_a sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o real_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o this_o be_v the_o pure_a offer_v of_o the_o gentile_n foretell_v by_o malachy_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o they_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v thereof_o receive_v and_o retain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o over_o the_o world_n till_o calvin_n new_a notion_n become_v receive_v as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v this_o most_o sublime_a most_o holy_a and_o most_o august_n sacrament_n as_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v by_o dr._n morton_n be_v take_v in_o effect_n for_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n or_o of_o no_o great_a importance_n by_o other_o beside_o the_o 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their_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n as_o part_v of_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v to_o suffer_v it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v foretell_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n that_o be_v false_a teacher_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o deceive_v many_o and_o give_v great_a caution_n not_o to_o go_v out_o or_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o his_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o do_v with_o great_a earnestness_n exhort_v all_o to_o beware_v of_o division_n schism_n and_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n and_o according_o in_o all_o age_n for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o a_o regular_a ordination_n derive_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o people_n after_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o separate_a party_n have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o whoever_o have_v do_v so_o have_v be_v infamous_a in_o the_o church_n 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save_v for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o you_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n at_o least_o many_o of_o you_o though_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n in_o some_o thing_n nevertheless_o whereto_o you_o have_v attain_v in_o that_o i_o desire_v you_o may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v the_o rest_n to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o for_o which_o purpose_n i_o come_v i_o trust_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o a_o message_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o you_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v no_o mere_a humane_a project_n or_o artifice_n that_o at_o first_o raise_v you_o up_o and_o have_v conduct_v you_o hitherto_o but_o a_o supernatural_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n some_o way_n or_o other_o as_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o rehoboam_n 1_o king_n 12._o for_o correction_n and_o reformation_n of_o something_o amiss_o in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o presume_v either_o upon_o my_o own_o head_n or_o by_o my_o own_o ability_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o it_o but_o my_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o you_o upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o that_o you_o do_v assert_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v very_o unworthy_o and_o even_o despiteful_o treat_v by_o too_o many_o who_o have_v get_v into_o or_o seek_v preferment_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o church_n without_o check_n or_o reproof_n and_o so_o unworthy_o desert_v by_o most_o for_o fear_v of_o reproach_n or_o disgrace_n or_o hindrance_n in_o their_o preferment_n that_o i_o have_v not_o know_v it_o generous_o assert_v by_o above_o two_o or_o three_o in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o those_o great_a man_n indeed_o though_o it_o be_v plain_o a_o doctrine_n most_o authentical_o and_o solemn_o profess_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o that_o you_o do_v bear_v a_o good_a testimony_n against_o other_o abuse_n connive_v at_o or_o tolerate_v among_o we_o 3._o i_o be_o move_v with_o pity_n towards_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v so_o great_a cause_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n give_v you_o against_o the_o holy_a and_o establish_v institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o ministerial_a office_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o proselyte_n and_o for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o abuse_v with_o controversy_n that_o i_o know_v very_o few_o person_n now_o among_o we_o who_o do_v right_o and_o complete_o understand_v it_o and_o even_o against_o the_o person_n satisfaction_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n himself_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v your_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n concern_v these_o thing_n though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o you_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o energy_n of_o some_o spiritual_a power_n yet_o what_o that_o spirit_n be_v and_o whether_o one_o or_o divers_a in_o my_o judgement_n do_v deserve_v very_o good_a consideration_n you_o know_v what_o spirit_n it_o be_v which_o god_n send_v between_o abimelech_n and_o the_o shechemite_n jud._n 9.23_o and_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 6.14_o and_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v commission_v by_o god_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 22.22_o 23._o and_o what_o that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o noph_n isa_n 19.14_o which_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n too_o and_o that_o such_o a_o spirit_n have_v be_v among_o some_o call_a quaker_n be_v manifest_a both_o by_o their_o action_n speech_n and_o write_n nay_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o antichrist_n be_v apparent_a and_o undeniable_a from_o the_o indignity_n offer_v both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n to_o holy_a thing_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n now_o to_o be_v consider_v what_o spirit_n may_v have_v appear_v among_o they_o for_o even_o among_o the_o apostle_n satan_n have_v power_n to_o enter_v into_o judas_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n tell_v you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o and_o even_o peter_n himself_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o he_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n may_v not_o at_o the_o time_n be_v free_a from_o some_o impression_n of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v a_o peculiarity_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n to_o have_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o spirit_n that_o be_v which_o at_o first_o excite_v and_o have_v now_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o people_n and_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v send_v or_o commission_v from_o god_n but_o

whether_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o one_o of_o those_o seduce_v spirit_n to_o who_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n that_o some_o will_v give_v heed_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o take_v this_o into_o very_o deep_a consideration_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o and_o weighty_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o our_o warning_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o go_v out_o after_o they_o with_o admonition_n concern_v their_o subtlety_n their_o energy_n or_o power_n and_o their_o strong_a delusion_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o that_o even_a satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n that_o be_v put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o and_o last_o that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o jo._n 4.1_o 2._o because_o if_o the_o trial_n be_v by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authorize_v by_o he_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v apostatise_v and_o go_v off_o or_o at_o least_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o special_a concern_v those_o before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o some_o spirit_n of_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v that_o malice_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v conquer_a and_o vanquish_a and_o against_o the_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o that_o victory_n that_o can_v he_o but_o keep_v people_n from_o engage_v in_o that_o holy_a covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o from_o the_o 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holy_a thing_n against_o which_o you_o have_v be_v scandalize_v by_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n nor_o do_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o dissolve_v your_o society_n or_o to_o leave_v off_o your_o meeting_n and_o drown_v yourselves_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n no_o you_o have_v in_o part_n bear_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v so_o still_o but_o i_o invite_v you_o only_o to_o make_v your_o testimony_n more_o complete_a illustrious_a and_o irrefragable_a by_o bear_v your_o testimony_n to_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o not_o any_o long_o a_o testimony_n like_o the_o foot_n of_o daniel_n image_n partly_o strong_a and_o partly_o weak_a by_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n for_o that_o can_v stand_v long_o together_o but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v that_o you_o may_v stand_v for_o otherwise_o you_o will_v certain_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n i_o invite_v you_o but_o to_o what_o i_o be_o do_v myself_o with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v bear_v a_o testimony_n for_o god_n and_o manifest_o under_o his_o conduct_n but_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o a_o sufficient_a time_n and_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n consider_v their_o learning_n and_o pretence_n to_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o a_o despise_a people_n that_o god_n may_v humble_v the_o proud_a and_o highminded_a and_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a by_o mean_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n be_v wise_a and_o neglect_v not_o the_o opportunity_n and_o you_o who_o be_v last_o in_o the_o world_n account_n shall_v be_v first_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v solid_a truth_n in_o the_o proposal_n and_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v receive_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o you_o will_v then_o find_v i_o to_o have_v be_v your_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a friend_n e._n s._n 31_o aug._n 1696._o after_o this_o there_o be_v other_o letter_n and_o paper_n send_v which_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o hereafter_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n but_o the_o last_o contain_v certain_a question_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a now_o to_o propose_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o do_v desire_v not_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o will_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o any_o notwithstanding_o will_v presume_v to_o go_v on_o in_o any_o false_a or_o erroneous_a way_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o their_o blood_n if_o they_o miscarry_v must_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o these_o question_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o case_n what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o some_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o or_o counterfeit_n christian_n that_o be_v antichristian_o whether_o hypocritical_a professor_n in_o word_n but_o renagadoe_n in_o deed_n refuse_v the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o sincere_a christian_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n out_o of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o out_o of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o imagination_n and_o error_n and_o mistake_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o of_o delusion_n and_o perdition_n the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v