the_o narrow_a path_n of_o divine_a truth_n describe_v from_o live_v practice_n and_o experience_n of_o its_o three_o great_a step_n viz._n purgation_n illumination_n &_o union_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o of_o thomas_n a_o kempis_n the_o german_a divinity_n thauler_n and_o such_o like_a of_o the_o say_n of_o matthew_n weyer_n reduce_v into_o order_n in_o three_o book_n by_o j._n spee_n unto_o which_o be_v subjoin_v his_o practical_a epistle_n do_v above_o 120_o year_n since_o in_o the_o dutch_a and_o after_o the_o author_n death_n print_v in_o the_o german_a language_n at_o francfort_n 1579._o and_o in_o latin_a at_o amsterdam_n 1658._o and_o now_o in_o english_a london_n print_v for_o ben._n clark_n in_o george-yard_n in_o lombard_n street_n 1683._o a._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n if_o job_n and_o the_o psalm_n reader_n thou_o do_v know_v then_o the_o same_o truth_n these_o line_n to_o thou_o will_v show_v god_n thou_o enlighten_v to_o sin_v the_o cross-way_n out_o which_o christ_n have_v tread_v thy_o way_n to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n i_o have_v determine_v to_o collect_v and_o put_v together_o some_o of_o the_o more_o notable_a say_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o make_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v please_v to_o consider_v they_o or_o such_o like_a he_o may_v be_v able_a thereby_o more_o easy_o and_o without_o scruple_n to_o turn_v over_o this_o small_a treatise_n especial_o if_o he_o come_v to_o those_o place_n by_o which_o the_o most_o illuminate_v matthew_n wyer_n complain_v of_o his_o inward_a pain_n and_o anguish_n which_o throughout_o the_o book_n he_o frequent_o do_v lest_o the_o reader_n thereby_o be_v fright_v from_o they_o or_o shall_v account_v such_o pang_n and_o desertion_n for_o absurd_a and_o fantastical_a therefore_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o he_o will_v remember_v and_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n although_o now_o adays_o it_o be_v almost_o utter_o unknown_a and_o forsake_v be_v even_o to_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n always_o accustom_v and_o tread_v in_o for_o this_o be_v that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o straight_a gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o life_n yea_o by_o this_o same_o way_n viz._n by_o sorrow_n suffering_n strait_n and_o death_n our_o forerunner_n jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n walk_v even_o to_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a to_o and_o for_o we_o all_o who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o suffer_v and_o so_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n of_o he_o isaiah_n say_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o we_o see_v he_o and_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o aspect_n so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v delight_v in_o he_o a_o man_n despise_v and_o the_o least_o of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o know_a infirmity_n etc._n etc._n observe_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o devout_a reader_n together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o true_o love_v jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o he_o how_o narrow_a and_o sharp_a and_o how_o many_o pang_n and_o desertion_n be_v this_o way_n fill_v with_o which_o yet_o christ_n enter_v into_o after_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o to_o the_o death_n than_o it_o be_v that_o for_o very_a agony_n he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o pray_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n thrice_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o be_v he_o hear_v nor_o wâ—â—â—_n any_o helper_n present_a with_o he_o the_o wine-press_n be_v to_o be_v tread_v and_o the_o cup_n to_o be_v drink_v down_o the_o flood_n be_v to_o be_v wade_v through_o and_o obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o that_o he_o be_v hang_v naked_a between_o two_o thieeve_n as_o the_o incendary_a &_o trumpeter_n of_o the_o seditious_a present_o after_o they_o divide_v his_o garment_n by_o lot_n even_o before_o his_o eye_n many_o also_o shake_v their_o head_n at_o he_o so_o that_o nothing_o else_o encompass_v he_o round_o but_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n and_o one_o sorrow_n tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o then_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n be_v so_o many_o that_o they_o enter_v even_o into_o his_o soul_n because_o he_o be_v desert_v of_o his_o father_n that_o out_o of_o mere_a pressure_n and_o dereliction_n he_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o all_o which_o be_v find_v describe_v at_o large_a in_o the_o evangelist_n prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n especial_o in_o the_o 22_o psalm_n where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n my_o god_n i_o call_v unto_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o a_o be_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n also_o in_o psalm_n 60._o save_v i_o o_o god_n because_o the_o flood_n have_v enter_v into_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o stick_v fast_o in_o the_o deep_a mire_n and_o there_o be_v no_o bottom_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o psalm_n moreover_o in_o psalm_n 88_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_a and_o my_o life_n approach_v unto_o the_o grave_n or_o hell_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o the_o like_a say_n express_v the_o torment_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a psalter_n with_o the_o prophet_n be_v perfect_o fill_v but_o now_o if_o thou_o shall_v say_v christ_n indeed_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v do_v suffer_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o fulfil_v they_o in_o his_o example_n yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o one_o can_v imitate_v he_o in_o such_o strait_n and_o desertion_n it_o be_v answer_v christ_n himself_o have_v say_v he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a of_o i_o also_o peter_n have_v say_v christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n now_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a will_v not_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n read_v every_o where_o up_o and_o down_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o what_o do_v paul_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n for_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v yield_v thyself_o therefore_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v thy_o cause_n unto_o he_o o_o man_n and_o hope_v in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v and_o fulfil_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o for_o he_o always_o even_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o combat_n of_o his_o peopleâ—_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v tempt_v beyond_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v never_o yet_o do_v such_o misery_n touch_v his_o elect_n but_o he_o still_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o escape_v as_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o all_o as_o also_o the_o author_n of_o these_o saying_n be_v lead_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n through_o misery_n and_o strait_n and_o through_o a_o total_a desertion_n yet_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n so_o as_o they_o become_v as_o gold_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o sin_n alas_o how_o vast_o great_a be_v that_o micsey_n in_o which_o david_n cry_v out_o â—nd_v complain_v the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n have_v make_v i_o afraid_a the_o snare_n of_o death_n have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o i_o also_o when_o jeremiah_n for_o mere_a anxiety_n and_o desertion_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o who_o can_v express_v in_o word_n that_o both_o internal_a and_o external_a misery_n wherewith_o job_n be_v afflict_v from_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v give_v unto_o i_o this_o say_v he_o that_o thou_o may_v cover_v i_o in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_a my_o dwelling_n be_v in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v make_v my_o bed_n in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n also_o in_o another_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o continual_a desertion_n he_o open_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n as_o do_v jeremiah_n to_o many_o more_o such_o
when_o all_o exercise_n and_o all_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o fail_v even_o then_o be_v these_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n and_o his_o strength_n when_o all_o our_o strength_n be_v vanish_v away_o and_o we_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o then_o be_v god_n present_a whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o for_o here_o a_o man_n must_v go_v on_o nor_o be_v it_o permit_v he_o to_o go_v back_o again_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n into_o which_o he_o often_o desire_v to_o come_v and_o that_o hand_n will_v not_o then_o let_v he_o go_v till_o it_o have_v right_o break_v he_o in_o piece_n by_o affliction_n and_o have_v tumble_v he_o up_o and_o down_o through_o various_a case_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o healwaye_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v himself_o till_o he_o be_v free_v from_o all_o his_o flesh_n and_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o the_o heavenly_a influence_n whoever_o they_o be_v who_o be_v not_o thus_o exercise_v but_o abide_v in_o their_o own_o labour_n can_v never_o be_v advance_v high_a but_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n always_o in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o if_o one_o shall_v return_v after_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n or_o two_o year_n yea_o of_o ten_o unto_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o still_o as_o he_o former_o leave_v they_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o under_o the_o law_n and_o severity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o labour_n and_o fasting_n and_o abstinence_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o stop_v their_o course_n here_o be_v still_o inward_o unchanged_a and_o unregenerate_v and_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o regeneration_n know_v nothing_o because_o they_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a suffering_n for_o affliction_n alone_o be_v this_o way_n to_o the_o new_a generation_n to_o wisdom_n and_o to_o true_a knowledge_n the_o aforesaid_a labour_n also_o must_v be_v under_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o go_v before_o that_o other_o else_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o say_a state_n of_o suffer_v so_o that_o no_o one_o abide_v therein_o for_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o purify_v and_o there_o still_o stick_v unto_o its_o bottom_n somewhat_o that_o be_v worldly_a though_o one_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o outward_o consequent_o we_o become_v not_o in_o our_o mind_n partaker_n with_o christ_n until_o be_v purify_v by_o that_o purgatory_n and_o these_o suffering_n we_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o he_o for_o light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n dwell_v not_o together_o those_o middle_a thing_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o unto_o which_o we_o always_o remain_v fix_o hold_v our_o eye_n so_o as_o we_o can_v see_v god_n those_o middle_a thing_n i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v remove_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o suffering_n from_o god_n if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o if_o gold_n can_v be_v sensible_a and_o speak_v it_o will_v certain_o say_v what_o it_o shall_v suffer_v before_o it_o can_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o the_o earth_n will_v say_v how_o much_o it_o must_v suffer_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o before_o the_o seed_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o its_o bowel_n when_o a_o man_n have_v bring_v all_o his_o labour_n to_o a_o end_n nor_o can_v go_v on_o further_a then_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o high_a work_n yet_o before_o his_o hand_n lie_v as_o undo_v if_o this_o must_v be_v perfect_v and_o do_v it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o god_n for_o it_o behoove_v that_o he_o shall_v accomplish_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v chap._n xxxii_o a_o man_n who_o have_v beg_v help_n from_o the_o lord_n judge_n other_o man_n honest_a than_o himself_o for_o he_o confess_v that_o if_o other_o have_v have_v this_o grace_n which_o be_v do_v to_o he_o that_o they_o have_v be_v more_o faithful_a and_o more_o honest_a by_o much_o than_o himself_o be_v whence_o also_o he_o abstain_v from_o rash_a judgement_n and_o commiserate_v poor_a man_n because_o he_o behold_v their_o future_a misery_n out_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o be_v snatch_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v extol_v himself_o above_o other_o nor_o tax_v they_o or_o delude_v they_o but_o rather_o humble_v himself_o beneath_o all_o and_o burn_v with_o a_o universal_a charity_n moreover_o he_o will_v willing_o renounce_v his_o own_o salvation_n that_o other_o might_n but_o be_v save_v nor_o can_v he_o do_v otherwise_o because_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o regeneration_n he_o who_o have_v regeneration_n and_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o true_a substance_n adher_v to_o no_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v to_o do_v or_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o go_v or_o stand_v whether_o he_o be_v with_o other_o or_o whether_o he_o be_v alone_o but_o he_o always_o be_v free_a from_o all_o and_o uncessant_o behold_v god_n who_o he_o be_v proper_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o use_v all_o thing_n at_o what_o time_n he_o be_v rapt_v upward_o he_o be_v put_v beyond_o himself_o and_o be_v without_o all_o discretion_n and_o when_o he_o be_v let_v down_o again_o from_o that_o same_o mountain_n he_o incessant_o look_v back_o upward_o again_o the_o new_a man_n by_o a_o continual_a ascent_n every_o hover_v and_o moment_n go_v away_o unto_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o ever_o stop_v his_o course_n because_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o he_o regard_v not_o temporal_n though_o he_o may_v seem_v so_o and_o though_o he_o do_v eat_v drink_v sleep_n and_o be_v clothe_v for_o if_o he_o shall_v regard_v they_o he_o will_v still_o stand_v in_o time_n but_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a thing_n be_v snatch_v from_o he_o by_o fire_n that_o he_o may_v ascend_v above_o time_n and_o stand_v in_o god_n he_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o in_o god_n he_o fall_v oil_n from_o all_o thing_n and_o perish_v both_o in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n at_o first_o every_o one_o be_v a_o infant_n than_o a_o youth_n and_o thence_o he_o go_v into_o manhood_n and_o at_o length_n into_o old_a age_n than_o we_o falter_v and_o can_v no_o long_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n and_o at_o last_o we_o say_v i_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v be_v a_o young_a man_n but_o time_n be_v go_v when_o young_a man_n rejoice_v i_o be_o in_o sadness_n and_o whilst_o they_o live_v i_o die_v chap._n xxxiii_o there_o be_v not_o a_o letter_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v concern_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v many_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o one_o member_n be_v in_o another_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o all_o figure_n and_o ceremony_n prefigure_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o internal_a truth_n as_o the_o image_n in_o the_o glass_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o face_n and_o as_o the_o image_n can_v be_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o substance_n so_o there_o be_v no_o representation_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o ceremony_n or_o of_o figure_n to_o which_o there_o belong_v not_o some_o truth_n and_o substance_n when_o therefore_o a_o representation_n or_o image_n be_v true_a there_o be_v also_o a_o true_a essence_n or_o substance_n there_o be_v no_o shadow_n without_o a_o body_n nor_o figure_n or_o image_n without_o a_o essence_n the_o book_n of_o psalm_n begin_v mature_o with_o man_n and_z continues_z with_o he_o unto_o old_a age_n and_o even_o to_o his_o end_n and_o with_o man_n it_o rise_v up_o from_o bottom_n to_o top_n no_o christian_n transcend_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o can_v he_o get_v so_o high_a but_o the_o psalm_n accompany_v he_o still_o and_o express_v his_o mind_n how_o long_o do_v the_o faithful_a man_n wait_v for_o god_n till_o he_o come_v and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o depart_v again_o and_o hide_v himself_o that_o a_o man_n can_v find_v he_o and_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n god_n will_v purge_v a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v true_o to_o possess_v he_o without_o appropriation_n for_o at_o first_o he_o assume_v god_n with_o appropriation_n and_o this_o than_o be_v that_o same_o subtle_a flesh_n of_o hiâ—_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v consume_v chap._n xxxiiii_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o desolate_a thing_n juâ—â—_n as_o when_o many_o thing_n be_v reach_v out_o to_o any_o one_o and_o he_o catch_v at_o theâ—_n but_o then_o they_o be_v pull_v away_o again_o but_o at_o last_o a_o door_n of_o escape_n be_v open_v 〈◊〉_d he_o which_o then_o
for_o where_o the_o virtue_n of_o divine_a will_n be_v feel_v there_o such_o word_n do_v excite_v consternation_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o to_o say_v i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v so_o or_o so_o or_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o the_o like_a but_o he_o say_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d hope_v the_o lord_n will_v do_v it_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o the_o truth_n we_o think_v that_o christ_n be_v with_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n but_o thus_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o and_o be_v our_o death_n chap._n viii_o all_o ceremony_n conform_v themselves_o according_a to_o god_n and_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o hide_a truth_n but_o they_o do_v not_o conform_v themselves_o unto_o our_o weakness_n as_o some_o say_v yea_o and_o that_o god_n give_v they_o because_o of_o our_o weakness_n when_o as_o other_o wise_a they_o have_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o which_o opinion_n we_o must_v assent_v yea_o furthermore_o they_o say_v that_o the_o very_a incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o adorn_v which_o opinion_n be_v it_o far_o from_o we_o he_o that_o be_v upon_o a_o right_a foundation_n and_o have_v a_o understand_a heart_n will_v be_v whole_o opposite_a to_o these_o opinion_n for_o such_o a_o one_o feel_v and_o know_v that_o without_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v find_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o ceremony_n together_o with_o all_o creature_n be_v only_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a truth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o conformeâ—_n according_a to_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o we_o and_o so_o also_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o judge_v too_o dry_o concern_v they_o who_o say_v they_o be_v toy_n and_o trifle_n as_o also_o they_o do_v attribute_v too_o much_o to_o they_o who_o be_v glue_v fast_o unto_o they_o and_o from_o they_o do_v make_v god_n to_o themselves_o and_o set_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o true_a substance_n they_o err_v on_o both_o hand_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o lord_n and_z and_z to_o fear_v least_o any_o thing_n be_v rash_o add_v from_o our_o opinion_n for_o opinion_n deceive_v we_o where_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v feel_v and_o be_v conquer_v and_o break_v a_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n but_o when_o a_o man_n put_v that_o affliction_n from_o he_o and_o put_v it_o upon_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o have_v satisfy_v for_o it_o and_o that_o that_o satisfaction_n ought_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n and_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o so_o as_o that_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o righteousness_n to_o be_v fulfil_v there_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o sin_n but_o neglectâ—th_v it_o with_o a_o light_a mind_n this_o opinion_n also_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o testify_v that_o christ_n must_v snatch_v a_o man_n out_o of_o sin_n and_o let_v up_o righteousness_n and_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o overcome_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o victory_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o man_n and_o not_o to_o remain_v without_o he_o rom._n 8._o 4._o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o people_n in_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o fulfil_v which_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o ceremony_n testify_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o deceive_v himself_o by_o impose_v upon_o christ_n any_o thing_n without_o himself_o where_o god_n do_v possess_v a_o man_n there_o god_n reign_v and_o keep_v he_o but_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o touch_v with_o any_o care_n for_o what_o belong_v to_o god_n but_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o eye_v any_o thing_n but_o his_o littleness_n and_o emptyness_n that_o be_v his_o selfishness_n this_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o bow_v under_o all_o and_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v worser_o more_o foolish_a and_o more_o unworthy_a than_o all_o man_n all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v god_n and_o be_v due_a to_o god_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v man_n but_o if_o any_o one_o depart_v from_o his_o nothingness_n will_v arrogate_v to_o himself_o the_o thing_n which_o beâ—ong_v unto_o god_n that_o will_v prove_v the_o high_a pride_n and_o the_o most_o heavy_a fall_v chap._n ix_o when_o any_o one_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o heavy_a nor_o so_o painful_a which_o he_o can_v bear_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o election_n but_o as_o god_n will_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n commend_v to_o he_o who_o will_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o where_o that_o be_v there_o be_v peace_n and_o no_o where_o else_o a_o certain_a person_n say_v such_o as_o the_o judgement_n be_v so_o i_o suffer_v under_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n heavy_o under_o a_o light_a judgement_n light_o when_o one_o also_o be_v ashamed_a befote_n his_o neighbour_n because_o of_o that_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o be_v ashamed_a before_o god_n conscience_n be_v more_o at_o quiet_a but_o when_o one_o for_o a_o secret_a hide_a baseness_n blush_v not_o before_o man_n conscience_n be_v burden_v and_o therefore_o here_o we_o must_v be_v bind_v and_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o confess_v himself_o guilty_a before_o his_o neighbour_n god_n keep_v his_o promise_n but_o we_o understand_v they_o perverse_o until_o their_o own_o â—ime_n come_v when_o we_o see_v what_o they_o be_v and_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v he_o who_o will_n be_v resign_v he_o want_v appropriation_n and_o its_o the_o same_o to_o he_o whither_o the_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o he_o who_o have_v a_o will_n yield_v up_o to_o god_n he_o esteemâ—â—â—_n for_o heavenly_a whatsoeur_fw-fr happen_v to_o he_o for_o all_o that_o be_v god_n to_o he_o and_o god_n be_v heavenly_a whatsoever_o fall_v out_o to_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d advantage_n disadvantage_n peace_n disquiet_a riches_n poverty_n bitter_a sweet_a heat_n cold_a hunger_n thirst_n honour_n dishonour_n yet_o aâ—â—_n all_o these_o god_n to_o he_o and_o consequent_o heaven_n he_o be_v also_o without_o appropriation_n and_o nothing_o else_o please_v he_o as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d be_v heaven_n unless_o that_o god_n will_v it_o but_o before_o any_o one_o come_v thither_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v especial_o time_n he_o who_o want_v this_o resign_v will_n esteem_v all_o that_o be_v against_o his_o own_o will_n for_o torment_n and_o hell_n yea_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v pleasant_a out_o proper_a will_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v discard_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n serve_v our_o exercise_n o_o how_o bitter_a be_v death_n to_o he_o who_o be_v yield_v up_o to_o life_n all_o thing_n perish_v but_o god_n and_o what_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v spokâ—en_v to_o it_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v fright_v and_o tremble_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v its_o destruction_n they_o who_o aim_v at_o a_o mark_n shut_v one_o eye_n and_o always_o level_a at_o the_o mark_n and_o when_o one_o hit_v the_o mark_n than_o he_o turn_v himself_o and_o look_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o none_o of_o the_o rest_n do_v because_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o strike_v it_o but_o do_v still_o level_v their_o aim_n by_o the_o cross_n god_n cast_v on_o man_n chain_n and_o a_o bridle_n and_o except_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o he_o will_v wander_v into_o error_n in_o time_n and_o though_o a_o man_n sometime_o may_v think_v that_o he_o shall_v serve_v god_n better_o unless_o this_o or_o that_o happen_v yet_o god_n adjudge_v it_o otherwise_o and_o know_v this_o to_o be_v best_a contrary_a to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n chap._n x._o a_o man_n always_o require_v time_n and_o space_n and_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v do_v and_o he_o must_v die_v and_o god_n must_v fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o his_o stead_n that_o which_o a_o man_n think_v he_o shall_v do_v in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v at_o last_o perform_v in_o his_o death_n when_o the_o passion_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v real_o in_o a_o man_n also_o his_o resurrection_n be_v real_o in_o he_o if_o one_o be_v real_a such_o also_o be_v the_o other_o if_o the_o one_o be_v only_o notional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o other_o for_o there_o be_v divers_a resurrection_n a_o man_n give_v up_o to_o god_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o he_o have_v no_o propriety_n but_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o whatever_o therefore_o god_n or_o
only_a continence_n but_o not_o real_a patience_n but_o this_o be_v patience_n when_o a_o man_n can_v imprecate_v no_o evil_n upon_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o adversity_n but_o if_o any_o one_o have_v injure_v he_o he_o pray_v hearty_o for_o he_o note_v he_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o he_o and_o love_v he_o and_o if_o one_o have_v take_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o he_o yield_v up_o and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o own_o self_n and_o be_v upon_o it_o of_o a_o cheerful_a and_o not_o of_o a_o sad_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o continence_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o can_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o be_v precedent_n unto_o righteousness_n which_o follow_v afterward_o through_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v real_a which_o be_v before_o notional_a for_o in_o old_a thing_n do_v abide_v the_o shadow_n but_o the_o real_a thing_n be_v of_o christ_n himself_n paul_n say_v the_o law_n can_v make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o be_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n there_o be_v no_o rest_n to_o the_o father_n till_o christ_n do_v come_v as_o the_o prophet_n say_v concern_v zion_n isaiab_n 62.1_o that_o if_o one_o will_v be_v make_v one_o with_o the_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v do_v whilst_o non-corruption_n last_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v or_o understand_v of_o it_o whilst_o it_o last_v be_v without_o experience_n non-corruption_n hope_v in_o vain_a for_o it_o come_v or_o arrive_v not_o unto_o god_n for_o no_o man_n receive_v god_n without_o death_n and_o destruction_n every_o natural_a man_n be_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o neither_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o if_o he_o can_v come_v at_o god_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o creature_n he_o will_v alike_o abuse_v he_o as_o he_o abuse_v they_o viz._n with_o appropriation_n these_o may_v be_v thus_o observe_v every_o imagination_n which_o be_v in_o man_n concern_v god_n or_o the_o truth_n before_o purgation_n or_o death_n nature_n be_v ready_a to_o appropriate_v it_o to_o herself_o and_o to_o rest_v content_v therein_o with_o delight_n that_o she_o may_v upon_o that_o account_n receive_v honour_n and_o respect_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o conversation_n be_v still_o but_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v follow_v by_o death_n for_o this_o rise_n up_o can_v abide_v this_o bridegroom_n must_v be_v take_v away_o before_o the_o real_a truth_n can_v appear_v the_o apostle_n possess_v christ_n before_o his_o death_n imaginarily_o but_o after_o death_n real_o whence_o paul_n write_v that_o he_o know_v christ_n no_o long_a after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o spirit_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o they_o be_v now_o become_v invisible_a to_o every_a natural_a man_n whence_o they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o none_o but_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v all_o that_o they_o be_v now_o sanctify_v or_o make_v holy_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n after_o that_o christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o death_n before_o who_o death_n and_o resurrection_n no_o man_n can_v be_v holy_a the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v holy_a as_o the_o lord_n say_v unless_o i_o go_v away_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o advocate_n will_v come_v unto_o you_o and_o no_o man_n put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n etc._n etc._n to_o renounce_v all_o creature_n that_o nothing_o may_v remain_v but_o god_n and_o to_o set_v god_n only_o for_o the_o end_n and_o aim_n nature_n and_o flesh_n do_v hear_v it_o with_o terror_n for_o they_o be_v amaze_v at_o this_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o flesh_n can_v but_o retain_v one_o only_a thing_n though_o the_o vile_a yet_o will_v it_o put_v or_o place_v its_o whole_a life_n therein_o and_o will_v adhere_v thereunto_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v so_o well_o do_v for_o it_o for_o all_o thing_n will_v renounce_v it_o which_o way_n soever_o it_o tend_v whence_o at_o length_n it_o must_v without_o any_o support_n let_v itself_o down_o into_o death_n and_o plain_o die_v to_o all_o thing_n when_o a_o king_n and_o a_o beggar_n be_v starve_v to_o death_n the_o death_n of_o either_o be_v the_o same_o and_o alike_o but_o yet_o with_o a_o distinction_n he_o that_o be_v in_o corruption_n behold_v other_o good_a man_n still_o stand_v in_o non-corruption_n think_v thus_o alas_o in_o what_o condition_n be_v you_o o_o how_o much_o still_o can_v you_o be_v satiate_v and_o exhilerate_v with_o god_n when_o i_o can_v neither_o be_v so_o nor_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n no_o where_o but_o in_o god_n it_o be_v requisite_a before_o all_o thing_n that_o one_o shall_v become_v poor_a the_o suffering_n of_o job_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o i_o but_o that_o which_o follow_v after_o it_o can_v make_v i_o glad_a the_o lord_n say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o a_o man_n to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o he_o experience_v they_o not_o nor_o be_v they_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o to_o know_v or_o understand_v much_o but_o that_o we_o may_v sensible_o apprehend_v and_o experience_n much_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v faith_n the_o apostle_n experience_n supply_v all_o thing_n in_o man_n and_o be_v adequate_a to_o knowledge_n and_o thus_o also_o the_o man_n be_v make_v humble_a chap._n xiii_o when_o death_n be_v know_v it_o be_v also_o fear_v and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o profound_o death_n be_v know_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v it_o terrify_v and_o be_v it_o fear_v if_o death_n must_v be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v true_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n when_o nature_n be_v once_o dead_a as_o to_o corporal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o remain_v dead_a and_z as_o to_o they_o never_o to_o revive_v again_o but_o then_o life_n ascend_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o there_o seek_v nourishment_n but_o death_n follow_v it_o thither_o also_o and_o cut_v off_o the_o thread_n of_o that_o life_n also_o that_o it_o may_v there_o also_o remain_v always_o dead_a nor_o can_v it_o ever_o revive_v again_o so_o that_o at_o last_o the_o life_n ascend_v above_o all_o creature_n yea_o above_o the_o angel_n also_o by_o how_o many_o degree_n it_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o life_n by_o so_o many_o death_n it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o always_o to_o abide_v in_o death_n if_o one_o abstain_v from_o any_o thing_n he_o may_v take_v it_o up_o again_o but_o according_a to_o what_o any_o one_o be_v dead_a unto_o that_o ought_v always_o to_o remain_v dead_a so_o as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasumed_n i_o never_o possess_v piety_n and_o whatsoever_o i_o receive_v from_o god_n by_o my_o piety_n i_o be_o plain_o rob_v thereof_o and_o i_o can_v boast_v no_o where_o neither_o before_o god_n nor_o before_o any_o man_n nor_o before_o my_o own_o self_n for_o i_o live_v by_o freegrace_n alone_o this_o state_n be_v so_o miserable_a that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v touch_v therewith_o and_o though_o i_o must_v live_v by_o freegrace_n yet_o i_o know_v of_o no_o grace_n nor_o can_v i_o comprehend_v or_o understand_v nor_o know_v nor_o find_v where_o that_o grace_n shall_v be_v nor_o whence_o it_o shall_v come_v although_o i_o have_v often_o feel_v it_o therefore_o ought_v this_o grace_n to_o be_v both_o give_v and_o take_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o above_o all_o merit_n or_o godliness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o man_n as_o also_o above_o all_o intellect_n and_o illumination_n but_o as_o for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n judgement_n hell_n and_o damnation_n these_o i_o can_v most_o exact_o know_v and_o understand_v whence_o they_o can_v come_v for_o they_o always_o do_v handle_v i_o very_o severe_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v my_o chief_a salvation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n overshaddow_n i_o i_o can_v bear_v all_o though_o i_o shall_v be_v roast_v or_o boil_a annihilate_v or_o slay_v in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o when_o the_o will_n of_o god_n hide_v itself_o for_o some_o time_n that_o i_o do_v not_o feel_v it_o over_o i_o i_o fall_v into_o such_o strait_n as_o a_o unexperienced_a person_n can_v believe_v my_o whole_a hope_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v lead_v we_o all_o through_o all_o though_o the_o case_n be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n for_o his_o arm_n be_v all_o powerful_a
concupiscence_n be_v viz._n proper_o that_o sin_n which_o lead_v away_o a_o man_n into_o captivity_n therefore_o because_o common_o he_o be_v account_v a_o pious_a man_n who_o study_v to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a outward_a conversation_n for_o more_o than_o what_o be_v without_o a_o man_n can_v see_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n stick_v always_o about_o these_o thing_n suppose_v that_o â—e_n have_v accomplish_v all_o thing_n unless_o by_o chance_n he_o fall_v again_o into_o some_o gross_a sin_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n still_o remain_v deep_o fasten_v in_o he_o but_o the_o mind_n take_v no_o further_a care_n how_o it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o true_a purge_n out_o of_o all_o these_o see_v it_o may_v seem_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o which_o indeed_o be_v very_o true_a as_o to_o we_o but_o to_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a hence_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o elect_a that_o god_n even_o quite_o conquer_v sin_n in_o man_n and_o will_v rule_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o man_n not_o only_o by_o pluck_v out_o all_o the_o external_a act_n of_o the_o more_o gross_a sin_n bâ—â—_n also_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n itself_o of_o the_o heat_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a faculty_n 〈◊〉_d sensuality_n love_n appetite_n and_o our_o proper_a will_n by_o which_o all_o our_o external_a action_n be_v govern_v if_o this_o thing_n be_v make_v more_o common_o know_v and_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o many_o in_o good_a earnest_n man_n will_v not_o go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o such_o merry_a gesture_n and_o in_o such_o security_n as_o the_o do_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o be_v sinner_n and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d yet_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o son-shâ—â—â—_a of_o god_n although_o now_o they_o think_v themselves_o set_v on_o the_o high_a step_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v just_a hope_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o son_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o their_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o thou_o and_o shall_v rob_v they_o of_o that_o peace_n which_o they_o have_v get_v from_o without_o they_o certain_o will_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o like_a misery_n and_o strait_n and_o will_v apprehend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o poor_a of_o all_o though_o a_o blind_a security_n do_v now_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o shine_v in_o the_o great_a riches_n yet_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_o will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n most_o clear_o uncover_v all_o and_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o light_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n in_o we_o for_o its_o better_a by_o real_a inward_a poverty_n to_o draw_v â—earer_o to_o god_n then_o be_v by_o imaginary_a and_o false_a riches_n blind_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o true_a go_v forward_o unto_o god_n i_o be_v willing_a hearty_a to_o discover_v these_o thing_n to_o thou_o that_o â—he_v true_a difference_n of_o thy_o condition_n may_v according_a to_o my_o small_a judgement_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o heart_n become_v more_o and_o better_o know_v unto_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o thou_o thyself_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v leave_v thou_o for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n in_o this_o condition_n will_v come_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n more_o exact_o and_o to_o perceive_v those_o thing_n which_o hitherto_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o thou_o now_o therefore_o weigh_v all_o thing_n more_o right_o which_o perhaps_o hitherto_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v even_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v light_o neglect_v yet_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v by_o thou_o every_o where_o lest_o thy_o burden_n shall_v be_v too_o heavy_a for_o thou_o to_o bear_v and_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o tempt_v beyond_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o thy_o weakness_n to_o suffer_v according_a to_o his_o mercy_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v not_o fit_a without_o the_o divine_a help_n to_o bear_v these_o burden_n in_o regard_n no_o support_n can_v appear_v to_o it_o now_o from_o any_o where_o else_o because_o in_o whatsoever_o thing_n it_o former_o be_v wont_a to_o rest_v and_o to_o trust_v all_o that_o in_o such_o a_o state_n shrink_v far_o away_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n in_o this_o condition_n be_v better_o advise_v then_o plain_o to_o neglect_v all_o external_a temporary_a mean_n wherewith_o his_o mind_n be_v use_v to_o be_v delight_v and_o to_o renounce_v they_o quite_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v else_o still_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o affliction_n let_v he_o therefore_o do_v this_o viz._n let_v he_o learn_v to_o subject_v his_o whole_a self_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n submit_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o god_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o in_o this_o his_o tribulation_n with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v they_o all_o so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o this_o renunciation_n and_o submission_n he_o shall_v sure_o find_v a_o wonderful_a advantage_n and_o a_o strange_a renovation_n of_o heart_n insomuch_o that_o that_o which_o before_o be_v difficult_a and_o hard_a will_v be_v now_o pleasant_a and_o grateful_a to_o he_o and_o that_o which_o before_o be_v mere_a terror_n yea_o as_o death_n to_o he_o will_v now_o be_v as_o a_o sanctuary_n of_o refuge_n yea_o life_n itself_o to_o he_o and_o to_o tell_v it_o in_o short_a all_o thing_n will_v change_v themselves_o in_o a_o man_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rule_v in_o he_o and_o impel_v he_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n whereas_o whilst_o he_o â—s_v miserable_o lead_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o carnality_n he_o will_v live_v as_o govern_v into_o mere_a disobedience_n under_o his_o own_o proper_a will_n for_o which_o very_a reason_n the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v be_v subject_v unto_o iâ—_n nor_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o choose_v to_o save_v our_o life_n and_o not_o to_o lose_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o seek_v our_o advantage_n and_o intend_v nothing_o else_o but_o good_a to_o we_o regard_v not_o that_o complaineâ—_n of_o our_o flesh_n but_o give_v up_o our_o soul_n through_o much_o sorrow_n stir_v up_o in_o we_o by_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n to_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o subject_v ourselves_o till_o all_o impurity_n of_o our_o inbred_a and_o corrupt_a appetite_n be_v by_o the_o devour_a flame_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n consume_v and_o purge_v away_o in_o we_o then_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o to_o seek_v out_o both_o as_o well_o internal_o as_o external_o that_o all_o our_o perverse_a thought_n and_o sensual_a appetite_n may_v be_v purify_v nor_o to_o be_v no_o long_o stir_v up_o by_o our_o own_o proper_a will_n to_o all_o wicked_a desire_n and_o pleasure_n wherewith_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n abound_v the_o lord_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o grant_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o true_a discretion_n that_o every_o where_o and_o time_n we_o may_v contain_v ourselves_o in_o good_a order_n under_o his_o fear_n whereby_o we_o may_v proceed_v and_o grow_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o call_n and_o so_o at_o length_n if_o it_o may_v be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o arrive_v to_o a_o fall_n age_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o commiseration_n let_v we_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o power_n adore_v the_o lord_n with_o uncessant_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n pour_v out_o before_o he_o lest_o that_o which_o be_v temporary_a and_o partake_v of_o time_n shall_v find_v any_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v so_o expulse_v that_o the_o lord_n himself_o may_v possess_v that_o place_n even_o until_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n be_v perform_v only_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o may_v grow_v forth_o with_o all_o discipline_n and_o obedience_n under_o the_o most_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o may_v with_o all_o patience_n wait_v for_o and_o expect_v his_o come_n unto_o manifestation_n when_o he_o himself_o will_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o â—nd_v give_v they_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o true_a â—â—lvation_n unto_o which_o it_o now_o in_o this_o moment_n of_o time_n behoove_v they_o to_o be_v prepare_v by_o a_o constant_a sorrow_n and_o misery_n
which_o lie_v hide_v in_o man_n and_o convince_v he_o do_v yet_o partake_v of_o reason_n and_o humane_a power_n although_o the_o lord_n do_v afterward_o offer_v to_o the_o heart_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n submit_v itself_o to_o that_o but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o one_o with_o the_o light_n for_o no_o man_n receive_v this_o light_n but_o he_o in_o who_o the_o reason_n and_o strength_n of_o man_n be_v on_o the_o cross_n become_v dead_a with_o christ_n now_o such_o a_o one_o thenceforward_a because_o of_o the_o communion_n he_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o again_o raise_v up_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thenceforward_a become_v his_o life_n his_o own_o reason_n and_o all_o his_o own_o power_n abide_v in_o death_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o soul_n live_v in_o he_o but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o man_n come_v to_o renounce_v all_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o become_v conform_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n never_o know_v nor_o can_v arrive_v thereat_o therefore_o because_o the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n reach_v not_o so_o far_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o yet_o dead_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n &_o strength_n he_o indeed_o bear_v witness_n against_o his_o own_o self_n because_o that_o which_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v death_n by_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 8.10_o 11._o and_o 6.5_o 6._o keep_v he_o in_o life_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n serve_v he_o for_o that_o purpose_n even_o to_o his_o own_o proper_a commodity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o divulge_v till_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o at_o length_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o we_o otherwise_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o concern_v but_o only_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v still_o carnal_a and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o plain_o like_a to_o the_o rude_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v account_v ourselves_o for_o imitator_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v leave_v all_o yet_o still_o we_o be_v to_o be_v make_v like_a unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v plant_v into_o his_o death_n furthermore_o i_o here_o further_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n derive_v from_o adam_n can_v ever_o attain_v unto_o the_o eternal_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o study_n indeed_o and_o that_o labour_n by_o which_o such_o a_o man_n in_o his_o solicitous_a endeavour_n be_v tire_v our_o before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n i_o acknowledge_v for_o humane_a and_o that_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o righteousness_n which_o one_o acquire_v by_o this_o study_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v prevalent_a in_o god_n sight_n for_o this_o be_v at_o last_o after_o the_o law_n constitute_v in_o we_o by_o christ_n first_o therefore_o a_o man_n must_v labour_v under_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n even_o to_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o great_a innocency_n he_o possible_o can_v yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o feel_v at_o length_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o see_v it_o can_v possible_o abide_v therein_o it_o fall_v manifest_o down_o into_o death_n and_o then_o at_o length_n be_v it_o by_o christ_n raise_v again_o into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o now_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o common_a be_v by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v near_o to_o we_o propose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o this_o that_o god_n through_o and_o by_o christ_n crect_v salvation_n mere_o without_o any_o addition_n of_o work_n which_o i_o grant_v but_o because_o these_o under_o the_o law_n obtain_v no_o righteousness_n by_o the_o benefit_n of_o work_n there_o be_v put_v no_o study_n or_o rigour_n therefore_o they_o also_o can_v for_o christ_n sake_n renounce_v nor_o forsake_v their_o good_n see_v as_o yet_o they_o have_v gain_v none_o for_o they_o will_v have_v they_o renounce_v what_o they_o have_v not_o but_o in_o the_o interim_n they_o suffer_v loss_n also_o in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o that_o therefore_o which_o they_o say_v be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v not_o right_o apply_v by_o they_o as_o all_o the_o scripture_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n that_o they_o come_v not_o to_o the_o truth_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o deny_v unto_o they_o all_o grace_n for_o their_o portion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n see_v that_o they_o study_v with_o all_o their_o might_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v hear_v somewhat_o of_o he_o provide_v they_o be_v faithful_a in_o what_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o that_o to_o the_o utmost_a he_o that_o neglect_v this_o be_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o proper_a judgement_n epist._n xxi_o the_o difference_n between_o repentance_n and_o regeneration_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o little_a book_n of_o diederick_n phillips_n which_o be_v print_v concern_v the_o new_a creature_n to._n j._n w._n dear_a john_n that_o acknowledgement_n of_o diederick_n phillips_n concern_v the_o new_a creature_n i_o do_v partly_o own_o for_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o stretch_v further_o than_o it_o reach_v viz._n that_o it_o can_v according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o pious_a life_n but_o if_o that_o repentance_n and_o life_n so_o correct_v thereby_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v put_v for_o the_o new_a creature_n whilst_o yet_o the_o conscience_n be_v still_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n then_o be_v it_o erroneous_a for_o whilst_o that_o no_o death_n have_v as_o yet_o happen_v and_o still_o sin_n lie_v so_o powerful_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o accusation_n it_o often_o drive_v the_o soul_n into_o sadness_n the_o soul_n be_v yet_o under_o the_o law_n for_o by_o the_o law_n in_o our_o conscience_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v force_v into_o silence_n that_o accusation_n and_o that_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o torment_v our_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o scripture-promise_n and_o so_o comfort_v himself_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o then_o he_o still_o abide_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o death_n of_o it_o for_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o sin_n therefore_o also_o no_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o conscience_n can_v touch_v it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n live_v whole_o under_o grace_n and_o his_o mind_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n to_o be_v sustain_v by_o the_o external_a comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o also_o by_o the_o absolution_n from_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o to_o he_o a_o great_a confidence_n for_o his_o life_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o consist_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wherefore_o also_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o purity_n enjoy_v the_o high_a peace_n remain_v seal_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o in_o they_o who_o be_v still_o under_o conscience_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n still_o exercise_v its_o power_n and_o conscience_n do_v still_o accuse_v perpetual_o for_o some_o sin_n so_o that_o it_o hence_o appear_v open_o that_o such_o be_v not_o yet_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n because_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v still_o remain_v in_o its_o power_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n somewhat_o be_v commit_v against_o conscience_n and_o though_o we_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n or_o under_o the_o accusation_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o accusation_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n still_o reign_v here_o or_o there_o yet_o be_v the_o thing_n manifest_a by_o conscience_n its_o self_n which_o through_o a_o accusation_n for_o sin_n render_v we_o guilty_a if_o therefore_o we_o can_v stand_v in_o purity_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a man_n than_o indeed_o the_o law_n by_o its_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o conscience_n through_o sin_n dare_v not_o so_o assault_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n as_o that_o he_o must_v seek_v comfort_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o
the_o resurrection_n to_o the_o same_o person_n dear_a brother_n we_o will_v beg_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n on_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o resurrection_n every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o illumination_n by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o benefit_n of_o who_o all_o seed_n do_v put_v forth_o their_o faculty_n in_o grow_v for_o the_o natural_a life_n faculty_n understanding_n wisdom_n and_o sense_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o death_n in_o time_n and_o though_o a_o man_n delude_v by_o some_o fair_a show_n may_v imagine_v to_o himself_o a_o eternal_a permanency_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v to_o a_o burn_a strength_n all_o these_o will_v dry_v up_o or_o wither_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o consist_v or_o abide_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o be_v that_o which_o melt_v all_o down_o yea_o furthermore_o the_o very_a discretion_n itself_o of_o the_o soul_n must_v die_v likewise_o as_o far_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n study_v to_o preserve_v it_o if_o that_o that_o man_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v willing_a to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n lest_o that_o soul_n do_v tumble_v down_o into_o utter_a destruction_n now_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n to_o lose_v any_o thing_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o top_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o preserve_v all_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o death_n and_o because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o conserve_v life_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o soul_n now_o there_o be_v life_n no_o where_o but_o in_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v come_v at_o the_o true_a nourishment_n of_o life_n but_o be_v to_o be_v deliveral_a up_o to_o death_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n proper_o be_v death_n itself_o and_o belong_v to_o death_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v up_o together_o into_o one_o body_n and_o both_o viz._n the_o body_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n be_v move_v together_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o grief_n or_o to_o joy_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o high_a knowledge_n unto_o which_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o natural_a rule_n of_o life_n can_v possible_o ascend_v for_o she_o can_v be_v elevate_v high_a in_o understanding_n unless_o first_o as_o to_o her_o knowledge_n by_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v inform_v by_o she_o she_o shall_v die_v so_o as_o that_o it_o behoove_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o one_o man_n to_o die_v after_o that_o the_o spiritual_a conception_n be_v now_o out_o of_o that_o deadned_a seed_n be_v wont_a to_o spring_v forth_o a_o new_a plant_n enrich_v with_o divine_a fruitfulness_n which_o no_o death_n can_v touch_v any_o more_o neither_o according_a to_o soul_n nor_o according_a to_o body_n because_o this_o generation_n not_o of_o man_n but_o without_o man_n nor_o out_o of_o his_o will_n but_o without_o his_o will_n not_o with_o hope_n but_o without_o all_o hope_n arrive_v at_o the_o state_n of_o eternity_n out_o of_o the_o eternal_a grace_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o life_n always_o abide_v nor_o be_v it_o corruptible_a even_o as_o also_o god_n be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n every_o thing_n therefore_o return_v to_o that_o out_o of_o which_o it_o first_o spring_v viz._n the_o natural_a man_n with_o its_o perfect_a body_n and_o in_o its_o sphere_n to_o death_n without_o any_o resurrection_n at_o all_o according_a to_o its_o own_o proper_a nature_n and_o the_o supernatural_a man_n in_o its_o perfect_a sphere_n to_o eternal_a life_n abide_v eternal_o in_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o a_o creature_n but_o glorify_v in_o god_n he_o who_o come_v to_o this_o state_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o partake_v nothing_o thereof_o also_o as_o a_o natural_a man_n utter_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n and_o although_o he_o shall_v confess_v it_o yet_o even_o that_o confession_n of_o the_o resurrection_n must_v die_v because_o unto_o the_o natural_a man_n as_o such_o there_o never_o even_o eternal_o belong_v any_o resurrection_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o seed_n sow_o to_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a death_n unless_o it_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v in_o its_o self_n if_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o death_n with_o a_o hope_n of_o receive_v forthwith_o another_o life_n and_o as_o to_o that_o state_n and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o his_o knowledge_n wherein_o he_o be_v dead_a a_o better_a for_o no_o man_n can_v whilst_o his_o present_a understanding_n be_v in_o be_v attain_v to_o another_o understanding_n or_o life_n unless_o the_o former_a be_v first_o dead_o then_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a death_n because_o it_o can_v only_o follow_v that_o which_o have_v be_v in_o be_v before_o now_o therefore_o there_o be_v here_o place_n for_o death_n when_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o corruption_n through_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n a_o new_a plant_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o corruption_n do_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o own_o kind_n as_o there_o be_v example_n in_o all_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o corruptible_a propagation_n of_o they_o so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o the_o natural_a man_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o resurrection_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o he_o confirm_v it_o because_o he_o true_o be_v prepare_v himself_o for_o death_n and_o utter_v public_o his_o testimony_n concern_v his_o corruption_n and_o his_o eternal_a death_n for_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o to_o he_o may_v together_o with_o the_o keeper_n who_o the_o pharisee_n set_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v which_o also_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v mighty_o confirm_v for_o they_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o very_a door_n to_o such_o a_o state_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o for_o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v seal_v up_o the_o sepulchre_n have_v conclude_v that_o they_o have_v shut_v up_o a_o kind_n of_o dead_a corpse_n and_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o in_o that_o pit_n of_o death_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n who_o yet_o be_v send_v to_o do_v mischief_n become_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n although_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o by_o his_o disciple_n by_o the_o keeper_n be_v mean_v the_o natural_a man_n my_o brother_n this_o my_o own_o true_a epistle_n will_v clear_o open_v to_o thou_o my_o mind_n and_o will_v be_v to_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o dial_n which_o thou_o must_v well_o eye_n and_o consider_v that_o thou_o may_v likewise_o write_v back_o thy_o opinion_n to_o i_o whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v wherein_o we_o agree_v and_o wherein_o we_o differ_v if_o we_o be_v careful_a concern_v this_o opinion_n the_o lord_n look_v upon_o we_o all_o in_o his_o mercy_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o his_o own_o clearness_n epist._n xxvii_o a_o faithful_a admonition_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o his_o brother_n a._n w._n my_o brother_n let_v we_o go_v to_o that_o man_n and_o let_v we_o set_v before_o he_o death_n and_o life_n resurrection_n and_o incorruptibility_n all_o unfolded_a in_o their_o own_o degree_n and_o nature_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o his_o pleasure_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v choose_v nature_n in_o his_o life_n then_o in_o good_a earnest_n he_o must_v perish_v in_o a_o eternal_a death_n nor_o shall_v he_o ever_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o life_n as_o he_o seek_v but_o if_o he_o will_v approach_v unto_o the_o truth_n even_o as_o also_o the_o thing_n be_v he_o shall_v live_v while_o he_o die_v and_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o true_a resurrection_n which_o else_o be_v deny_v to_o he_o my_o brother_n may_v god_n exhibit_v to_o he_o and_o to_o we_o his_o mercy_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o his_o compassion_n nor_o may_v he_o ever_o leave_v we_o in_o our_o misery_n but_o remember_v we_o in_o this_o life_n subject_a to_o so_o many_o suffering_n in_o which_o we_o cry_v out_o laborious_o unto_o the_o lord_n with_o many_o sigh_n that_o by_o his_o hand_n we_o may_v be_v promote_v to_o incorruptibility_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v effect_v but_o by_o our_o death_n which_o comprehend_v in_o itself_o the_o relinquish_a of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o