chief_o dispense_v under_o the_o one_o and_o the_o spirit_n under_o the_o other_o the_o letter_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o literal_a people_n and_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spiritual_a and_o so_o they_o be_v manage_v the_o literal_a people_n receive_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o feed_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o spiritual_a people_n receive_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o feed_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n live_v in_o the_o fleshly_a people_n the_o fleshly_a people_n live_v so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o word_n live_v in_o the_o spiritual_a people_n the_o spiritual_a people_n live_v for_o these_o can_v live_v no_o more_o than_o the_o former_a any_o long_a than_o they_o be_v feed_v from_o the_o root_n this_o dispensation_n and_o people_n may_v die_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o hence_o that_o ministration_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o letter_n this_o of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o mark_v now_o there_o be_v letter_n and_o spirit_n life_n and_o death_n justification_n and_o condemnation_n in_o the_o word_n both_o in_o the_o copy_n and_o in_o the_o original_a in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v god_n book_n where_o he_o have_v write_v his_o word_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v christ_n book_n where_o he_o have_v write_v his_o word_n and_o both_o these_o dispensation_n be_v equal_o from_o god_n and_o from_o christ_n from_o first_o to_o last_o both_o in_o their_o cause_n and_o in_o their_o effect_n 2._o of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n be_v that_o substance_n which_o comprehend_v the_o word_n and_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o live_v dwell_v and_o reign_v both_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o which_o they_o likewise_o reign_v it_o be_v the_o liquor_n in_o christ_n which_o christ_n as_o a_o vessel_n contain_v and_o also_o the_o vessel_n which_o contain_v christ._n it_o be_v both_o the_o root_n and_o the_o fruit_n the_o root_n from_o whence_o christ_n grow_v and_o the_o fruit_n which_o christ_n bear_v both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n from_o whence_o they_o both_o spring_v and_o wherein_o they_o both_o meet_v the_o ministration_n of_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v manifest_a it_o be_v only_o point_v at_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v shadow_n out_o it_o as_o the_o law_n do_v shadow_n out_o that_o ministration_n or_o if_o you_o will_v both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n do_v shadow_v this_o out_o in_o different_a respect_n and_o degree_n the_o one_o more_o gross_o the_o other_o more_o refined_o the_o one_o more_o dark_o and_o remote_o the_o other_o more_o near_o and_o clear_o the_o law_n stand_v aloof_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o yet_o speak_v of_o it_o and_o refer_v unto_o it_o the_o gospel_n do_v as_o it_o be_v touch_v it_o speak_v the_o very_a name_n and_o manifest_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o very_a ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v well_o look_v into_o will_v appear_v rather_o a_o shadow_n then_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o every_o way_n more_o like_o a_o shadow_n then_o like_o the_o thing_n itself_o now_o who_o know_v whether_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v so_o contrary_a in_o all_o dispensation_n hitherto_o shall_v not_o here_o meet_v life_n and_o death_n heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o every_o where_o else_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n may_v here_o touch_v one_o another_o and_o agree_v very_o sweet_o together_o even_o so_o full_o that_o both_o those_o name_n and_o nature_n whereby_o they_o do_v appear_v and_o be_v so_o various_a in_o all_o dispensation_n may_v here_o be_v drown_v and_o vanish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o either_o real_a loss_n of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v that_o they_o become_v thus_o harmonious_o unite_v but_o by_o both_o their_o enter_n into_o a_o more_o perfect_a fullness_n and_o he_o to_o who_o this_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o who_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o it_o let_v he_o fair_o answer_v i_o this_o follow_a question_n be_v not_o hell_n and_o heaven_n at_o union_n in_o their_o root_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o be_v they_o not_o at_o rest_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o power_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v produce_v without_o controversy_n what_o ever_o lie_v there_o lay_v in_o rest_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v back_o thither_o return_v to_o rest_v now_o do_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v bring_v back_o again_o and_o who_o can_v say_v he_o will_v not_o sure_o every_o thing_n most_o natural_o breathe_v after_o that_o condition_n of_o rest_n and_o fullness_n which_o it_o can_v alone_o enjoy_v in_o his_o bosom_n most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o vast_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o all_o thing_n howsoever_o it_o dispose_v of_o they_o thence_o they_o come_v thither_o they_o return_v there_o they_o be_v and_o doubtless_o there_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o union_n and_o agreement_n by_o he_o who_o spirit_n be_v quick_a and_o pierce_a enough_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o can_v read_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o wretched_o miserable_a be_v he_o who_o frame_v false_a imagination_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n by_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n concern_v it_o 3._o of_o faith_n faith_n be_v a_o shadowy_a or_o substantial_a life_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n into_o the_o seed_n seek_v after_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v faith_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v life_n it_o be_v a_o touch_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o spring_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o life_n which_o god_n bring_v forth_o in_o his_o own_o in_o his_o own_o season_n we_o may_v mistake_v in_o ascribe_v name_n to_o other_o thing_n who_o nature_n and_o principle_n we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n who_o know_v thing_n very_o well_o to_o name_v faith_n the_o life_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedience_n a_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o live_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o this_o life_n be_v faith_n a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n he_o who_o believe_v be_v only_a able_a to_o enter_v into_o this_o life_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o i_o call_v it_o shadowy_a or_o substantial_a because_o it_o be_v either_o as_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o look_v upon_o it_o backward_o and_o it_o be_v substantial_a look_v upon_o it_o forward_o and_o it_o be_v but_o shadowy_a as_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n so_o the_o life_n minister_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o substantial_a life_n in_o compare_n with_o that_o but_o look_v forward_o into_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o here_o faith_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n this_o life_n also_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n alas_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n must_v vanish_v notwithstanding_o all_o its_o glory_n it_o must_v die_v and_o lie_v in_o its_o grave_n like_o the_o law_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n into_o the_o seed_n the_o seed_n be_v the_o vessel_n the_o only_a vessel_n which_o contain_v this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o man_n that_o this_o life_n be_v sow_o in_o but_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o in_o man_n immortal_a life_n eternal_a life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o immortal_a seed_n in_o eternal_a seed_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a vessel_n and_o this_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o mortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o by_o put_v on_o mortality_n there_o it_o change_v into_o its_o own_o nature_n hence_o they_o in_o who_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o who_o be_v change_v by_o it_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n they_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n this_o life_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o this_o seed_n the_o spirit_n which_o form_v this_o seed_n breathe_v into_o it_o this_o breath_n of_o life_n this_o seed_n be_v the_o spirit_n own_o vessel_n and_o this_o life_n be_v his_o own_o liquor_n wherewith_o he_o fill_v it_o the_o spirit_n lie_v in_o the_o vessel_n and_o be_v continual_o breathe_v in_o it_o and_o that_o
all_o agree_v in_o their_o common_a nature_n and_o property_n and_o yet_o have_v also_o a_o distinct_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o their_o own_o suitable_a to_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v form_v and_o to_o that_o peculiar_a end_n and_o operation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v form_v use_v 1_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n and_o of_o god_n man_n receive_v his_o virtue_n his_o strength_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o outward_a notion_n the_o power_n which_o be_v find_v in_o he_o issue_v thence_o but_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n the_o strength_n arise_v yea_o and_o the_o notion_n itself_o too_o from_o the_o seed_n the_o seed_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v sow_o discover_v its_o own_o name_n teach_v they_o how_o to_o call_v it_o by_o manifest_v itself_o in_o they_o what_o it_o be_v the_o new_a adam_n know_v how_o to_o name_v every_o new_a creature_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n by_o his_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n 2._o see_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o religion_n to_o slip_v in_o or_o out_o of_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n this_o life_n this_o nature_n this_o virtue_n may_v creep_v in_o or_o out_o at_o pleasure_n the_o life_n may_v fill_v appear_v and_o live_v in_o that_o in_o we_o one_o day_n which_o the_o flesh_n may_v fill_v appear_v and_o live_v in_o the_o next_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v rear_v up_o and_o discover_v himself_o in_o that_o temple_n to_o day_n which_o antichrist_n may_v take_v possession_n of_o to_o morrow_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n not_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n whatsoever_o but_o in_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n there_o which_o when_o god_n once_o withdraw_v from_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o long_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n there_o to_o be_v find_v and_o ever_o after_o it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o receptacle_n for_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o must_v have_v some_o outward_a court_n some_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n to_o place_n itself_o in_o but_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v then_o lose_v that_o speech_n refer_v to_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v here_o true_a also_o thou_o withdrawe_v thy_o breath_n they_o perish_v 3._o take_v notice_n of_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o growth_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o by_o have_v the_o outward_a notion_n it_o be_v not_o by_o grow_v in_o the_o outward_a notion_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n self-denial_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_v etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n viii_o of_o the_o weakness_n uncertainty_n and_o invalidity_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n john_n 6.63_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n man_n who_o himself_o be_v but_o flesh_n he_o eye_v the_o flesh_n think_v to_o drink_v in_o light_n life_n and_o happiness_n thence_o but_o that_o lie_v not_o where_o man_n look_v for_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o outward_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o quicken_v not_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o christ_n word_n in_o his_o light_n in_o his_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o light_n of_o man_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o flesh_n flesh_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o nature_n the_o root_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o the_o garment_n about_o the_o second_o adam_n spirit_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o grace_n the_o root_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n sow_o in_o and_o renew_v the_o old_a earth_n of_o god_n flesh_n denote_v weakness_n outwardness_n proneness_n to_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n spirit_n denote_v strength_n inwardness_n purity_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n die_v even_o christ_n himself_o so_o bear_v die_v that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n life_n even_o the_o weak_a creature_n so_o bear_v life_n the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o there_o be_v a_o fleshly_a principle_n and_o there_o be_v a_o fleshly_a object_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v of_o any_o advantage_n of_o any_o true_a profit_n to_o the_o end_n here_o speak_v the_o flesh_n in_o man_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a principle_n the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a object_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a eye_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a sight_n the_o thing_n so_o see_v though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o excellent_a in_o their_o own_o light_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o here_o be_v of_o no_o use_n no_o benefit_n at_o all_o the_o fleshly_a object_n can_v feed_v the_o spiritual_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o fleshly_a principle_n feed_v on_o the_o spiritual_a object_n the_o flesh_n be_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n take_v it_o either_o with_o all_o outward_a help_n of_o art_n or_o of_o more_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n both_o which_o may_v very_o much_o advance_v it_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o eye_n of_o flesh_n the_o object_n of_o this_o eye_n be_v all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o even_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n themselves_o the_o outward_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o outward_a reason_n of_o they_o be_v flesh_n flesh_n be_v god_n eye_n a_o eye_n of_o his_o make_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o god_n to_o have_v it_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o its_o own_o religion_n now_o this_o natural_a understanding_n this_o fleshly_a principle_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o receive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a from_o all_o the_o outward_a teach_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o man_n any_o such_o way_n as_o he_o look_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o by_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o man_n at_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o spirit_n man_n indeed_o may_v receive_v the_o outwardness_n of_o god_n the_o outwardness_n of_o his_o light_n the_o outwardness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o outward_a gift_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n faith_n of_o his_o own_o element_n faith_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n yet_o do_v not_o boast_v o_o man_n for_o who_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o thing_n now_o but_o he_o can_v receive_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v receive_v the_o new_a life_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v sow_o and_o grow_v up_o man_n know_v not_o how_o indeed_o after_o the_o kingdom_n have_v enter_v into_o man_n and_o overcome_v he_o and_o new-molded_n he_o than_o he_o also_o can_v receive_v the_o truth_n and_o answer_v the_o touch_n of_o it_o though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v a_o motion_n of_o he_o as_o of_o the_o life_n in_o he_o nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n in_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o that_o this_o scripture_n teach_v man_n in_o all_o his_o high_a strain_n let_v he_o climb_v as_o high_a as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o he_o let_v he_o know_v what_o he_o can_v of_o christ_n receive_v what_o he_o can_v from_o christ_n act_n what_o he_o can_v towards_o christ_n all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n it_o be_v of_o no_o profit_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o its_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a kind_n of_o operation_n in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o man_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v excellent_a use_n of_o it_o to_o his_o end_n but_o to_o the_o end_n propose_v by_o god_n and_o the_o end_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o therein_o it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n it_o will_v not_o reach_v that_o eternal_a life_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o observe_v i_o equal_o i_o say_v it_o be_v profitable_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o in_o its_o way_n and_o shall_v have_v its_o reward_n but_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o substance_n
that_o pass_v not_o away_o but_o purify_v perfect_v and_o preserve_v the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v a_o life_n which_o both_o endure_v in_o itself_o and_o lead_v to_o that_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o life_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o and_o through_o the_o seed_n shall_v settle_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o all_o adam_n nature_n all_o adam_n excellency_n all_o adam_n life_n all_o adam_n enjoyment_n content_a and_o blessedness_n thereby_o how_o soon_o do_v it_o fade_v but_o this_o nature_n this_o life_n this_o principle_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o this_o life_n be_v not_o write_v in_o adam_n nature_n or_o in_o the_o command_n to_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o command_n to_o christ_n nature_n and_o to_o man_n through_o that_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n to_o death_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v 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reason_n with_o a_o true_o rational_a understanding_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n there_o so_o what_o christ_n measure_v after_o his_o way_n in_o this_o his_o spiritual_a region_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n here_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n with_o the_o true_a eye_n see_v the_o true_a thing_n in_o the_o true_a light_n so_o that_o his_o light_n his_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n i_o know_v etc._n etc._n man_n propose_v unto_o himself_o vain_a way_n and_o satan_n invent_v many_o device_n for_o he_o but_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n speak_v truth_n and_o propose_v only_a truth_n unto_o he_o he_o propose_v the_o letter_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o prophet_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o spirit_n thereof_o the_o word_n which_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n &_o they_o be_v life_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n so_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a ministration_n of_o it_o which_o he_o begin_v in_o 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which_o contain_v everlasting_a life_n in_o it_o which_o draw_v everlasting_a life_n along_o with_o it_o ans._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v exhort_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o son_n come_v not_o to_o save_v himself_o but_o to_o seek_v and_o save_v lose_v man_n it_o be_v for_o he_o he_o bring_v forth_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n but_o yet_o that_o way_n whereby_o he_o save_v he_o be_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v and_o act_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n in_o he_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v by_o man_n spirit_n or_o nature_n believe_v in_o the_o son_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o be_v comprehend_v and_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o motion_n of_o man_n that_o tend_v to_o life_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a come_v alone_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o only_a life_n and_o move_v and_o act_n aright_o in_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o repentance_n mourning_n joy_n hope_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v spiritual_a as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v from_o a_o new_a root_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v this_o old_a nature_n spring_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n he_o that_o be_v not_o new_o bear_v have_v not_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v life_n nor_o a_o heart_n to_o desire_v it_o nor_o a_o foot_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o so_o that_o though_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o most_o proper_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o also_o need_v salvation_n in_o this_o state_n wherein_o it_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o here_o in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o it_o enter_v into_o spring_v up_o in_o take_v possession_n of_o and_o leaven_n the_o man_n it_o become_v his_o also_o it_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a nature_n of_o the_o man_n and_o infuse_v this_o new_a insomuch_o as_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o man_n also_o so_o that_o not_o only_o now_o christ_n in_o the_o man_n believe_v but_o the_o man_n also_o believe_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o have_v change_v he_o into_o and_o communicate_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o observation_n itself_o will_v now_o appear_v more_o manifest_a which_o be_v this_o obser._n that_o christ_n hold_v out_o from_o true_a light_n from_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n christ_n do_v not_o guess_v at_o it_o or_o imagine_v it_o strong_o as_o we_o do_v at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o he_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o this_o four_o fold_n ground_n first_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n second_o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n three_o from_o his_o life_n and_o four_o from_o his_o light_n each_o of_o these_o contribute_v much_o towards_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v make_v up_o no_o less_o than_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n 1._o from_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o earth_n but_o from_o above_o he_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n
have_v be_v testify_v unto_o you_o and_o from_o whence_o that_o testimony_n may_v come_v for_o aught_o you_o know_v have_v you_o deal_v ingenuous_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o point_n or_o rather_o have_v you_o not_o watch_v for_o the_o halt_n of_o those_o which_o have_v testify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v harden_v your_o spirit_n in_o your_o own_o invent_a way_n for_o if_o you_o can_v make_v good_a that_o they_o once_o be_v the_o lord_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o now_o his_o unless_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o light_n do_v again_o lead_v into_o they_o and_o quicken_v they_o the_o lord_n love_v spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o regard_v not_o a_o dead_a form_n although_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o wherein_o his_o spirit_n once_o do_v live_v can_v you_o blame_v the_o lord_n for_o prepare_v a_o stumble_a block_n for_o you_o or_o for_o suffer_v or_o give_v you_o up_o to_o stumble_v when_o you_o yourselves_o desire_v it_o you_o will_v have_v such_o and_o such_o ordinance_n path_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o imagination_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a you_o will_v be_v judge_v and_o measure_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n before_o you_o have_v receive_v either_o a_o eye_n or_o light_n or_o measure_n from_o he_o but_o i_o injure_v you_o you_o have_v eye_n you_o have_v light_a you_o have_v the_o reed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v measure_v thing_n aright_o by_o that_o it_o be_v well_o so_o it_o must_v be_v but_o assure_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v try_v and_o judge_v all_o your_o light_n all_o your_o way_n all_o your_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o have_v find_v they_o scanty_a in_o his_o balance_n scanty_a even_o of_o that_o true_a light_n nature_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o seek_v to_o worship_v he_o and_o which_o he_o alone_o delight_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o alas_o sir_n you_o may_v please_v yourselves_o awhile_o but_o you_o 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thing_n against_o you_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o whatsoever_o your_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v you_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o they_o o_o consider_v this_o if_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o a_o building_n upon_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v not_o either_o a_o believe_a or_o obey_v from_o any_o rational_a knowledge_n from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n though_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v never_o so_o much_o heat_v therewith_o accompany_v it_o never_o so_o vigorous_o which_o will_v save_v any_o man_n but_o a_o build_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n upon_o the_o new_a nature_n of_o christ._n it_o must_v be_v a_o build_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n for_o christ_n save_v his_o building_n his_o people_n his_o seed_n his_o church_n and_o it_o must_v be_v build_v or_o found_v upon_o the_o new_a nature_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o save_v not_o according_a to_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o build_n of_o such_o a_o new_a nature_n upon_o such_o a_o christ_n as_o man_n will_v call_v so_o but_o a_o build_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o truth_n alas_o what_o a_o poor_a imaginary_a thing_n be_v the_o christ_n which_o many_o if_o not_o most_o apprehend_v christ_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o name_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o christ_n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o wisdom_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o greatness_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o life_n spirit_n etc._n etc._n who_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n which_o beget_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n who_o be_v beget_v either_o in_o his_o life_n or_o death_n yea_o who_o know_v himself_o man_n do_v not_o build_v himself_o i_o mean_v his_o own_o nature_n upon_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o he_o call_v himself_o upon_o that_o which_o he_o call_v christ._n here_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v strange_a work_n when_o the_o lord_n search_v into_o it_o wonderful_a serious_a be_v man_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o present_a thick_a darkness_n little_o do_v they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v little_o do_v they_o perceive_v how_o they_o build_v a_o imagination_n upon_o a_o imagination_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o come_v forth_o with_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o go_v forth_o to_o quicken_v that_o knowledge_n where_o it_o please_v he_o unto_o the_o hearer_n but_o what_o knowledge_n be_v it_o whereupon_o man_n now_o build_v who_o now_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v which_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n who_o look_v 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understanding_n ah_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n the_o fleshly_a reason_n the_o fleshly_a understanding_n the_o fleshly_a affection_n of_o man_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o enter_v into_o either_o the_o first_o adam_n how_o excellent_a soever_o can_v lay_v one_o stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n pure_a reason_n can_v read_v one_o line_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n o_o who_o know_v god_n or_o his_o christ_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o of_o his_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n why_o all_o sort_n know_v but_o yet_o my_o spirit_n say_v to_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n who_o know_v god_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v about_o the_o degree_n but_o concern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o knowledge_n the_o gross_a unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o it_o still_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o legal_a and_o evangelical_n wash_n cleanness_n and_o purity_n can_v possible_o see_v or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o lord_n no_o unclean_a eye_n no_o unclean_a heart_n no_o unclean_a hand_n etc._n etc._n can_v ever_o come_v near_o the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v true_o change_v nothing_o can_v live_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o have_v the_o true_a life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o it_o which_o grow_v not_o from_o any_o institution_n or_o form_n of_o religion_n whereby_o so_o many_o appear_a change_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n but_o from_o a_o true_a seed_n sow_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o
divine_a essay_n or_o consideration_n about_o several_a thing_n in_o religion_n of_o very_o deep_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a time_n as_o also_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o with_o a_o lament_v and_o plead_v postscript_n by_o isaac_n penington_n junior_a esq_n the_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o his_o great_a light_n be_v can_v comprehend_v the_o light_n of_o god_n be_v not_o hasty_a in_o thy_o heart_n but_o read_v and_o consider_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o a_o true_a eye_n and_o open_v that_o eye_n for_o thou_o london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o black_a spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o paul_n 1654._o the_o content_n 1._o of_o knowledge_n in_o general_n pag._n 1._o 2._o of_o scripture-knowledg_n 5_o 3._o of_o radical_a or_o original_a knowledge_n 9_o 4._o of_o tâ—â—_n word_n the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n under_o each_o administration_n both_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o hint_n of_o their_o further_a tendency_n 13_o 5._o some_o few_o observation_n touch_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o ranter_n 18_o 6._o of_o the_o various_a false_a new_a birth_n and_o the_o true_a one_o which_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o root_n and_o nature_n 25_o 7._o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 46_o 8._o of_o the_o weakness_n uncertainty_n and_o invalidity_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 56_o 9_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o wellgrounded_n testimony_n concern_v the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n 68_o 10._o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o great_a sweet_a spiritual_a and_o most_o precious_a liberty_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o and_o be_v allow_v unto_o the_o seed_n in_o the_o kingdom_n 80_o 11._o of_o the_o low_a ebb_n whereunto_o christ_n be_v bring_v by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n 99_o 12._o of_o the_o low_a estate_n whereunto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o reduce_v by_o their_o death_n and_o suffering_n 108_o 13._o the_o course_n and_o end_n of_o man._n 115_o 14._o the_o sweet_a and_o happy_a end_n of_o the_o righteous_a 123_o last_o a_o lament_a and_o plead_v postscript_n 127_o the_o preface_n wonderful_o great_a and_o deep_o be_v the_o motion_n and_o step_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n his_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o man_n his_o particular_a order_n of_o they_o his_o aim_n and_o end_n concern_v they_o who_o can_v true_o fathom_n he_o must_v be_v as_o wise_a as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o full_o understand_v he_o but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v as_o unexpectable_a who_o can_v after_o his_o own_o shallow_a manner_n measure_v any_o of_o the_o way_n or_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n how_o far_o be_v the_o foolish_a spirit_n of_o man_n from_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o how_o bold_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o undertake_v to_o know_v and_o determine_v the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n especial_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n reveal_v from_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o understanding_n to_o bottom_n and_o work_v upon_o how_o confident_a be_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o day_n and_o how_o confident_a be_v every_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o our_o day_n some_o in_o set_v up_o their_o own_o apprehension_n from_o the_o word_n as_o evident_a truth_n which_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v other_o in_o set_v up_o their_o own_o mere_a imagination_n above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n not_o at_o all_o regard_v whether_o they_o agree_v with_o it_o or_o contradict_v it_o man_n must_v run_v his_o course_n it_o be_v now_o his_o time_n let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n vanity_n be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o safe_a for_o his_o rivet_a it_o into_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o scripture_n ever_o the_o less_o honourable_a for_o his_o undervalue_v they_o or_o ever_o the_o less_o true_a for_o his_o contradict_v they_o nor_o be_v god_n ever_o the_o less_o in_o himself_o or_o man_n ever_o the_o great_a in_o himself_o for_o his_o vilify_n of_o god_n and_o magnify_v of_o himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v become_v equal_a with_o he_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o imagination_n produce_v not_o the_o least_o change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o that_o proceed_n from_o a_o deep_a root_n must_v fetch_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o strong_a influence_n i_o have_v bring_v forth_o somewhat_o here_o for_o the_o good_a of_o some_o unto_o who_o i_o wish_v well_o which_o though_o it_o intend_v kindness_n may_v for_o its_o reward_n meet_v with_o hardship_n both_o the_o root_n and_o the_o fruit_n may_v suffer_v undeserved_o on_o each_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v wed_v to_o that_o which_o they_o understand_v not_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v loose_a from_o all_o bond_n can_v hardly_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v any_o yoke_n so_o easy_a or_o necessary_a as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o it_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v when_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o vain_a man_n come_v to_o a_o end_n when_o shall_v his_o spirit_n be_v true_o break_v his_o break_n hitherto_o tend_v but_o to_o fasten_v he_o more_o and_o make_v he_o take_v deep_a root_n o_o how_o mad_a be_v man_n grow_v now_o adays_o through_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n what_o a_o strange_a peace_n security_n and_o liberty_n have_v he_o find_v out_o for_o himself_o he_o have_v build_v up_o such_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o batter_v of_o but_o if_o his_o eye_n be_v sick_a if_o the_o light_n in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o thick_a that_o darkness_n be_v and_o whither_o it_o will_v lead_v he_o that_o which_o be_v sound_a and_o perfect_a can_v alone_o discern_v but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perceive_v any_o thing_n true_o in_o his_o distemper_n yet_o this_o calamity_n be_v common_a in_o this_o empty_a state_n of_o man_n he_o that_o be_v most_o distemper_a be_v most_o prone_a to_o judge_v even_o the_o great_a thing_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n who_o shall_v we_o find_v more_o confident_a than_o he_o who_o be_v most_o deep_o gross_o and_o palpable_o deceive_v in_o his_o very_a groundwork_n i_o have_v not_o here_o venture_v upon_o a_o â—ain_n or_o over_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o person_n which_o be_v not_o universal_a it_o may_v somewhere_o prove_v serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a which_o will_v be_v recompense_n sufficient_a to_o this_o undertake_n and_o satisfaction_n enough_o to_o my_o spirit_n at_o present_a in_o this_o respect_n divine_a essay_n i._o of_o knowledge_n in_o general_n there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o according_a to_o the_o various_a way_n of_o know_v or_o receive_v in_o of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o there_o be_v natural_a thing_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o divine_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o sense_n if_o that_o may_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o knowledge_n in_o common_a creature_n a_o knowledge_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n for_o in_o the_o renew_a man_n there_o be_v a_o renew_a spirit_n which_o have_v a_o knowledge_n suitable_a to_o itself_o and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o godhead_n god_n have_v a_o knowledge_n in_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o a_o life_n love_n wisdom_n power_n suitable_a to_o himself_o again_o there_o be_v a_o speculative_a knowledge_n and_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n a_o knowledge_n by_o understanding_n and_o a_o knowledge_n by_o experience_n a_o knowledge_n by_o view_v the_o thing_n and_o a_o knowledge_n by_o try_v the_o thing_n this_o experimental_a knowledge_n be_v the_o better_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o uncertain_a state_n wherein_o we_o be_v but_o the_o other_o be_v the_o better_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v better_a by_o virtue_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n then_o to_o seek_v out_o a_o experiment_n of_o they_o from_o sense_n
be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o and_o it_o flow_v through_o the_o word_n the_o seed_n be_v form_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n begete_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v life_n through_o the_o word_n into_o that_o which_o he_o have_v beget_v even_o that_o life_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o it_o in_o any_o dispensation_n into_o which_o the_o spirit_n guide_v it_o wonderful_a true_a most_o true_a be_v that_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n either_o in_o the_o shadow_n or_o in_o the_o substance_n any_o otherwise_o all_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o god_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o word_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o several_a dispensation_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o their_o several_a circuit_n run_v from_o christ_n through_o and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a ministration_n of_o his_o word_n or_o word_n in_o their_o several_a kind_n seek_v after_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n it_o breathe_v in_o and_o from_o and_o after_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n breathe_v in_o it_o it_o breathe_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o breathe_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o find_v rest_n in_o fetch_v full_a soop_n of_o breath_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o seek_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v bear_v it_o find_v itself_o weak_a it_o find_v itself_o a_o babe_n a_o child_n and_o it_o breathe_v after_o its_o father_n after_o union_n with_o its_o father_n after_o the_o help_n strength_n and_o care_n of_o its_o father_n after_o food_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o provision_n which_o it_o needs_o from_o its_o father_n there_o be_v no_o life_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a kind_n and_o yet_o no_o life_n more_o indigent_a when_o it_o be_v first_o bring_v forâ—â—_n or_o more_o dependent_a all_o along_o and_o it_o have_v a_o wonderful_a strong_a sense_n of_o this_o which_o cause_v it_o to_o breathe_v mighty_o unto_o its_o root_n for_o sap_n supply_n and_o succour_v nor_o do_v it_o only_o seek_v but_o so_o fast_o as_o it_o find_v it_o fasten_v upon_o he_o it_o most_o natural_o know_v he_o and_o where_o ever_o it_o meet_v with_o he_o it_o clinge_v present_o to_o he_o what_o ever_o it_o find_v of_o god_n it_o gather_v in_o where_o ever_o it_o find_v god_n it_o wind_v itself_o into_o he_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o wind_n god_n into_o it_o and_o to_o wind_v itself_o into_o god_n to_o receive_v in_o the_o droping_n of_o god_n and_o to_o melt_v itself_o and_o drop_n into_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o find_v and_o fasten_v it_o have_v rest_n it_o be_v restless_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o have_v not_o find_v in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o one_o with_o but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v roll_v into_o and_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o centre_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v suck_v into_o and_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o root_n it_o find_v great_a quiet_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n v._o some_o few_o observation_n touch_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o ranter_n as_o i_o have_v apply_v myself_o in_o general_a to_o weigh_v and_o understand_v all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o religion_n so_o more_o particular_o the_o nature_n rise_v strain_z and_o course_n of_o these_o principle_n both_o because_o they_o proceed_v from_o person_n former_o of_o eminent_a profession_n and_o not_o bare_o from_o they_o but_o from_o they_o in_o a_o break_a estate_n both_o which_o circumstance_n may_v challenge_v from_o every_o serious_a spirit_n a_o more_o selemn_a consideration_n now_o these_o four_o thing_n i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n 1._o their_o want_n of_o a_o bottom_n these_o principle_n want_v a_o foundation_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o person_n insomuch_o that_o though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v possible_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o can_v be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v apprehend_v or_o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v that_o this_o be_v truth_n that_o light_n and_o darkness_n good_a and_o evil_a be_v all_o one_o now_o though_o they_o in_o speak_v this_o may_v utter_v a_o speech_n which_o may_v be_v truth_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o speak_n and_o practise_v of_o it_o do_v manifest_a that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n for_o if_o they_o see_v the_o true_a unity_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o root_n they_o will_v also_o see_v its_o difference_n for_o true_a unity_n do_v not_o confound_v but_o comprehend_v distinction_n it_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n unto_o but_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o variety_n and_o contrariety_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o alone_o they_o appear_v in_o their_o substantial_a fullness_n yea_o they_o will_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o distinction_n but_o they_o will_v also_o know_v and_o observe_v the_o distinction_n which_o wisdom_n have_v set_v up_o here_o between_o they_o in_o his_o bring_n of_o they_o forth_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a light_n in_o they_o they_o will_v know_v that_o it_o be_v proper_a and_o good_a for_o they_o in_o this_o present_a state_n to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o refuse_v the_o evil_n that_o every_o create_a eye_n have_v need_v of_o some_o create_a light_n to_o see_v by_o and_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o present_a way_n of_o appearance_n they_o will_v suit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o but_o alas_o their_o practice_n in_o these_o particular_n do_v too_o plain_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v only_o get_v some_o word_n some_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n by_o the_o end_n without_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o they_o this_o eye_n of_o our_o reason_n this_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n can_v never_o see_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o who_o have_v another_o eye_n a_o eye_n full_a enough_o large_a enough_o and_o full_o open_v he_o may_v well_o venture_v to_o view_v these_o thing_n but_o this_o present_a eye_n shall_v only_o be_v employ_v about_o such_o object_n as_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o see_v reason_n be_v appoint_v to_o see_v and_o distinguish_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n or_o such_o common_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o propose_v to_o it_o but_o not_o to_o pierce_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n this_o god_n have_v shut_v up_o from_o man_n and_o his_o eye_n can_v search_v it_o out_o man_n with_o his_o eye_n of_o reason_n can_v possible_o search_v out_o what_o god_n have_v hide_v from_o he_o he_o that_o make_v the_o eye_n can_v he_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o can_v receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o what_o god_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n be_v a_o injunction_n lay_v upon_o they_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o great_a light_n to_o search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n by_o only_o one_o word_n more_o concern_v this_o god_n have_v separate_v the_o light_n from_o the_o darkness_n and_o what_o god_n have_v part_v let_v no_o man_n join_v indeed_o no_o man_n can_v man_n may_v unite_v they_o in_o his_o fond_a fancy_n but_o that_o will_v vanish_v and_o man_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a but_o god_n will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a that_o foundation_n of_o difference_n and_o that_o difference_n thereupon_o which_o he_o have_v put_v between_o they_o which_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o they_o can_v meet_v together_o unite_z together_z or_o communicate_v together_o within_o those_o bound_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 2._o their_o contrariness_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o nature_n either_o common_a or_o renew_v these_o principle_n with_o the_o practice_n which_o arise_v from_o they_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o purity_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v lovely_a in_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v a_o man_n fair_o open_v free_a and_o unbiased_a towards_o all_o thing_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o import_v but_o they_o fast_o bound_v up_o all_o the_o influence_n even_o of_o common_a sweetness_n goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o also_o open_a the_o floodgate_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o wickedness_n i_o profess_v serious_o if_o i_o know_v this_o most_o infallible_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o even_o in_o that_o very_a sense_n which_o be_v by_o some_o apprehend_v yet_o if_o i_o find_v such_o a_o nature_n in_o i_o as_o to_o be_v and_o do_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o i_o can_v not_o but_o loathe_v
not_o at_o all_o satisfy_v thereby_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o so_o into_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o form_v in_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o fancy_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o here_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v but_o fancy_n after_o its_o manner_n comprehend_v be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v natural_a to_o the_o man_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a power_n and_o can_v make_v mighty_a change_n and_o do_v mighty_a thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o and_o work_v very_o like_o the_o truth_n insomuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_a man_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n neither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n or_o virtue_n in_o the_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v what_o it_o do_v whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o most_o natural_o be_v and_o produce_v its_o own_o most_o natural_a effect_n there_o be_v a_o true_a virtue_n in_o truth_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disperse_v and_o leaven_v the_o lump_n with_o where_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v he_o will_v know_v this_o power_n he_o will_v distinguish_v by_o this_o virtue_n the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v be_v observe_v obseru._n that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o notion_n not_o in_o apprehension_n not_o in_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n virtue_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n let_v a_o man_n have_v the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a expression_n of_o they_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o knowledge_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v in_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o self-denial_n of_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n there_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n neither_o be_v this_o religion_n reas._o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o because_o all_o outwardness_n be_v but_o a_o garment_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v clothe_v or_o not_o clothe_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o you_o know_v a_o garment_n neither_o be_v the_o thing_n nor_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n all_o outward_a building_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rear_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v also_o leave_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o build_v his_o everlasting_a tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o therefore_o those_o he_o do_v set_v up_o be_v but_o shadow_n his_o spirit_n may_v as_o well_o leave_v as_o enter_v into_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o may_v come_v into_o apprehension_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o notion_n or_o expression_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n at_o best_a it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o true_a garment_n but_o a_o true_a appearance_n but_o a_o true_a house_n for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o appear_v and_o abide_v in_o while_o the_o lord_n please_v but_o now_o where_o there_o be_v the_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o renew_a nature_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o renew_a nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v religion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v from_o it_o this_o be_v â—n_v it_o yea_o this_o be_v it_o what_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o god_n what_o be_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v it_o in_o which_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v life_n go_v forth_o and_o reside_v quest._n but_o what_o be_v this_o same_o nature_n life_n power_n or_o virtue_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n consist_v this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v for_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n life_n virtue_n or_o power_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n that_o which_o here_o the_o apostle_n call_v word_n have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o man_n call_v power_n let_v a_o man_n receive_v any_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n full_o let_v he_o but_o receive_v it_o serious_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o come_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n it_o bring_v virtue_n with_o it_o to_o make_v change_n in_o he_o change_v in_o his_o spirit_n change_n in_o his_o understanding_n change_v in_o his_o will_n change_v in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o look_v after_o all_o this_o be_v with_o he_o but_o word_n the_o great_a inwardness_n of_o man_n be_v but_o outwardness_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o then_o be_v this_o same_o power_n here_o or_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n of_o this_o virtue_n answ._n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v return_v this_o threefold_a description_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n 1._o for_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v divine_o spiritual_a it_o be_v not_o a_o birth_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n beget_v that_o which_o be_v spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o a_o true_o spiritual_a religion_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o he_o sow_v his_o seed_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o common_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v both_o kill_n and_o quicken_a and_o that_o both_o in_o one_o self_n and_o also_o towards_o other_o in_o every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v that_o virtue_n which_o continual_o kill_v and_o quicken_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o it_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n it_o lay_v flat_a all_o the_o corruption_n yea_o all_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n where_o ever_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v like_o a_o fire_n it_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o life_n of_o every_o thing_n it_o come_v near_o and_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v live_v in_o that_o fire_n i_o know_v man_n have_v his_o several_a way_n of_o kill_v and_o quicken_n by_o his_o notion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n in_o truth_n for_o under_o all_o the_o seem_a death_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o alive_a and_o under_o all_o the_o seem_o renew_v life_n be_v of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o dead_a in_o its_o root_n and_o principle_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o operation_n 3._o for_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o every_o particular_a truth_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n portion_n or_o member_n of_o life_n which_o be_v form_v in_o we_o thus_o the_o several_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o own_o particular_a nature_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n its_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n its_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o disciple_n have_v their_o particular_a nature_n self-denial_n it_o be_v faith_n it_o be_v love_v its_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o they_o
1._o this_o be_v very_o unworthy_a if_o thou_o will_v overthrow_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n do_v it_o fair_o do_v it_o by_o that_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o by_o a_o light_n of_o as_o deep_a a_o nature_n as_o he_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o speak_v upon_o as_o good_a ground_n as_o he_o do_v not_o undertake_v to_o contradict_v he_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o unsafe_a suppose_v before_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v prove_v a_o truth_n and_o thy_o a_o conceit_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o apprehension_n which_o will_v then_o bear_v thou_o out_o the_o market_n be_v yet_o open_a for_o thou_o wherein_o thou_o may_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n but_o by_o this_o mean_v thou_o make_v thyself_o uncapable_a of_o make_v use_n of_o thy_o present_a opportunity_n use_v 2._o you_o who_o find_v a_o need_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o a_o desire_n after_o it_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v carry_v weight_n receive_v it_o receive_v it_o into_o your_o natural_a man_n and_o look_v up_o to_o god_n to_o sow_v a_o new_a nature_n in_o you_o that_o so_o it_o may_v give_v new_a life_n to_o your_o spirit_n nay_o by_o receive_v it_o it_o may_v become_v a_o seed_n the_o light_n we_o let_v into_o our_o understanding_n if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n be_v of_o power_n to_o change_v our_o understnading_n into_o spirituality_n we_o little_o think_v what_o life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o outward_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o when_o god_n engraft_v it_o into_o the_o spirit_n receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n let_v in_o by_o the_o ear_n into_o the_o heart_n what_o strange_a change_n do_v it_o make_v there_o and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o light_n be_v let_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o do_v as_o much_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o world_n verse_n 47._o he_o speak_v these_o word_n to_o save_v he_o give_v out_o this_o testimony_n to_o save_v and_o for_o this_o end_n may_v he_o also_o leave_v it_o in_o writing_n and_o who_o know_v but_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o sound_n christ_n may_v work_v that_o faith_n in_o he_o who_o hear_v which_o may_v save_v he_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o be_v busy_v about_o this_o world_n though_o a_o man_n be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v it_o but_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o be_v busy_v here_o though_o a_o man_n be_v sure_a to_o lose_v his_o labour_n for_o it_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a to_o pursue_v that_o which_o be_v excellent_a though_o one_o shall_v miss_v of_o it_o x._o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v outward_a and_o shadowy_a in_o that_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o inward_a and_o substantial_a in_o the_o true_a seed_n both_o before_o then_o and_o after_o that_o dispensation_n yea_o and_o for_o ever_o which_o liberty_n although_o it_o be_v very_o large_a yet_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n gal._n 5.13_o for_o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o liberty_n be_v the_o right_a temper_n and_o posture_n of_o the_o new_a life_n whereby_o it_o both_o be_v and_o enjoy_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o break_v all_o bond_n asunder_o and_o set_v of_o the_o heir_n free_a it_o be_v the_o invest_v he_o with_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o leave_v of_o he_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o sufficient_a light_n wisdom_n and_o strength_n to_o guide_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v in_o it_o or_o by_o it_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o tutor_n of_o all_o governor_n of_o all_o law_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o discipline_n in_o every_o kind_n which_o be_v proper_a for_o his_o nurture_n and_o education_n when_o his_o life_n run_v low_a but_o be_v now_o no_o way_n convenient_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o his_o full_a age_n and_o growth_n now_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o life_n to_o be_v free_a in_o its_o nature_n circuit_n and_o motion_n he_o be_v grow_v up_o his_o life_n be_v come_v to_o itself_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o dispose_n of_o itself_o of_o become_v a_o rule_n and_o guide_v to_o itself_o nay_o if_o it_o be_v true_o strong_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o nature_n it_o can_v need_v no_o rule_n no_o bond_n no_o bound_n but_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n so_o that_o this_o be_v liberty_n when_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v by_o any_o law_n or_o limit_n whatsoever_o but_o it_o have_v its_o full_a scope_n to_o the_o utmost_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o nature_n this_o i_o say_v be_v liberty_n full_a liberty_n complete_a liberty_n perfect_a liberty_n there_o be_v no_o such_o liberty_n in_o this_o life_n or_o flow_v from_o this_o life_n as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n seek_v namely_o a_o liberty_n to_o satisfy_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v sin_n nor_o subject_n to_o the_o lash_n or_o censure_v of_o any_o law_n nor_o able_a to_o bring_v any_o death_n or_o danger_n upon_o he_o but_o this_o liberty_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a like_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n from_o which_o it_o flow_v and_o have_v in_o it_o that_o which_o answer_v every_o law_n of_o righteousness_n in_o every_o kind_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n here_o not_o to_o love_v god_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o duty_n of_o love_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n call_v for_o no_o liberty_n to_o be_v unrighteous_a or_o unmerciful_a either_o to_o man_n or_o to_o the_o mean_a creature_n but_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o life_n be_v perfect_o holy_a sweet_a and_o just_a it_o be_v a_o liberty_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o a_o liberty_n unto_o all_o purity_n and_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o liberty_n like_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v evil_a nor_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a god_n liberty_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o he_o be_v free_a only_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n nothing_o can_v incline_v he_o any_o way_n but_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o his_o own_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o be_v from_o and_o according_a to_o his_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v his_o nature_n second_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v comprehend_v the_o accurateness_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o that_o righteousness_n holiness_n and_o sweetness_n which_o any_o dispense_v law_n dark_o shadow_n out_o so_o that_o by_o the_o presence_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o substance_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o shadow_n now_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o seed_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o this_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v a_o true_a extract_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o be_v their_o liberty_n from_o his_o liberty_n their_o nature_n be_v thus_o in_o with_o and_z from_o god_n holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v their_o very_a nature_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o nature_n thus_o to_o be_v and_o thus_o to_o act_v for_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n not_o contrary_a to_o it_o all_o the_o liberty_n which_o cross_v the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o life_n be_v but_o a_o false_a appearance_n how_o specious_a soever_o but_o be_v not_o true_a liberty_n if_o a_o man_n have_v his_o reason_n at_o perfect_a liberty_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v irrational_a nor_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v rational_a so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o life_n its_o liberty_n lie_v in_o be_v free_a in_o its_o own_o state_n nature_n and_o course_n not_o in_o be_v free_a to_o but_o in_o be_v free_a from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n weakness_n and_o folly_n not_o in_o that_o he_o can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o sinner_n do_v and_o not_o sin_n but_o his_o nature_n life_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o permit_v any_o such_o motion_n to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o he_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o root_n which_o bear_v such_o fruit_n and_o when_o his_o seed_n be_v redeem_v they_o shall_v perfect_o know_v and_o enjoy_v this_o liberty_n with_o he_o for_o neither_o their_o spirit_n nor_o
exact_o form_v as_o christ_n be_v exact_o form_v to_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n so_o man_n be_v exact_o form_v to_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o christ._n and_o as_o the_o godhead_n please_v itself_o in_o the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n so_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o the_o godhead_n please_v himself_o in_o the_o loveliness_n of_o man_n god_n say_v to_o christ_n and_o christ_n say_v to_o man_n thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o long_o before_o this_o world_n be_v both_o the_o delight_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o and_o about_o man_n before_o the_o mountain_n be_v settle_v etc._n etc._n while_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o make_v the_o earth_n nor_o the_o field_n etc._n etc._n then_o be_v i_o by_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o his_o earth_n and_o my_o delight_n be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n prov._n 8.25_o 26._o &_o 30_o 31._o 2._o there_o be_v a_o majesty_n in_o man_n god_n who_o appoint_v man_n to_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n set_v a_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o majesty_n upon_o he_o and_o this_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v in_o man_n there_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o a_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v a_o stamp_n of_o subjection_n upon_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o a_o stamp_n of_o dominion_n and_o majesty_n in_o man_n 3._o there_o be_v wisdom_n in_o man_n man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n man_n have_v a_o light_n in_o he_o beyond_o the_o creature_n whereby_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o manage_v it_o and_o make_v it_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o have_v a_o great_a root_n and_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n in_o he_o whereby_o he_o know_v both_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o creature_n and_o can_v effect_v strange_a thing_n he_o can_v foresee_v and_o provide_v for_o good_a and_o against_o evil_n he_o can_v search_v out_o what_o he_o want_v yea_o and_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o find_v look_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n which_o man_n yet_o have_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o god_n and_o live_v like_o a_o god_n in_o compare_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n 4._o man_n have_v strength_n too_o strength_n suitable_a to_o his_o estate_n take_v he_o with_o that_o addition_n which_o his_o wisdom_n add_v to_o his_o strength_n and_o he_o can_v do_v great_a thing_n take_v he_o with_o his_o engine_n and_o he_o be_v strong_a than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n nay_o then_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n put_v together_o what_o can_v he_o not_o do_v what_o can_v he_o not_o suffer_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n all_o the_o infirmity_n which_o ordinary_o befall_v man_n nay_o all_o the_o infirmity_n proper_a to_o man_n there_o be_v strength_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o grapple_v with_o indeed_o when_o god_n do_v break_v man_n when_o god_n do_v wind_v he_o than_o he_o grow_v weak_a but_o otherwise_o man_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o strength_n yet_o remain_v the_o egyptian_n be_v man_n and_o not_o god_n and_o their_o horse_n flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n both_o he_o that_o help_v shall_v fall_v and_o he_o that_o be_v holpen_v shall_v fall_v down_o and_o they_o all_o shall_v fail_v together_o o_o what_o a_o weak_a thing_n be_v man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o strength_n when_o god_n come_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o but_o set_v god_n aside_o and_o who_o know_v his_o strength_n what_o building_n will_v man_n raise_v what_o defence_n will_v he_o make_v for_o himself_o what_o will_v he_o be_v what_o will_v he_o do_v what_o will_v he_o suffer_v do_v not_o the_o lord_n provide_v a_o worm_n to_o gnaw_v at_o the_o root_n of_o his_o spirit_n 5._o man_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o intercourse_n with_o god_n he_o be_v yet_o near_o to_o god_n and_o have_v yet_o more_o converse_n with_o he_o than_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o creation_n his_o relation_n be_v of_o itself_o close_a and_o his_o communion_n more_o intimate_a god_n speak_v more_o direct_o to_o he_o provide_v more_o direct_o for_o he_o god_n voice_n to_o and_o care_n over_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o and_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o he_o know_v god_n love_v god_n trust_v in_o god_n call_v upon_o god_n in_o another_o way_n and_o after_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n can_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o touch_n leave_v there_o yet_o remain_v a_o wild_a portrait_n of_o the_o glorious_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n this_o be_v in_o part_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o nature_n this_o be_v his_o life_n this_o be_v his_o estate_n still_o in_o some_o degree_n though_o fall_v exceed_o short_a of_o its_o own_o glory_n truth_n and_o fullness_n but_o now_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v far_o beyond_o the_o life_n of_o man_n he_o exceed_v man_n further_o than_o man_n do_v the_o creature_n the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n wonderful_o exceed_v the_o beauty_n of_o man_n christ_n beauty_n be_v of_o a_o deep_a a_o pure_a a_o more_o inward_a nature_n the_o very_a ray_n and_o lustre_n of_o the_o inward_a spirit_n of_o the_o divinity_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o shine_v from_o his_o face_n there_o be_v wonderful_a beauty_n in_o the_o nature_n visage_n and_o in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n his_o faith_n his_o love_n his_o sweetness_n meekness_n patience_n etc._n etc._n o_o how_o resplendent_a all_o that_o be_v beautiful_a in_o man_n he_o have_v in_o he_o after_o a_o much_o more_o lovely_a manner_n and_o a_o peculiar_a beauty_n of_o his_o own_o beside_o and_o so_o his_o majesty_n be_v also_o far_o great_a man_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n can_v but_o admire_v at_o and_o bow_v before_o the_o majesty_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n word_n and_o gesture_n he_o appear_v like_o one_o of_o another_o region_n he_o speak_v with_o another_o manner_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o though_o he_o be_v exceed_v full_a of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n yet_o his_o majesty_n keep_v his_o disciple_n so_o in_o awe_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o ask_v he_o any_o question_n but_o very_o humble_o and_o with_o great_a fear_n and_o reverence_n the_o wisdom_n also_o of_o christ_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man._n the_o root_n thereof_o be_v of_o a_o better_a kind_n plant_v in_o better_a earth_n deep_o root_v more_o careful_o attend_v and_o of_o a_o better_a growth_n christ_n be_v able_a by_o the_o skill_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o contrive_v spiritual_a design_n to_o manage_v spiritual_a affair_n to_o provide_v for_o spiritual_a good_a and_o against_o spiritual_a evil_n yea_o far_o more_o skilful_a be_v he_o in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n than_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a a_o very_a wise_a and_o understand_a shepherd_n able_a to_o walk_v himself_o and_o guide_v all_o his_o sheep_n through_o all_o danger_n distraction_n opposition_n intricacy_n and_o death_n into_o the_o full_a truth_n and_o substance_n of_o life_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n be_v great_a too_o what_o can_v christ_n do_v what_o can_v christ_n suffer_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n can_v better_o die_v its_o death_n than_o man_n can_v he_o it_o can_v go_v through_o weakness_n better_o it_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v far_o more_o weak_a and_o in_o that_o weakness_n die_v a_o far_o more_o bitter_a death_n it_o can_v run_v through_o all_o condition_n all_o duty_n all_o affliction_n all_o dispensation_n with_o ease_n and_o delight_n i_o know_v how_o to_o want_v say_v paul_n and_o how_o to_o abound_v yea_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o instance_v in_o the_o worst_a and_o hard_a thing_n express_v at_o what_o a_o height_n he_o feel_v his_o life_n able_a to_o maintain_v itself_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a 2_o cor._n 12.10_o last_o christ_n intercourse_n with_o god_n how_o sweet_a how_o full_a be_v it_o he_o be_v ever_o converse_v with_o god_n god_n be_v ever_o converse_v with_o he_o he_o ey_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n in_o all_o spiritual_a motion_n in_o all_o natural_a motion_n in_o spiritual_a motion_n he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o nothing_o