Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n ghost_n holy_a lord_n 23,094 5 4.0162 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A32894 Christian unity exhorted to being a few words in tender love to all professing of Christianity in old England, the land of my nativity : wherein the difference between profession and possession of that which is really the substance of true religion, is clearly manifested : also, the great breach of Christian charity, caused by their furious contentions about formality : with a few words to the poor in spirit, concerning my opinion of a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus / by one who dearly loves all those whose conversation becomes Christ's Gospel. One who dearly loves all those whose conversation becomes Christ's Gospel. 1678 (1678) Wing C3950; ESTC R270 11,173 17

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unto_o thou_o what_o my_o opinion_n be_v concern_v a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o my_o desire_n that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v allegiance_n to_o my_o dictate_v or_o pin_v thy_o faith_n upon_o my_o sleeve_n as_o i_o doubt_v we_o have_v both_o ●oo_o much_o former_o upon_o other_o but_o my_o heart_n yearn_v towards_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n spirit_n alone_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v not_o need_v any_o of_o man_n teach_v for_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n testify_v that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o instruct_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o thou_o to_o know_v so_o this_o be_v one_o great_a benefit_n thou_o shall_v partake_v of_o by_o this_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n in_o know_v he_o to_o be_v with_o thou_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n nay_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o bed_n if_o thy_o mind_n be_v retire_v he_o will_v make_v thou_o remember_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v in_o the_o day_n past_a for_o he_o sit_v in_o thy_o conscience_n judge_v all_o thy_o action_n note_v therefore_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o the_o judge_n but_o the_o seat_n wherein_o the_o judge_n sit_v therefore_o pray_v mistake_v not_o the_o seat_n for_o the_o judge_n for_o i_o can_v but_o make_v mention_n of_o this_o thing_n because_o of_o the_o great_a mistake_n that_o thousand_o be_v in_o about_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o they_o have_v be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v some_o gross_a sin_n they_o say_v their_o conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o not_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v in_o their_o conscience_n restrain_v they_o from_o sin_v so_o christ_n have_v be_v rob_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o many_o hundred_o have_v be_v in_o want_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v he_o so_o near_o they_o friendly_a reader_n let_v i_o entreat_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o serious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v find_v some_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o thy_o own_o particular_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v increase_v in_o thou_o more_o and_o more_o a_o lively_a powerful_a sense_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o thy_o poor_a immortal_a soul_n and_o for_o thy_o far_a satisfaction_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n alone_o for_o direction_n and_o counsel_n therefore_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o thou_o shall_v receive_v a_o inward_a sense_n of_o that_o which_o thou_o desire_v to_o know_v for_o the_o seek_v that_o of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o alone_o belong_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n that_o many_o have_v be_v always_o a_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n friendly_a reader_n i_o doubt_v not_o if_o thou_o be_v one_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a dictate_v of_o christ_n spirit_n but_o that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o clear_a un-understanding_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o thy_o seek_a knowledge_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n too_o too_o much_o slight_v by_o many_o in_o our_o nation_n therefore_o pray_v let_v we_o beware_v of_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o work_v on_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n in_o order_n both_o to_o our_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o our_o natural_a will_n to_o act_v that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o there_o be_v a_o ability_n to_o refuse_v resist_v of_o that_o which_o have_v power_n to_o work_v otherwise_o how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n that_o man_n grieve_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o turn_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o wantonness_n which_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o declare_v by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n which_o make_v i_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o passive_n though_o not_o a_o active_a power_n in_o man_n will_n for_o certain_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o so_o much_o complain_v on_o the_o child_n of_o man_n for_o rebel_a against_o his_o good_a spirit_n if_o they_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o all_o power_n in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o its_o holy_a operation_n how_o do_v our_o dear_a and_o ever_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n lament_v the_o sad_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o he_o say_v how_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v you_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o their_o receive_n as_o well_o as_o reject_v the_o tender_a offer_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o have_v entreat_v they_o be_v they_o whole_o incapable_a of_o receive_v his_o kind_a entreaty_n oh_o there_o before_o dear_a friend_n our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n clear_o show_v forth_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o destruction_n oh_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o can_v he_o have_v do_v more_o for_o we_o than_o he_o have_v do_v he_o have_v write_v his_o holy_a law_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v holy_a rule_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v by_o he_o have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o hereafter_o he_o it_o be_v who_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v his_o faithful_a soldier_n we_o can_v expect_v his_o protection_n oh_o how_o great_a have_v his_o long-suffering_a be_v to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o bless_a truth_n certain_o have_v not_o our_o god_n be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a of_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n who_o retain_v not_o his_o anger_n for_o ever_o but_o in_o wrath_n remember_v his_o mercy_n because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o we_o may_v have_v long_a since_o be_v destroy_v and_o be_v now_o roar_v in_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n but_o bless_v and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o our_o god_n who_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v unto_o we_o a_o day_n of_o visitation_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v make_v to_o cry_v out_o what_o have_v i_o do_v lord_n what_o have_v i_o do_v how_o have_v i_o reject_v the_o tender_a visitation_n of_o thy_o love_n how_o have_v i_o extinguish_v the_o divine_a motion_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n how_o have_v i_o sin_v against_o thy_o love_a kindness_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o abuse_v all_o thy_o mercy_n oh_o therefore_o let_v we_o beware_v of_o let_v slip_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n be_v there_o be_v a_o eternity_n of_o felicity_n depend_v on_o our_o improve_n so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n but_o such_o be_v the_o base_a inclination_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o we_o use_v all_o our_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n rather_o to_o enjoy_v momentary_a pleasure_n then_o to_o make_v sure_a our_o call_v and_o election_n how_o little_a do_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n regard_v that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n how_o earnest_o do_v they_o pursue_v their_o sensual_a delight_n which_o have_v anxiety_n always_o for_o a_o companion_n oh_o that_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v and_o entreat_v to_o set_v a_o part_n some_o time_n for_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n on_o eternity_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v true_o sensible_a of_o the_o sad_a and_o dangerous_a state_n that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v live_v in_o oh_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o be_v rock_v asleep_o in_o the_o devil_n cradle_n of_o carnal_a security_n which_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o many_o have_v disregard_v the_o knock_v be_v of_o christ_n spirit_n at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o
be_v make_v sensible_a of_o some_o gross_a evil_n which_o they_o have_v act_v immediate_o they_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n either_o by_o harken_v to_o the_o devil_n lullaby_n viz._n libidian_a song_n or_o play_v with_o his_o rattle_n otherwise_o ride_v abroad_o in_o his_o chariot_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n in_o which_o they_o be_v frequent_o carry_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n so_o the_o destruction_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v the_o sad_a consequence_n which_o certain_o attend_v those_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o worldly_a pleasure_n but_o oh_o man_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o lead_v away_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n who_o will_v willing_o make_v thou_o his_o associate_n in_o eternal_a misery_n be_v persuade_v and_o entreat_v to_o take_v especial_a notice_n of_o these_o follow_a word_n first_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n tempt_v thou_o to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o thy_o way_n because_o perhaps_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o old_a sinner_n second_o let_v not_o the_o propensity_n of_o thy_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n to_o folly_n and_o vanity_n induce_v thou_o to_o think_v the_o time_n too_o soon_o three_o let_v not_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o thy_o sin_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o in_o time_n past_o repent_v of_o affright_v thou_o for_o be_v assure_v at_o whatsoever_o time_n thou_o hearken'_v to_o the_o still_a voice_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o secret_o rebuke_n thou_o and_o tell_v thou_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o thou_o do_v thou_o shall_v find_v thy_o heart_n sorrowful_a for_o sin_n and_o as_o thou_o keep_v on_o thy_o watch_n thou_o shall_v be_v bring_v more_o and_o more_o into_o a_o tender_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o turn_v from_o thy_o sin_n perfect_o abhor_v those_o thing_n which_o former_o thou_o do_v so_o much_o delight_n in_o and_o thou_o shall_v assure_o receive_v pardon_n for_o all_o thy_o sin_n past_a be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o and_o great_a according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 5.24_o john_n 5.24_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o christ_n pardon_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v never_o be_v charge_v to_o thy_o account_n any_o more_o 18.21_o ezekiel_n 18.21_o according_a to_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n ezekiell_n but_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v from_o all_o the_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v all_o his_o transgression_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o now_o therefore_o thou_o may_v see_v what_o great_a encouragemet_v all_o person_n have_v to_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n oh_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o serious_o consider_v by_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n they_o will_v certain_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o improve_n those_o golden_a opportunity_n which_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n have_v allow_v they_o friendly_a reader_n for_o thy_o far_a encouragement_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o take_v a_o walk_n with_o i_o in_o the_o withdraw_a room_n of_o holy_a meditation_n thou_o shall_v have_v a_o soul-ravishing_a prospect_n into_o the_o garden_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n where_o thou_o shall_v behold_v the_o stream_n of_o grace_n flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o thou_o shall_v drink_v free_o out_o of_o the_o spring_n of_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o appetite_n of_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n therefore_o be_v entreat_v and_o persuade_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v please_v thyself_o in_o the_o dead_a picture_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v make_v thou_o ignorant_a of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o alone_o belong_v to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o which_o reason_n many_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o i_o now_o write_v therefore_o those_o that_o will_v be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n must_v stand_v no_o long_o on_o the_o barren_a mountain_n of_o profession_n but_o rather_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spiritual_a shepherd_n who_o will_v certain_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o pleasant_a field_n among_o the_o green_a pasture_n wherein_o grow_v the_o flower_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o through_o which_o run_v the_o pleasant_a river_n of_o consolation_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o salvation_n whereby_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v complete_o refresh_v then_o shall_v all_o her_o faculty_n which_o have_v long_o languish_v for_o want_n of_o true_a substance_n be_v revive_v then_o shall_v she_o be_v full_o sensible_a of_o the_o difference_n between_o her_o true_a teacher_n and_o leader_n and_o the_o false_a guide_n who_o have_v carry_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o she_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n afflict_v with_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n then_o will_v her_o bowel_n be_v fill_v with_o pity_n and_o compassion_n on_o all_o those_o who_o do_v former_o accompany_v she_o in_o her_o distress_a condition_n and_o will_v be_v grieve_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o deceive_v as_o not_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o same_o spiritual_a voice_n whereby_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o substantial_a food_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o feed_v on_o the_o husk_n of_o religion_n then_o to_o partake_v with_o she_o of_o those_o glorious_a refreshment_n which_o cause_v she_o to_o be_v always_o praise_v and_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o ever_o more_o a_o few_o word_n to_o those_o who_o be_v total_o ignorant_a of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o land_n of_o my_o nativity_n who_o be_v total_o ignorant_a of_o spiritual_a thing_n i_o may_v bold_o affirm_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n to_o give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a discern_a i_o utter_o deny_v notwithstanding_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o expedient_a to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ignorant_a lest_o their_o misapprehension_n of_o word_n cause_v a_o dis-satisfaction_n to_o the_o matter_n which_o otherwise_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o divine_a power_n may_v prove_v beneficial_a to_o they_o therefore_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n enable_v i_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v with_o all_o plainness_n those_o objection_n which_o be_v of_o most_o weight_n obj._n one_a first_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v require_v how_o i_o understand_v christ_n to_o be_v in_o all_o man_n sol._n i_o answer_v that_o according_a to_o the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v god_n his_o spirit_n be_v omnipresent_v for_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v contain_v he_o and_o if_o his_o ubiquity_n fill_v the_o heaven_n and_o all_o create_a being_n than_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n must_v in_o some_o measure_n receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n but_o more_o particular_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o all_o man_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n for_o he_o do_v communicate_v a_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o all_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o order_n to_o their_o instruction_n or_o reproof_n joh._n 16.7_o 8._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v ebut_n if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v remove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n joh._n 14.15_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o nam●_n he_o shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o every_o man_n reprove_v and_o instruct_v they_o and_o bring_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v former_o say_v to_o their_o and_o our_o remembrance_n but_o for_o a_o far_a demonstration_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o one_o comparison_n as_o the_o natural_a son_n in_o in_o the_o firmament_n do_v communicate_v its_o light_n to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n though_o
christian_n unity_n exhort_v to_o be_v a_o few_o word_n in_o tender_a love_n to_o all_o profess_v of_o christianity_n in_o old_a england_n the_o land_n of_o my_o nativity_n wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o profession_n and_o possession_n of_o that_o which_o be_v real_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v clear_o manifest_v also_o the_o great_a breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n cause_v by_o their_o furious_a contention_n about_o formality_n with_o a_o few_o word_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n concern_v my_o opinion_n of_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n by_o one_o who_o dear_o love_v all_o those_o who_o conversation_n become_v christ_n gospel_n ephes_n 4._o ver._n 1.2_o 3._o i_o therefore_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n beseech_v you_o that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1678._o moderate_a reader_n it_o be_v my_o heart_n desire_n that_o all_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o form_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o true_a religion_n not_o that_o i_o do_v in_o the_o least_o imagine_v that_o all_o be_v in_o ignorance_n but_o because_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v chief_o contend_v about_o the_o form_n and_o the_o great_a animosity_n that_o i_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o have_v be_v cause_v by_o their_o different_a opinion_n in_o that_o matter_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o i_o it_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v more_o exalt_v and_o the_o form_n less_o regard_v our_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n will_v be_v more_o augment_v reader_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o have_v write_v large_o on_o the_o same_o subject_n however_o new_a fashion_n and_o new_a book_n be_v most_o please_v to_o the_o curious_a palate_n of_o these_o time_n but_o i_o have_v find_v more_o of_o controversy_n than_o true_a piety_n in_o many_o of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o logic_n translate_v into_o divinity_n have_v set_v all_o christendom_n on_o fire_n and_o he_o that_o can_v frame_v syllogism_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o opinion_n be_v repute_v the_o best_a christian_a although_o he_o be_v but_o a_o cold_a well_o discipline_v thus_o have_v true_a religion_n imongst_a christian_n so_o call_v be_v almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o eztinguish_v christian_a fellowship_n confound_v and_o charity_n which_o no_o true_a christian_n can_v want_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n thus_o have_v they_o by_o their_o implacable_a contest_v about_o the_o form_n dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n witness_v the_o sensuality_n earthly_a mindedness_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o most_o professor_n be_v possess_v with_o friendly_a reader_n it_o be_v not_o my_o desire_n to_o exasperate_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o for_o moderation_n be_v that_o which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o therefore_o i_o pray_v be_v impartial_a in_o judge_v what_o thou_o read_v and_o when_o thy_o mind_n be_v retire_v thou_o will_v find_v a_o live_a sense_n in_o thyself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v then_o may_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o our_o god_n to_o who_o glory_n honour_n praise_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a now_o and_o for_o ever_o july_n 13_o 1678._o christian_n unity_n etc._n etc._n when_o i_o consider_v the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o nominal_a christian_n i_o can_v not_o but_o consult_v the_o cause_n which_o be_v find_v the_o effect_n be_v not_o strange_a for_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v that_o jesuit_n which_o have_v sow_o the_o feed_n of_o division_n among_o man_n in_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n and_o where_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v not_o total_o extinguish_v the_o creature_n be_v a_o frame_n to_o itself_o something_a that_o may_v have_v the_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n wherein_o perhaps_o may_v be_v perceive_v some_o seem_a satisfaction_n which_o induce_v many_o to_o make_v a_o large_a profession_n of_o it_o but_o the_o soul_n not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o shadow_n put_v they_o on_o seek_v something_o else_o that_o may_v be_v more_o fatisfactory_a so_o after_o many_o year_n travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o return_v empty_a lament_v their_o lose_a time_n spend_v in_o that_o which_o profit_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o cause_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n at_o which_o time_n the_o still_a voice_n of_o the_o spiritual_a shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n whisper_v to_o the_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v thirsty_a i_o will_v give_v thou_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o after_o which_o thou_o shall_v never_o thirst_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o thou_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n so_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v refresh_v with_o heavenly_a food_n for_o he_o be_v the_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n he_o be_v the_o true_a live_a substance_n most_o to_o be_v desire_v all_o outward_a elementary_a substance_n can_v but_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n but_o such_o have_v be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o many_o nation_n since_o the_o great_a apostasy_n from_o that_o pure_a spiritual_a worship_n so_o much_o exhort_v to_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v a_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n to_o overspread_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n grovel_v in_o the_o dark_a among_o the_o earthly_a element_n please_v themselves_o with_o the_o picture_n of_o divine_a worship_n make_v such_o great_a profession_n of_o the_o form_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v destroy_v thousand_o of_o each_o other_o because_o their_o emblem_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o likeness_n how_o contradictory_n this_o be_v to_o a_o serious_a humble_a self-denying_a meek_a spirit_n let_v the_o sober_a reader_n judge_n oh_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o 2.3_o eph._n 2.3_o endeavour_v with_o all_o lowliness_n meekness_n long_o suffer_v and_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n therefore_o way_n a_o with_o all_o strive_v and_o contend_v about_o matter_n that_o be_v only_o circumstantial_a forbear_v impose_v that_o on_o each_o other_o which_o can_v free_o be_v receive_v by_o either_o exclaim_v not_o against_o each_o other_o because_o your_o opinion_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o all_o particular_n but_o labour_v more_o and_o more_o after_o unity_n rather_o than_o uniformity_n let_v all_o controversy_n be_v end_v since_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o bring_v each_o other_o mind_n into_o one_o mould_n desire_v earnest_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o mould_v they_o into_o one_o ah_o dear_a friend_n how_o helpful_a will_v you_o then_o be_v to_o each_o other_o in_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o ready_a will_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v to_o water_v you_o with_o his_o blessing_n that_o you_o may_v increase_v more_o and_o more_o with_o love_n to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o certain_o will_v destroy_v the_o design_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n salvation_n who_o design_n have_v be_v chief_o to_o cause_n dissension_n among_o we_o oh_o that_o our_o moderation_n may_v be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n that_o christian_a fellowship_n may_v be_v renew_v and_o our_o conference_n with_o one_o another_o more_o heavenly_a that_o vain_a disputation_n may_v be_v prevent_v oh_o let_v we_o rather_o declare_v to_o each_o other_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o our_o soul_n how_o he_o have_v fill_v we_o with_o spiritual_a joy_n how_o sweet_a be_v the_o stream_n of_o divine_a love_n how_o exceed_o pleasant_a be_v the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o countenance_n how_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n ravish_v with_o his_o beauty_n oh_o then_o may_v not_o we_o declare_v these_o thing_n to_o worldly_a man_n that_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v more_o heaven-ward_n dear_a friend_n these_o be_v not_o hearsay_n cull_v out_o of_o book_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o they_o be_v the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o as_o paul_n say_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n which_o be_v a_o live_a power_n from_o whence_o all_o our_o spiritual_a comfort_n arise_v the_o
knowledge_n whereof_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n which_o constitute_v a_o true_a christian_a friendly_a reader_n these_o be_v the_o rich_a possession_n of_o a_o christian_a this_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o religion_n therefore_o i_o say_v that_o man_n that_o enjoy_v the_o substance_n may_v be_v a_o christian_a without_o the_o form_n but_o no_o man_n with_o the_o form_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o the_o substance_n moderate_a reader_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v contemn_v the_o form_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o person_n profess_v any_o of_o the_o several_a form_n for_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v much_o of_o god_n power_n accompany_v they_o in_o their_o external_a performance_n but_o no_o long_o than_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v join_v with_o they_o my_o opinion_n be_v of_o that_o latitude_n which_o extend_v to_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o i_o can_v but_o reprove_v those_o who_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a historical_a faith_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v too_o too_o many_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n for_o their_o christianity_n than_o a_o verbal_a repetition_n of_o their_o creed_n common_o call_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n how_o far_o be_v this_o from_o that_o which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o obtain_v such_o victory_n over_o sin_n even_o to_o the_o remove_n of_o mountain_n of_o corruption_n let_v any_o sober_a christian_a judge_n but_o christ_n own_o testimony_n suffice_v for_o he_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n therefore_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o that_o faith_n which_o produce_v not_o these_o effect_n be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n a_o few_o word_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o have_v be_v weary_v in_o travel_v on_o the_o barren_a mountain_n and_o do_v now_o earnest_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o true_a way_n it_o be_v my_o own_o condition_n in_o time_n past_a i_o can_v but_o sympathize_v with_o thou_o who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o have_v be_v wander_v in_o by_o path_n whilst_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v the_o true_a way_n therefore_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o we_o want_v a_o true_a acquaintance_n with_o and_o a_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n let_v we_o but_o reason_n together_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o christ_n only_o notional_a have_v we_o any_o other_o evidence_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o but_o a_o bare_a ascent_n to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v concern_v he_o what_o do_v it_o all_o amount_v to_o what_o satisfaction_n have_v we_o only_o a_o groundless_a hope_n of_o salvation_n because_o many_o other_o who_o we_o suppose_v good_a christian_n be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o have_v hope_n to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n merit_n hope_v after_o from_o punishment_n but_o what_o experience_n have_v we_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n redeem_v power_n out_o of_o sin_n here_o he_o come_v not_o only_o to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n but_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n now_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o wed_v to_o thy_o former_a profession_n and_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n after_o the_o save_a knowledge_n christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n give_v i_o of_o god_n plain_o and_o affectionate_o declare_v what_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o also_o what_o i_o have_v experience_v of_o the_o benefit_n flow_v from_o he_o first_o thou_o must_v know_v he_o to_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o his_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n at_o all_o time_n according_a to_o st._n john_n testimony_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o one_o will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v into_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o friendly_a reader_n how_o many_o day_n week_n month_n and_o year_n 3.20_o reve._n 3.20_o have_v our_o dear_a saviour_n be_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o have_v pass_v it_o by_o thinkinged_a be_v nothing_o but_o the_o check_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n how_o often_o have_v we_o vex_v grieve_a and_o pierce_v his_o holy_a spirit_n how_o often_o have_v we_o crucify_v he_o afresh_o by_o reject_v and_o despise_v his_o heavenly_a counsel_n how_o have_v we_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o his_o reproof_n and_o all_o be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v so_o nigh_o to_o we_o but_o be_v a_o seek_v he_o where_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v second_o thou_o must_v know_v he_o to_o be_v thy_o teacher_n and_o reprover_n it_o be_v his_o spirit_n and_o not_o a_o natural_a conscience_n that_o check_v thou_o for_o every_o evil_a thought_n word_n and_o deed_n how_o often_o have_v thou_o be_v make_v to_o cry_v lord_n forgive_v i_o when_o no_o person_n in_o the_o world_n can_v accuse_v thou_o he_o it_o be_v that_o instruct_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o thy_o everlasting_a welfare_n for_o he_o be_v always_o woo_v and_o beseech_v thou_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o thy_o way_n 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o his_o instruction_n thou_o shall_v receive_v power_n to_o overcome_v all_o the_o enemy_n temptation_n for_o the_o whole_o scripture_n of_o truth_n testify_v that_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o he_o alone_o work_v in_o thou_o all_o good_a act_n which_o thou_o perform_v so_o thou_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n and_o he_o the_o workman_n therefore_o all_o the_o honour_n of_o every_o good_a work_n be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n all_o therefore_o that_o he_o require_v of_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v on_o a_o continual_a watch_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v when_o thou_o be_v reprove_v for_o i_o testify_v in_o god_n fear_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v on_o thy_o spiritual_a watch_n thou_o shall_v not_o think_v a_o evil_a thought_n but_o thou_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o his_o reproof_n by_o this_o mean_n friendly_a reader_n thou_o will_v come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o inward_o acquaint_v with_o he_o who_o thou_o do_v former_o know_v only_o by_o hearsay_n then_o will_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o job_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o thou_o before_o with_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n but_o now_o have_v my_o eye_n see_v thou_o and_o the_o more_o thou_o come_v acquaint_v with_o he_o thou_o shall_v experience_n the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n purify_n power_n whereby_o thou_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o cleanse_v from_o all_o thy_o dross_n and_o corruption_n and_o those_o in_o who_o he_o work_v righteousness_n he_o will_v continual_o justify_v for_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o those_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n now_o dear_a friend_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v in_o want_n of_o outward_a representation_n to_o bring_v thou_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o true_a real_a spiritual_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o substance_n will_v cause_v all_o shadow_n to_o vanish_v and_o beggarly_a element_n to_o melt_v away_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v on_o thy_o spiritual_a watch_n to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o he_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v take_v thy_o lot_n with_o the_o unwatchful_a centinel_n who_o though_o well_o arm_v be_v surprise_v with_o the_o enemy_n and_o take_v captive_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o who_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a christian_n for_o their_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o enemy_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v false_a and_o hypocritical_a in_o what_o they_o profess_v but_o because_o they_o be_v sometime_o off_o their_o watch_n for_o christ_n disciple_n be_v not_o all_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o sleep_v when_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n command_v they_o to_o watch_v yet_o i_o say_v that_o unwatchfulness_n be_v reprovable_a in_o any_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n exhort_v to_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o say_v what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n and_o this_o comprehend_v all_o the_o direction_n which_o be_v conduceable_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n now_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o have_v in_o short_a declare_v
thousand_o of_o mile_n asunder_o and_o yet_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a proportion_n remain_v entire_a in_o the_o firmament_n without_o any_o diminution_n so_o do_v the_o glorious_a son_n of_o righteousness_n though_o sit_v in_o his_o kingly_a throne_n communicate_v a_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o every-man_n to_o profit_v with_o all_o which_o spirit_n be_v oftentimes_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1.4_o sometime_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o walk_v sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v often_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o though_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v know_v what_o it_o be_v therefore_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o have_v be_v in_o ignorance_n be_v it_o know_v to_o thou_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v have_v many_o time_n in_o thy_o mouth_n be_v christ_n own_o spirit_n which_o spirit_n have_v many_o time_n restrain_v thou_o from_o commit_v wickedness_n for_o without_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n much_o less_o do_v a_o good_a action_n for_o as_o christ_n taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n he_o have_v give_v this_o heavenly_a gift_n to_o every_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o condemn_v for_o want_v of_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v his_o gift_n of_o grace_n for_o he_o command_v we_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o his_o grace_n or_o spirit_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v if_o we_o will_v but_o watch_v when_o it_o reprove_v or_o instruct_v we_o obj._n 2d_o some_o will_n query_n thus_o how_o i_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v this_o good_a spirit_n why_o may_v not_o person_n be_v deceive_v and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n whilst_o they_o imagine_v they_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o good_a one_o sol._n if_o thou_o will_v but_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a examination_n of_o thyself_o thou_o may_v call_v to_o mind_v some_o certain_a time_n when_o thou_o have_v be_v under_o some_o great_a temptation_n to_o commit_v some_o wicked_a action_n at_o which_o time_n thou_o have_v have_v a_o sense_n of_o somewhat_o in_o thy_o mind_n that_o cause_v a_o great_a unwillingness_n in_o thou_o to_o proceed_v and_o perhaps_o give_v way_n to_o the_o temptation_n thou_o be_v overcome_v after_o which_o thou_o have_v have_v some_o terror_n in_o thyself_o now_o therefore_o observe_v that_o which_o cause_v that_o unwillingness_n to_o commit_v the_o sin_n be_v god_n spirit_n and_o that_o which_o incline_v thou_o to_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o devil_n spirit_n so_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n therefore_o be_v satisfy_v at_o whatsoever_o time_n thou_o do_v sin_v thyself_o under_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n will_v be_v always_o ressi_v if_o thou_o will_v yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o thou_o shall_v sin_v power_n arise_v in_o thou_o to_o overcome_v the_o tempter_n and_o temptation_n by_o this_o mean_v thou_o will_v come_v to_o be_v spiritual_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n and_o partake_v of_o his_o benefit_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v precious_a to_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o he_o then_o possible_o thou_o can_v former_o and_o thou_o will_v certain_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o evil_a one_o because_o the_o one_o incline_v thy_o heart_n at_o all_o time_n to_o good_a and_o resist_v evil_a and_o the_o other_o always_o incline_v to_o evil_a and_o resist_v good_a so_o thou_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v decieve_v if_o thou_o be_v watchful_a over_o thy_o own_o heart_n friendly_a reader_n these_o thing_n i_o write_v to_o thou_o out_o of_o pure_a assection_n and_o tender_a regard_n i_o have_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o thy_o poor_a immortal_a soul_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o difference_n between_o profession_n and_o possession_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o though_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o every_o man_n yet_o every_o man_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v every_o one_o have_v not_o take_v his_o good_a spirit_n for_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n but_o have_v continue_v rebel_n against_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o to_o take_v his_o good_a spirit_n from_o they_o and_o then_o not_o till_o then_o they_o may_v be_v account_v reprobate_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o he_o condemn_v nont_a but_o those_o who_o have_v abuse_v his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o beware_v sin_v out_o the_o day_n of_o god_n visitation_n in_o which_o the_o tender_a offer_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n ere_o extend_v to_o they_o finis_fw-la