have_v be_v testify_v unto_o you_o and_o from_o whence_o that_o testimony_n may_v come_v for_o aught_o you_o know_v have_v you_o deal_v ingenuous_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o point_n or_o rather_o have_v you_o not_o watch_v for_o the_o halt_n of_o those_o which_o have_v testify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v harden_v your_o spirit_n in_o your_o own_o invent_a way_n for_o if_o you_o can_v make_v good_a that_o they_o once_o be_v the_o lord_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o now_o his_o unless_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o light_n do_v again_o lead_v into_o they_o and_o quicken_v they_o the_o lord_n love_v spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o regard_v not_o a_o dead_a form_n although_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o wherein_o his_o spirit_n once_o do_v live_v can_v you_o blame_v the_o lord_n for_o prepare_v a_o stumble_a block_n for_o you_o or_o for_o suffer_v or_o give_v you_o up_o to_o stumble_v when_o you_o yourselves_o desire_v it_o you_o will_v have_v such_o and_o such_o ordinance_n path_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o imagination_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a you_o will_v be_v judge_v and_o measure_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n before_o you_o have_v receive_v either_o a_o eye_n or_o light_n or_o measure_n from_o he_o but_o i_o injure_v you_o you_o have_v eye_n you_o have_v light_a you_o have_v the_o reed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v measure_v thing_n aright_o by_o that_o it_o be_v well_o so_o it_o must_v be_v but_o assure_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v try_v and_o judge_v all_o your_o light_n all_o your_o way_n all_o your_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o have_v find_v they_o scanty_a in_o his_o balance_n scanty_a even_o of_o that_o true_a light_n nature_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o seek_v to_o worship_v he_o and_o which_o he_o alone_o delight_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o alas_o sir_n you_o may_v please_v yourselves_o awhile_o but_o you_o 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letter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o build_n of_o such_o a_o new_a nature_n upon_o such_o a_o christ_n as_o man_n will_v call_v so_o but_o a_o build_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o truth_n alas_o what_o a_o poor_a imaginary_a thing_n be_v the_o christ_n which_o many_o if_o not_o most_o apprehend_v christ_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o name_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o christ_n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o wisdom_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o greatness_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o life_n spirit_n etc._n etc._n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n which_o beget_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n who_o be_v beget_v either_o in_o his_o life_n or_o death_n yea_o who_o know_v himself_o man_n do_v not_o build_v himself_o i_o mean_v his_o own_o nature_n upon_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o he_o call_v himself_o upon_o that_o which_o he_o call_v christ._n here_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v strange_a work_n when_o the_o lord_n search_v into_o it_o wonderful_a serious_a be_v man_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o present_a thick_a darkness_n little_o do_v they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v little_o do_v they_o perceive_v how_o they_o build_v a_o imagination_n upon_o a_o imagination_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o come_v forth_o with_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o go_v forth_o to_o quicken_v that_o knowledge_n where_o it_o please_v he_o unto_o the_o hearer_n but_o what_o knowledge_n be_v it_o whereupon_o man_n now_o build_v who_o now_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v which_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n who_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n now_o with_o a_o new_a eye_n i_o be_o sure_a with_o a_o old_a eye_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o i_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o perhaps_o say_v therefore_o my_o eye_n be_v new_a nay_o but_o thou_o see_v with_o the_o old_a eye_n and_o therefore_o thy_o sight_n be_v not_o right_a take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o too_o late_o o_o lord_n god_n that_o ever_o man_n shall_v give_v scope_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o great_a vanity_n as_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a condition_n upon_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a dark_a nature_n but_o who_o do_v thus_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o thou_o o_o man_n that_o in_o thy_o light_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o measure_n thou_o do_v not_o so_o but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n who_o do_v not_o so_o tell_v i_o true_a do_v not_o thou_o build_v upon_o christ_n according_a to_o thy_o creature_o understanding_n ah_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n the_o fleshly_a reason_n the_o fleshly_a understanding_n the_o fleshly_a affection_n of_o man_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o enter_v into_o either_o the_o first_o adam_n how_o excellent_a soever_o can_v lay_v one_o stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n pure_a reason_n can_v read_v one_o line_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n o_o who_o know_v god_n or_o his_o christ_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o of_o his_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n why_o all_o sort_n know_v but_o yet_o my_o spirit_n say_v to_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n who_o know_v god_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v about_o the_o degree_n but_o concern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o knowledge_n the_o gross_a unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o it_o still_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o legal_a and_o evangelical_n wash_n cleanness_n and_o purity_n can_v possible_o see_v or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o lord_n no_o unclean_a eye_n no_o unclean_a heart_n no_o unclean_a hand_n etc._n etc._n can_v ever_o come_v near_o the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v true_o change_v nothing_o can_v live_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o have_v the_o true_a life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o it_o which_o grow_v not_o from_o any_o institution_n or_o form_n of_o religion_n whereby_o so_o many_o appear_a change_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n but_o from_o a_o true_a seed_n sow_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o
of_o flesh_n and_o be_v flesh_n so_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a he_o himself_o under_o all_o his_o spiritual_a change_n as_o he_o account_v they_o and_o with_o all_o his_o spiritual_a notion_n be_v but_o flesh_n but_o now_o he_o which_o be_v spirit_n all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v be_v spiritual_a the_o least_o degree_n of_o his_o light_n be_v spiritual_a he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o true_a light_n into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o he_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o true_a nature_n he_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a son_n jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v the_o true_a death_n the_o true_a life_n the_o true_a resurrection_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n yea_o he_o learn_v and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o order_n and_o place_n all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o as_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o each_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o flesh_o clothe_v to_o he_o he_o thrust_v off_o all_o that_o be_v flesh_n of_o it_o and_o receive_v in_o nothing_o but_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o other_o let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o spiritual_o to_o he_o receive_v in_o and_o can_v receive_v in_o only_a the_o flesh_n of_o it_o 3._o for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o die_a unto_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a unto_o he_o that_o be_v newborn_a and_o bring_v into_o the_o light_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v do_v too_o and_o can_v but_o do_v every_o change_n in_o he_o from_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o corruption_n whereof_o there_o be_v daily_a occasion_n minister_v unto_o he_o cause_v repentance_n man_n natural_a spirit_n open_v to_o see_v itself_o can_v but_o repent_v it_o can_v but_o make_v he_o loathe_v himself_o his_o own_o nature_n his_o own_o state_n his_o own_o course_n his_o own_o end_n what_o man_n have_v he_o the_o view_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o spirit_n can_v forbear_v abhor_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o can_v but_o turn_v from_o that_o corruption_n which_o he_o have_v contract_v with_o all_o the_o concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o that_o be_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n awaken_v though_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n to_o reward_v nor_o hell_n to_o punish_v he_o can_v not_o but_o loath_a sin_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o now_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v become_v a_o new_a nature_n to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v it_o and_o will_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o somewhat_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o first_o and_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o contrariety_n in_o it_o hereunto_o and_o which_o upon_o occasion_n of_o be_v stir_v at_o any_o time_n discover_v that_o contrariety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n do_v only_o repent_v flesh_o i_o say_v this_o repentance_n let_v it_o arise_v never_o so_o high_a and_o be_v heighten_v by_o never_o so_o many_o fresh_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a consideration_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a for_o that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o god_n discover_v and_o stir_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o now_o that_o repentance_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o true_a root_n from_o a_o renew_a spirit_n from_o a_o spirit_n change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o in_o it_o this_o repentance_n be_v it_o never_o so_o low_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o thick_o deep_o and_o dark_o cover_v with_o a_o seem_a approbation_n and_o justification_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o repentance_n itself_o be_v spiritual_a it_o come_v from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a notwithstanding_o its_o contrary_a black_a appearance_n as_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o all_o its_o light_n brightness_n and_o glory_n be_v but_o carnal_a 4._o for_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o new_a life_n man_n spirit_n do_v natural_o believe_v though_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o occasionl_o draw_v forth_o see_v his_o danger_n his_o misery_n he_o can_v but_o lean_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a rescue_n relief_n and_o support_v let_v god_n in_o christ_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fortress_n man_n can_v but_o run_v thither_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n and_o all_o his_o motion_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v but_o flesh_n have_v but_o self_n have_v but_o his_o own_o nature_n viz._n the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n for_o their_o root_n what_o can_v they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n nicodemus_n here_o can_v not_o but_o run_v to_o christ_n acknowledge_v christ_n believe_v on_o christ_n but_o what_o say_v christ_n to_o he_o ah_o poor_a nicodemus_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n to_o open_v this_o a_o little_a further_o because_o it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n whereupon_o all_o depend_v if_o either_o the_o nature_n or_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v mistake_v the_o miscarriage_n be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a wariness_n here_o now_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n assert_v here_o appear_v the_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v this_o consideration_n follow_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n if_o you_o shall_v stumble_v at_o this_o expression_n and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o his_o will_n yet_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v his_o will_n to_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o as_o there_o be_v at_o first_o so_o there_o be_v still_o a_o naturalness_n between_o god_n and_o man_n though_o not_o so_o open_a and_o manifest_a god_n do_v natural_o take_v care_n of_o man_n and_o man_n do_v natural_o depend_v upon_o his_o god_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v see_v there_o that_o from_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n do_v flow_v and_o his_o love_n unto_o man_n and_o care_n of_o he_o even_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n and_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v read_v there_o dependence_n and_o confidence_n upon_o his_o god_n it_o be_v his_o very_a nature_n though_o at_o present_a he_o be_v exceed_o turn_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o heap_n of_o corruption_n but_o let_v the_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n break_v in_o upon_o he_o they_o stir_v up_o this_o again_o in_o he_o present_o only_o indeed_o his_o corruption_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o can_v come_v off_o cleverly_o in_o any_o motion_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o his_o heart_n and_o nature_n stand_v towards_o it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o and_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o draw_v forth_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o look_v out_o for_o help_v and_o as_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o trust_v that_o which_o be_v discover_v to_o he_o as_o proper_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v he_o and_o this_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v awaken_v and_o stir_v nay_o as_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o he_o by_o divine_a mean_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o warmth_n and_o quicken_a virtue_n awaken_v in_o and_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o fleshly_a root_n notwithstanding_o his_o divine_a breathe_n and_o influence_n upon_o it_o do_v not_o thereupon_o become_v divine_a though_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n without_o much_o question_n to_o account_v it_o so_o but_o now_o that_o faith_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n john_n 1.12.13_o from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o mention_v they_o 5._o for_o love_n there_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o do_v natural_o flow_v forth_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v lovely_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n now_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o excellency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v take_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o unto_o man_n how_o can_v man_n choose_v but_o love_v they_o yet_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o discovery_n as_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a
the_o truth_n this_o be_v not_o the_o right_a seed_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o right_a earth_n wherein_o the_o right_a seed_n be_v sow_o this_o be_v but_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o wisdom_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n nay_o although_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o man_n nay_o though_o breathe_v again_o from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v no_o other_o this_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n not_o the_o life_n not_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o sonlike_a spirit_n and_o motion_n be_v only_o sow_o and_o grow_v up_o only_o in_o the_o son_n the_o true_a desire_n after_o god_n the_o true_a wait_v for_o he_o the_o true_a repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n grow_v only_o in_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v from_o above_o in_o a_o new_a nature_n the_o lord_n sow_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n only_o in_o the_o flesh_n of_o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o thence_o alone_o do_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o motion_n spring_v up_o and_o there_o alone_o be_v they_o to_o be_v sound_a second_o they_o be_v not_o true_a in_o their_o kind_n they_o be_v not_o in_o man_n so_o as_o man_n take_v they_o to_o be_v they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o be_v not_o pure_a man_n do_v not_o so_o true_o love_v and_o desire_n god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o hear_v his_o voice_n as_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v the_o son_n only_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n man_n be_v not_o pure_a be_v not_o upright_o no_o not_o in_o his_o own_o kind_n and_o way_n of_o obedience_n neither_o be_v man_n ear_n open_a to_o hear_v god_n it_o be_v the_o son_n alone_a who_o ear_n god_n have_v bore_v it_o be_v his_o ear_n which_o he_o have_v open_v to_o hear_v as_o the_o learned_a man_n have_v but_o a_o bad_a ear_n at_o best_a and_o yet_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o open_v therefore_o all_o god_n charge_n against_o man_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a when_o the_o nature_n and_o course_n of_o man_n be_v make_v manifest_a god_n charge_v he_o chief_o with_o two_o thing_n with_o want_n of_o power_n and_o with_o want_n of_o will_n he_o can_v come_v to_o god_n though_o he_o will_v no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o he_o will_v not_o come_v to_o god_n though_o he_o can_v you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n there_o be_v three_o great_a exception_n against_o man_n in_o all_o he_o be_v and_o do_v all_o which_o be_v comprise_v in_o this_o phrase_n flesh_n which_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o course_n of_o man_n may_v easy_o observe_v 1._o there_o be_v common_o a_o corruption_n a_o core_n of_o rottenness_n in_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o all_o his_o motion_n he_o do_v not_o know_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o so_o honest_a or_o upright_o as_o he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v nor_o his_o action_n so_o just_a and_o honourable_a he_o be_v not_o true_o religious_a or_o just_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v spiritual_o but_o in_o his_o own_o kind_n he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o obey_v god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v good_a if_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v in_o kind_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_v that_o god_n can_v own_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o man_n will_v have_v it_o go_v for_o and_o think_v it_o to_o be_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o etc._n etc._n man_n deceive_v himself_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o honest_a obedient_a heart_n in_o he_o towards_o god_n as_o he_o think_v for_o of_o all_o thing_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o bless_v himself_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n though_o he_o be_v weak_a yet_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o and_o though_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n in_o he_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n but_o god_n will_v one_o day_n show_v he_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v never_o right_a with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v true_o desire_v to_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o man_n if_o he_o can_v possible_o observe_v and_o discern_v himself_o may_v at_o some_o time_n descry_v this_o naughtiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o like_a to_o have_v it_o discover_v but_o justify_v himself_o against_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n man_n do_v not_o like_o that_o light_n that_o search_v too_o far_o into_o his_o hide_a iniquity_n o_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o conviction_n close_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n all_o will_v confess_v sin_n in_o general_a but_o their_o peculiar_a way_n of_o wickedness_n either_o in_o their_o worship_v of_o god_n or_o in_o their_o course_n and_o conversation_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v touch_v there_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n this_o be_v not_o pride_n this_o be_v not_o covetousness_n this_o be_v not_o hypocrisy_n this_o be_v not_o the_o persecute_v of_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o idolatry_n but_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n o_o read_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o tremble_v in_o that_o 2_o chap._n of_o jeremy_n especial_o vers_fw-la 23.25_o &_o 34.35_o man_n purify_v his_o heart_n by_o his_o principle_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o square_n his_o worship_n life_n and_o conversation_n to_o his_o light_n and_o measure_n by_o the_o word_n thus_o he_o paint_v his_o sepulchre_n not_o discern_v the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v still_o within_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o appear_a truth_n and_o integrity_n the_o other_o be_v in_o that_o let_v god_n set_v he_o right_o in_o any_o dispensation_n he_o present_o and_o most_o natural_o turn_v from_o it_o he_o be_v wind_v up_o by_o god_n against_o the_o hair_n but_o he_o sink_v down_o again_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v very_o difficult_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o rectitude_n in_o any_o kind_n but_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v he_o very_o sudden_o apostacize_v from_o this_o also_o be_v abundant_o set_v forth_o jer._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 2._o there_o be_v always_o a_o weakness_n attend_v he_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o corruption_n yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o weakness_n both_o in_o his_o spirit_n and_o motion_n if_o he_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n set_v right_a at_o any_o time_n yet_o his_o nature_n be_v frail_a if_o there_o be_v religion_n if_o there_o be_v righteousness_n in_o he_o of_o any_o true_a stamp_n under_o any_o dispensation_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o poor_a weak_a and_o low_a this_o you_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o that_o people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n look_v upon_o their_o religion_n their_o faith_n their_o love_n there_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n see_v what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o with_o much_o difficulty_n they_o be_v hardly_o draw_v to_o it_o what_o ado_n â—ad_a god_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n he_o use_v many_o instruction_n many_o miracle_n many_o correction_n much_o patience_n or_o else_o he_o have_v destroy_v they_o many_o a_o time_n in_o the_o furnace_n and_o have_v never_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v they_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o alas_o a_o poor_a frail_a vessel_n a_o vessel_n long_o in_o make_v and_o yet_o when_o make_v very_o brittle_a how_o soon_o after_o every_o right_a constitution_n and_o reformation_n do_v they_o backslide_v and_o corrupt_v themselves_o which_o plain_o evidence_n the_o frailty_n of_o their_o state_n they_o sing_v his_o praise_n they_o soon_o forget_v his_o work_n so_o weak_a be_v man_n that_o though_o he_o be_v raise_v and_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o leg_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v so_o 3._o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o continual_a progress_n towards_o destruction_n that_o which_o be_v corrupt_a god_n destroy_v and_o that_o which_o be_v frail_a and_o weak_a die_v of_o itself_o yea_o it_o be_v own_o frail_a nature_n incline_v it_o to_o that_o corruption_n which_o hasten_v its_o death_n nothing_o can_v act_v above_o its_o nature_n adam_z when_o he_o fall_v show_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o find_v somewhat_o in_o he_o to_o fasten_v upon_o frailty_n be_v a_o property_n of_o the_o flesh_n weakness_n be_v as_o proper_a to_o the_o earthly_a image_n as_o strength_n to_o the_o heavenly_a the_o seed_n of_o strength_n grow_v up_o through_o weakness_n unto_o perfection_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o weakness_n grow_v down_o from_o strength_n from_o all_o the_o strength_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v
that_o pass_v not_o away_o but_o purify_v perfect_v and_o preserve_v the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v a_o life_n which_o both_o endure_v in_o itself_o and_o lead_v to_o that_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o life_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o and_o through_o the_o seed_n shall_v settle_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o all_o adam_n nature_n all_o adam_n excellency_n all_o adam_n life_n all_o adam_n enjoyment_n content_a and_o blessedness_n thereby_o how_o soon_o do_v it_o fade_v but_o this_o nature_n this_o life_n this_o principle_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o this_o life_n be_v not_o write_v in_o adam_n nature_n or_o in_o the_o command_n to_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o command_n to_o christ_n nature_n and_o to_o man_n through_o that_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n to_o death_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v lead_v and_o be_v guide_v safe_o through_o this_o commandment_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o thirst_n of_o his_o nature_n even_o this_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v here_o mention_v 3._o what_o this_o same_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v ans._n this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o his_o comprehend_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o see_v of_o it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o measure_v it_o in_o his_o own_o understanding_n as_o man_n measure_v natural_a thing_n within_o his_o reach_n by_o his_o natural_a understanding_n so_o christ_n measure_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o spiritual_a light_n with_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o what_o he_o find_v proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v truth_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n as_o man_n what_o he_o true_o measure_v in_o the_o true_a light_n of_o reason_n with_o a_o true_o rational_a understanding_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n there_o so_o what_o christ_n measure_v after_o his_o way_n in_o this_o his_o spiritual_a region_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n here_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n with_o the_o true_a eye_n see_v the_o true_a thing_n in_o the_o true_a light_n so_o that_o his_o light_n his_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n i_o know_v etc._n etc._n man_n propose_v unto_o himself_o vain_a way_n and_o satan_n invent_v many_o device_n for_o he_o but_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n speak_v truth_n and_o propose_v only_a truth_n unto_o he_o he_o propose_v the_o letter_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o prophet_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o spirit_n thereof_o the_o word_n which_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n &_o they_o be_v life_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n so_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a ministration_n of_o it_o which_o he_o begin_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n and_o both_o he_o and_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o christ_n lay_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n before_o he_o come_v into_o this_o world_n there_o he_o see_v thing_n there_o he_o see_v this_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o when_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v in_o he_o before_o spring_v up_o here_o in_o he_o in_o this_o world_n he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o behold_v in_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o which_o now_o he_o receive_v quick_a lively_a pure_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o new_a state_n and_o station_n and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a let_v this_o seem_v what_o it_o will_v to_o you_o let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o he_o by_o moses_n let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o strange_a to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n also_o so_o much_o desire_v i_o know_v that_o life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v life_n and_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v and_o obey_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o can_v miss_v of_o life_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a 4._o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o what_o kind_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o which_o contain_v everlasting_a life_n in_o it_o which_o draw_v everlasting_a life_n along_o with_o it_o ans._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v exhort_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o son_n come_v not_o to_o save_v himself_o but_o to_o seek_v and_o save_v lose_v man_n it_o be_v for_o he_o he_o bring_v forth_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n but_o yet_o that_o way_n whereby_o he_o save_v he_o be_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v and_o act_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n in_o he_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v by_o man_n spirit_n or_o nature_n believe_v in_o the_o son_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o be_v comprehend_v and_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o motion_n of_o man_n that_o tend_v to_o life_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a come_v alone_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o only_a life_n and_o move_v and_o act_n aright_o in_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o repentance_n mourning_n joy_n hope_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v spiritual_a as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v from_o a_o new_a root_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v this_o old_a nature_n spring_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n he_o that_o be_v not_o new_o bear_v have_v not_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v life_n nor_o a_o heart_n to_o desire_v it_o nor_o a_o foot_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o so_o that_o though_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o most_o proper_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o also_o need_v salvation_n in_o this_o state_n wherein_o it_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o here_o in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o it_o enter_v into_o spring_v up_o in_o take_v possession_n of_o and_o leaven_n the_o man_n it_o become_v his_o also_o it_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a nature_n of_o the_o man_n and_o infuse_v this_o new_a insomuch_o as_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o man_n also_o so_o that_o not_o only_o now_o christ_n in_o the_o man_n believe_v but_o the_o man_n also_o believe_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o have_v change_v he_o into_o and_o communicate_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o observation_n itself_o will_v now_o appear_v more_o manifest_a which_o be_v this_o obser._n that_o christ_n hold_v out_o from_o true_a light_n from_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n christ_n do_v not_o guess_v at_o it_o or_o imagine_v it_o strong_o as_o we_o do_v at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o he_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o this_o four_o fold_n ground_n first_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n second_o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n three_o from_o his_o life_n and_o four_o from_o his_o light_n each_o of_o these_o contribute_v much_o towards_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v make_v up_o no_o less_o than_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n 1._o from_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o earth_n but_o from_o above_o he_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n
in_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o true_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v deceive_v because_o as_o it_o flow_v from_o truth_n alone_o so_o it_o be_v pure_o truth_n in_o itself_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o entertain_v or_o admit_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o be_v nature_n be_v perfect_o shut_v up_o against_o every_o lie_n and_o deceit_n it_o natural_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o thrust_v it_o away_o its_o nature_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v receive_v it_o now_o he_o which_o be_v natural_o true_a and_o can_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n sure_o he_o can_v possible_o bring_v forth_o a_o lie_n hence_o arise_v the_o certainty_n of_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o christ_n namely_o from_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v of_o a_o true_a of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n and_o can_v but_o act_v true_o according_a to_o their_o kind_n 2._o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n his_o nature_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a right_a and_o of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n but_o it_o be_v also_o in_o union_n with_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v adam_n may_v be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o that_o root_n will_v not_o preserve_v its_o offspring_n therefore_o he_o fall_v but_o christ_n nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o can_v miscarry_v both_o because_o that_o root_n can_v but_o preserve_v its_o seed_n and_o because_o that_o nature_n can_v but_o be_v suck_a nourishment_n from_o the_o root_n there_o be_v no_o nature_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v more_o independent_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o fullness_n and_o yet_o no_o nature_n be_v more_o dependent_a which_o arise_v from_o its_o constitution_n and_o be_v its_o wisdom_n and_o safety_n there_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o root_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o certainty_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a same_o certainty_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o yea_o his_o nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n have_v also_o communion_n with_o it_o insomuch_o as_o he_o enjoy_v the_o truth_n there_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o light_n and_o be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o darkness_n 3._o from_o his_o life_n christ_n have_v a_o life_n in_o he_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a life_n a_o spiritual_a life_n a_o divine_a life_n his_o spirit_n as_o it_o have_v the_o nature_n so_o also_o it_o have_v the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o his_o motion_n spring_v from_o his_o own_o life_n and_o so_o can_v but_o be_v as_o certain_a unto_o he_o in_o his_o kind_n yea_o much_o more_o his_o life_n be_v of_o a_o more_o certain_a kind_n as_o our_o motion_n which_o spring_n in_o we_o from_o our_o life_n be_v to_o we_o in_o our_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o our_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o be_v very_o certain_a because_o he_o be_v our_o knowledge_n at_o best_a be_v but_o reveal_v it_o be_v but_o give_v in_o to_o our_o life_n but_o his_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a it_o flow_v from_o his_o life_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n every_o motion_n unto_o he_o be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o satisfactory_a namely_o because_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a because_o it_o flow_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o life_n man_n attain_v his_o skill_n and_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n by_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o trouble_v he_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o defend_v and_o manage_v it_o yea_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v a_o little_a awaken_v and_o enlarge_v can_v but_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o but_o christ_n skill_n and_o understanding_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o and_o flow_v forth_o from_o he_o and_o both_o in_o its_o spring_v up_o and_o flow_v forth_o answer_v the_o truth_n largeness_n and_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n 4._o from_o his_o light_n he_o have_v a_o proper_a light_n to_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n with_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n with_o god_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n breathe_v in_o the_o same_o air_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n spirit_n and_o life_n so_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n he_o be_v call_v the_o light_n joh._n 1.7_o john_n come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n he_o himself_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n verse_n 8._o that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n verse_n 9_o the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v a_o true_a shadow_n the_o light_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a testimony_n but_o he_o be_v the_o substance_n he_o be_v that_o true_a light_n which_o all_o other_o light_n do_v but_o shadow_n out_o and_o testify_v concern_v there_o be_v a_o eye_n proper_a to_o every_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o eye_n in_o every_o nature_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v to_o behold_v and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o light_n proper_a to_o every_o eye_n now_o christ_n have_v both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o light_n how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o see_v certain_o gather_v up_o these_o together_o he_o that_o have_v a_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o true_a eye_n in_o it_o he_o who_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n and_o who_o himself_o be_v truth_n in_o he_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a life_n in_o he_o for_o his_o motion_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o true_a life_n to_o guide_v his_o eye_n with_o and_o last_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a light_n to_o see_v in_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o be_v certain_a in_o what_o he_o thus_o view_v and_o so_o his_o seed_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o life_n the_o same_o light_n how_o can_v they_o miss_v of_o the_o same_o certainty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v guide_v natural_o unto_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o infallibility_n but_o now_o man_n adam_n take_v he_o at_o his_o best_a who_o never_o have_v this_o nature_n but_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o earthly_a man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o never_o have_v this_o life_n or_o light_n in_o he_o how_o can_v he_o understand_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n he_o may_v desire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o life_n and_o fumble_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o can_v possible_o pierce_v into_o they_o he_o may_v gather_v many_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n and_o approach_v in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v to_o a_o certainty_n but_o he_o can_v reach_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v know_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o may_v perhaps_o reason_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n and_o a_o way_n unto_o it_o but_o he_o can_v possible_o conceive_v what_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v nor_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o but_o the_o son_n or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o nature_n that_o spirit_n that_o life_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v to_o it_o descends_z of_o itself_o upon_o they_o &_o spring_v up_o of_o itself_o in_o they_o use_v 1_o take_v heed_n of_o contradict_v christ_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o which_o he_o give_v out_o upon_o knowledge_n christâ—â—me_o â—â—me_z from_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o god_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n here_o the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n that_o the_o present_a state_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o future_a that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v dispense_v and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n then_o be_v by_o believe_a now_o christ_n testify_v true_o and_o wise_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v upon_o ground_n he_o speak_v what_o he_o see_v by_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o from_o thy_o own_o head_n from_o a_o strong_a fancy_n or_o reason_n in_o thy_o own_o mind_n contradict_v this_o and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n
unite_a to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n not_o in_o the_o life_n or_o power_n of_o a_o present_a dispensation_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n vanish_v but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o life_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o now_o whatsoever_o flow_v whatsoever_o grow_v up_o from_o this_o spirit_n be_v truth_n all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o issue_n hence_o be_v true_a of_o the_o true_a kind_n have_v the_o true_a stamp_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o here_o you_o may_v find_v the_o true_a death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a life_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a understanding_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o that_o which_o be_v so_o only_o in_o a_o dispensation_n whether_o of_o law_n or_o gospel_n though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o its_o kind_n and_o may_v serve_v the_o present_a turn_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abide_a truth_n man_n nature_n man_n life_n man_n power_n even_o that_o which_o adam_n have_v from_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a his_o inclination_n and_o natural_a ability_n to_o believe_v to_o love_v to_o obey_v it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a take_v he_o with_o all_o his_o qualification_n and_o endowment_n that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v with_o his_o capacity_n of_o receive_v in_o more_o be_v but_o earthly_a adam_n who_o god_n dash_v in_o piece_n be_v but_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o the_o potter_n yea_o in_o every_o dispensation_n since_o all_o that_o be_v of_o man_n there_o be_v flesh_n all_o that_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o man_n be_v flesh_n that_o power_n of_o believe_a of_o love_v and_o obey_v which_o be_v rake_v up_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v at_o any_o time_n again_o rouse_v refresh_v and_o assist_v by_o any_o light_n or_o power_n from_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o lively_a motion_n and_o operation_n be_v still_o but_o flesh_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a birth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o fleshly_a birth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n god_n do_v not_o only_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o his_o several_a dispensation_n but_o he_o do_v also_o here_o and_o there_o sprinkle_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n he_o do_v beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o promise_n his_o own_o son_n under_o the_o law_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o ishmael_n now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o beget_v isaac_n which_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o sarah_n and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v isaacâ—hat_o â—hat_z which_o spring_v up_o from_o his_o own_o sow_v out_o of_o the_o wâ—mb_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v his_o own_o seed_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n therefore_o sir_n look_v to_o your_o root_n what_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o hitherto_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o still_o look_v to_o your_o foundation_n if_o your_o root_n be_v flesh_n all_o your_o glory_n must_v down_o all_o your_o spiritual_a apprehension_n and_o hope_n will_v vanish_v and_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o sud_n if_o they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a in_o their_o root_n if_o your_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o sand_n the_o high_a your_o build_n in_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a will_v the_o fall_v thereof_o be_v that_o which_o be_v exalt_v near_o to_o heaven_n in_o its_o present_a growth_n and_o lustre_n if_o it_o prove_v not_o right_a shall_v be_v throw_v down_o to_o hell_n with_o the_o great_a indignation_n and_o sink_v into_o the_o sharp_a wrath_n and_o misery_n there_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o hell_n be_v uneasy_a enough_o but_o the_o dark_a chamber_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o deep_a hypocrite_n which_o they_o without_o all_o controversy_n be_v who_o hold_v forth_o the_o high_a resemblance_n of_o the_o life_n liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o in_o they_o but_o in_o who_o all_o this_o spring_n from_o a_o fleshly_a foundation_n vii_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 4.20_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n there_o have_v always_o be_v great_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o the_o disciple_n thereof_o and_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o every_o one_o will_v have_v their_o apprehension_n their_o light_n their_o way_n their_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n yea_o many_o time_n that_o which_o be_v indeed_o truth_n run_v low_a and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o vanity_n swell_v and_o make_v a_o great_a show_n appear_v as_o very_o high_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a that_o which_o be_v empty_a make_v a_o great_a sound_n draw_v the_o multitude_n after_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v substantial_a be_v cast_v aside_o as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a likely_a to_o be_v that_o life_n and_o substance_n which_o all_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o dispute_n be_v very_o hot_a now_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o sort_n of_o religious_a person_n do_v not_o real_o believe_v and_o in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o so_o far_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v at_o least_o erroneous_a this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o among_o the_o several_a sort_n and_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o who_o make_v slight_a of_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o will_v undertake_v to_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v more_o substantial_a more_o pure_a more_o high_a more_o spiritual_a they_o will_v teach_v the_o truth_n the_o substance_n of_o that_o whereof_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v but_o a_o shadow_n now_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o way_n which_o he_o will_v take_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n and_o deceit_n of_o these_o person_n vers_fw-la 19_o he_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o know_v not_o their_o speech_n but_o their_o power_n he_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o speech_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v exceed_o take_v to_o a_o fleshly_a eye_n but_o the_o virtue_n the_o life_n the_o spirit_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v he_o will_v search_v into_o the_o nature_n into_o the_o root_n into_o the_o virtue_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o will_v he_o prize_v it_o in_o himself_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o other_o as_o he_o find_v it_o there_o and_o not_o have_v any_o esteem_n of_o it_o because_o of_o its_o flourish_n or_o it_o be_v seem_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a lustre_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o intend_a course_n or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o all_o this_o great_a appearance_n of_o glory_n of_o spirituality_n of_o life_n of_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v without_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o regard_v they_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o look_v after_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o deceive_v myself_o with_o a_o appearance_n with_o a_o flourish_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n but_o where_o ever_o the_o true_a power_n be_v to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v the_o kingdom_n therefore_o i_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o other_o and_o mind_n how_o much_o of_o that_o be_v in_o they_o towards_o open_v of_o the_o phrase_n three_o thing_n will_v be_v inquire_v into_o namely_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o kingdom_n second_o what_o by_o word_n three_o what_o by_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o kingdom_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v mean_v the_o new_a nature_n the_o new_a life_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o new_a inheritance_n unto_o which_o this_o nature_n and_o life_n lead_v there_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n descend_v from_o god_n this_o new_a nature_n lead_v a_o new_a life_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o both_o
be_v from_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o man_n will_v fain_o be_v break_v there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n upon_o he_o that_o the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v through_o death_n for_o this_o which_o he_o possess_v he_o may_v see_v he_o may_v feel_v and_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v but_o long_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o pass_v through_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v at_o life_n but_o this_o baptism_n none_o can_v baptize_v himself_o with_o he_o alone_o can_v do_v it_o who_o baptize_v christ._n it_o be_v the_o life_n alone_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o break_n for_o the_o outward_a vessel_n belong_v to_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o have_v its_o capacity_n in_o and_o from_o the_o life_n and_o he_o alone_o can_v break_v it_o who_o form_v it_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v build_v and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v destroy_v this_o kind_n of_o fabric_n this_o wise_a and_o accurate_a destruction_n require_v the_o same_o skill_n and_o virtue_n which_o issue_v out_o and_o build_v up_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n can_v never_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o administer_v any_o degree_n of_o this_o death_n further_o than_o he_o be_v enable_v instruct_v and_o assist_v thereunto_o from_o the_o root_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o wisdom_n skill_n and_o power_n go_v along_o perfect_o in_o every_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o or_o apprehend_v by_o any_o thing_n now_o as_o all_o death_n and_o brokenness_n have_v affliction_n and_o misery_n in_o it_o so_o this_o beyond_o all_o and_o as_o man_n will_v aspire_v after_o this_o death_n so_o he_o will_v fancy_v that_o he_o have_v this_o kind_n of_o misery_n upon_o he_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o pang_n he_o know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o there_o be_v three_o great_a scene_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o various_a strain_n step_n and_o degree_n all_o which_o man_n can_v imitate_v very_o accurate_o but_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o they_o 1._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o corruption_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n come_v forth_o with_o power_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n slay_v it_o in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o in_o who_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o sow_o and_o spring_v up_o shall_v find_v himself_o die_v unto_o his_o sinful_a nature_n daily_o this_o be_v one_o scene_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n nature_n sin_n must_v die_v and_o righteousness_n must_v live_v yea_o and_o then_o righteouseness_n must_v die_v also_o when_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n at_o first_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n o_o say_v he_o that_o this_o filthy_a nature_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o little_o do_v he_o then_o think_v that_o all_o this_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o die_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v judge_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v but_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o plant_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o same_o god_n which_o sind_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o covenant_n can_v also_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o under_o that_o covenant_n and_o can_v so_o judge_v it_o unto_o death_n and_o destruction_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n even_o of_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o flesh_n eternal_a life_n in_o the_o life_n thus_o receive_v die_v christ_n thus_o alive_a die_v even_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o his_o life_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v he_o this_o life_n and_o who_o keep_v this_o life_n pure_a in_o he_o he_o slay_v it_o yea_o christ_n himself_o offer_v up_o this_o life_n without_o spot_n to_o god_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n or_o stage_n of_o death_n which_o god_n mention_v at_o the_o begin_n upon_o man_n fall_n namely_o the_o death_n of_o the_o serpent_n the_o death_n of_o man_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n now_o there_o be_v counterfeit_n of_o all_o these_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o their_o corruption_n who_o be_v not_o and_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o skill_n life_n and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o attain_v this_o seem_a death_n many_o also_o seem_v to_o drink_v very_o deep_a into_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n who_o never_o yet_o taste_v of_o that_o life_n of_o he_o which_o be_v to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n whereof_o this_o condition_n consist_v viz._n a_o thorough_o break_a state_n in_o itself_o 2._o to_o this_o there_o be_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n a_o through_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o only_o break_v but_o they_o feel_v themselves_o break_v they_o be_v not_o only_o strip_v and_o leave_v naked_a but_o they_o feel_v both_o their_o strip_v and_o nakedness_n in_o other_o case_n a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a yea_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o yet_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o happy_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o this_o kind_n of_o break_v be_v lively_a and_o of_o quick_a sense_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o be_v break_v this_o be_v such_o a_o death_n as_o he_o thorough_o feel_v who_o die_v christ_n feel_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o worm_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n feel_v their_o brutishness_n and_o want_n of_o understanding_n adam_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_o eve_n be_v form_v out_o of_o he_o but_o christ_n be_v awake_a and_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o his_o awaken_v spirit_n form_n his_o church_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o life_n in_o his_o church_n suffer_v in_o its_o death_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o a_o through_o sight_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o by_o the_o world_n and_o of_o they_o because_o of_o it_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n open_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o god_n kindle_v and_o set_v up_o this_o lamp_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o put_v it_o out_o also_o in_o their_o view_n the_o symptom_n of_o this_o death_n the_o symptom_n of_o this_o break_n be_v so_o visible_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v that_o life_n that_o power_n that_o activity_n that_o stir_v of_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n word_n behaviour_n whole_a course_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v out_o and_o go_v they_o as_o manifest_o appear_v all_o this_o season_n in_o the_o world_n without_o it_o as_o former_o they_o do_v with_o it_o and_o the_o world_n now_o despise_v they_o that_o which_o gain_v esteem_v and_o glory_n from_o the_o world_n be_v go_v they_o can_v but_o despise_v they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o begin_v to_o honour_v they_o there_o be_v such_o a_o lustre_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n when_o at_o any_o time_n it_o discover_v itself_o within_o man_n centre_n as_o man_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o subject_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o life_n and_o excellency_n before_o but_o when_o man_n see_v all_o this_o fall_v and_o himself_o still_o stand_v where_o he_o be_v this_o which_o make_v such_o a_o appearance_n above_o he_o be_v fall_v beneath_o he_o christ_n be_v dead_a and_o he_o alive_a how_o can_v he_o now_o but_o despise_v this_o appearance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o lustre_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o of_o its_o former_a glory_n the_o exceed_a low_a fall_n of_o the_o high_a glory_n be_v most_o contemptible_a never_o man_n speak_v as_o christ_n speak_v and_o never_o man_n do_v as_o christ_n do_v even_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o etc._n etc._n what_o power_n and_o authority_n do_v he_o bear_v in_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n how_o do_v he_o every_o where_o so_o take_v with_o the_o people_n that_o his_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a enemy_n dare_v never_o meddle_v with_o he_o but_o in_o his_o death_n in_o his_o break_a state_n he_o lose_v all_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n when_o he_o