requisite_a for_o all_o those_o who_o covet_v to_o be_v â—uâ—â—t_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o supreme_a corner_n stone_n jesus_n christ_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o god_n but_o themselves_o may_v be_v that_o high_a and_o most_o happy_a city_n of_o god_n three_o thing_n concur_v to_o the_o end_n man_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o so_o noble_a and_o worthy_a a_o foundation_n first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n second_o that_o he_o be_v a_o live_a stonâ—_n last_o that_o this_o stone_n be_v curious_o polish_v and_o square_v first_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v stone_n not_o wood_n not_o hay_n not_o straw_n that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v a_o solid_a and_o firm_a wall_n that_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o stable_a man_n persevere_v in_o faith_n in_o charity_n in_o humility_n in_o obedience_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o and_o blow_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n as_o heretic_n be_v accustom_v to_o be_v neither_o violent_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o several_a desire_n and_o passion_n as_o some_o light_n and_o unsteady_a catholics_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o not_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o bvilder_n of_o the_o eternal_a city_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o make_v poor_a and_o weak_a cottage_n which_o be_v after_o present_o overthrow_v and_o ruin_n we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v live_v stone_n as_o s._n peter_n admonish_v that_o be_v to_o be_v full_a of_o charity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n christ_n be_v who_o though_o he_o once_o die_v in_o flesh_n yet_o he_o ever_o live_v in_o spirit_n and_o accord_v to_o the_o flesh_n do_v revive_v after_o he_o have_v taste_v death_n and_o be_v never_o after_o more_o to_o die_v dead_a stone_n do_v buyld_v and_o make_v dead_a house_n i_o mean_v corporal_a house_n whereas_o the_o spiritual_a house_n or_o rather_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n wh_z ch_z be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a require_v spiritual_a stone_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n lively_a stone_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v stone_n artificial_o wrought_v and_o square_v not_o stone_n unpolished_a and_o without_o form_n because_o such_o building_n be_v best_o sort_v to_o the_o most_o noble_a city_n of_o all_o city_n so_o we_o read_v in_o judith_n 1._o that_o arphaxad_n the_o king_n do_v build_v the_o city_n echatanis_n of_o square_a and_o cut_v stone_n and_o if_o king_n solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n of_o our_o lord_n here_o upon_o earth_n of_o polish_a carve_a and_o curious_a stone_n what_o stone_n then_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o eternal_a city_n which_o infinite_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o other_o city_n but_o this_o square_n &_o work_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o not_o in_o heaven_n the_o figure_n or_o type_n whereof_o be_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n for_o thus_o we_o read_v in_o the_o three_o of_o the_o king_n cap._n 6._o when_o the_o house_n be_v build_v neither_o hammer_n nor_o hatchet_n nor_o any_o tool_n of_o iron_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o house_n because_o the_o stone_n be_v hew_v cut_v and_o so_o perfect_o and_o even_o square_v far_o from_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o temple_n they_o be_v put_v in_o their_o place_n without_o any_o noise_n or_o sound_v of_o the_o hammer_n therefore_o we_o gather_v from_o hence_o that_o no_o sound_n or_o blow_v of_o the_o strike_a hammer_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o the_o celestial_a jerusalees_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o persecution_n no_o tribulation_n no_o penâ—tentiall_a labour_n no_o complain_v no_o dolour_n no_o heaviness_n and_o therefore_o the_o stone_n design_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o heavenly_a house_n aught_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o tear_n to_o be_v polish_v with_o stroke_n and_o pressure_n for_o thus_o the_o church_n sing_v tunsionibus_fw-la pressuris_fw-la expoliti_fw-la lapides_fw-la suis_fw-la cooptantur_fw-la locis_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la artificis_fw-la disponuntur_fw-la permansuri_fw-la sacris_fw-la edificijs_fw-la that_o be_v the_o stone_n be_v polish_v with_o knock_v be_v &_o pressure_n be_v make_v apt_a for_o their_o place_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o so_o they_o be_v dispose_v for_o ever_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o sacred_a building_n thus_o here_o in_o this_o world_n the_o burden_n of_o penance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v undergo_v since_o we_o all_o offend_v in_o many_o thing_n as_o s._n james_n affirm_v cap._n 3_o here_o our_o carnal_a concupiscence_n be_v to_o be_v tame_v here_o our_o proper_a will_n be_v to_o be_v overcome_v here_o our_o body_n be_v to_o bring_v into_o servitude_n here_o the_o buckler_n of_o faith_n through_o a_o indefatigable_a labour_n be_v to_o be_v interpose_v against_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n since_o otherwise_o if_o we_o can_v endure_v the_o stroke_n of_o the_o hammer_n how_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o heavenly_a architect_n unto_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o celestial_a house_n o_o that_o man_n will_v understand_v and_o conceive_v of_o how_o great_a a_o good_a they_o deprive_v themselves_o while_o they_o do_v avoid_v and_o decline_v the_o hammer_n of_o persecution_n and_o can_v at_o least_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o incommodity_n or_o loss_n any_o asperity_n any_o thing_n bitter_a and_o adverse_a unto_o they_o they_o will_v then_o doubtless_o change_v their_o course_n they_o will_v ruin_v banquet_n and_o good_a fellowship_n into_o fast_v delicate_a and_o costly_a apparel_n into_o hayre-shirt_n and_o idle_a discourse_n and_o unnecessary_a word_n into_o watch_v and_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o suffer_v any_o injustice_n or_o wrong_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o false_a brethren_n or_o open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n they_o will_v not_o in_o requital_n meditate_v upon_o revenge_n but_o they_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o pray_v even_o from_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o calumniatour_n &_o persecutor_n because_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o time_n be_v not_o condign_a to_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o us._n rom._n 8._o and_o in_o that_o our_o tribulation_n which_o be_v now_o momentary_a and_o light_a work_v above_o measure_n exceed_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n in_o us._n 2._o cor._n 4._o and_o certain_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n back_o upon_o those_o live_a stone_n who_o be_v go_v before_o we_o towards_o the_o structure_n of_o this_o heavenly_a edifice_n we_o shall_v behold_v each_o one_o of_o they_o to_o have_v bâ—n_o hew_v with_o knock_v be_v or_o stroke_n and_o polish_a with_o several_a pressure_n christ_n himself_o the_o most_o precious_a cornerstone_n who_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o hammer_v or_o work_v upon_o do_v so_o suffer_v for_o we_o as_o that_o by_o such_o a_o sufferance_n he_o do_v leave_v to_o we_o a_o example_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v do_v not_o revyle_v and_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o 1._o pet._n 2._o in_o like_a sort_n all_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v with_o s._n paul_n until_o this_o hour_n we_o do_v both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n &_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v beat_v with_o buffet_n and_o be_v night-wanderer_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o hand_n we_o be_v curse_v and_o do_v bless_v we_o be_v persecute_v and_o sustain_v it_o we_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o we_o do_v beseech_v we_o be_v make_v the_o outcast_n of_o this_o world_n the_o dross_n of_o all_o 1._o cor._n 4._o what_o may_v we_o relate_v of_o the_o martyr_n do_v not_o they_o all_o be_v cut_v and_o wrought_v by_o many_o tribulation_n calamity_n and_o most_o bitter_a death_n ascend_v to_o the_o edifice_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n i_o pass_v over_o the_o holy_a confessor_n anchorets_n virgin_n widow_n and_o all_o other_o grateful_a to_o god_n who_o have_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o celestial_a building_n if_o they_o have_v not_o crucify_v their_o flesh_n with_o their_o vice_n and_o have_v not_o proclaim_v open_a war_n and_o hostility_n even_o against_o themselves_o neither_o this_o refine_n and_o polish_n of_o the_o lively_a stone_n be_v necessary_a only_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v practise_v even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o live_n stone_n be_v abel_n who_o be_v cruel_o slay_v by_o his_o own_o brother_n cain_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n joseph_n be_v sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n tobias_n receive_v these_o word_n from_o the_o angel_n because_o thou_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o temptation_n shall_v prove_v thou_o tob._n 12._o the_o angel_n
weight_n of_o the_o edifice_n to_o tolerate_v the_o infirmity_n of_o all_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v under_o all_o and_o yet_o the_o same_o prelate_n as_o be_v the_o summity_n or_o height_n of_o the_o building_n aught_o to_o be_v above_o all_o to_o command_v all_o &_o to_o be_v obey_v by_o all_o therefore_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n may_v christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o power_n to_o bear_v all_o up_o through_o his_o authority_n and_o virtue_n and_o withal_o as_o he_o be_v place_v in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o angle_n may_v conjoin_v two_o wallâ—_n together_o and_o constitute_v one_o people_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o preside_v over_o all_o and_o command_v over_o all._n of_o the_o mystical_a port_n or_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o it_o now_o follow_v that_o we_o consider_v the_o port_n or_o gate_n of_o this_o celestial_a jerusalem_n the_o common_a exposition_n of_o interpreter_n be_v that_o by_o the_o port_n be_v understand_v the_o apostle_n which_o expositor_n do_v herein_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o s._n austin_n in_o exposit_n psal_n 86._o but_o the_o evangelist_n apoc._n 21._o speak_v of_o the_o gate_n make_v mention_n of_o twelve_o angel_n &_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o name_n he_o say_v be_v write_v in_o the_o twelve_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n he_o there_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o yet_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o s._n austin_n and_o of_o other_o follow_v he_o be_v false_a since_o s._n john_n speak_v mystical_o and_o not_o as_o the_o word_n do_v sound_a and_o there_o speak_v as_o a_o prophet_n not_o as_o a_o historian_n and_o all_o that_o description_n of_o he_o be_v even_o most_o redundant_fw-la of_o mystical_a signification_n the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o all_o a_o figure_n of_o this_o heavenly_a city_n abraham_n be_v the_o first_o to_o who_o promise_v of_o that_o land_n be_v make_v for_o thus_o do_v god_n speak_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 13._o all_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o see_v will_v i_o give_v to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o apostle_n conspiring_o say_v the_o like_a gal._n 3._o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o a_o little_a after_o god_n give_v be_v to_o abraham_n by_o promise_n isaac_n be_v the_o sole_a heir_n to_o abraham_n ishmael_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o handmaid_n be_v exclude_v the_o scripture_n thus_o speak_v thereof_o the_o son_n of_o the_o handmaid_n shall_v not_o be_v heir_n with_o the_o son_n of_o a_o freewoman_n the_o son_n of_o isaac_n be_v only_a jacob_n esau_n be_v exclude_v who_o sell_v his_o birthright_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n thus_o speak_v i_o love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n which_o sentence_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 9_o the_o heir_n of_o jacob_n be_v all_o his_o son_n which_o be_v twelve_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v disinherit_v and_o thus_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n as_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o josue_n now_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o s._n john_n in_o the_o apocalyps_n say_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o twelve_o gate_n to_o wit_n because_o the_o port_n or_o gate_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v that_o hereditary_a right_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o only_o the_o son_n of_o israel_n but_o as_o i_o note_v a_o little_a above_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n speak_v mystical_o and_o by_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v understand_v true_a israelit_n not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o their_o spiritual_a child_n be_v understand_v thereby_o for_o as_o s._n paul_n express_o teach_v rom._n 9_o not_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v israelite_n nor_o they_o which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n all_o be_v child_n which_o apostle_n â—_o little_a after_o compare_v israel_n to_o a_o tree_n of_o which_o many_o bough_n be_v brokeâ—_n through_o incredulity_n and_o other_o insert_v and_o implant_v through_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o gentill_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n do_v begin_v to_o become_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v true_a israelit_n saint_n austin_n dâ—monstrateth_v and_o expliâ—ateth_v all_o thâ—se_a point_n very_o large_o thus_o write_v ep_v ad_fw-la asâ—l_n be_v not_o these_o great_a wounder_n and_o a_o deep_a mystery_n that_o many_o not_o bear_v of_o israel_n shall_v be_v israel_n and_o manâ—_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o child_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o passâ—_n that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o how_o come_v be_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o other_o â—re_n i_o will_v show_v those_o be_v not_o the_o sonneâ—_n of_o the_o promise_n who_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v the_o son_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n so_o enjoy_n a_o empty_a name_n or_o title_n and_o therefore_o they_o â—re_n not_o israel_n as_o we_o be_v neither_o be_v we_o israel_n as_o they_o be_v for_o we_o be_v israel_n accord_v to_o spiritual_a regeneration_n theâ—_n be_v israel_n in_o respect_n of_o carnal_a generation_n and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o say_v s_o austin_n thus_o further_o enlarge_v himself_o say_v even_o among_o the_o nephew_n of_o abraham_n the_o son_n of_o isaac_n those_o two_o brethren_n i_o mean_v esau_n and_o jacob_n who_o after_o be_v call_v israel_n this_o great_a and_o deep_a mystery_n take_v place_n of_o which_o point_n the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o by_o isaac_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ._n certain_o this_o apostolical_a and_o catholikâ—_n doctrine_n evident_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o flesh_n the_o jew_n do_v belong_v to_o sara_n the_o ismaelit_n to_o agar_n but_o according_a to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o christian_n do_v appertain_v to_o sara_n and_o the_o jew_n to_o agar_n in_o like_a sort_n according_a to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o flesh_n to_o esau_n who_o be_v also_o call_v edom_n the_o offspring_n of_o the_o idumean_n belong_v and_o to_o jacob_n who_o be_v also_o call_v israel_n the_o progeny_n of_o the_o jew_n appertain_v last_o according_a to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o jew_n belong_v to_o esau_n and_o to_o israel_n the_o christian_n thus_o far_o s._n austin_n who_o full_o instruct_v we_o that_o christian_n be_v true_a israelit_n not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o true_a heir_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n write_v upon_o they_o because_o the_o port_n or_o gate_n by_o the_o which_o entrance_n be_v make_v into_o that_o heavenly_a land_n of_o promise_n be_v the_o right_n or_o title_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n which_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o name_n of_o israelit_n that_o be_v by_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n now_o where_o s._n john_n add_v that_o in_o those_o gate_n be_v twelve_o angel_n this_o signify_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v the_o keeper_n or_o warder_n of_o the_o gate_n their_o office_n be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o not_o any_o do_v enter_v therein_o who_o have_v not_o right_a of_o inheritance_n and_o perhaps_o for_o this_o reason_n s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n be_v picture_v with_o a_o pair_n of_o balance_n or_o weight_n in_o his_o hand_n in_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n subject_a unto_o he_o he_o do_v examine_v and_o weigh_v the_o merit_n of_o those_o who_o do_v seek_v to_o aspire_v to_o this_o heavenly_a city_n thus_o much_o touch_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o mystical_a stone_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n chap._n xii_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o edifice_n consist_v of_o stone_n which_o be_v all_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n as_o the_o apostle_n s_o peter_n and_o s._n paul_n have_v perspicuous_o expound_v now_o since_o this_o part_n of_o the_o building_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o man_n i_o hold_v it_o a_o thing_n conuâ—nient_a to_o consider_v the_o condition_n and_o quality_n which_o be_v
to_o the_o three_o heaven_n concer-a_a house_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o thus_o speak_v in_o my_o father_n house_n there_o be_v many_o mansion_n joan._n 14._o touch_v a_o city_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n you_o be_v come_v to_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n hebr._n 12._o to_o conclude_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n our_o lord_n himself_o thus_o in_o s._n matthew_n 5._o beatipauperes_fw-la spiritu_fw-la etc._n etc._n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o no_o other_o name_n through_o out_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o frequent_o use_v than_o this_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v call_v a_o paradise_n because_o heaven_n be_v a_o most_o pleasant_a place_n abound_v withal_o spiritual_a delicacy_n but_o because_o some_o man_n may_v conjecture_v that_o a_o paradise_n be_v but_o a_o small_a garden_n place_v in_o some_o one_o corner_n of_o a_o house_n capable_a to_o receive_v but_o few_o man_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v adjoine_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n &_o name_n of_o house_n because_o a_o regal_a and_o princely_a house_n be_v accustom_v to_o be_v a_o great_a palace_n in_o which_o beside_o the_o garden_n or_o orchard_n there_o be_v certaaine_o open_a hall_n or_o place_n of_o disport_n diverse_a chamber_n and_o room_n of_o repose_n and_o retirement_n beside_o many_o other_o of_o different_a sort_n now_o see_v a_o house_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v great_a can_v contain_v many_o man_n therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o scripture_n do_v annexe_v the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n which_o usual_o comprehend_v in_o itself_o many_o orchard_n and_o many_o palace_n of_o pleasure_n but_o see_v s._n john_n write_v in_o the_o apocalyps_n 7._o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a vidi_n turbam_fw-la magnam_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o see_v a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o city_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n use_v the_o name_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n than_o which_o place_n no_o other_o throughout_o the_o whole_a university_n of_o thing_n create_v be_v more_o capacious_a but_o now_o again_o to_o show_v other_o reason_n in_o warrant_n of_o the_o former_a four_o different_a appellation_n or_o name_n because_o in_o a_o most_o ample_a kingdom_n there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o know_v the_o name_n of_o d_o vers_fw-la inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n nor_o know_v not_o whether_o such_o man_n be_v or_o have_v a_o existence_n or_o be_v and_o also_o in_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o bless_a do_v see_v and_o know_v one_o another_o and_z as_o friend_n conjoin_v in_o a_o strait_a bond_n of_o love_n do_v familiar_o converse_v among_o themselves_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o kingdom_n add_v the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v thereby_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v dwell_v in_o that_o though_o most_o vast_a kingdom_n be_v true_o citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o conjoin_v in_o familiarity_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o citizen_n of_o one_o small_a city_n be_v accustom_v to_o be_v and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v further_o instruct_v that_o all_o those_o happy_a man_n be_v not_o only_o the_o citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o also_o the_o domestic_a friend_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v call_v it_o a_o city_n call_v it_o also_o a_o house_n to_o conclude_v in_o that_o all_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n do_v enjoy_v the_o same_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o heaven_n therefore_o be_v that_o place_n entitle_v by_o the_o name_n of_o paradise_n thus_o these_o four_o word_n to_o wit_n a_o kingdom_n a_o city_n a_o house_n a_o paradise_n do_v signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o paradise_n here_o mention_v be_v so_o spacious_a and_o large_a as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o house_n a_o city_n a_o kingdom_n therefore_o i_o have_v here_o determine_v to_o commit_v to_o print_v whatsoever_o god_n shaâ—l_v vouchsafe_v to_o suggest_v and_o minister_v to_o i_o by_o way_n of_o meditation_n in_o the_o secret_a closet_n of_o my_o soul_n of_o this_o most_o happy_a place_n and_o this_o first_o un-the_a name_n of_o a_o kingdom_n next_o under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n then_o of_o a_o house_n and_o last_o of_o paradise_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o discourse_n i_o will_v subjoine_v six_o other_o name_n not_o of_o place_n but_o of_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o wit_n a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n a_o precious_a pearl_n or_o margarite_n the_o daily_a penny_n the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o great_a supper_n and_o a_o regal_a or_o princely_a marriage_n as_o also_o two_o other_o name_n out_o of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o price_n or_o reward_n and_o a_o crown_n so_o in_o all_o there_o shall_v be_v twelve_o distinct_a consideration_n by_o the_o which_o the_o eternal_a felicity_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o eternal_a felicity_n of_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o amplitude_n or_o largeness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n chap._n i._n of_o what_o worth_n and_o dignity_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v may_v partly_o be_v know_v in_o that_o our_o heavenly_a master_n do_v begin_v his_o sermon_n to_o his_o auditory_a from_o those_o word_n of_o matth._n 4._o de_fw-fr penance_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o further_o in_o that_o he_o make_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o subject_n of_o most_o of_o his_o parable_n say_v matth._n 13.18.20.21.22.25_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v resemble_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o the_o time_n of_o those_o forty_o day_n before_o his_o ascension_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n he_o discourse_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o s._n luke_n do_v witness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o consummation_n or_o end_n of_o the_o speech_n of_o christ_n be_v ever_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o we_o in_o this_o place_n will_v not_o undertake_v to_o dispute_v of_o all_o point_n touch_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o concern_v the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o first_o we_o will_v explicate_v why_o the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v name_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n well_o then_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o several_a respect_n be_v entitle_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o because_o heaven_n be_v a_o most_o ample_a region_n and_o far_o more_o ample_a and_o large_a than_o the_o narrow_a limit_n even_o of_o man_n thought_n can_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a earth_n which_o be_v but_o a_o prick_n or_o point_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n do_v contain_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a kingdom_n as_o that_o with_o difficulty_n they_o can_v be_v number_v of_o what_o immensenesse_n and_o huge_a vastness_n than_o shall_v that_o kingdom_n be_v which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o disperse_v and_o spread_v throughout_o the_o whole_a latitude_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o only_o contain_v through_o its_o own_o capacity_n the_o celestial_a region_n but_o also_o all_o this_o university_n â—nd_v general_a state_n of_o thing_n for_o that_o supercelestial_a region_n as_o i_o may_v term_v it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o province_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o chief_a prince_n all_o which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v reside_v and_o dwell_v the_o sâ—cond_o province_n may_v be_v call_v eternal_a in_o which_o the_o star_n be_v seat_v which_o star_n though_o they_o be_v inanimate_a nevertheless_o they_o be_v so_o obedient_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o will_n &_o beck_n of_o their_o creator_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v well_o say_v to_o have_v life_n and_o sense_n according_a to_o that_o of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la come_v and_o let_v we_o adore_v the_o king_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n doâ—_n live_v the_o three_o province_n be_v that_o of_o the_o air_n wherein_o the_o wind_n
do_v ever_o busy_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o breathles_o labour_v after_o it_o and_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a do_v humble_o beseech_v it_o of_o god_n with_o inutterable_a sigh_n and_o lamentation_n god_n do_v willing_o hear_v man_n pray_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o replenish_v they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o justice_n so_o as_o they_o be_v satiate_v therewith_o may_v even_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o word_n and_o work_n of_o justice_n but_o money_n or_o riches_n be_v not_o a_o good_a of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o who_o desire_v or_o pray_v for_o it_o to_o god_n be_v present_o hear_v since_o many_o abuse_n the_o use_n of_o money_n our_o riches_n but_o of_o justice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o abuse_n to_o conclude_v justice_n be_v like_a to_o wisdom_n of_o which_o s._n james_n say_v cap._n 1._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n abundant_o and_o upbrayd_v none_o o_o ineffable_a clemency_n of_o god_n who_o be_v more_o ready_a and_o wiâ—ling_a to_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o our_o soul_n good_a than_o we_o be_v either_o to_o demand_v or_o desire_v they_o whosoever_o therefore_o want_v the_o wisdom_n of_o saint_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a disposition_n for_o the_o gain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n let_v he_o most_o humble_o beseech_v god_n by_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o deep_a sigh_n and_o complaint_n and_o he_o shall_v infallible_o obtain_v his_o desire_n for_o god_n give_v to_o man_n thus_o pray_v and_o he_o do_v not_o repel_v or_o exclude_v any_o man_n neither_o do_v he_o give_v spare_o and_o niggardly_a but_o large_o abondant_o &_o without_o any_o upbraid_a or_o delay_n for_o god_n be_v not_o aggrieve_v with_o man_n importunity_n herein_o now_o what_o may_v we_o here_o say_v with_o what_o colour_n of_o excuse_n can_v a_o man_n plaster_n over_o either_o his_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n onâ—y_v thirst_v after_o justice_n and_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v full_o drink_v thereof_o to_o thy_o own_o satiety_n but_o do_v not_o thirst_v after_o the_o blandishment_n or_o allurement_n of_o the_o flesh_n neither_o after_o the_o empty_a smoke_n of_o honour_n nor_o â—ny_v other_o earthly_a benefit_n so_o shall_v thou_o draw_v out_o thy_o day_n in_o this_o world_n in_o all_o justice_n sobriety_n and_o piety_n &_o in_o the_o next_o thou_o shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o path_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n chap._n viii_o another_o tract_n or_o path_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o which_o our_o captain_n show_v we_o be_v that_o of_o matt._n 5._o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o empty_v our_o chest_n and_o bag_n altogether_o of_o money_n but_o only_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n void_a of_o all_o greedy_a affection_n and_o desire_v of_o earthly_a thing_n our_o lord_n do_v offer_v to_o we_o great_a wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o riches_n but_o he_o will_v not_o give_v they_o to_o we_o except_o we_o do_v bring_v a_o open_a hart_n free_a and_o estrange_v from_o all_o worldly_a covetousness_n the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_n be_v covetousness_n 1._o tim._n 6._o which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v call_v philargyria_n that_o be_v love_v of_o silver_n the_o root_n of_o all_o good_a be_v charity_n which_o two_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o therefore_o except_o a_o man_n become_v true_o and_o whole_o poor_a in_o spirit_n so_o as_o whether_o he_o have_v great_a or_o small_a store_n of_o riches_n his_o mind_n be_v not_o fix_v upon_o they_o but_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o distribute_v to_o they_o â—hat_n want_n and_o reserve_v to_o himself_o â—nâ—y_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o state_n this_o â—an_v i_o say_v can_v fulfil_v the_o justice_n of_o â—he_n kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o can_v obtain_v that_o kingdom_n this_o be_v the_o true_a tract_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n &_o in_o this_o path_n christ_n himself_o do_v first_o tread_v who_o for_o we_o be_v â—ade_v poor_a that_o he_o may_v enrich_v â—s_a through_o his_o poverty_n and_o although_o â—e_v have_v some_o money_n yet_o he_o deliver_v â—t_a to_o judas_n to_o keep_v who_o he_o know_v â—o_o be_v a_o thief_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v â—nderstand_v his_o mind_n be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o money_n this_o tract_n the_o apostle_n also_o do_v follow_v â—ho_fw-mi may_v easy_o have_v procure_v abundance_n of_o riches_n since_o they_o be_v faâ—ous_a for_o work_v of_o wondrous_a sinne_n and_o miracle_n do_v speak_v the_o â—_z of_o all_o country_n and_o become_v admirable_a throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n â—or_a their_o wisdom_n but_o they_o who_o once_o â—yd_v behold_v we_o have_v leave_v all_o thing_n â—nd_v follow_v thou_o do_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o liberty_n as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o â—ares_n and_o love_n of_o riches_n and_o contenâ—ng_v themselves_o with_o meat_n drink_n clothes_n do_v esteem_v piety_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riches_n this_o path_n not_o only_a monk_n and_o hermit_n but_o also_o king_n and_o supreme_a bishop_n have_v walk_v in_o who_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n certain_o s._n lewis_n king_n of_o france_n be_v rich_a but_o withal_o he_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o he_o do_v use_v but_o ordinary_a clothing_n do_v much_o fast_n be_v liberal_a and_o openhanded_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o only_o to_o himself_o most_o spare_a nor_o do_v we_o read_v that_o he_o waste_v any_o money_n in_o play_n or_o banquet_n s._n gregory_n also_o be_v pope_n do_v possess_v in_o diverse_a place_n great_a store_n of_o ecclesiastical_a patrimony_n and_o riches_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n he_o be_v most_o profuse_a and_o bountiful_a in_o give_v alm_n and_o most_o spare_a yea_o even_o almost_o covetous_a in_o bestow_v any_o thing_n upon_o himself_o or_o his_o kindred_n thus_o he_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v exceed_v the_o bond_n of_o liberality_n towards_o other_o and_o of_o sparingnes_n towards_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n but_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n everlasting_a we_o will_v adjoine_v to_o the_o former_a example_n two_o rare_a woman_n s._n paulaâ—e_v â—e_z roman_n who_o life_n be_v write_v 〈◊〉_d s._n jerome_n be_v no_o less_o rich_a in_o possession_n and_o revenue_n then_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o be_v a_o woman_n of_o most_o â—â—ble_a extraction_n she_o bestow_v all_o her_o â—ealth_n &_o riches_n in_o erect_v of_o monaâ—â—ries_n and_o relieve_n the_o poor_a and_o â—â—is_n with_o such_o fervour_n of_o charity_n as_o â—â—at_a she_o desire_v in_o soul_n to_o be_v bring_v 〈◊〉_d that_o low_a degree_n of_o want_n as_o that_o the_o charity_n and_o mercy_n of_o other_o shall_v discharge_v her_o funeral_n now_o how_o spare_v in_o charge_n she_o be_v to_o herself_o appear_v in_o that_o she_o forbear_v to_o feed_v upon_o flesh_n or_o egg_n or_o to_o drink_v wine_n for_o linen_n next_o to_o her_o body_n sâ—e_o wear_v a_o haircloth_n she_o do_v lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o do_v purge_v &_o cancel_v even_o her_o small_a offence_n with_o continual_a prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o heduigis_fw-la queen_n of_o polonia_n be_v rich_a in_o temporal_a faculty_n but_o more_o rich_a in_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n she_o do_v content_v herself_o with_o one_o poor_a gown_n and_o wear_v iâ—_n alone_o even_o in_o the_o great_a frost_n she_o fâ—sted_v every_o day_n sunday_n &_o great_a festival_n day_n only_o except_v she_o afflict_v her_o tender_a body_n with_o sharp_a discipline_n with_o great_a watch_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o austerity_n now_o from_o this_o he_o course_n of_o life_n we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v upon_o what_o thing_n she_o do_v spenâ—_n all_o her_o regal_a wealth_n and_o how_o small_a a_o affection_n or_o rather_o none_n she_o bear_v to_o riches_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o a_o woman_n so_o poor_a iâ—_n spirit_n and_o so_o desirous_a to_o shake_v of_o alâ—_n temporal_a care_n do_v at_o the_o last_o through_o such_o spiritual_a endeavour_n arrive_v to_o heaven_n the_o three_o path_n way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n chap._n ix_o the_o three_o way_n appoint_v by_o ouâ—_n spiritual_a captain_n be_v this_o maâ—â—_n s._n bless_a be_v they_o who_o suffer_v persecutiâ—â—_n for_o justice_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o wisdom_n of_o jesas_n chriâ—â—_n our_o doctor_n be_v most_o admirable_a yet_o altogether_o secret_a and_o unknown_a to_o thâ—_n wiseman_n of_o this_o world_n for_o who_o woulâ—_n believe_v be_v it_o not_o
the_o author_n of_o sweetness_n be_v thither_o come_v but_o if_o the_o glorified_a body_n of_o our_o redeemer_n do_v breathe_v a_o odour_n of_o such_o sweetness_n than_o it_o be_v altogether_o credible_a that_o all_o the_o body_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v send_v forth_o in_o heaven_n a_o wonderful_a sweetness_n for_o it_o be_v fit_v that_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o head_n not_o only_o in_o splendour_n but_o also_o in_o suavity_n of_o odour_n those_o man_n therefore_o who_o be_v delight_v with_o odour_n let_v they_o think_v with_o what_o sweetness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v replenish_v when_o they_o shall_v draw_v into_o their_o glorify_a scent_n the_o diverse_a and_o most_o sweet_a odour_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o celestial_a flower_n on_o every_o side_n breathe_v forth_o in_o that_o divine_a garden_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_v and_o touch_v chap._n viii_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o taste_n divines_n do_v write_v that_o the_o bless_a shall_v not_o use_v any_o mortal_a meat_n notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o delight_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v superfluous_a but_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o touch_v or_o feel_v all_o do_v agree_v that_o the_o use_v thereof_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v in_o heaven_n since_o the_o body_n of_o the_o bless_a as_o be_v true_a body_n with_o life_n may_v doubtless_o be_v touch_n our_o lord_n thus_o speak_v touch_v and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o to_o have_v luc._n 24._o yet_o all_o impure_a touch_v shall_v be_v most_o remote_a from_o their_o body_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o desire_n of_o generation_n and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n speak_v thus_o math._n 22._o in_o the_o resurrection_n neither_o shall_v they_o marry_v nor_o be_v marry_v but_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o we_o will_v not_o here_o stay_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v daily_o dispute_v in_o the_o school_n this_o one_o thing_n we_o affirm_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v shall_v receive_v no_o small_a pleasure_n from_o the_o perpetual_a and_o most_o excellent_a habitude_n or_o disposition_n of_o a_o glorious_a body_n through_o its_o quality_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n thus_o speak_v 1._o cor._n 15._o the_o body_n be_v sow_v in_o corruption_n it_o rise_v in_o incorruption_n it_o be_v sow_v in_o dishonour_n it_o shall_v rise_v in_o glory_n it_o be_v sow_v in_o infirmity_n it_o shall_v rise_v in_o power_n it_o be_v sow_v a_o natural_a body_n it_o shall_v rise_v a_o spiritual_a body_n of_o these_o four_o quality_n or_o privilege_n of_o a_o glorify_a body_n that_o of_o glory_n or_o splendour_n belong_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v as_o above_o we_o have_v say_v the_o other_o three_o seem_v proper_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v for_o even_o as_o when_o the_o body_n be_v oppress_v with_o stroke_n disease_n or_o wound_n endanger_v the_o life_n the_o sense_n of_o touch_v be_v that_o which_o suffer_v and_o grieve_v so_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o body_n enjoy_v perfect_a health_n be_v sound_n and_o of_o a_o strong_a constitution_n the_o sense_n of_o touch_v do_v rejoice_v therefore_o this_o sense_n shall_v have_v great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n when_o after_o the_o resurrection_n it_o shall_v be_v clad_v with_o immortality_n impassibility_n and_o health_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o this_o for_o all_o eternity_n what_o charge_n will_v not_o man_n willing_o be_v at_o especial_o prince_n and_o other_o of_o great_a estate_n to_o be_v free_v all_o their_o life_n time_n from_o the_o dolour_n of_o the_o gout_n or_o of_o the_o head_n the_o stomach_n or_o the_o reins_n what_o joy_n shall_v it_o then_o be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o not_o only_a death_n but_o all_o disease_n and_o grief_n shall_v be_v altogether_o exile_v furthermore_o those_o quality_n through_o the_o which_o a_o corruptible_a body_n do_v rise_v incorruptible_a and_o a_o body_n that_o be_v infirm_a rise_v impassable_a do_v belong_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v in_o like_a sort_n the_o quality_n of_o agility_n or_o subtlety_n by_o which_o a_o natural_a body_n shall_v rise_v spiritual_a seem_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o touch_v since_o that_o body_n shaâ—l_v be_v call_v spiritual_a and_o shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a body_n not_o in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o true_o flesh_n and_o bone_n but_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o subject_a to_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o at_o the_o very_a beck_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n it_o shall_v be_v able_a without_o any_o difficulty_n toil_n or_o weariness_n to_o be_v move_v most_o swift_o to_o ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o go_v and_o return_v to_o penetrate_v and_o pierce_v all_o place_n and_o this_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o body_n but_o a_o spirit_n therefore_o even_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v grieve_v and_o bear_v itself_o not_o well_o when_o a_o heavy_a and_o weighty_a body_n be_v force_v to_o ascend_v high_a or_o with_o great_a swiftness_n &_o speed_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o place_n to_o place_n so_o also_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o much_o rejoice_v and_o exult_v when_o a_o body_n without_o any_o toil_n or_o weariness_n either_o ascend_v above_o or_o pass_v most_o speedy_o from_o place_n to_o place_n behold_v therefore_o from_o what_o servitude_n of_o corruption_n the_o bless_a shall_v be_v free_v when_o as_o they_o shaâ—l_v no_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o horse_n coach_n guard_n of_o man_n weapon_n nor_o any_o other_o thing_n but_o those_o bless_a body_n even_o by_o their_o own_o force_n shall_v pass_v and_o go_v into_o what_o place_n themselves_o will_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v every_o where_o most_o safe_a and_o exempt_a from_o all_o danger_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n and_o thick_a troop_n of_o arm_a man_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o such_o man_n who_o can_v taste_v or_o resent_v spiritual_a delight_n in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o invenomed_a and_o corrupt_a palate_n or_o taste_n at_o least_o will_v entertain_v with_o due_a consideration_n these_o most_o great_a and_o perpetual_a corporal_a good_n and_o pleasure_n and_o that_o they_o will_v labour_v with_o all_o endeavour_n &_o bend_v of_o will_n for_o the_o purchase_n thereof_o for_o thus_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o will_v aspire_v to_o high_a matter_n and_o so_o by_o these_o degree_n they_o may_v at_o length_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n arrive_v to_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n chap._n ix_o we_o have_v unfold_v and_o explicate_v according_a to_o our_o small_a ability_n what_o joy_n be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o those_o that_o love_n god_n now_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v by_o certain_a external_a argument_n how_o great_a and_o transcendent_a those_o joy_n be_v our_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o joy_n which_o god_n often_o in_o this_o world_n give_v even_o to_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o to_o the_o reprobate_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v such_o a_o confluence_n of_o joy_n consist_v in_o riches_n honour_n power_n and_o diverse_a pleasure_n which_o god_n impart_v to_o sinner_n to_o his_o enemy_n either_o blaspheme_n against_o his_o dignity_n or_o not_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o that_o of_o most_o man_n they_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o most_o happy_a according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n psal_n 143._o they_o have_v say_v it_o be_v a_o happy_a people_n which_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o of_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o envy_n and_o grudge_v at_o salomon_n prosperity_n who_o reign_v forty_o year_n abound_v with_o all_o affluence_n of_o riches_n and_o delight_n &_o have_v seven_o hundred_o wyve_n and_o three_o hundred_o concubine_n who_o nevertheless_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o s._n austin_n be_v a_o reprobate_n for_o thus_o this_o father_n write_v in_o psal_n 126._o even_o solomon_n himself_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o woman_n and_o be_v reprobate_v of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la c._n 20._o he_o say_v the_o same_o of_o solomon_n which_o sallust_n do_v of_o catiline_n this_o man_n have_v a_o good_a beginning_n but_o a_o evil_a end_n s_o gregory_n follow_v s._n augustine_n judgement_n herein_o thus_o write_v l._n 2._o moral_n cap._n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n though_o receive_v wisdom_n do_v not_o persevere_v in_o god_n favour_n etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v the_o king_n or_o emperor_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o persian_n those_o of_o china_n and_o tartary_n unlike_a to_o solomon_n herein_o
christian_a soul_n to_o be_v espouse_v unto_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o be_v god_n perhaps_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o more_o honourable_a more_o profitable_a more_o sweet_a neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v a_o great_a glory_n &_o pleasure_n to_o serve_v the_o king_n of_o king_n it_o be_v a_o great_a to_o be_v number_v among_o his_o friend_n and_o to_o be_v range_v as_o i_o may_v say_v in_o the_o role_n of_o his_o domestic_n it_o be_v the_o great_a to_o be_v style_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o brother_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o god_n the_o consort_n or_o partaker_n of_o his_o throne_n the_o consort_n of_o his_o chamber_n of_o his_o crown_n of_o all_o his_o title_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a good_a if_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o speak_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n speak_v in_o esay_n of_o spiritual_a eunuch_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o in_o my_o house_n a_o name_n better_o than_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o be_v i_o will_v give_v to_o they_o the_o name_n of_o a_o spouse_n or_o wife_n isa_n 56._o who_o can_v conceive_v how_o sublime_a how_o honourable_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o see_v god_n but_o to_o converse_v and_o live_v with_o he_o what_o be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n with_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v transform_v and_o change_v into_o the_o supreme_a good_a the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v these_o 1._o cor._n 6._o he_o that_o adher_v to_o a_o harlot_n be_v make_v one_o body_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v two_o in_o one_o flesh_n but_o he_o that_o adher_v to_o our_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n and_o again_o but_o we_o all_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o face_n reveal_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n unto_o glory_n as_o our_o lord_n spirit_n what_o pleasure_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o receive_v our_o beam_n from_o the_o splendour_n of_o his_o countenance_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o splendour_n of_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v make_v most_o like_a to_o god_n s._n john_n say_v we_o shall_v belike_o unto_o he_o because_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1._o joan._n 3._o we_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o like_a to_o he_o as_o we_o be_v image_n create_v to_o his_o similitude_n but_o like_v in_o glory_n in_o beatitude_n in_o felicity_n the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n in_o that_o great_a ecstasy_n which_o he_o suffer_v when_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o paradise_n do_v hear_v those_o secret_a word_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o speak_v to_o man_n be_v not_o as_o then_o bless_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v so_o absorb_v in_o god_n as_o that_o be_v observe_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o body_n or_o out_o of_o body_n how_o great_a then_o shall_v that_o most_o happy_a union_n of_o a_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v &_o how_o shall_v that_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v one_o spirit_n with_o god_n be_v even_o drown_v as_o it_o be_v in_o seaâ—s_n of_o such_o inexplicable_a sweetness_n truâ—y_o this_o joy_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o that_o according_a to_o s._n bernard_n word_n epist._n 14._o in_o comparison_n thereof_o all_o other_o pleasure_n be_v grief_n all_o sweetness_n dolour_n every_o pleasant_a thing_n bitter_a all_o beauty_n foul_a and_o final_o all_o that_o may_v any_o way_n delight_n troublesome_a and_o molestious_a but_o since_o this_o embracement_n of_o the_o most_o beautiful_a bridegroom_n with_o a_o blessed_a soul_n be_v ineffable_a let_v we_o seek_v out_o of_o the_o propound_a parable_n wâ—at_n be_v necessary_o requiâ—ed_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v â—ully_o to_o this_o most_o happy_a marriage_n this_o we_o know_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o wise_a virgin_n see_v these_o alone_a the_o foolish_a be_v exclude_v do_v enter_v into_o the_o nuptial_n of_o the_o heavenly_a bridegroom_n there_o be_v five_o condition_n or_o qualiâ—ies_n which_o be_v exact_v hereunto_o the_o first_o that_o the_o souâ—e_v be_v a_o virgin_n next_o that_o she_o be_v wyse_n then_o that_o she_o have_v light_a in_o her_o lamp_n and_o oil_n in_o her_o vessel_n last_o that_o she_o be_v watchful_a diligent_o attend_v and_o observe_v the_o come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n concern_v the_o first_o condition_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n ought_v all_o to_o be_v virgin_n but_o this_o not_o necessary_o through_o virginity_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o through_o virginity_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o s._n austin_n in_o serm_n de_fw-fr verb._n dom._n 13._o true_o expound_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v despouse_v you_o unto_o one_o man_n to_o present_v you_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ._n where_o by_o the_o chaste_a virgin_n he_o understand_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o be_v not_o virgin_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n since_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n admonish_v the_o faithful_a matried_a person_n of_o their_o duty_n therefore_o those_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v virgin_n in_o this_o parable_n who_o be_v not_o corrupt_v touch_v manner_n and_o faith_n and_o fly_v from_o all_o evil_a do_v not_o contaminate_v their_o soul_n therewith_o but_o because_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o justice_n to_o decline_v from_o evil_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o do_v good_a according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a king_n psal_n 36._o decline_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a therefore_o the_o second_o condition_n be_v add_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o virgin_n be_v wise_a not_o foolish_a neither_o let_v she_o think_v it_o to_o be_v enough_o if_o she_o hurt_v no_o man_n do_v not_o kill_v do_v not_o steal_v do_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o she_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o she_o ought_v to_o proportion_n and_o ordain_v mean_n to_o her_o end_n and_o because_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o mean_n therefore_o there_o be_v annex_v a_o three_o condition_n that_o be_v that_o the_o virgin_n have_v light_n in_o her_o lamp_n or_o a_o sbine_a lamp_n which_o be_v good_a work_v as_o s._n austin_n teach_v in_o the_o place_n above_o note_v which_o very_a point_n our_o lord_n himself_o teach_v when_o he_o say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o for_o that_o good_a work_n do_v flow_v from_o charity_n as_o from_o their_o source_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v preserve_v except_o they_o have_v their_o cherishment_n from_o the_o same_o charity_n even_o as_o a_o light_n be_v infallible_o extinguish_v in_o a_o lamp_n if_o it_o be_v not_o nourish_v and_o feed_v with_o oil_n therefore_o a_o four_o condition_n be_v require_v which_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a virgin_n ever_o have_v oil_n in_o her_o vessel_n by_o oil_n charity_n be_v signify_v as_o s._n austin_n in_o the_o place_n above_o allege_a do_v teach_v for_o as_o oil_n do_v swim_v as_o it_o be_v above_o all_o humour_n so_o charity_n be_v supereminent_a to_o all_o virtue_n the_o apostle_n say_v eminentiorem_fw-la viam_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o show_v you_o a_o more_o eminent_a or_o more_o excellent_a way_n and_o a_o little_a after_o nun_n autem_fw-la manent_fw-la fides_fw-la spes_fw-la chaâ—itas_fw-la etc._n etc._n now_o there_o remain_v faith_n hope_n charity_n these_o three_o but_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n therefore_o if_o a_o man_n do_v either_o prefer_v or_o eqâ—a_v l_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o hart_n with_o charity_n she_o instant_o depart_v for_o she_o will_v have_v either_o the_o precedency_n and_o fiâ—st_a place_n in_o our_o heart_n or_o else_o she_o go_v away_o oil_n be_v a_o humour_n most_o subtle_a aery_a and_o fiery_a which_o ascend_v above_o all_o oâ—her_n humour_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o oil_n of_o charity_n in_o ascend_v upward_o as_o if_o it_o be_v part_n into_o a_o soul_n o_o a_o publican_n or_o common_a strumpet_n it_o will_v instant_o draw_v it_o up_o make_v it_o of_o sinful_a to_o become_v holy_a and_o of_o carnal_a spiritual_a yea_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o if_o this_o oil_n of_o chaâ—ity_n can_v be_v distil_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o damn_a man_n or_o into_o the_o very_a devil_n we_o shall_v present_o behold_v all_o the_o damn_a either_o man_n or_o devil_n to_o ascend_v upward_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o this_o oil_n shall_v forsake_v the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o apostle_n martyr_n â—_z they_o thereupon_o will_v become_v lumpish_a and_o heavy_a &_o wouâ—d_v