have_v power_n in_o its_o hand_n and_o be_v out_o of_o fear_n smite_v with_o the_o open_a fist_n of_o wickedness_n that_o which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o and_o stand_v a_o witness_n against_o its_o wickedness_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o persecution_n or_o what_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n aim_v at_o in_o its_o persecute_v and_o will_v fain_o attain_v thereby_o 1._o the_o main_a end_n of_o persecution_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o light_n who_o have_v leave_v the_o evil_a darkness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n back_o to_o the_o world_n again_o that_o which_o they_o persecute_v they_o for_o be_v for_o leave_v the_o world_n both_o in_o its_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o profess_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o another_o spirit_n that_o which_o they_o drive_v at_o in_o persecute_v they_o be_v to_o force_v they_o back_o from_o under_o subjection_n to_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n again_o there_o be_v a_o great_a fight_n between_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o two_o seed_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n strive_v to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n under_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n strive_v to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n under_o this_o be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o heart_n where_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v witness_v o_o what_o strive_v there_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o secret_a temptation_n and_o forcible_a opposition_n so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n permit_v to_o bring_v the_o heart_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v begin_v to_o redeem_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n set_v free_a from_o they_o under_o their_o power_n again_o and_o the_o same_o that_o stir_v up_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o heart_n against_o the_o seed_n and_o birth_n of_o light_n there_o the_o same_o stir_v up_o the_o darkness_n in_o other_o man_n against_o it_o also_o the_o lord_n know_v what_o bitter_a fight_v we_o have_v have_v with_o the_o enemy_n in_o our_o own_o heart_n before_o we_o can_v leave_v our_o principle_n path_n and_o practice_n of_o darkness_n how_o hard_o it_o have_v be_v to_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o world_n and_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v conquer_v and_o subject_v the_o darkness_n in_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o any_o measure_n than_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o new_a fight_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o principle_n and_o power_n in_o they_o fight_v against_o we_o as_o do_v at_o first_o in_o ourselves_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o work_v of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o ourselves_o and_o still_o be_v so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o it_o be_v leave_v in_o any_o of_o we_o to_o bring_v we_o back_o under_o the_o darkness_n again_o even_o from_o the_o light_n and_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o from_o single_a obedience_n thereto_o so_o it_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o endeavour_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o other_o and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o bring_v we_o back_o from_o our_o god_n into_o the_o world_n again_o they_o will_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o as_o well_o as_o with_o other_o man_n and_o love_n and_o cherish_v we_o as_o they_o do_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o second_o end_n of_o persecution_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o persecute_v be_v to_o keep_v the_o child_n of_o light_n from_o gain_v further_o ground_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a spread_a nature_n it_o be_v like_o leaven_n like_o salt_n like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v nature_n be_v to_o leaven_n to_o season_n to_o overspread_v and_o gather_v mankind_n from_o the_o evil_a from_o the_o darkness_n from_o the_o corruption_n from_o the_o death_n and_o destruction_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o rule_v the_o world_n be_v loath_a to_o lose_v ground_n and_o therefore_o hunt_v and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o vessel_n wherein_o the_o light_n appear_v and_o from_o who_o it_o shine_v forth_o and_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v as_o odious_a as_o they_o may_v that_o they_o may_v keep_v all_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o dominion_n in_o a_o perfect_a detestation_n of_o they_o and_o distance_n from_o they_o thus_o though_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v still_o be_v a_o innocent_a people_n and_o simple_a as_o to_o the_o subtlety_n and_o deceit_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o weak_a and_o foolish_a in_o compare_n with_o the_o wise_a and_o strong_a one_o in_o the_o worldly_a nature_n and_o spirit_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o represent_v as_o most_o dangerous_a most_o subtle_a and_o pernicious_a as_o shrewd_a deceiver_n witch_n jesuit_n etc._n etc._n yea_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v hateful_a and_o hate_a 3._o a_o three_o end_v of_o persecution_n be_v to_o afflict_v grieve_v vex_v disturb_v and_o torment_v those_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v displease_v to_o they_o there_o be_v enmity_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o holy_a pure_a spirit_n and_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o can_v overcome_v and_o get_v its_o will_n one_o way_n in_o bring_v back_o yet_o it_o will_v strive_v to_o have_v its_o will_n another_o way_n even_o in_o vex_v and_o afflict_v it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o hatred_n or_o enmity_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v hurt_v that_o against_o which_o its_o hatred_n be_v thus_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rejoice_v in_o iniquity_n in_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n delight_n in_o love_n and_o in_o do_v good_a even_o to_o those_o which_o persecute_v so_o the_o spirit_n of_o enmity_n delight_v in_o hatred_n and_o do_v evil_a even_o in_o vex_v and_o oppress_v those_o which_o seek_v their_o good_a because_o they_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v one_o with_o they_o in_o their_o dark_a principle_n and_o evil_a practice_n 7._o the_o colour_n or_o pretence_n which_o man_n put_v upon_o their_o persecution_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a persecution_n be_v so_o hateful_a and_o have_v such_o a_o blackness_n of_o spirit_n in_o it_o that_o it_o can_v endure_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v appear_v to_o persecure_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o man_n or_o man_n because_o of_o their_o goodness_n therefore_o all_o persecutor_n though_o they_o still_o persecute_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o they_o still_o represent_v and_o charge_v they_o as_o evil_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o hide_v the_o badness_n and_o unjustness_n of_o their_o persecution_n from_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o thus_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v always_o misrepresent_v by_o their_o persecutor_n even_o as_o false_a prophet_n as_o troubler_n of_o israel_n as_o mad_a man_n as_o man_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n see_v jer._n 29._o 26_o 27._o and_o those_o which_o condemn_v their_o forefather_n for_o persecute_v the_o true_a prophet_n in_o former_a day_n yet_o can_v also_o persecute_v the_o true_a prophet_n in_o their_o own_o day_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o jew_n for_o which_o of_o his_o good_a work_n they_o stone_v he_o they_o say_v not_o for_o a_o good_a work_n or_o as_o a_o good_a man_n but_o for_o his_o do_v evil_a for_o his_o blasphemy_n in_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n will_v make_v himself_o god_n joh._n 10_o 32_o 33._o and_o the_o pharisee_n do_v not_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o good_a man_n as_o a_o holy_a teacher_n from_o god_n as_o indeed_o he_o be_v though_o his_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n differ_v very_o much_o from_o they_o but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n a_o seducer_n of_o the_o people_n a_o mean_a man_n the_o son_n of_o joseph_n the_o carpenter_n one_o who_o none_o of_o the_o wise_a scribe_n own_v but_o only_o such_o silly_a people_n as_o know_v not_o the_o law_n joh._n 7._o 49._o yea_o as_o a_o very_a bad_a man_n as_o one_o that_o be_v against_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o moses_n against_o god_n temple_n and_o priest_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o a_o profaner_n of_o god_n holy_a sabbath_n in_o his_o practice_n yea_o more_o than_o this_o they_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o devil_n and_o when_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o he_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v such_o great_a thing_n beyond_o they_o through_o the_o help_n of_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n can_v the_o jew_n think_v they_o do_v otherwise_o than_o
forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o afterward_o to_o saul_n saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o therefore_o in_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v at_o unaware_o run_v into_o this_o great_a error_n that_o they_o may_v find_v the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n stop_v they_o therein_o for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v these_o thing_n follow_v concern_v persecution_n write_v wherein_o be_v manifest_v first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v persecute_v 2._o who_o it_o be_v that_o persecute_v or_o be_v the_o persecutor_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o persecution_n 4._o the_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o persecution_n 5._o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o persecution_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o persecute_v what_o man_n aim_v at_o therein_o or_o rather_o what_o that_o spirit_n in_o man_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o persecute_v of_o other_o aim_v at_o thereby_o 7._o the_o colour_n or_o false_a pretence_n of_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n 8._o the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o persecute_v 9_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o persecutor_n 10._o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o man_n may_v come_v to_o avoid_v this_o great_a evil_n of_o persecute_v other_o whereunto_o in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v add_v some_o sad_a effect_n of_o persecution_n to_o kindle_v in_o man_n a_o desire_n of_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a in_o its_o self_n and_o so_o pernicious_a a_o enemy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o general_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v 1._o what_o or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v persecute_v the_o persecute_v in_o all_o age_n be_v that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o god_n spirit_n gal._n 4._o 29._o he_o that_o be_v new-created_a in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v form_v in_o the_o image_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o image_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o follow_v christ_n in_o the_o leading_n and_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v out_o of_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o course_n fashion_n way_n &_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v persecute_v in_o all_o age_n he_o that_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n &_o principle_n than_o the_o world_n &_o so_o can_v be_v as_o the_o world_n be_v be_v make_v otherwise_o by_o god_n nor_o walk_v as_o the_o world_n walk_v nor_o worship_n as_o the_o world_n worship_n be_v teach_v and_o require_v of_o god_n to_o do_v otherwise_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v afflict_v reproach_v hate_v hunt_v persecute_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o down_o not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o his_o age_n but_o in_o after_o age_n also_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o yea_o and_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n man_n may_v talk_v of_o christ_n profess_v christ_n worship_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o way_n that_o be_v set_v up_o in_o nation_n and_o avoid_v persecution_n but_o come_v under_o the_o new_a principle_n come_v into_o his_o life_n live_v godly_a in_o he_o become_v real_o subject_a unto_o the_o power_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o there_o be_v no_o long_o avoid_v of_o persecution_n that_o which_o come_v into_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n come_v present_o into_o a_o proportion_n of_o suffer_v from_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o life_n 2._o what_o or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o persecute_v or_o be_v the_o persecutor_n the_o persecutor_n in_o all_o age_n be_v that_o which_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n that_o spirit_n and_o principle_n in_o man_n which_o be_v from_o beneath_o put_v the_o man_n in_o who_o it_o be_v upon_o persecute_v the_o other_o principle_n and_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o appear_v or_o more_o plain_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o love_v the_o world_n and_o present_a state_n thereof_o that_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o darkness_n be_v in_o unity_n with_o it_o love_v it_o and_o the_o corrupt_a way_n thereof_o that_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n who_o be_v witness_n against_o and_o reprover_n of_o the_o darkness_n john_n 3._o 20._o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o be_v former_o so_o it_o be_v also_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 4._o 29._o now_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n and_o rank_n of_o these_o as_o some_o in_o the_o way_n of_o open_a profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n some_o more_o civilise_v and_o of_o a_o more_o gentle_a noble_a and_o considerate_a spirit_n and_o temper_n some_o more_o religion_n and_o devout_a in_o worship_n though_o not_o right_o principled_a and_o guide_v but_o turn_v aside_o to_o some_o invention_n or_o other_o of_o the_o earthly_a spirit_n all_o which_o be_v please_v to_o the_o earthly_a spirit_n but_o all_o these_o though_o they_o be_v different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o agree_v not_o well_o among_o themselves_o but_o be_v full_a of_o dislike_v one_o towards_o another_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o to_o wit_n in_o a_o willingness_n to_o have_v that_o persecute_a and_o subject_v which_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n and_o nature_n to_o they_o all_o they_o be_v all_o against_o this_o more_o or_o less_o though_o not_o all_o against_o it_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o heat_n and_o vehemency_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o persecution_n or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o persecute_v persecution_n be_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n the_o fret_a or_o dash_v of_o the_o earthly_a spirit_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n corrupt_v against_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n the_o fight_n of_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o unrenewed_a spirit_n in_o man_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n renew_v by_o the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o fight_n the_o oppose_a of_o this_o spirit_n against_o the_o other_o be_v persecution_n what_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v in_o his_o own_o will_n according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o after_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n against_o another_o who_o desire_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n who_o wait_v on_o he_o for_o the_o counsel_n and_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v obey_v and_o worship_n he_o aright_o be_v persecution_n the_o principle_n of_o god_n teach_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n not_o according_a to_o the_o fear_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o the_o fear_n which_o god_n put_v into_o the_o heart_n it_o teach_v likewise_o to_o worship_v the_o lord_n not_o according_a as_o man_n invent_v and_o think_v good_a to_o prescribe_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n instruct_v and_o require_v it_o teach_v likewise_o not_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o come_v out_o of_o it_o now_o the_o hate_v oppose_a and_o punish_v of_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o teach_v because_o of_o these_o teach_n and_o its_o obedience_n thereto_o this_o be_v persecution_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o such_o be_v persecution_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o reproach_v scoff_v at_o or_o speak_v evil_a of_o such_o be_v persecution_n with_o the_o tongue_n so_o ishmael_n mock_v of_o isaac_n gen._n 21._o 9_o 10._o be_v call_v persecute_v of_o he_o gal._n 4._o 29._o 30._o the_o smite_v fine_v imprison_a of_o such_o etc._n etc._n in_o relation_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v from_o this_o principle_n be_v persecution_n with_o the_o hand_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o power_n either_o of_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o of_o a_o magistrate_n against_o such_o 4._o the_o ground_n of_o persecution_n or_o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o cause_v the_o one_o spirit_n and_o principle_n to_o persecute_v and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v persecute_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n which_o expose_v the_o one_o to_o persecution_n and_o kindle_v the_o heat_n of_o persecute_v in_o the_o other_o be_v chief_o these_o three_o ensue_a 1._o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v enmity_n in_o the_o serpent_n against_o the_o woman_n and_o in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o corrupt_a principle_n can_v endure_v that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o pure_a principle_n that_o which_o walk_v and_o worship_n in_o the_o will_n and_o according_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o in_o shadow_n and_o fleshly_a form_n please_v to_o the_o flesh_n can_v endure_v that_o which_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 2._o the_o contrariety_n of_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o that_o which_o
judge_v he_o for_o differ_v either_o in_o apprehension_n or_o practice_n about_o worship_n much_o less_o persecute_v he_o therefore_o but_o that_o man_n who_o be_v of_o a_o profane_a spirit_n or_o come_v easy_o by_o his_o religion_n even_o by_o the_o wisdom_n industry_n and_o part_n of_o man_n and_o not_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n but_o know_v not_o that_o fear_n which_o god_n put_v in_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n spring_v either_o of_o these_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o persecute_v yea_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o either_o of_o they_o to_o abstain_v therefrom_o 2._o by_o meckness_n of_o spirit_n the_o gospel_n make_v meek_a tender_a gentle_a peaceable_a fill_v with_o love_n and_o sweetness_n of_o spirit_n teach_v to_o love_v to_o forgive_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o bless_v enemy_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o man_n persecute_v can_v a_o lamb_n persecute_v can_v a_o dove_n persecute_v indeed_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n may_v raven_n and_o devour_v but_o a_o true_a sheep_n can_v as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v know_v the_o devour_a and_o persecute_v nature_n be_v destroy_v and_o that_o be_v take_v away_o persecution_n soon_o come_v to_o a_o end_n 3._o by_o a_o sober_a and_o patient_a consideration_n of_o their_o cause_n who_o they_o persecute_v and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o themselves_o which_o move_v they_o to_o persecute_v they_o the_o strength_n of_o persecution_n lie_v in_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o dark_a thought_n mis-judging_n and_o misapprehension_n about_o he_o who_o one_o persecute_v or_o be_v incline_v to_o persecute_v in_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a judgement_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n receive_v which_o by_o a_o sober_a hear_n and_o consider_v of_o thing_n in_o god_n fear_n and_o in_o meekness_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o then_o the_o eager_a persecute_v heat_n of_o spirit_n will_v soon_o abate_v and_o fall_v the_o fuel_n which_o kindle_v it_o be_v take_v away_o the_o jew_n stop_v their_o ear_n and_o run_v upon_o stephen_n acts._n 7._o 57_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o persecute_v spirit_n they_o take_v in_o prejudices_fw-la against_o person_n their_o principle_n and_o practice_n stop_v their_o ear_n against_o what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o manifest_v either_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o self_n or_o their_o mistake_n about_o it_o and_o then_o run_v headlong_o in_o their_o fury_n of_o persecute_v and_o devour_v but_o he_o that_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o weigh_v the_o cause_n before_o he_o engage_v against_o it_o and_o observe_v what_o it_o be_v in_o he_o which_o move_v so_o hot_o against_o another_o and_o which_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v ill_o aforehand_o he_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o which_o be_v always_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o persecutor_n and_o find_v water_n to_o cast_v on_o this_o devour_a fire_n of_o spirit_n in_o he_o 4._o by_o a_o righteous_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v by_o another_o as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v to_o in_o the_o like_a case_n persecution_n arise_v from_o unrighteousness_n and_o selfishness_n righteousness_n and_o true_a equity_n will_v soon_o end_v it_o if_o no_o man_n will_v make_v another_o man_n conscience_n bow_v by_o force_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o own_o so_o bow_v persecution_n will_v soon_o cease_v but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n whoever_o be_v uppermost_a think_v he_o have_v right_o to_o bow_v all_o the_o rest_n under_o he_o and_o look_n upon_o they_o as_o guilty_a and_o offender_n if_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o yield_v and_o bow_v under_o he_o and_o he_o that_o new_o complain_v of_o the_o load_n lay_v on_o his_o conscience_n by_o other_o yet_o if_o he_o can_v get_v ease_n and_o power_n into_o his_o hand_n be_v present_o lay_v a_o load_n upon_o other_o here_o be_v a_o wrong_a frame_n of_o spirit_n within_o and_o how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o bring_v forth_o injury_n and_o persecution_n outward_o 5._o by_o take_v heed_n and_o watch_v against_o the_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a principle_n with_o the_o reason_n self-end_n and_o interest_n thereof_o and_o harken_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v and_o speak_v right_a reason_n man_n as_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v by_o especial_a favour_n form_v in_o his_o image_n so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o place_n in_o he_o a_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o life_n to_o govern_v he_o this_o image_n be_v deface_v by_o the_o fall_n and_o this_o principle_n forfeit_v yet_o for_o christ_n sake_n who_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v the_o lord_n stir_v up_o and_o visit_v all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o by_o the_o pure_a eternal_a principle_n of_o his_o own_o light_n and_o life_n in_o christ_n in_o harken_v to_o this_o man_n reason_n be_v rectify_v purify_a and_o preserve_v pure_a and_o his_o step_n here_o be_v safe_a but_o consult_v and_o contrive_v out_o of_o this_o he_o meet_v with_o that_o which_o corrupt_v he_o captivate_v and_o mis-byassing_a his_o reason_n and_o then_o all_o his_o intent_n design_n and_o contrivance_n become_v corrupt_a and_o tend_v not_o only_o towards_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o at_o present_a but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o loss_n and_o detriment_n in_o the_o issue_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v safe_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o faithful_a in_o do_v he_o service_n in_o his_o generation_n must_v know_v what_o of_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o betray_v he_o that_o he_o may_v watch_v against_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o what_o in_o himself_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v guide_n instruct_v and_o preserve_v he_o that_o he_o may_v hearken_v thereto_o and_o be_v make_v happy_a thereby_o 11._o and_o last_o to_o set_v it_o yet_o more_o home_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o will_v be_v worthy_a and_o noble_a and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v worthy_a and_o noble_a abhort_v cruelty_n afflict_v and_o oppress_v of_o other_o let_v they_o consider_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o persecution_n which_o be_v very_o many_o and_o of_o the_o worst_a kind_n even_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o four_o 1._o in_o a_o great_a degree_n it_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o present_a good_a in_o every_o age_n and_o generation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o earthly_a power_n or_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v well_o hinder_v persecution_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a by_o the_o earthly_a power_n in_o its_o proper_a tendency_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o growth_n thereof_o in_o their_o age_n and_o day_n though_o the_o lord_n can_v overbear_v the_o malignity_n of_o it_o and_o further_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o seed_n thereby_o 2._o it_o whole_o tend_v towards_o hinder_v the_o shoot_v up_o of_o any_o further_a seed_n of_o good_a which_o god_n have_v to_o see_v in_o the_o earth_n for_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o good_a which_o god_n have_v to_o sow_v in_o the_o earth_n at_o first_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o evil_a until_o by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o open_v of_o man_n eye_n through_o the_o much_o suffering_n of_o those_o vessel_n in_o who_o god_n cause_v the_o most_o excellent_a seed_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n first_o to_o appear_v their_o innocency_n and_o beauty_n begin_v at_o length_n to_o shine_v in_o man_n eye_n and_o be_v discern_v 3._o it_o occasion_v the_o growth_n of_o evil_n for_o good_a withstand_v oppose_v and_o chase_v away_o evil_a even_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n and_o therefore_o the_o prevent_n of_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o the_o good_a be_v a_o cherish_n and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o evil_n beside_o the_o same_o spirit_n government_n or_o power_n which_o persecute_v and_o keep_v down_o the_o good_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v evil_a can_v choose_v but_o also_o cherish_v and_o nurse_v up_o the_o evil_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v good_a for_o the_o same_o eye_n tongue_n and_o heart_n that_o see_v call_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o which_o be_v indeed_o good_a to_o be_v evil_a can_v choose_v but_o also_o mistake_v the_o evil_a and_o think_v it_o good_a 4._o it_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o people_n power_n and_o government_n where_o such_o persecution_n be_v where_o the_o evil_n be_v cherish_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v good_a and_o the_o good_a endeavour_v to_o be_v suppress_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v evil_a if_o man_n from_o their_o heart_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o
be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o disposal_n of_o thing_n then_o sure_o what_o be_v true_o good_a in_o person_n or_o nation_n be_v of_o he_o and_o what_o be_v of_o he_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o he_o behold_v the_o plant_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o plant_n which_o the_o envious_a one_o have_v plant_v and_o he_o can_v bless_v that_o place_n that_o people_n those_o power_n that_o government_n where_o his_o plant_n be_v crush_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o not_o be_v his_o and_o where_o the_o evil_a hature_n and_o plant_n be_v cherish_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o good_a therefore_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n a_o enemy_n to_o goodness_n a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o a_o friend_n and_o promoter_n of_o evil_n let_v he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n and_o power_n to_o be_v write_v on_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o a_o meek_a righteous_a frame_n of_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v consider_v his_o step_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o not_o mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_n and_o so_o persecute_v man_n for_o be_v and_o do_v that_o which_o may_v it_o have_v its_o course_n and_o progress_n will_v make_v the_o world_n happy_a object_n but_o will_v not_o this_o undermine_v magistracy_n and_o interrupt_v its_o punish_n of_o evil-doer_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o tender_a and_o considerate_a for_o what_o man_n can_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v hearken_v to_o every_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n the_o law_n will_v soon_o be_v silent_a government_n at_o a_o stand_n and_o every_o one_o do_v what_o they_o list_v bring_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o disobedience_n to_o authority_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n answ_n 1._o conscience_n be_v of_o god_n and_o tenderness_n and_o conscienciousness_n towards_o he_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o pure_a fear_n and_o towards_o the_o spring_a up_o and_o growth_n of_o all_o good_a in_o the_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o good_a be_v tender_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o tender_a and_o well-prepared_n earth_n but_o into_o thorny_a stony_a or_o highway_n ground_n it_o can_v grow_v and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v government_n that_o ever_o their_o law_n or_o authority_n shall_v hurt_v that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n wherein_o his_o seed_n of_o good_a be_v sow_v 2._o it_o be_v true_a the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v selfish_a and_o seek_v cover_n for_o evil_a may_v also_o seek_v this_o cover_n to_o hide_v iniquity_n under_o and_o may_v pretend_v conscience_n when_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o conscience_n at_o all_o but_o self-will_n and_o self-end_n at_o bottom_n 3._o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n will_v not_o have_v the_o true_a conscienciousness_n and_o tenderness_n in_o any_o of_o his_o crush_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v do_v by_o any_o person_n authority_n or_o law_n without_o provoke_a god_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o without_o injury_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o deal_v with_o viz._n who_o be_v punish_v by_o man_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o conscientiousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o require_v and_o be_v please_v to_o he_o 4._o it_o be_v far_o better_o in_o itself_o safe_a for_o governor_n more_o agreeable_a to_o equity_n and_o righteous_a government_n and_o more_o please_v to_o god_n and_o good_a man_n rather_o to_o suffer_v some_o by_o their_o craft_n and_o false_a cover_n to_o escape_v due_a punishment_n then_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o by_o the_o goodness_n innocency_n and_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o they_o be_v exempt_v from_o punishment_n yea_o it_o be_v better_a and_o much_o safe_a to_o spare_v many_o evil_a man_n then_o to_o punish_v one_o good_a man_n for_o mercy_n and_o spare_v even_o of_o offender_n be_v natural_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o severity_n and_o punishment_n be_v unnatural_a and_o but_o for_o necessity_n sake_n and_o as_o for_o that_o man_n who_o by_o his_o subtlety_n and_o deceit_n thus_o escape_v man_n hand_n he_o will_v be_v no_o great_a gainer_n for_o god_n who_o be_v above_o all_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o he_o yea_o that_o magistrate_n who_o spare_v some_o evil_a and_o evil-doer_n mere_o upon_o this_o account_n lest_o he_o shall_v hurt_v that_o which_o be_v good_a the_o lord_n will_v help_v and_o bless_v whereas_o that_o power_n and_o government_n which_o wilful_o err_v herein_o the_o lord_n may_v soon_o cut_v down_o and_o that_o which_o err_v thus_o through_o mistake_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a mistake_n to_o cut_v down_o the_o good_a in_o stead_n of_o the_o evil_a the_o lord_n who_o love_v the_o good_a and_o hate_v the_o evil_a may_v easy_o be_v provoke_v against_o 5._o as_o government_n come_v from_o god_n so_o the_o righteous_a execution_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o god_n every_o man_n need_v god_n help_n daily_o else_o he_o may_v easy_o err_v in_o his_o course_n and_o government_n and_o governor_n need_v god_n help_n much_o more_o in_o the_o many_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n which_o they_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o god_n be_v nigh_o to_o they_o in_o their_o difficult_a case_n who_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n if_o the_o case_n be_v knotty_a yet_o if_o god_n give_v wisdom_n have_v the_o magistrate_n cause_n to_o complain_v and_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n assist_v that_o magistrate_n who_o in_o his_o fear_n wait_v on_o he_o and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o spare_v the_o evil_n and_o afraid_a to_o hurt_v the_o good_a if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consult_v with_o man_n wisdom_n and_o policy_n nor_o such_o lay_n of_o design_n and_o intent_n at_o first_o as_o spring_v from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n but_o a_o naked_a upright_o wait_v on_o he_o for_o instruction_n who_o can_v only_o guide_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n aright_o government_n will_v not_o prove_v so_o difficult_a nor_o the_o success_n therein_o so_o dangerous_a a_o brief_a account_n of_o that_o stiffness_n resolvedness_n and_o suppose_a stubborness_n which_o by_o many_o be_v object_v against_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n object_n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o innocent_a and_o industrious_a people_n that_o they_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o nation_n in_o many_o respect_n this_o many_o believe_v concern_v they_o and_o in_o their_o heart_n wish_v that_o the_o power_n will_v let_v they_o alone_o and_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o they_o the_o which_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o incline_v to_o do_v be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o certain_a stiffness_n which_o appear_v in_o they_o they_o be_v so_o gine_v to_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o will_v not_o bend_v in_o the_o least_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o meet_v the_o magistrate_n one_o jot_n in_o any_o favour_n he_o will_v show_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v such_o a_o temper_n as_o no_o magistrate_n or_o governor_n can_v beat_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n either_o of_o banish_v or_o suppress_v they_o out_o way_n or_o other_o answ_n i_o free_o confess_v that_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o man_n eye_n it_o may_v easy_o appear_v so_o to_o man_n who_o can_v see_v either_o whence_o that_o be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o god_n and_o how_o can_v i_o blame_v other_o for_o judge_v thus_o of_o they_o when_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v liable_a so_o to_o judge_v if_o i_o do_v so_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o yet_o if_o i_o have_v patience_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n watch_v against_o that_o wisdom_n from_o which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o his_o people_n be_v hide_v i_o see_v also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n may_v appear_v unto_o man_n to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o stiffness_n and_o stubborness_n of_o spirit_n as_o he_o judge_v but_o arise_v from_o and_o necessary_o deny_v a_o true_a tenderness_n and_o conscientiousness_n towards_o god_n which_o to_o make_v the_o more_o manifest_a to_o such_o as_o be_v will_v fair_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n and_o know_v the_o truth_n thereof_o i_o shall_v thus_o demonstrate_v 1._o stubbornness_n or_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o stiffness_n and_o resolvedness_n arise_v from_o the_o strength_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o natural_a will_n and_o earthly_a wisdom_n the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v gentle_a easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v and_o the_o will_n which_o be_v
create_v by_o god_n be_v mild_a and_o flexible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o least_o child_n in_o the_o line_n of_o goodness_n and_o i_o can_v true_o say_v this_o that_o i_o never_o in_o my_o whole_a course_n and_o conversation_n who_o have_v long_o be_v a_o spectator_n and_o un-interested_n person_n both_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o various_a profession_n of_o religion_n till_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o this_o people_n draw_v my_o heart_n after_o they_o yea_o i_o can_v but_o say_v in_o the_o singleness_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o never_o meet_v with_o a_o more_o mild_a gentle_a flexible-spirited_n people_n and_o he_o that_o can_v reach_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v but_o see_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o for_o he_o that_o be_v daily_o exercise_v in_o deny_v his_o will_n and_o wisdom_n he_o on_o who_o back_n the_o lord_n lay_v the_o cross_n and_o crucify_v he_o every_o day_n his_o self-will_n and_o self-wisdom_n with_o all_o the_o conceitedness_n and_o stiffness_n which_o arise_v therefrom_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o break_v in_o he_o 2._o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o pliableness_n to_o good_a which_o god_n beget_v there_o be_v and_o can_v but_o be_v a_o unbendedness_n to_o evil_n consider_v this_o o_o you_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o the_o birth_n which_o god_n beget_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v sow_v and_o cause_v to_o spring_v up_o in_o his_o heritage_n there_o be_v a_o bow_v to_o god_n at_o every_o appearance_n of_o good_a accompany_v with_o a_o tenderness_n gentleness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o man_n but_o it_o can_v bow_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o any_o man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n read_v then_o this_o riddle_n with_o a_o true_a understanding_n the_o tender_a one_o can_v yield_v the_o flexible_a one_o can_v bow_v but_o natural_o stand_v upright_a and_o straight_o towards_o god_n even_o in_o every_o thing_n it_o have_v learn_v of_o he_o and_o which_o he_o require_v of_o it_o thus_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o christian_n though_o meek_a though_o sweet_a though_o pliable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o all_o good_a yet_o can_v not_o bow_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a any_o where_o but_o shun_v and_o avoid_v it_o every_o where_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o stiffness_n and_o unbendedness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n spirit_n way_n worship_n and_o practice_n but_o will_v soon_o be_v ensnare_v and_o draw_v back_o again_o by_o the_o enticement_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o worldly_a nature_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o other_o 3._o a_o stiffness_n than_o i_o grant_v a_o unbendedness_n i_o grant_v but_o not_o of_o the_o earthly_a not_o of_o the_o self-will_a nor_o according_a to_o the_o earthly_a but_o such_o as_o arise_v from_o truth_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o from_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n towards_o god_n such_o as_o be_v beget_v in_o his_o fear_n preserve_v by_o his_o power_n and_o be_v necessary_a towards_o their_o preservation_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o call_v by_o he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o those_o who_o be_v apt_a and_o liable_a to_o mis-judge_n of_o they_o do_v but_o see_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o their_o heart_n not_o to_o offend_v man_n but_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o utmost_a according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o know_v what_o breathe_n there_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o when_o they_o appear_v before_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o pure_a fear_n and_o in_o righteousness_n and_o inoffensiveness_n and_o how_o they_o can_v but_o refuse_v to_o break_v any_o of_o god_n command_n because_o he_o be_v their_o supreme_a lord_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o disobey_v he_o to_o please_v man_n or_o avoid_v their_o own_o suffering_n from_o man_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v see_v this_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o call_v it_o stubbornness_n and_o self-willedness_a but_o a_o pure_a subjection_n and_o denial_n of_o the_o self-will_n in_o god_n fear_n join_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a boldness_n in_o his_o power_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v equal_o consider_v and_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o least_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v the_o command_n be_v from_o so_o great_a a_o king_n upon_o who_o the_o soul_n have_v so_o great_a dependence_n from_o who_o it_o have_v so_o great_a hope_n and_o to_o who_o universal_a obedience_n be_v so_o due_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o profitable_a to_o the_o creature_n be_v exceed_v weighty_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o and_o due_a tenderness_n towards_o his_o command_n to_o be_v preserve_v without_o a_o strict_a and_o close_o give_v up_o the_o will_n to_o he_o and_o stand_v in_o his_o strength_n strong_a and_o unbended_a against_o all_o temptation_n provocation_n allurement_n and_o affrightment_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o how_o easy_o may_v man_n call_v this_o stubborness_n and_o stiffness_n but_o this_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v and_o this_o which_o man_n call_v stubborness_n flow_v in_o upon_o they_o from_o he_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o sweet_a and_o meek_a frame_n of_o spirit_n most_o ready_a to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o own_o will_n to_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a and_o so_o of_o god_n 5._o the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o unbendedness_n and_o resolvedness_n which_o be_v wrought_v and_o preserve_v in_o they_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n call_v it_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n stiffness_n and_o stubborness_n i_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n will_v commend_v that_o resolution_n and_o stiffness_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o man_n wisdom_n and_o hold_v in_o man_n will_n be_v it_o not_o good_a to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n reasonable_o and_o then_o to_o choose_v and_o hold_v fast_o to_o those_o principle_n which_o appear_v most_o reasonable_a what_o man_n but_o will_v say_v it_o be_v and_o be_v it_o not_o good_a to_o obey_v and_o keep_v to_o that_o light_n which_o be_v high_o than_o reason_n which_o comprehend_v reason_n rectify_v and_o preserve_v it_o make_v it_o profitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o god_n which_o make_v it_o to_o the_o vessel_n in_o which_o it_o be_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n he_o that_o know_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o eternal_a light_n who_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o it_o much_o less_o by_o unfeigned_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n form_v into_o it_o he_o can_v justify_v it_o in_o his_o path_n but_o he_o justify_v the_o earthly_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o it_o set_v up_o appearance_n of_o good_a instead_o of_o good_a and_o will_v make_v all_o acknowledge_v and_o bow_v to_o they_o as_o good_a whereas_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o acquaint_v with_o the_o good_a live_v in_o the_o principle_n thereof_o can_v bow_v to_o the_o false_a appearance_n but_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o when_o man_n spirit_n and_o wisdom_n be_v weary_v out_o of_o all_o its_o path_n and_o he_o break_v with_o the_o misery_n which_o will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o therein_o at_o last_o the_o path_n of_o god_n will_v be_v welcome_a to_o he_o and_o that_o principle_n which_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o rectify_v he_o and_o make_v he_o happy_a there_o have_v long_o be_v a_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o unrighteousness_n but_o the_o season_n be_v at_o length_n come_v for_o the_o break_n thereof_o and_o now_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v such_o a_o settle_a false_a peace_n in_o unrighteousness_n any_o long_o but_o tribulation_n anguish_n and_o destruction_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o selfish_n and_o unjust_a spirit_n and_o he_o that_o refuse_v the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n must_v not_o know_v peace_n but_o be_v overtake_v with_o the_o overflow_a scourge_n and_o sweep_v into_o and_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o pit_n which_o have_v long_o be_v dig_v for_o the_o wicked_a psal_n 94._o 13._o and_o mark_v this_o thing_n follow_v you_o that_o will_v not_o find_v yourselves_o deceive_v of_o your_o soul_n hereafter_o nor_o of_o your_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n here_o for_o it_o deep_o concern_v both_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n once_o raise_v up_o a_o spiritual_a building_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o dragon_n overturn_v as_o to_o its_o outward_a state_n though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o
concern_v persecution_n which_o be_v the_o afflict_a or_o punish_v that_o which_o be_v good_a under_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v evil_a which_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n which_o will_v be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o have_v good_a cherish_v and_o evil_a suppress_v both_o in_o itself_o and_o other_o it_o be_v contrary_a also_o to_o all_o equal_a and_o righteous_a government_n which_o be_v for_o the_o suppress_n of_o evil_a and_o cherish_v of_o good_a and_o not_o for_o the_o afflict_a and_o crush_a of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a upon_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v evil._n yet_o this_o unhappy_a error_n will_v always_o be_v commit_v in_o nation_n and_o government_n until_o the_o proper_a right_n and_o just_a liberty_n of_o man_n conscience_n be_v discern_v acknowledge_v and_o allow_v likewise_o there_o be_v some_o answer_v give_v to_o that_o common_a objection_n against_o afford_v conscience_n its_o due_a liberty_n because_o evil_a person_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n to_o escape_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n with_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o that_o suppose_a stubborn_n which_o by_o many_o be_v object_v against_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n give_v forth_o in_o love_n to_o this_o nation_n that_o at_o length_n the_o true_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o last_a peace_n and_o settlement_n may_v be_v espy_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o people_n fix_v thereon_o and_o that_o dangerous_a rock_n of_o persecution_n whereon_o both_o the_o power_n and_o people_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v so_o often_o split_v careful_o avoid_v by_o all_o by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a london_n print_v for_o robert_n wilson_n in_o martin_n le_fw-fr grand_fw-fr 1661._o the_o preface_n there_o have_v be_v a_o enmity_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o promise_n even_o until_o now_o god_n in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o since_o the_o fall_n a_o seed_n or_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n whereof_o he_o be_v to_o war_n against_o and_o subdue_v the_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o so_o be_v free_v from_o the_o curse_n and_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o blessing_n against_o this_o principle_n all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n fight_n even_o in_o every_o particular_a man_n and_o woman_n until_o they_o be_v overcome_v and_o subject_v there_o and_o against_o those_o in_o who_o this_o pure_a principle_n reign_v all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n fight_v also_o strive_v to_o make_v it_o miserable_a and_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o death_n and_o captivity_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o content_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v always_o war_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n of_o his_o choice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o envy_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o the_o world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o jew_n in_o spirit_n be_v hate_v and_o hunt_v in_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n not_o only_o by_o heathen_n but_o also_o by_o such_o as_o be_v jew_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o ever_o since_o the_o apostasy_n by_o christian_n also_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n who_o be_v as_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o spirit_n &_o power_n as_o ever_o the_o jew_n be_v now_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o at_o first_o come_v by_o depart_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n so_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o continue_v by_o man_n join_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o death_n and_o corruption_n to_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o work_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o have_v not_o in_o he_o a_o witness_n against_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o where_o be_v that_o man_n who_o join_v with_o this_o witness_n in_o he_o against_o the_o evil_a and_o not_o with_o the_o evil_a against_o this_o witness_n oh_o how_o do_v god_n witness_n reprove_v for_o sin_n make_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a but_o serious_o consider_v its_o latter_a end_n sad_a because_o of_o it_o this_o be_v god_n way_n of_o make_v the_o creature_n weary_a thereof_o of_o wean_a he_o from_o it_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o so_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o do_v not_o strive_v to_o stop_v silence_n and_o suppress_v this_o witness_n in_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v his_o lust_n ease_n and_o content_v in_o the_o flesh_n by_o keep_v the_o sight_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o evil-day_n far_o from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v so_o than_o he_o rejoice_v and_o make_v merry_a over_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o witness_n in_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o far_o prevail_v than_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a capacity_n to_o persecute_v other_o who_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o voice_n and_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o themselves_o that_o which_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o world_n out_o of_o misery_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o precious_a be_v the_o peace_n which_o come_v thereby_o after_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n with_o the_o trouble_n thereof_o be_v finish_v o_o how_o bless_a will_v the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o life_n make_v the_o world_n may_v it_o but_o have_v its_o free_a course_n therein_o o_o how_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o bear_v the_o condemnation_n because_o of_o sin_n follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o day_n of_o his_o salvation_n o_o the_o sweet_a inward_a peace_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v enjoy_v after_o the_o storm_n and_o after_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o destroy_v and_o that_o which_o make_v one_o person_n happy_a the_o same_o must_v make_v nation_n happy_a there_o be_v no_o true_a settlement_n nor_o abide_a security_n but_o in_o the_o settle_a and_o abide_a principle_n god_n be_v arisen_a to_o shake_v the_o earth_n and_o it_o can_v settle_v no_o more_o upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n yea_o the_o same_o god_n have_v shrivel_v up_o the_o old_a heaven_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v stretch_v forth_o again_o behold_v i_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a say_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o stretch_v forth_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n and_o who_o be_v he_o which_o shall_v venture_v to_o establish_v the_o old_a heaven_n and_o the_o old_a earth_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v remove_v and_o cause_v to_o pass_v away_o and_o abolish_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v create_v and_o form_v and_o be_v establish_v o_o that_o man_n know_v the_o place_n of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o not_o fight_v against_o their_o creator_n from_o who_o their_o strength_n come_v and_o against_o who_o their_o strength_n can_v prevail_v o_o that_o man_n can_v see_v how_o industrious_a they_o be_v to_o keep_v up_o misery_n and_o to_o keep_v out_o happiness_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o the_o fall_v and_o corrupt_a estate_n can_v see_v aright_o and_o mis-seeing_a how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o mis-aim_n and_o mis-act_n and_o misaiming_a and_o mis-acting_a how_o can_v he_o attain_v his_o end_n but_o the_o lord_n counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o he_o will_v fulfil_v all_o his_o pleasure_n in_o every_o heart_n and_o throughout_o the_o earth_n happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v wean_v from_o himself_o and_o beget_v in_o the_o light_n of_o life_n which_o be_v incorruptible_a he_o shall_v stand_v and_o be_v bless_v when_o all_o flesh_n fall_v before_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o become_v miserable_a and_o the_o fall_n of_o all_o the_o fleshly_a will_n wisdom_n and_o strength_n hasten_v apace_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o before_o the_o day_n of_o their_o ruin_n which_o be_v near_o than_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o or_o can_v believe_v i._o p._n concern_v persecution_n etc._n etc._n because_o man_n general_o in_o persecute_v know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v neither_o who_o it_o be_v they_o persecute_v nor_o how_o they_o sin_n against_o god_n therein_o nor_o what_o danger_n they_o be_v expose_v themselves_o to_o and_o what_o misery_n they_o be_v draw_v upon_o themselves_o thereby_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o ever_o even_o as_o christ_n say_v concern_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v persecute_v he_o even_o to_o death_n father_n
well_o in_o desire_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n may_v they_o not_o well_o prefer_v barrabas_n before_o a_o man_n thus_o represent_v by_o their_o chief_a priest_n and_o teacher_n who_o know_v and_o can_v expound_v the_o law_n and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v as_o they_o may_v well_o think_v both_o what_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o who_o be_v deceiver_n 8._o the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o persecute_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v persecute_v for_o conscience_n sake_n who_o suffer_v from_o man_n and_o their_o law_n for_o the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o and_o for_o his_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n that_o man_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o blessing_n with_o he_o yea_o the_o more_o man_n disesteem_v and_o hate_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o great_a be_v his_o blessedness_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a matth._n 5._o 11_o 12._o he_o be_v bless_v in_o several_a respect_n 1._o that_o man_n be_v in_o that_o spirit_n and_o in_o that_o way_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a state_n and_o condition_n at_o present_a he_o be_v in_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n under_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o world_n love_v and_o cherish_v that_o which_o be_v its_o own_o that_o which_o be_v of_o it_o and_o walk_v with_o it_o but_o be_v at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n therefore_o the_o world_n dislike_n enmity_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o god_n choice_n and_o of_o a_o removal_n from_o it_o towards_o god_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o world_n to_o have_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n thereof_o to_o have_v all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o one_o to_o be_v find_v do_v that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n it_o be_v happy_a to_o be_v in_o unity_n with_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o world_n and_o procure_v its_o ill-will_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n which_o beget_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o he_o that_o lose_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n and_o his_o subjection_n thereto_o be_v in_o that_o which_o the_o father_n love_v and_o feel_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n open_v in_o he_o and_o reveal_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v true_o a_o happy_a state_n 2._o the_o recompense_n which_o god_n will_v give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v who_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n for_o all_o the_o persecution_n which_o they_o endure_v in_o this_o world_n for_o his_o truth_n be_v sake_n be_v exceed_v great_a great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 5._o 14._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o at_o most_o for_o the_o time_n of_o this_o world_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o 3._o the_o reward_n be_v great_a in_o this_o world_n also_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o fold_v recompense_n to_o be_v reap_v in_o this_o life_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o virtue_n of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o deny_v rest_v with_o and_o abide_v on_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v faithful_a and_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o patience_n meekness_n innocency_n and_o strength_n to_o carry_v through_o the_o suffering_n may_v well_o be_v value_v at_o above_o a_o hundred_o fold_v income_n and_o recompense_n for_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o tribusation_n which_o be_v undergo_v for_o his_o namesake_n if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 14._o 9_o the_o grievous_a misery_n of_o the_o persecutor_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o be_v deceive_v about_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o put_v good_a for_o evil_n light_a for_o darkness_n sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o so_o under_o a_o mistake_n at_o least_o become_v a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o good_a all_o good_a be_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v against_o good_a be_v against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n for_o the_o creature_n to_o set_v himself_o in_o battle_n against_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o engage_v the_o power_n and_o wrath_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a one_o against_o he_o though_o while_o the_o eye_n be_v shut_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o man_n either_o that_o they_o be_v against_o god_n or_o that_o their_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a thereby_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n who_o can_v touch_v they_o and_o he_o not_o be_v deep_o sensible_a yea_o and_o they_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o god_n in_o that_o for_o which_o the_o world_n most_o persecute_v they_o and_o therefore_o their_o danger_n and_o misery_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a which_o may_v further_o appear_v in_o these_o three_o respect_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o wrath_n which_o their_o persecution_n of_o other_o here_o will_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v then_o every_o hard_a word_n with_o every_o thing_n they_o have_v do_v against_o any_o lamb_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o judgement_n for_o all_o that_o be_v sow_v in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o every_o one_o shall_v reap_v what_o he_o have_v sow_v and_o if_o he_o that_o have_v not_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o imprison_v for_o christ_n sake_n shall_v hear_v that_o sentence_n go_v you_o our_o sed_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o will_v his_o portion_n be_v who_o have_v imprison_v they_o and_o cause_v their_o sickness_n now_o be_v our_o time_n of_o trouble_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v trouble_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o troublesome_a spirit_n which_o trouble_v the_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o will_v give_v it_o no_o rest_n in_o its_o follow_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n be_v trouble_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 6_o 7._o and_o what_o shall_v the_o misery_n of_o that_o spirit_n be_v who_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n trouble_v and_o fill_v with_o anguish_n and_o torment_n in_o his_o fire_n and_o with_o his_o brimstone_n oh_o that_o man_n will_v awaken_v and_o consider_v in_o time_n and_o not_o fell_a away_o their_o everlasting_a inheritance_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o vanity_n and_o transitory_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n 2._o the_o hand_n of_o god_n do_v often_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n curse_v their_o very_a blessing_n to_o they_o insomuch_o as_o they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o world_n with_o that_o sweetness_n and_o content_n they_o may_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o rage_n and_o bitterness_n of_o their_o spirit_n against_o god_n people_n and_o their_o provoke_v of_o god_n against_o they_o thereby_o how_o many_o of_o his_o own_o people_n do_v pharaoh_n lose_v and_o how_o do_v he_o break_v the_o strength_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o persecute_v god_n israel_n of_o old_a how_o do_v amalek_n cause_v his_o name_n to_o be_v root_v out_o from_o under_o heaven_n how_o do_v the_o nation_n and_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n fall_v upon_o this_o account_n one_o after_o another_o and_o in_o this_o nation_n how_o many_o power_n have_v already_o fall_v thereby_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o burdensome_a stone_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o type_n it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o substance_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o every_o earthly_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o build_v with_o neither_o can_v they_o rear_v up_o their_o own_o building_n because_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o every_o power_n strive_v to_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o their_o way_n but_o they_o know_v not_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o nor_o who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v square_v it_o nor_o how_o firm_a it_o be_v fix_v upon_o the_o rock_n the_o earthly_a spirit_n be_v never_o to_o enjoy_v any_o true_a or_o last_a peace_n