contrary_a and_o in_o enmity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v strong_o by_o use_v all_o diligent_a watchfulness_n or_o else_o it_o will_v deceive_v thou_o by_o its_o subtlety_n &_o will_v seduce_v thou_o to_o a_o turn_n aside_o although_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o gentle_a unto_o the._n submit_v thyself_o to_o suffering_n that_o thou_o may_v with_o a_o ready_a mind_n bear_v whatsoever_o be_v grievous_a burdensome_a and_o tedious_a and_o endure_v even_o to_o the_o end_n and_o in_o this_o daily_a cross_n possess_v thy_o soul_n with_o patience_n let_v not_o the_o length_n of_o time_n be_v irksome_a to_o thou_o offer_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n thy_o carnal_a mind_n opportune_o for_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o must_v at_o last_o be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o lord_n either_o soon_o or_o late_a endeavour_v this_o sedulous_o viz._n to_o give_v up_o free_o to_o the_o lord_n thy_o flesh_n and_o blood_n thy_o soul_n and_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v do_v with_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n so_o as_o thou_o may_v never_o hereafter_o find_v any_o contradiction_n in_o thyself_o about_o these_o but_o that_o christ_n alone_o may_v be_v in_o thou_o thy_o will_n life_n and_o sole_a governor_n the_o lord_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o all_o i_o pray_v thou_o give_v my_o hearty_a commendation_n to_o a._n the_o wife_n of_o thy_o brother_n and_o give_v she_o this_o letter_n to_o read_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o stir_v she_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n whereby_o she_o may_v with_o a_o heart_n prepare_v endure_v she_o many_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o willing_o to_o accept_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o from_o he_o who_o by_o these_o mean_n strive_v to_o chasten_v and_o to_o purify_v she_o so_o that_o she_o also_o beware_v that_o she_o be_v not_o ensnare_v by_o any_o sin_n but_o will_v strict_o observe_v her_o life_n viz._n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o yea_o also_o let_v she_o learn_v to_o sustain_v willing_o what_o he_o shall_v lay_v upon_o she_o that_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o sharp_a or_o sour_a may_v at_o last_o become_v sweeten_v to_o she_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o she_o herself_o at_o length_n may_v remain_v whole_o yield_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o i_o recommend_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v advance_v both_o thou_o and_o all_o of_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v become_v his_o live_a sacrifice_n and_o sweet_a savour_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o our_o labour_n may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o may_v daily_o increase_v with_o fruitbearing_a epist._n x._o a_o brief_a information_n how_o a_o man_n who_o begin_v with_o zeal_n be_v use_v to_o be_v lead_v through_o continual_a suffering_n and_o conflict_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o fruit_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v forth_o from_o those_o dolour_n to_o his_o sister_n a._n my_o most_o belove_a sister_n that_o all_o may_v be_v well_o with_o thou_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o desire_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n and_o thy_o further_a growth_n in_o he_o do_v very_o great_o rejoice_v i_o for_o although_o in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n many_o new_a thing_n be_v here_o and_o there_o produce_v from_o multiply_v discord_n one_o show_v this_o and_o another_o that_o way_n by_o all_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o be_v disturb_v and_o they_o be_v disquiet_v contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o godliness_n yet_o god_n have_v prepare_v a_o eminent_a glory_n for_o they_o who_o with_o a_o valiant_a mind_n do_v break_v through_o these_o thing_n also_o because_o now_o a_o narrow_a way_n be_v propose_v then_o in_o time_n past_a therefore_o also_o a_o great_a grace_n be_v now_o apprehend_v to_o be_v in_o man_n for_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o strait_n and_o anxiety_n be_v get_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v unto_o man_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o god_n than_o a_o imaginary_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o in_o which_o it_o be_v well_o with_o a_o man_n and_o in_o which_o he_o live_v a_o quiet_a pleasant_a life_n free_a from_o any_o vexation_n of_o adversity_n misfortune_n and_o other_o mischief_n brief_o god_n be_v never_o far_o absent_v from_o we_o then_o when_o all_o thing_n happen_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o our_o own_o will_n and_o when_o we_o enjoy_v every_o where_o a_o prosperous_a success_n whereas_o strait_n misfortune_n a_o cross_n and_o a_o press_a need_n be_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o in_o matter_n great_a or_o small_a provide_v that_o in_o these_o evil_n we_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o with_o joy_n as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o we_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o captivity_n and_o chain_n do_v endeavour_n forthwith_o to_o put_v they_o off_o and_o to_o die_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n yet_o in_o we_o which_o stir_v we_o up_o either_o to_o sorrow_n or_o to_o joy_n so_o long_o be_v we_o bind_v and_o captivate_v to_o our_o own_o self_n and_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o nature_n now_o if_o we_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o first_o natural_a generation_n shall_v penetrate_v to_o the_o other_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o certain_o than_o no_o adversity_n misfortune_n injury_n yea_o nor_o fire_n nor_o sword_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v a_o relict_n of_o nature_n can_v overcome_v a_o man_n which_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o we_o for_o evil_a as_o the_o vulgar_a account_v they_o for_o evil_a for_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v account_v by_o he_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o the_o eternal_a glory_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o such_o a_o man_n nothing_o be_v sweet_a or_o more_o worthy_a his_o esteem_n than_o every_o adversity_n and_o injury_n wherewith_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v treat_v from_o other_o so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o of_o they_o be_v send_v he_o from_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o he_o will_v judge_v that_o he_o be_v propitious_a to_o he_o but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n require_v first_o before_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v first_o overwhelm_v by_o any_o adversity_n than_o we_o either_o throw_v the_o blame_n upon_o man_n or_o we_o complain_v that_o god_n do_v afflict_v we_o and_o this_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o we_o yet_o stick_v and_o lie_v in_o our_o sin_n because_o of_o which_o we_o be_v accuse_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o render_v enemy_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v lay_v aside_o whatsoever_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v unjust_a though_o they_o may_v seem_v never_o so_o small_a and_o we_o must_v go_v forward_o with_o a_o stout_a zeal_n so_o that_o we_o must_v both_o day_n and_o night_n fall_v down_o upon_o our_o face_n in_o prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o bestow_v on_o we_o free_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o consist_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n that_o afterward_o we_o be_v ourselves_o destroy_v may_v true_o die_v also_o that_o we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o upon_o ourselves_o by_o which_o at_o last_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o his_o own_o nought_o but_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o safe_a way_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v save_v my_o dear_a sister_n i_o have_v here_o in_o few_o word_n describe_v to_o thou_o the_o type_n only_o or_o the_o picture_n and_o shadow_n of_o that_o fruit_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o cross_n yet_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o to_o apprehend_v it_o with_o a_o right_a faith_n thou_o thyself_o will_v seek_v it_o proper_o as_o from_o thy_o own_o experience_n but_o before_o thou_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o such_o great_a advantage_n to_o thou_o thou_o will_v feel_v certain_o many_o adversity_n and_o misery_n and_o it_o will_v behoove_v the_o to_o cut_v off_o many_o of_o thy_o accommodation_n that_o so_o thou_o will_v behold_v no_o body_n else_o but_o look_n at_o thy_o own_o self_n for_o it_o behoove_v thou_o to_o find_v salvation_n in_o thy_o own_o self_n and_o so_o also_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v experiment_n of_o die_a for_o thyself_o he_o that_o be_v honest_a without_o himself_o he_o also_o be_v save_v without_o himself_o and_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o stand_v always_o in_o need_n
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
those_o who_o â—â—ve_v not_o a_o true_a light_n although_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d understanding_n very_o subtle_a as_o also_o â—â—ose_v who_o be_v tire_v out_o from_o continue_v 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a light_n and_o these_o â—â—en_o stand_v in_o a_o false_a liberty_n nor_o be_v wilâ—â—g_v to_o pay_v tithe_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o â—â—e_v thousand_o part_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o â—â—l_a payment_n of_o either_o by_o tithe_n be_v mean_v the_o outward_a conversation_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o lie_v down_o one_o load_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v up_o another_o and_o yet_o carry_v neither_o but_o he_o that_o walk_v the_o true_a path_n do_v not_o thus_o urge_v one_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v neglect_v another_o but_o be_v bring_v forth_o both_o into_o use_n and_o study_v how_o to_o render_v both_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o who_o be_v describe_v above_o be_v those_o false_a man_n who_o admit_v of_o a_o false_a liberty_n not_o can_v any_o one_o gain_n any_o victory_n over_o they_o or_o resist_v they_o except_o he_o be_v one_o that_o be_v come_v to_o regeneration_n for_o such_o have_v the_o true_a essence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o true_a light_n the_o error_n of_o these_o libertine_n be_v heheld_v and_o they_o see_v wherein_o they_o err_v and_o how_o they_o go_v beyond_o alâ—_n due_a bound_n nor_o do_v right_o persevere_v otherwise_o they_o be_v above_o every_o one_o understanding_n and_o make_v nothing_o of_o thoâ—â—_n who_o will_v resist_v they_o because_o they_o hauâ—_n a_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a understanding_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o that_o claritude_n which_o former_o have_v shine_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d therefore_o that_o be_v still_o a_o natural_a man_n 〈◊〉_d not_o reach_v nor_o understand_v they_o anâ—_n much_o less_o oppose_v himself_o against_o they_o yâ—â—_n though_o he_o be_v a_o famous_a learned_a man._n but_o he_o that_o will_v reach_v they_o and_o oppose_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o be_v not_o a_o animal_n man_n but_o a_o spiritual_a bear_v of_o god_n of_o who_o paul_n say_v the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n else_o â—et_v he_o let_v all_o dispute_n alone_a unless_o he_o will_v be_v make_v a_o laughingstock_n because_o â—hey_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o angry_a and_o provoke_v by_o his_o weak_a argumentation_n we_o must_v know_v that_o righteousness_n â—nd_v unrighteousness_n be_v so_o alike_o one_o to_o â—he_v other_o as_o be_v two_o hair_n of_o the_o same_o head_n but_o god_n can_v divide_v those_o hair_n â—nd_v expose_v their_o inside_n to_o be_v behold_v of_o men._n the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o â—ay_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v go_v in_o by_o â—he_n same_o step_n and_o the_o one_o lead_v to_o â—ighteousness_n but_o the_o other_o to_o unrighteousness_n we_o have_v a_o similitude_n in_o a_o â—reat_a heap_n of_o money_n that_o make_v up_o one_o â—ertain_a sum._n now_o if_o a_o honest_a just_a man_n 〈◊〉_d to_o count_v it_o and_o to_o give_v the_o total_a sum_n â—â—though_o he_o may_v not_o right_o know_v some_o â—â—eces_n thereof_o yet_o if_o he_o count_v they_o hoâ—â—estly_o and_o keep_v back_o none_o of_o they_o for_o his_o own_o use_n but_o compleat_v the_o full_a sum_n god_n do_v not_o therefore_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o ingenious_a mind_n but_o he_o who_o take_v any_o piece_n from_o they_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o must_v expect_v the_o judgement_n now_o he_o be_v the_o man_n who_o take_v some_o from_o they_o who_o will_v excuse_v his_o carnality_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o every_o illumination_n revelation_n and_o understanding_n the_o essence_n only_a 〈◊〉_d a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v a_o man_n have_v need_v to_o have_v diligent_a care_n about_o all_o that_o he_o meet_v with_o lest_o he_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v a_o fault_n chap._n xv._o a_o man_n must_v endeavour_v to_o lead_v 〈◊〉_d innocent_a and_o unblamable_a life_n 〈◊〉_d which_o if_o he_o shall_v arrive_v god_n wâ—_n call_v he_o into_o judgement_n and_o will_v purgâ—_n his_o floor_n from_o sin_n at_o the_o bottom_n thâ—_n bud_v forth_o of_o which_o do_v former_o 〈◊〉_d much_o hurt_v to_o the_o work_n and_o thought_n of_o a_o man_n through_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d the_o mind_n but_o when_o sin_n be_v perish_v 〈◊〉_d judgement_n and_o be_v condemn_v and_o whole_o cast_v out_o then_o indeed_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o long_o subject_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n but_o be_v free_a both_o from_o it_o and_o its_o slavery_n and_o be_v now_o become_v subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v set_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n to_o this_o belong_v also_o that_o say_n in_o rom._n 7._o a_o man_n therefore_o be_v no_o long_o a_o servant_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n but_o be_v set_v free_a from_o that_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n although_o he_o still_o serve_v in_o his_o member_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o house_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o more_o move_v from_o the_o internal_a root_n but_o it_o come_v extrinsecal_o into_o the_o house_n wherefore_o it_o behove_v to_o place_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n near_o to_o the_o gate_n that_o the_o man_n inward_o may_v have_v converse_n with_o god_n without_o impediment_n chap._n xvi_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o utter_v forth_o his_o word_n in_o vain_a all_o man_n can_v be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o term_n but_o it_o must_v be_v govern_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o every_o one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v rude_a as_o yet_o nothing_o of_o the_o more_o sublime_a mystery_n may_v be_v talk_v of_o but_o they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v admonish_v to_o put_v off_o their_o thick_a outside_n bark_v and_o if_o they_o accept_v that_o counsel_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o discourse_n of_o high_a matter_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o proceed_v with_o until_o no_o root_n of_o sin_n any_o more_o appear_v but_o he_o who_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o low_a matter_n the_o more_o sublime_a may_v not_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o or_o else_o the_o discourse_n will_v be_v hold_v to_o no_o purpose_n now_o no_o wise_a man_n do_v prodigal_o throw_v away_o his_o rich_a merchandise_n or_o his_o money_n he_o who_o have_v purchase_v his_o word_n at_o a_o easy_a rate_n that_o be_v who_o have_v by_o no_o experience_n apprehend_v the_o truth_n in_o himself_o he_o easy_o bolt_v they_o forth_o which_o another_o can_v never_o do_v to_o who_o what_o he_o say_v cost_v he_o more_o dear_a upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o he_o utter_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v cut_v out_o of_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o this_o he_o do_v indeed_o when_o he_o certain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o speak_v in_o vain_a nor_o do_v beat_v the_o air_n for_o word_n be_v extort_a from_o he_o with_o difficulty_n and_o pain_n also_o and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o who_o speak_v out_o of_o illumination_n or_o revelation_n and_o those_o who_o speak_v out_o of_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v with_o joy_n and_o delight_n but_o these_o with_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n they_o be_v defile_v with_o pride_n but_o these_o speak_v out_o of_o humility_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o neighbour_n great_a also_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o who_o have_v their_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n only_o from_o read_v or_o hear_v and_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v who_o understanding_n be_v endow_v by_o illumination_n moreover_o there_o be_v another_o and_o great_a difference_n as_o be_v abovesaid_a betwixt_o those_o who_o have_v revelation_n and_o internal_a illumination_n and_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n itself_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o do_v apprehend_v the_o truth_n thereof_o for_o they_o have_v their_o knowledge_n acquire_v only_o by_o illumination_n and_o therefore_o understand_v not_o what_o god_n the_o truth_n and_o essence_n be_v by_o itself_o untiâ—_n they_o arrive_v thereat_o themselves_o they_o know_v by_o illumination_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o not_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v until_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n lead_v they_o so_o far_o by_o and_o through_o death_n chap._n xvii_o if_o any_o one_o heart_n be_v on_o the_o sudden_a pierce_v quite_o through_o that_o man_n indeed_o perceive_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a order_n of_o death_n but_o if_o first_o his_o hand_n be_v cut_v off_o next_o his_o arm_n and_o his_o foot_n and_o then_o his_o thigh_n and_o so_o
all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o particular_a member_n until_o they_o come_v to_o his_o heart_n than_o indeed_o be_v he_o make_v to_o know_v all_o degree_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o die_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n reach_v all_o the_o creature_n that_o exist_v in_o man_n and_o many_o whilst_o all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o will_v rush_v into_o various_a error_n unless_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n do_v hang_v over_o the_o head_n of_o man._n for_o every_o particular_a iniquity_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o the_o just_a god_n hear_v and_o see_v all_o and_o observe_v every_o word_n and_o will_v punish_v for_o it_o let_v therefore_o a_o man_n fear_n and_o beware_v of_o god_n even_o as_o christ_n will_v exercise_v judgement_n on_o the_o earth_n so_o also_o be_v there_o a_o spiritual_a signification_n of_o that_o particular_a viz._n that_o the_o very_a same_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o man_n and_o there_o also_o will_v he_o punish_v and_o suppress_v all_o iniquity_n we_o have_v a_o similitude_n of_o this_o in_o wax_n soft_a wax_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v all_o impression_n but_o that_o which_o be_v hard_o must_v be_v put_v into_o the_o fire_n for_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v reserve_v last_o for_o the_o fire_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n if_o there_o happen_v to_o a_o man_n reproach_n disgrace_n loss_n revile_n and_o other_o adversity_n all_o these_o be_v according_a to_o christ_n example_n to_o be_v endure_v with_o patience_n nor_o must_v such_o complain_v or_o murmur_v or_o judge_n many_o be_v much_o trouble_v if_o they_o be_v injure_v but_o if_o they_o can_v bear_v it_o patient_o they_o will_v do_v better_o and_o please_v god_n when_o a_o man_n can_v by_o his_o own_o lose_a turn_v away_o the_o loss_n of_o another_o he_o ought_v to_o suffer_v his_o own_o proper_a loss_n that_o that_o other_o loss_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o this_o point_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v through_o tribulation_n and_o grief_n otherwise_o it_o will_v never_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n they_o who_o thus_o desire_v the_o inward_a cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o eternal_a they_o also_o have_v not_o the_o inward_a one_o and_o although_o they_o seek_v it_o yet_o they_o can_v find_v it_o they_o reject_v the_o external_a and_o therefore_o the_o internal_a can_v be_v take_v up_o by_o they_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o most_o miserable_a estate_n and_o the_o most_o subject_a to_o suffering_n if_o a_o christian_n inside_n can_v be_v behold_v no_o man_n will_v desire_v his_o condition_n if_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o affliction_n certain_o thaâ—_n happen_v to_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o seek_v not_o how_o he_o may_v be_v free_v from_o death_n and_o the_o cross_n which_o belong_v unto_o he_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n also_o if_o any_o man_n among_o all_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v find_v to_o be_v cheerful_a and_o merry_a certain_o that_o also_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o christian_n the_o countenance_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o deject_a and_o harsh_a that_o he_o who_o see_v he_o will_v refuse_v he_o it_o be_v certain_o no_o small_a affliction_n to_o have_v all_o that_o cast_v away_o which_o we_o have_v wrought_v for_o with_o all_o our_o labour_n yet_o after_o that_o god_n on_o a_o sudden_a raise_v up_o somewhat_o which_o can_v stand_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o god_n work_v in_o a_o man_n but_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v at_o rest_n from_o work_n whatsoever_o then_o be_v in_o the_o man_n and_o shine_v forth_o from_o he_o all_o that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o man_n himself_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v at_o the_o person_n which_o be_v the_o man_n but_o god_n who_o be_v in_o he_o as_o i_o may_v say_v be_v make_v man_n in_o he_o and_o put_v he_o on_o and_o be_v and_o work_v all_o thing_n in_o he_o and_o shine_v forth_o through_o he_o a_o man_n that_o adher_v to_o the_o earth_n have_v joy_n and_o he_o that_o adhere_v to_o heaven_n also_o have_v joy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v between_o both_o these_o and_o touch_v neither_o of_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o great_a dolour_n and_o have_v nothing_o that_o may_v uphold_v he_o a_o man_n always_o have_v somewhat_o which_o he_o think_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v hereafter_o and_o he_o wait_v for_o it_o with_o joy_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expectation_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o affliction_n and_o even_o this_o must_v be_v send_v from_o god_n into_o the_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o beget_v in_o he_o any_o breathe_n a_o man_n must_v come_v so_o far_o that_o all_o thing_n do_v forsake_v he_o before_o he_o can_v be_v promote_v further_a and_o if_o this_o case_n be_v bring_v forth_o as_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o grosser_n creature_n it_o afterward_o return_v also_o more_o subtle_a as_o to_o that_o claritude_n call_v angelic_a yea_o and_o more_o subtle_a as_o to_o god_n himself_o if_o he_o can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o angel_n although_o we_o must_v thus_o stand_v in_o desertion_n perish_v so_o often_o and_o loose_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o creature_n angel_n and_o god_n and_o so_o every_o one_o ought_v by_o and_o through_o desertion_n to_o be_v sow_v corrupt_a and_o to_o conceive_v fruit_n and_o again_o to_o be_v sow_o yet_o in_o the_o conclusion_n the_o buisiness_n will_v come_v to_o the_o best_a issue_n and_o the_o man_n shall_v be_v everlasting_o preserve_v and_o quiet_v in_o god_n when_o he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruiâ—_n out_o of_o his_o seed_n with_o wonderful_a profit_n and_o increase_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o external_n harvest_n that_o the_o claritude_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o that_o thy_o do_v discern_v all_o much_o clear_a than_o other_o even_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gain_v by_o they_o through_o many_o suffering_n and_o their_o condition_n be_v conjoin_v with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n that_o they_o can_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n deliver_v themselves_o a_o elect_a man_n live_v in_o affliction_n as_o a_o fish_n live_v in_o water_n he_o that_o be_v not_o dead_a can_v exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n but_o before_o that_o he_o must_v suffer_v patient_o that_o he_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o passion_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n if_o the_o magistrate_n can_v so_o punish_v a_o malefactor_n that_o he_o shall_v transgress_v no_o more_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v god_n do_v the_o same_o chap._n xviii_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o similitude_n from_o a_o house_n which_o be_v delineate_v in_o paper_n for_o many_o go_v away_o with_o their_o paper-house_n and_o cry_v this_o be_v that_o very_a house_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o portraiture_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o esteem_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o house_n for_o the_o house_n itself_o we_o must_v hate_v such_o and_o press_v they_o down_o with_o persecution_n moreover_o all_o that_o follow_v in_o succeed_a generation_n have_v add_v somewhat_o to_o this_o figure_n by_o the_o figure_n be_v mean_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n delineate_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o house_n that_o very_a life_n express_v in_o a_o man_n by_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n emperor_n king_n prince_n lord_n with_o all_o their_o hight_n riches_n pleasure_n feast_n drink_v drums_z dance_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o whatever_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n yea_o so_o also_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v of_o all_o yea_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v find_v out_o be_v all_o but_o the_o image_n of_o true_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o true_a essence_n or_o substance_n wherefore_o be_v you_o turn_v from_o the_o shadow_n to_o the_o truth_n whoever_o you_o be_v that_o desire_n to_o live_v and_o to_o have_v both_o true_a peace_n and_o true_a joy_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o creature_n be_v but_o the_o image_n only_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o of_o the_o inward_a truth_n of_o thing_n yea_o god_n also_o have_v create_v the_o creature_n in_o their_o order_n so_o as_o they_o may_v rejoice_v in_o their_o corporal_a order_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v they_o the_o image_n of_o the_o internal_a truth_n even_o as_o that_o also_o have_v its_o own_o spiritual_a order_n all_o creature_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o internal_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o true_a substance_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o glass_n at_o length_n there_o arise_v in_o man_n so_o great_a a_o understanding_n that_o in_o fine_a even_o that_o also_o
from_o he_o and_o have_v give_v he_o the_o wisdom_n that_o he_o can_v behold_v god_n in_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o can_v take_v all_o thing_n from_o his_o hand_n and_o so_o he_o can_v give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o chap._n xxvi_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o any_o one_o have_v before_o the_o birth_n of_o jacob_n be_v a_o servile_a fear_n and_o the_o filial_a fear_n come_v not_o at_o first_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n the_o servile_a go_v before_o but_o last_v not_o and_o the_o filial_a follow_v and_o abideeth_n when_o esau_n be_v bear_v he_o know_v nothing_o as_o yet_o of_o jacob_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o blessing_n be_v he_o first_o he_o come_v forth_o but_o in_o part_n and_o in_o time_n be_v put_v further_o out_o till_o also_o his_o foot_n come_v forth_o then_o he_o look_v back_o upon_o jacob_n and_o be_v smite_v with_o grief_n and_o he_o see_v also_o his_o own_o danger_n and_o yet_o he_o contrive_v to_o kill_v he_o and_o to_o take_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o the_o more_o he_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v he_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v jacob_n come_v forth_o it_o be_v write_v concern_v esau_n though_o thou_o shall_v build_v thy_o nest_n among_o the_o star_n yet_o i_o will_v pull_v thou_o thence_o betwixt_o esau_n and_o jacob_n there_o be_v no_o die_v for_o jacob_n hold_v esau_n by_o the_o heel_n and_o follow_v he_o esau_n be_v the_o beginning_n that_o which_o follow_v be_v jacob_n the_o habitation_n of_o esau_n be_v in_o the_o desert_n moreover_o concern_v esau_n and_o jacob_n esau_n proceed_v from_o isaac_n which_o be_v a_o divine_a birth_n yet_o the_o judgement_n come_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v righteousness_n in_o a_o man_n upon_o which_o also_o come_v judgement_n esau_n have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o propriety_n and_o he_o appli_v it_o unto_o his_o delight_n and_o he_o seek_v life_n for_o himself_o therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n must_v come_v upon_o esau_n that_o he_o must_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n till_o he_o come_v into_o the_o state_n of_o jacob_n who_o abide_v resign_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o whether_o god_n give_v or_o whether_o god_n take_v away_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n receive_v a_o new_a life_n he_o â—s_v again_o subject_v unto_o judgement_n and_o be_v force_v to_o suffer_v death_n chap._n xxvii_o that_o which_o be_v move_v together_o with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v a_o member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o middle_a thing_n between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o god_n can_v come_v into_o we_o but_o by_o mediation_n of_o this_o the_o feed_n on_o the_o most_o pure_a body_n of_o christ_n transfer_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a essence_n and_o that_o food_n consume_v all_o flesh_n christ_n when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o bread_n say_v in_o do_v this_o you_o shall_v declare_v my_o death_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o expression_n of_o which_o be_v the_o declaration_n thereof_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v what_o kind_n of_o food_n it_o be_v to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o drink_v his_o blood_n viz._n such_o as_o many_o who_o former_o have_v be_v feed_v and_o fill_v by_o christ_n go_v back_o do_v forsake_v he_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v come_v unto_o his_o food_n great_a be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o essential_a truth_n and_o the_o notional_a truth_n also_o between_o the_o essential_a death_n and_o the_o notional_a death_n there_o be_v also_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o know_v god_n in_o nature_n aâ—â—â—â—cordingly_o do_o possess_v and_o use_v he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d who_o know_v god_n in_o god_n and_o accorâ—â—â—ly_o do_v possess_v and_o use_v he_o for_o purâ—â—â—ture_n such_o as_o be_v create_v from_o god_n â—â—â—â—eth_v into_o god_n without_o all_o adamicaâ—â—â—cidents_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o israeâ—_n 〈◊〉_d who_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n do_v eat_v heaâ—â—ly_a bread_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o that_o coâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d not_o preserve_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shoâ—â—_n abide_v but_o die_v they_o must_v as_o christ_n saâ—â—â—â—_n your_o father_n do_v eat_v the_o bread_n from_o heauâ—â—_n and_o be_v dead_a when_o first_o we_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o flesh_n or_o of_o nature_n see_v know_v possete_v and_o use_v god_n yea_o and_o hold_v he_o in_o oâ—_n propriety_n but_o that_o nature_n must_v come_v 〈◊〉_d to_o death_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o god_n anâ—_n than_o we_o possess_v and_o know_v god_n not_o 〈◊〉_d the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o nature_n bâ—â—_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o then_o god_n be_v possess_v without_o appropriation_n without_o touch_v or_o handle_v for_o whatever_o feel_v or_o touch_v in_o we_o be_v the_o flesh_n and_o be_v deliver_v up_o into_o death_n from_o god_n but_o afterward_o in_o a_o true_a quiet_a resignation_n god_n behold_v himself_o in_o we_o and_o there_o know_v and_o love_v himself_o and_o although_o former_o we_o know_v and_o apply_v god_n in_o nature_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o that_o state_n remain_v no_o long_o but_o by_o and_o through_o judgement_n be_v press_v down_o into_o death_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o god_n neither_o pleasure_n nor_o joy_n nor_o comfort_n and_o although_o nature_n or_o the_o flesh_n have_v for_o some_o time_n some_o such_o thing_n in_o god_n yet_o now_o it_o have_v it_o no_o more_o whatsoever_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o do_v rejoice_v to_o go_v forward_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n that_o must_v fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o die_v but_o the_o child_n spring_v from_o they_o do_v come_v into_o that_o land_n now_o thouâ—â—_n the_o flesh_n be_v thus_o condemn_v unto_o death_n that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o delight_n nor_o joy_n 〈◊〉_d god_n yet_o the_o mind_n be_v and_o rest_v in_o peaâ—â—_n and_o joy_n and_o then_o the_o man_n when_o thâ—_n flesh_n be_v thus_o dead_a be_v like_a to_o wax_v which_o soften_v by_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v make_v fit_n receive_v all_o impression_n as_o often_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d be_v willing_a upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o gâ—â—_n to_o gain_v his_o life_n in_o god_n and_o he_o himself_o reprehend_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o ought_v therefore_o again_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o to_o suffer_v a_o new_a death_n it_o behoove_v the_o thief_n to_o remain_v under_o judgement_n upon_o the_o cross_n retain_v no_o life_n either_o in_o god_n or_o in_o the_o creature_n nor_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n can_v they_o be_v hear_v until_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n forsake_v all_o accident_n shall_v turn_v himself_o unto_o christ_n it_o also_o behoove_v this_o man_n to_o remain_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n till_o as_o to_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v dead_a nor_o shall_v he_o ever_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o into_o that_o life_n according_a to_o which_o he_o have_v dye_v but_o he_o be_v eternal_o to_o forsake_v it_o out_z of_o or_o from_o that_o just_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v raise_v into_o another_o life_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v then_o that_o pure_a nature_n that_o pure_a humanity_n that_o pure_a flesh_n which_o christ_n assume_v as_o it_o be_v write_v zach._n 2.12_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v possess_v judah_n his_o portion_n in_o the_o sanctify_a earth_n and_o such_o purify_a flesh_n have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o god_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o it_o with_o delight_n and_o it_o stand_v give_v up_o under_o god_n and_o possess_v god_n without_o appropriation_n see_v he_o leave_v he_o also_o free_a such_o a_o man_n possess_v god_n no_o more_o in_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o possess_v god_n in_o the_o death_n of_o nature_n it_o possess_v god_n in_o god_n it_o know_v god_n in_o god_n it_o see_v god_n in_o god_n it_o know_v christ_n no_o more_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o former_o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n god_n in_o this_o man_n enjoy_v all_o thing_n and_o do_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n both_o in_o time_n and_o in_o eternity_n and_o this_o man_n be_v at_o rest_n in_o god_n but_o the_o anxiety_n which_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n or_o nature_n he_o indeed_o perceive_v that_o sometime_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v he_o but_o he_o so_o be_v at_o rest_n that_o he_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v if_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v a_o man_n to_o possess_v god_n
and_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o these_o the_o business_n have_v not_o so_o well_o succeed_v even_o as_o neither_o can_v these_o be_v attribute_v to_o they_o all_o in_o common_a nor_o be_v they_o wont_v to_o be_v give_v or_o receive_v by_o word_n and_o admonition_n to_o the_o lord_n therefore_o i_o commit_v they_o who_o in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n will_v advance_v those_o person_n high_o for_o they_o earnest_o listen_v and_o be_v delight_v with_o my_o present_a discourse_n but_o how_o pleasant_a they_o be_v to_o they_o even_o in_o their_o very_a soul_n the_o lord_n know_v for_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o their_o progress_n forward_o be_v yet_o so_o great_a and_o perhaps_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o for_o some_o time_n keep_v they_o so_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o order_v my_o conversation_n for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o myself_o only_o because_o many_o discourse_n and_o admonition_n to_o other_o do_v very_o much_o disturb_v i_o when_o yet_o all_o concern_v as_o well_o inward_a as_o outward_a i_o free_o will_v so_o deliver_v up_o and_o oblige_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v think_v say_v or_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o the_o lord_n alone_o yet_o how_o much_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v every_o where_o find_v in_o all_o these_o the_o lord_n himself_o know_v yet_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a be_v never_o leave_v destitute_a of_o power_n as_o most_o miserable_a i_o do_v find_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o help_v my_o arm_n to_o fight_v as_o to_o our_o other_o familiar_a she-friend_n she_o receive_v all_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n whither_o they_o concern_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n but_o because_o of_o that_o solicitous_a care_n wherewith_o she_o be_v involve_v in_o outward_a thing_n not_o a_o few_o as_o also_o because_o of_o her_o trade_n the_o true_a fruit_n can_v yet_o spring_v forth_o from_o the_o true_a root_n but_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v faithful_a administer_v as_o i_o perceive_v all_o mean_n for_o the_o remove_n away_o by_o divers_a suffering_n these_o hindrance_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o this_o fruit_n with_o deep_a pang_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v at_o length_n that_o the_o death_n of_o nature_n will_v follow_v in_o the_o end_n the_o lord_n look_v in_o mercy_n upon_o she_o as_o likewise_o on_o we_o all_o that_o in_o his_o time_n and_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o true_a essence_n of_o divine_a clarity_n and_o that_o we_o all_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o incessant_o in_o inaccessible_a clarity_n amen_n in_o the_o year_n 1552._o epist._n xvii_o a_o wholesome_a admonition_n in_o what_o step_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o just_a do_v consist_v with_o a_o conclusion_n concern_v esau_n and_o jacob._n to_o j._n w._n my_o john_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o thy_o affair_n may_v have_v good_a success_n have_v a_o occasion_n thus_o offer_v itself_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o write_v these_o line_n unto_o thou_o that_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v promote_v to_o continue_a progress_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o hope_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v daily_o go_v forward_o in_o that_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o true_a circumcision_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o many_o science_n and_o of_o divers_a knowledge_n wherein_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v consume_v and_o not_o upon_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o yet_o life_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v know_v god_n but_o god_n can_v be_v true_o know_v by_o science_n but_o by_o find_v he_o in_o ourselves_o so_o as_o that_o which_o we_o know_v of_o god_n be_v find_v and_o express_v in_o we_o and_o in_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o far_o distant_a from_o that_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v for_o good_a but_o be_v unite_v with_o it_o not_o in_o or_o by_o opinion_n but_o in_o very_a deed_n and_o truth_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v full_o accomplish_v unless_o first_o we_o die_v to_o all_o those_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v and_o possess_v in_o ourselves_o which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v call_v the_o old_a man_n who_o very_o subtle_o exercise_v his_o dominion_n in_o man_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n condition_n if_o the_o flesh_n be_v still_o gross_a also_o its_o fruit_n and_o vice_n be_v gross_a now_o if_o any_o one_o will_v supplant_v his_o external_a vice_n there_o be_v another_o more_o subtle_a thing_n dwell_v in_o man_n which_o he_o have_v never_o before_o know_v because_o it_o former_o do_v stick_v to_o he_o in_o a_o grosser_n substance_n and_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n also_o do_v sufficient_o propose_v it_o we_o be_v diligent_o to_o labour_v according_a to_o that_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o end_n have_v therefore_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n sufficient_a knowledge_n concern_v these_o thing_n let_v we_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n for_o little_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a thereunto_o if_o so_o be_v the_o heart_n itself_o be_v but_o prepare_v which_o incessant_o both_o day_n and_o night_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n with_o intimate_a desire_n aspire_v to_o a_o union_n so_o that_o no_o creature_n can_v any_o more_o move_v it_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v it_o away_o from_o he_o may_v the_o lord_n give_v unto_o he_o mercy_n and_o be_v a_o help_n to_o our_o misery_n in_o which_o we_o be_v yet_o bind_v in_o the_o darkness_n and_o chain_n of_o death_n be_v still_o captive_a my_o john_n i_o communicate_v my_o heart_n to_o thou_o in_o my_o letter_n even_o as_o i_o enough_o know_v that_o thou_o also_o seek_v my_o prosperity_n so_o that_o let_v we_o both_o together_o seek_v the_o lord_n be_v perhaps_o not_o far_o distant_a in_o the_o lord_n one_o from_o another_o present_o after_o thy_o departure_n it_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o senate_n that_o e._n and_o w._n do_v leave_v their_o dwelling_n so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v go_v from_o hence_o the_o lord_n bestow_v on_o they_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o they_o learn_v to_o bear_v these_o thing_n in_o true_a patience_n even_o from_o their_o own_o brethren_n and_o to_o accept_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o cross_a for_o their_o own_o advancement_n and_o for_o the_o rejection_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o may_v resign_v up_o all_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v off_o from_o they_o their_o brotherly_a love_n for_o esau_n always_o remain_v the_o brother_n of_o jacob_n but_o that_o jacob_n receive_v the_o blessing_n be_v do_v of_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o which_o indeed_o jacob_n do_v stand_v but_o yet_o without_o boast_v and_o without_o pride_n for_o it_o behoove_v he_o always_o to_o bow_v himself_o before_o esau_n in_o suffering_n without_o murmur_v and_o although_o esau_n behave_v himself_o with_o a_o very_a proud_a carriage_n towards_o his_o brother_n yet_o the_o blessing_n be_v continue_v to_o jacob_n though_o esau_n endeavour_v to_o snatch_v it_o from_o he_o again_o by_o persecution_n for_o jacob_n live_v not_o only_o in_o show_n but_o in_o truth_n when_o he_o dwell_v in_o tent_n on_o the_o contrary_a esau_n care_v only_o for_o all_o outward_a thing_n by_o labour_v and_o hunt_v the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v so_o right_o imitate_v the_o birth_n of_o esau_n that_o jacob_n may_v at_o length_n come_v forth_o for_o the_o birthright_n be_v due_a to_o esau_n but_o for_o this_o end_n only_o that_o jacob_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o nb._n the_o birth_n of_o esau_n signify_v the_o birth_n out_o of_o work_n under_o the_o law_n but_o the_o birth_n of_o jacob_n signify_v that_o that_o be_v of_o faith_n under_o grace_n epist._n xviii_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a admonition_n concern_v the_o education_n of_o youth_n together_o with_o that_o wide_a difference_n wherein_o the_o old_a philosopher_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o christian_n to_o dr._n j._n velsius_n dear_a dr._n that_o my_o young_a nephew_n have_v succeed_v well_o in_o your_o house_n be_v to_o i_o altogether_o grateful_a and_o most_o cordial_o acceptable_a for_o i_o know_v that_o you_o will_v take_v care_n of_o their_o affair_n by_o a_o diligent_a inspection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o we_o whereby_o these_o grow_a twig_n may_v be_v advance_v in_o their_o true_a increase_n for_o they_o stand_v great_o in_o need_n of_o a_o prudent_a overseer_n
a_o new_a promise_n of_o grace_n because_o grace_n in_o the_o regenerate_v have_v take_v most_o deep_a root_n according_a to_o its_o own_o true_a nature_n so_o that_o such_o have_v certain_o no_o need_n to_o seek_v out_o some_o remedy_n out_o of_o their_o own_o self_n which_o whilst_o other_o do_v they_o do_v in_o this_o very_a point_n testify_v that_o they_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o of_o which_o they_o boast_v and_o which_o they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o very_a truth_n and_o according_a to_o the_o proper_a essence_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o old_a man_n who_o always_o by_o force_n usurp_v the_o empire_n in_o man_n with_o transgression_n which_o indeed_o be_v term_v a_o trip_v and_o be_v make_v light_n of_o yet_o nevertheless_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o can_v never_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o new_a man_n without_o real_a mortification_n allege_v a_o contrary_a testimony_n viz._n that_o we_o yet_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o old_a man_n nor_o as_o yet_o be_v dispose_v unto_o death_n because_o that_o no_o sin_n can_v be_v commit_v against_o our_o will_n and_o without_o pleasure_n or_o delight_n hence_o therefore_o be_v it_o manifest_a that_o we_o still_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o new_a life_n for_o a_o man_n come_v not_o to_o the_o death_n of_o natural_a strength_n in_o his_o carnal_a life_n and_o with_o the_o complacency_n of_o proper_a will_n or_o by_o the_o study_n of_o proper_a righteousness_n and_o austerity_n but_o against_o its_o own_o will_n viz._n it_o be_v to_o be_v subject_v on_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n into_o who_o communion_n we_o be_v take_v by_o a_o like_a death_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a man_n so_o that_o on_o the_o cross_n we_o whole_o put_v off_o our_o natural_a life_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bury_v with_o christ_n and_o afterward_o raise_v up_o again_o into_o another_o supernatural_a life_n so_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o perfect_o kill_v lurk_v in_o the_o member_n of_o our_o natural_a body_n be_v whole_o enervate_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a humanity_n have_v utter_o lose_v all_o right_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o excite_v into_o such_o a_o life_n oveâ—_n which_o the_o jurisdsction_n of_o the_o law_n can_v domineer_v with_o a_o deadly_a accusation_n but_o when_o it_o have_v full_o finish_v this_o judgement_n in_o man_n by_o this_o death_n the_o man_n also_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o same_o death_n be_v altogether_o free_v from_o that_o law_n epist._n xxii_o be_v a_o fundamental_a relation_n in_o what_o proper_o consist_v the_o oeconomical_a government_n of_o the_o family_n of_o love_n to_o the_o same_o person_n my_o john_n i_o receive_v thy_o letter_n together_o with_o the_o book_n and_o have_v somewhat_o peruse_v they_o i_o gain_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o opinion_n yet_o i_o shall_v keep_v the_o book_n till_o thou_o come_v but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v contrary_a to_o my_o mind_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o a_o seem_a divine_a truth_n and_o not_o in_o a_o essential_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o instruct_v according_a to_o this_o way_n than_o the_o writer_n himself_o of_o these_o book_n if_o i_o may_v understand_v his_o fundamental_o from_o his_o book_n it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o any_o of_o those_o who_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o can_v more_o happy_o explain_v the_o thing_n to_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o willing_a that_o thou_o shall_v inquire_v how_o they_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o conversation_n &_o that_o thou_o will_v as_o exact_o &_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v find_v out_o also_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o state_n or_o condition_n for_o when_o thou_o shall_v come_v hither_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o discover_v to_o thou_o my_o opinion_n concern_v those_o write_n now_o i_o only_o ask_v pardon_n see_v that_o matter_n be_v thus_o the_o cause_n whereof_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v tell_v thou_o at_o thy_o come_n may_v the_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a god_n have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o we_o that_o in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o darkness_n they_o may_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o straight_a way_n unto_o his_o essential_a truth_n before_o which_o the_o natural_a reason_n which_o inordinate_o appropriate_v god_n to_o itself_o may_v utter_o perish_v whereby_o i_o fear_v they_o be_v still_o too_o much_o bind_v though_o they_o think_v themselves_o clear_o set_v free_a therefrom_o for_o all_o that_o for_o which_o they_o labour_v and_o contend_v and_o which_o they_o account_v their_o utmost_a aim_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v imagine_v must_v yet_o be_v judge_v of_o god_n for_o that_o which_o reason_n endeavour_v to_o effect_v with_o they_o by_o know_v all_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o so_o that_o nothing_o but_o god_n can_v acknowledge_v himself_o in_o we_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v by_o a_o real_a death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n as_o to_o our_o creature_o part_n whole_o lay_v aside_o and_o then_o that_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o we_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o christ_n as_o paul_n say_v likewise_o so_o that_o after_o we_o be_v bury_v by_o death_n we_o be_v no_o more_o raise_v up_o again_o into_o nature_n but_o into_o the_o spirit_n for_o nature_n remain_v condemn_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v once_o dead_a be_v not_o again_o revive_v now_o i_o judge_v that_o nature_n in_o these_o people_n be_v still_o egregious_o and_o in_o very_a deed_n and_o especial_o alive_a although_o they_o may_v think_v that_o they_o be_v already_o purify_v because_o that_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o through_o their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n that_o they_o have_v already_o plain_o conquer_v that_o combat_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n i_o write_v all_o this_o to_o thou_o with_o the_o great_a brevity_n because_o thou_o do_v demand_v my_o opinion_n but_o when_o god_n permit_v thou_o shall_v come_v thyself_o we_o will_v talk_v more_o concern_v they_o my_o opinion_n therefore_o as_o i_o say_v be_v contrary_a to_o these_o write_n and_o my_o mind_n can_v no_o way_n assent_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o aim_n which_o the_o writer_n himself_o call_v the_o intellect_n of_o god_n in_o my_o sense_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o than_o that_o they_o will_v have_v nature_n as_o yet_o not_o deadn_v to_o become_v a_o propriety_n to_o themselves_o when_o indeed_o nature_n before_o it_o be_v dead_a can_v be_v otherwise_o in_o itself_o for_o in_o it_o the_o high_a death_n consist_v true_o indeed_o that_o by_o read_v i_o find_v somewhat_o concern_v death_n and_o of_o the_o abnegation_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o discretion_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o that_o the_o author_n will_v have_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n overturn_v before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n do_v remain_v proper_a to_o he_o yea_o though_o he_o renouncee_v his_o intellect_n so_o that_o in_o this_o very_a point_n the_o writer_n err_v in_o which_o he_o tax_v other_o and_o in_o truth_n far_o more_o vile_o see_v that_o he_o thereby_o will_v come_v to_o a_o great_a knowledge_n but_o especial_o that_o he_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o temerity_n will_v arrive_v at_o that_o which_o other_o seek_v by_o mean_n of_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n for_o these_o from_o a_o vow_n do_v love_n their_o body_n good_n wife_n and_o child_n that_o they_o may_v possess_v the_o inheritance_n of_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v forsake_v their_o natural_a and_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v something_o that_o be_v better_a viz._n the_o understanding_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o be_v still_o captivate_v in_o that_o that_o their_o ipseity_n or_o iness_n still_o remain_v proper_a to_o they_o although_o to_o some_o more_o miserable_o then_o to_o other_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v this_o way_n arrive_v at_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v plant_v into_o liberty_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n god_n because_o that_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v in_o thaâ—_n true_a and_o as_o it_o be_v that_o essential_a death_n to_o be_v find_v in_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n buâ—_n be_v only_o instruct_v by_o know_v though_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n they_o reject_v other_o 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o certain_a