Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n darkness_n light_n spirit_n 4,467 5 5.4203 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A35343 A sermon preached before the Honourable House of Commons at Westminster, March 31, 1647 by R. Cudworth ... Cudworth, Ralph, 1617-1688. 1647 (1647) Wing C7469; ESTC R22606 36,595 94

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

we_o be_v like_o those_o child_n who_o stomach_n be_v so_o vitiate_v by_o some_o disease_n that_o they_o think_v ash_n coal_n mudwall_n or_o any_o such_o trash_n to_o be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o the_o most_o wholesome_a food_n such_o sickly_a and_o distemper_a appetite_n have_v we_o about_o these_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o hanker_v after_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vain_a show_v of_o happiness_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o be_v able_a solid_o to_o nourish_v they_o up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n grace_n be_v holiness_n militant_a holiness_n encumber_a with_o many_o enemy_n and_o difficulty_n which_o it_o still_o fight_v against_o and_o manful_o quit_v itself_o of_o and_o glory_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o holiness_n triumphant_a holiness_n with_o a_o palm_n of_o victory_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o a_o crown_n upon_o her_o head_n deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la cum_fw-la omni_fw-la suâa_fw-la bonitate_fw-la quatenus_fw-la extra_fw-la me_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la me_fw-la beatum_fw-la sed_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_fw-la me_fw-la est_fw-la god_n himself_o can_v make_v i_o happy_a if_o he_o be_v only_o without_o i_o and_o unless_o he_o give_v in_o a_o participation_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o likeness_n into_o my_o soul_n happiness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o release_n and_o unfetter_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o all_o these_o narrow_a s●ant_a and_o particular_a good_a thing_n and_o the_o espouse_n of_o they_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o universal_a good_a which_o be_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a good_a but_o goodness_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o call_v holiness_n which_o because_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ever_o court_v a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o it_o therefore_o we_o have_v such_o low_a abject_a and_o beggarly_a conceit_n thereof_o whereas_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o most_o noble_a heroical_a and_o generous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o i_o mean_v by_o holiness_n nothing_o else_o but_o god_n stamp_v and_o print_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o with_o what_o conceit_n we_o will_v but_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v void_a of_o this_o we_o do_v but_o dream_v of_o heaven_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o fond_a paradise_n we_o do_v but_o blow_v up_o and_o down_o a_o airy_a bubble_n of_o our_o own_o fancy_n which_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o froth_n of_o our_o vain_a heart_n we_o do_v but_o court_v a_o paint_a heaven_n and_o woo_v happiness_n in_o a_o picture_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o true_a and_o real_a hell_n will_v suck_v in_o our_o soul_n into_o it_o and_o soon_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o a_o solid_a woe_n and_o substantial_a misery_n divine_a wisdom_n have_v so_o order_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n as_o that_o every_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o certain_a proper_a place_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o receptacle_n for_o it_o hell_n be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o strong_a magic_n of_o nature_n pull_v and_o draw_v every_o thing_n continual_o to_o that_o place_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o it_o and_o to_o which_o it_o do_v belong_v so_o all_o these_o heavy_a body_n press_v downward_o towards_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o earth_n be_v draw_v in_o by_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n hell_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v will_v by_o strong_a sympathy_n pull_v in_o all_o sin_n and_o magnetical_o draw_v it_o to_o itself_o as_o true_a holiness_n be_v always_o breathe_v upward_o and_o flutter_v towards_o heaven_n strive_v to_o embosom_v itself_o with_o god_n and_o it_o will_v at_o last_o undoubted_o be_v conjoin_v with_o he_o no_o dismal_a shade_n of_o darkness_n can_v possible_o stop_v it_o in_o its_o course_n or_o beat_v it_o back_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o nay_o we_o do_v but_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o name_n hell_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o orb_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n or_o else_o that_o hemisphere_n of_o darkness_n in_o which_o all_o evil_a move_v and_o heaven_n be_v the_o opposite_a hemisphere_n of_o light_n or_o else_o if_o you_o please_v the_o bright_a orb_n of_o truth_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o we_o do_v actual_o in_o this_o life_n instate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o take_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o it_o will_v present_o clear_v up_o into_o light_n tranquillity_n serenity_n and_o shine_v out_o into_o a_o heaven_n every_o true_a saint_n carry_v his_o heaven_n about_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o hell_n that_o be_v without_o he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o he_o may_v safe_o wade_v through_o hell_n itself_o and_o like_o the_o three_o child_n pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o fiery_a furnace_n and_o yet_o not_o at_o all_o be_v scorch_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o it_o he_o may_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o yet_o fear_v no_o evil_a sin_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n god_n be_v light_n and_o that_o be_v darkness_n god_n be_v beauty_n and_o that_o be_v ugliness_n and_o deformity_n all_o sin_n be_v direct_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o with_o what_o notion_n soever_o we_o may_v sugar_n it_o and_o sweeten_v it_o yet_o god_n can_v never_o smile_v upon_o it_o he_o will_v never_o make_v a_o truce_n with_o it_o god_n declare_v open_a war_n against_o sin_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o god_n own_o life_n and_o be_v god_n which_o be_v infinite_a goodness_n can_v but_o hate_v sin_n which_o be_v pure_o evil_n and_o though_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o a_o poor_a impotent_a and_o crazy_a thing_n nothing_o but_o straitness_n poverty_n and_o nonentity_n so_o that_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o most_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o need_v no_o further_a punishment_n beside_o itself_o yet_o divine_a vengeance_n beat_v it_o off_o still_o further_o and_o further_o from_o god_n and_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v will_v be_v sure_a to_o scourge_v it_o and_o lash_v it_o continual_o god_n and_o sin_n can_v never_o agree_v together_o that_o i_o may_v therefore_o come_v yet_o near_o to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o message_n that_o i_o have_v now_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o that_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v light_a and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o in_o they_o if_o you_o say_v that_o you_o know_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o keep_v not_o christ_n commandment_n but_o dear_o hug_v your_o private_a darling_n corruption_n you_o be_v liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o you_o you_o have_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o god_n of_o light_n nor_o the_o gospel_n of_o light_n if_o any_o of_o you_o say_v that_o you_o know_v christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o as_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o do_v still_o nourish_v ambition_n pride_n vainglory_n within_o your_o breast_n harbour_v malice_n revengefulness_n and_o cruel_a hatred_n to_o your_o neighbour_n in_o your_o heart_n eager_o scramble_v after_o this_o worldly_a pelf_n and_o make_v the_o strength_n of_o your_o part_n and_o endeavour_n serve_v that_o blind_a mammon_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n if_o you_o wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o flleshly_a pleasure_n or_o if_o you_o aim_v only_o at_o yourselves_o in_o your_o life_n and_o make_v your_o self_n the_o compass_n by_o which_o you_o sail_n and_o the_o star_n by_o which_o you_o steer_v your_o course_n look_v at_o nothing_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o yourselves_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o you_o have_v neither_o see_v christ_n nor_o know_v he_o you_o be_v deep_o incorporate_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v no_o true_a sympathy_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n no_o fellowship_n at_o all_o with_o they_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o consider_v be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o pretend_v much_o to_o christ_n that_o be_v plain_o in_o our_o life_n as_o proud_a ambitious_a vainglorious_a as_o any_o other_o be_v there_o not_o many_o of_o we_o that_o be_v as_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o unruly_a passion_n as_o cruel_a revengeful_a malicious_a censorious_a as_o other_o that_o have_v our_o mind_n as_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o much_o envassal_v to_o riches_n gain_n profit_n those_o great_a admire_a deity_n of_o the_o
faint_a away_o though_o we_o strive_v to_o raise_v they_o and_o recover_v they_o never_o so_o much_o with_o the_o strong_a water_n and_o aqua_fw-la vitae_fw-la of_o our_o own_o ungrounded_a presumption_n the_o least_o inward_a lust_n willing_o continue_v in_o will_v be_v like_o a_o worm_n fret_v the_o gourd_n of_o our_o jolly_a confidence_n and_o presumptuous_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o always_o gnaw_v at_o the_o root_n of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o strive_v to_o keep_v it_o alive_a and_o continual_o besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o dew_n of_o our_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v always_o be_v die_v and_o wither_v in_o our_o bosom_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n within_o will_v be_v always_o better_a to_o a_o christian_a than_o health_n to_o his_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o his_o bone_n it_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a cordial_a to_o his_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v soft_a to_o he_o then_o a_o bed_n of_o down_o and_o he_o may_v sleep_v secure_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o rage_v and_o tempestuous_a sea_n when_o the_o wind_n bluster_v and_o the_o wave_n beat_v round_o about_o he_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o best_a lookingglass_n of_o heaven_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n may_v see_v god_n thought_n and_o purpose_n concerning_o it_o as_o so_o many_o shine_a star_n reflect_v to_o it_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v cbrist_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n love_v we_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n second_o if_o hereby_o only_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v christ_n by_o our_o keep_v his_o commandment_n then_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o consist_v mere_o in_o a_o few_o barren_a notion_n in_o a_o form_n of_o certain_a dry_a and_o sapless_a opinion_n christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o fill_v our_o head_n with_o mere_a speculation_n to_o kindle_v a_o fire_n of_o wrangle_v and_o contentious_a dispute_n among_o we_o and_o to_o warm_v our_o spirit_n against_o one_o another_o with_o nothing_o but_o angry_a and_o peevish_a debate_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o heart_n remain_v all_o ice_n within_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a heavenly_a fire_n to_o melt_v and_o thaw_v they_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o possess_v our_o brain_n only_o with_o some_o cold_a opinion_n that_o send_v down_o nothing_o but_o a_o freeze_a and_o benumb_a influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n christ_n be_v vitæ_fw-la magister_fw-la not_o scholae_fw-la and_o he_o be_v the_o best_a christian_n who_o heart_n beat_v with_o the_o true_a pulse_n towards_o heaven_n not_o he_o who_o head_n spin_v out_o the_o fine_a cobweb_n he_o that_o endeavour_v real_o to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o that_o truth_n in_o his_o life_n which_o his_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o be_v near_a a_o christian_n though_o he_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n then_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o the_o vulgar_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o plain_o deny_v christ_n in_o his_o life_n sure_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a if_o we_o have_v but_o honest_a heart_n we_o need_v not_o many_o criticism_n many_o school-distinction_n to_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o sure_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o ensnare_v we_o and_o entangle_v we_o with_o captious_a nicety_n or_o to_o puzzle_v our_o head_n with_o deep_a speculation_n and_o lead_v we_o through_o hard_a and_o craggy_a notion_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o persuade_v myself_o chat_v no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o heaven_n for_o not_o comprehend_v mystery_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o shallow_a understanding_n if_o he_o have_v but_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o christ_n commandment_n say_v not_o in_o thins_n heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v with_o high_a speculation_n to_o bring_v down_o christ_n from_o thence_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o abyss_n beneath_o that_o be_v with_o deep_a search_a thought_n to_o fetch_v up_o christ_n from_o thence_o but_o lo_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n but_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o the_o distemper_n of_o our_o time_n to_o scare_v and_o fright_v man_n only_o with_o opinion_n and_o make_v they_o only_o solicitous_a about_o the_o entertain_n of_o this_o and_o that_o speculation_n which_o will_v not_o render_v they_o any_o thing_n the_o better_a in_o their_o life_n or_o the_o like_a unto_o god_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v no_o such_o care_n take_v about_o keep_v of_o christ_n commandment_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o mind_n according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n we_o say_v loe_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o loe_o there_o be_v christ_n in_o these_o and_o these_o opinion_n whereas_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o nor_o anywhere_o but_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v do_v we_o not_o now_o adays_o open_a and_o lock_v up_o heaven_n with_o the_o private_a key_n of_o this_o and_o that_o opinion_n on_o of_o our_o own_o according_a to_o our_o several_a fancy_n as_o we_o please_v and_o if_o any_o one_o observe_v christ_n commandment_n never_o so_o sincere_o and_o serve_v god_n with_o faith_n and_o a_o pure_a conscience_n that_o yet_o happy_o skill_v not_o of_o some_o contend_v for_o opinion_n some_o darling_a notion_n he_o have_v not_o the_o right_n shibbole_fw-he he_o have_v not_o the_o true_a watchword_n he_o must_v not_o pass_v the_o guard_n into_o heaven_n do_v we_o not_o make_v this_o and_o that_o opinion_n this_o and_o that_o outward_a form_n to_o be_v the_o wedding-garment_n and_o bold_o sentence_v those_o to_o outer_a darkness_n that_o be_v not_o invest_v therewith_o whereas_o every_o true_a christian_n find_v the_o least_o dram_n of_o hearty_a affection_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v more_o cordial_a and_o sovereign_a to_o his_o soul_n then_o all_o the_o speculative_a notion_n and_o opinion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o study_v also_o to_o inform_v his_o understanding_n aright_o and_o free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o error_n and_o misapprehension_n yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n deep_o root_v in_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o chemical_a elixir_n that_o he_o feed_v upon_o have_v he_o all_o faith_n that_o he_o can_v remove_v mountain_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v have_v he_o all_o knowledge_n all_o tongue_n and_o language_n yet_o he_o prize_v one_o dram_n of_o love_n beyond_o they_o all_o he_o account_v he_o that_o feed_v upon_o mere_a notion_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v but_o a_o airy_a and_o chameleon-like_a christian_a he_o find_v himself_o now_o otherwise_o root_v and_o center_a in_o god_n than_o when_o he_o do_v before_o mere_o contemplate_v and_o gaze_v upon_o he_o he_o taste_v and_o relish_v god_n within_o himself_o he_o have_v quendam_fw-la saporem_fw-la dei_fw-la a_o certain_a savour_n of_o he_o whereas_o before_o he_o do_v but_o rove_v and_o guess_v at_o random_n at_o he_o he_o feel_v himself_o safe_o anchor_v in_o god_n and_o will_v not_o be_v dissuade_v from_o it_o though_o perhaps_o he_o skill_n not_o many_o of_o those_o subtlety_n which_o other_o make_v the_o alpha_fw-gr and_o omega_n of_o their_o religion_n neither_o be_v he_o scare_v with_o those_o childish_a affrightment_n with_o which_o some_o will_v force_v their_o private_a conceit_n upon_o he_o he_o be_v above_o the_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o mere_a speculative_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o superstitious_a reverence_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n he_o care_v not_o so_o much_o for_o subtlety_n as_o for_o soundness_n and_o health_n of_o mind_n and_o indeed_o as_o it_o be_v well_o speak_v by_o a_o noble_a philosopher_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o without_o purity_n and_o virtue_n god_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a name_n so_o it_o be_v as_o true_a here_o that_o without_o obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n without_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o whatsoever_o opinion_n we_o entertain_v of_o he_o christ_n be_v but_o only_o name_v by_o we_o he_o be_v not_o know_v i_o speak_v not_o here_o against_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a enquiry_n into_o all_o truth_n according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n i_o plead_v not_o for_o the_o captivate_n and_o enthral_n of_o our_o judgement_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n i_o do_v not_o disparage_v the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o our_o understand_a faculty_n by_o true_a knowledge_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a and_o gallant_a a_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o aim_v against_o be_v the_o dispirit_n of_o the_o life_n
man_n false_a imagination_n who_o know_v not_o all_o this_o while_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o instead_o of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o themselves_o which_o they_o worship_v and_o adore_v for_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o see_v round_o about_o they_o even_o god_n himself_o they_o colour_n with_o their_o own_o tincture_n like_v he_o that_o aristotle_n speak_v of_o that_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o look_v upon_o he_o see_v still_o his_o own_o face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n represent_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n seem_v natural_o more_o devout_o affect_v towards_o such_o a_o imaginary_a god_n as_o we_o have_v now_o describe_v then_o to_o the_o true_a real_a god_n clothe_v with_o his_o own_o proper_a attribute_n since_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o image_n of_o themselves_o which_o narcissus-like_o they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o kiss_v and_o dandle_v such_o a_o baby-god_n as_o this_o which_o like_o little_a child_n they_o have_v dress_v up_o out_o of_o the_o clout_n of_o their_o own_o fond_a fancy_n according_a to_o their_o own_o likeness_n of_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v play_v and_o sport_n with_o it_o but_o god_n will_v ever_o dwell_v in_o spotless_a light_n howsoever_o we_o paint_v he_o and_o disfigure_v he_o here_o below_o he_o will_v still_o be_v circle_v about_o with_o his_o own_o ray_n of_o unstained_a and_o immaculate_a glory_n and_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o brightness_n but_o god_n veil_v and_o mask_v to_o we_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o humiliation_n and_o condescend_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o a_o rainbow_n yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clear_a and_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o divine_a holiness_n goodness_n purity_n in_o which_o attribute_n lie_v the_o very_a life_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n descend_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o form_n and_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o our_o likeness_n that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v we_o up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a form_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o athanasius_n speak_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o god_n be_v therefore_o incarnate_v and_o make_v man_n that_o he_o may_v deify_v we_o that_o be_v as_o s._n peter_n express_v it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o i_o say_v the_o very_a proper_a character_n and_o essential_a tincture_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o goodness_n nay_o i_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o add_v that_o god_n be_v therefore_o god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a good_a and_o good_a be_v not_o therefore_o good_a because_o god_n out_o of_o a_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o high_a goodness_n the_o first_o idea_n and_o fair_a copy_n of_o which_o be_v his_o own_o essence_n virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o creature_n as_o plato_n well_o discourse_v in_o his_o euthyphro_n be_v not_o therefore_o good_a because_o god_n love_v they_o and_o will_v have_v they_o be_v account_v such_o but_o rather_o god_n therefore_o love_v they_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o simple_o good_a some_o of_o our_o own_o author_n go_v a_o little_a further_o yet_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o fond_o love_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o but_o therefore_o he_o love_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o absolute_a goodness_n so_o that_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n god_n will_v love_v that_o better_a than_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v essential_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_a therefore_o he_o can_v but_o love_v his_o own_o goodness_n infinite_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v another_o mistake_n which_o sometime_o we_o have_v of_o god_n by_o shape_a he_o out_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o make_v he_o nothing_o but_o a_o blind_a dark_a impetuous_a self_n will_v run_v through_o the_o world_n such_o as_o we_o ourselves_o be_v furious_o act_v with_o that_o have_v not_o the_o ballast_n of_o absolute_a goodness_n to_o poise_v and_o settle_v we_o that_o i_o may_v therefore_o come_v near_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n god_n who_o be_v absolute_a goodness_n can_v love_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o without_o bestow_v a_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o likeness_n upon_o they_o god_n can_v make_v a_o gospel_n to_o promise_v man_n life_n and_o happiness_n hereafter_o without_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n as_o soon_o may_v heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v reconcile_v together_o and_o love_o shake_v hand_n with_o one_o another_o as_o god_n can_v be_v fond_o indulgent_a to_o any_o sin_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v as_o soon_o may_v light_v and_o darkness_n be_v espouse_v together_o and_o midnight_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o noonday_n as_o god_n can_v be_v join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o friendship_n to_o any_o wicked_a soul_n the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o clear_v up_o this_o mist_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o be_v here_o surround_v with_o and_o to_o bring_v up_o his_o creature_n out_o of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o region_n of_o light_n above_o the_o land_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o establish_v a_o godlike_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a saviour_n he_o come_v on_o purpose_n into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o save_v we_o from_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n but_o also_o to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n christ_n have_v therefore_o make_v a_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o be_v thus_o deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o our_o great_a enemy_n may_v serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v therefore_o appear_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appear_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o apostle_n a_o little_a before_o my_o text_n that_o you_o sin_v not_o therein_o express_v the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o cover_v sin_n by_o spread_v the_o purple_a robe_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n over_o it_o whilst_o it_o still_o remain_v in_o we_o with_o all_o its_o filth_n and_o noisomeness_n unremoved_a but_o also_o to_o convey_v a_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a spirit_n of_o holiness_n to_o cleanse_v we_o and_o free_v we_o from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o we_o than_o the_o former_a which_o still_o go_v both_o together_o in_o the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o free_a remission_n and_o pardon_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o deliver_n of_o we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o cast_v a_o mantle_n over_o we_o and_o hide_v all_o our_o filthy_a sore_n from_o god_n avenge_a eye_n with_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n but_o he_o come_v likewise_o to_o be_v a_o chirurgeon_n and_o physician_n of_o soul_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o filth_n and_o corruption_n of_o they_o which_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a more_o noisome_a to_o a_o true_a christian_n than_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n itself_o shall_v a_o poor_a wretched_a and_o disease_a creature_n that_o be_v full_a of_o sore_n and_o ulcer_n be_v cover_v all_o over_o with_o purple_a or_o clothe_v with_o scarlet_a he_o will_v take_v but_o little_a contentment_n in_o it_o while_o his_o sore_n and_o wound_n remain_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o have_v much_o rather_o be_v ray_v in_o rag_n so_o he_o may_v obtain_v but_o soundness_n and_o health_n within_o the_o
nor_o be_v all_o this_o while_n impassionate_a with_o so_o sad_a a_o spectacle_n sure_o we_o can_v think_v he_o have_v such_o a_o adamantine_a breast_n such_o a_o flinty_a nature_n as_o this_o be_v what_o then_o must_v we_o say_v that_o though_o indeed_o he_o be_v willing_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o rescue_v his_o crucify_a and_o torment_a son_n now_o bleed_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o take_v he_o down_o from_o thence_o and_o save_v he_o then_o must_v sin_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o god_n that_o weak_a crazy_a and_o sickly_a thing_n more_o strong_a than_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o the_o devil_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n more_o mighty_a than_o the_o god_n of_o light_n no_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n in_o all_o evil_a a_o masculine_a strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o all_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o the_o high_a good_a the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o the_o philosopher_n call_v it_o be_v the_o strong_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n nil_fw-la potentius_fw-la summo_fw-la bono_n god_n power_n display_v in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o his_o goodness_n strong_o reach_v all_o thing_n from_o height_n to_o depth_n from_o the_o high_a heaven_n to_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o irresistible_o impart_v itself_o to_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o those_o several_a degree_n in_o which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o have_v the_o fiend_n of_o darkness_n then_o those_o poor_a forlorn_a spirit_n that_o be_v fetter_v and_o lock_v up_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n any_o strength_n to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o be_v infinite_a power_n or_o do_v they_o not_o rather_o skulk_v in_o hole_n of_o darkness_n and_o fly_v like_o bat_n and_o owl_n before_o the_o approach_a beam_n of_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v god_n powerful_a to_o kill_v and_o to_o destroy_v to_o damn_v and_o to_o torment_v and_o be_v he_o not_o powerful_a to_o save_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o sweet_a flower_n in_o all_o the_o garland_n of_o his_o attribute_n it_o be_v the_o rich_a diamond_n in_o his_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o save_v and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o magnificent_a for_o he_o then_o to_o be_v style_v mighty_a to_o destroy_v for_o that_o except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n speak_v no_o power_n at_o all_o but_o mere_a impotency_n for_o the_o root_n of_o all_o power_n be_v goodness_n or_o must_v we_o say_v last_o that_o god_n indeed_o be_v able_a to_o rescue_v we_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n when_o we_o sigh_v and_o groan_v towards_o he_o but_o yet_o sometime_o to_o exercise_v his_o absolute_a authority_n his_o uncontrollable_a dominion_n he_o delight_v rather_o in_o plunge_v wretched_a soul_n down_o into_o infernal_a night_n and_o everlasting_a darkness_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n nothing_o but_o a_o cruel_a and_o dreadful_a erynnis_n with_o curl_a fiery_a snake_n about_o his_o head_n and_o firebrand_n in_o his_o hand_n thus_o govern_v the_o world_n sure_o this_o will_v make_v we_o either_o secret_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v such_o or_o else_o to_o wish_v hearty_o there_o be_v none_o but_o doubtless_o god_n will_v at_o last_o confute_v all_o these_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o he_o he_o will_v unmask_v our_o hypocritical_a pretence_n and_o clear_o cast_v the_o shame_n of_o all_o our_o sinful_a deficiency_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o vindicate_v his_o own_o glory_n from_o receive_v the_o least_o stain_n or_o blemish_n by_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o gospel_n now_o require_v far_o more_o of_o we_o than_o ever_o the_o law_n do_v for_o it_o require_v a_o new_a creature_n a_o divine_a nature_n christ_n form_v in_o we_o but_o yet_o withal_o it_o bestow_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n a_o enliven_a power_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o express_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o whosoever_o therefore_o true_o know_v christ_n the_o same_o also_o keep_v christ_n commandment_n but_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concerning_o those_o observation_n which_o arise_v natural_o from_o the_o word_n and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o make_v some_o general_a application_n of_o they_o all_o together_o now_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o know_v christ_n indeed_o not_o by_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o system_n and_o model_n of_o divinity_n not_o by_o our_o skill_n in_o book_n and_o paper_n but_o by_o our_o keep_n of_o christ_n commandment_n all_o the_o book_n and_o writing_n which_o we_o converse_v with_o they_o can_v but_o represent_v spiritual_a object_n to_o our_o understanding_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v never_o see_v in_o their_o own_o true_a figure_n colour_n and_o proportion_n until_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a light_n within_o to_o irradiate_v and_o shine_v upon_o they_o though_o there_o be_v never_o such_o excellent_a truth_n concerning_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n set_v down_o in_o word_n and_o letter_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v but_o unknown_a character_n to_o we_o until_o we_o have_v a_o living-spirit_n within_o we_o that_o can_v decipher_v they_o until_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o secret_a whisper_v in_o our_o heart_n do_v comment_n upon_o they_o which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o there_o be_v many_o that_o understand_v the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o the_o text_n be_v write_v that_o never_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o caro_fw-la and_o a_fw-la spiritus_fw-la a_o flesh_n and_o a_o spirit_n a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n and_o body_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v print_v upon_o paper_n which_o many_o moth_n of_o book_n and_o library_n do_v only_o feed_v upon_o many_o walk_v scheleton_n of_o knowledge_n that_o bury_v and_o entomb_v truth_n in_o the_o live_a sepulcher_n of_o their_o soul_n do_v only_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o pick_v at_o the_o mere_a bark_n and_o rind_n of_o truth_n and_o crack_v the_o shell_n of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o can_v never_o yet_o be_v congeal_v into_o ink_n that_o can_v never_o be_v blot_v upon_o paper_n which_o by_o a_o secret_a traduction_n and_o conveyance_n pass_v from_o one_o soul_n unto_o another_o be_v able_a to_o dwell_v and_o lodge_v nowhere_o but_o in_o a_o spiritual_a be_v in_o a_o live_a thing_n because_o itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o life_n and_o spirit_n neither_o can_v it_o where_o indeed_o it_o be_v express_v itself_o sufficient_o in_o word_n and_o sound_n but_o it_o will_v best_o declare_v and_o speak_v itself_o in_o action_n as_o the_o old_a manner_n of_o write_v among_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o by_o word_n but_o thing_n the_o life_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v better_a express_v in_o action_n then_o in_o word_n because_o action_n be_v more_o live_a thing_n than_o word_n word_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dead_a resemblance_n and_o picture_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o live_v and_o breath_n in_o action_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v consist_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o life_n and_o power_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o say_v the_o moral_a philosopher_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o sheep_n do_v not_o come_v and_o bring_v their_o fodder_n to_o their_o shepherd_n and_o show_v he_o how_o much_o they_o eat_v but_o inward_o concoct_v and_o digest_v it_o they_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o fleece_n which_o they_o wear_v upon_o their_o back_n and_o by_o the_o milk_n which_o they_o give_v and_o let_v not_o we_o christian_n affect_v only_o to_o talk_v and_o dispute_v of_o christ_n and_o so_o measure_v our_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o our_o word_n but_o let_v we_o show_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o our_o knowledge_n concoct_v into_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o than_o let_v we_o real_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v christ_n sheep_n indeed_o that_o we_o be_v his_o disciple_n by_o that_o fleece_n of_o holiness_n which_o we_o wear_v and_o by_o the_o fruit_n that_o we_o daily_o yield_v in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o herein_o say_v christ_n be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o