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 can_v stand_v before_o the_o blast_a breath_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o blow_v upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o corrupt_v it_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v testify_v against_o your_o duty_n as_o be_v thing_n which_o he_o require_v not_o at_o your_o hand_n against_o your_o ordinance_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o not_o be_v those_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v against_o your_o grace_n as_o not_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n against_o your_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n as_o not_o be_v such_o as_o will_v endure_v his_o trial_n and_o touchstone_n yea_o against_o your_o very_a foundation_n as_o not_o be_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v but_o which_o your_o own_o spirit_n by_o your_o own_o art_n and_o skill_n a_o little_a heighten_v perhaps_o by_o your_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o your_o mind_n have_v fasten_v and_o build_v all_o upon_o i_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v testify_v these_o 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 into_o the_o scripture_n now_o with_o a_o new_a eye_n i_o be_o sure_a with_o a_o old_a eye_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o i_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o perhaps_o say_v therefore_o my_o eye_n be_v new_a nay_o but_o thou_o see_v with_o the_o old_a eye_n and_o therefore_o thy_o sight_n be_v not_o right_a take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o too_o late_o o_o lord_n god_n that_o ever_o man_n shall_v give_v scope_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o great_a vanity_n as_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a condition_n upon_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a dark_a nature_n but_o who_o do_v thus_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o thou_o o_o man_n that_o in_o thy_o light_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o measure_n thou_o do_v not_o so_o but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n who_o do_v not_o so_o tell_v i_o true_a do_v not_o thou_o build_v upon_o christ_n according_a to_o thy_o creature_o 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
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
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 lead_v and_o be_v guide_v safe_o through_o this_o commandment_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o thirst_n of_o his_o nature_n even_o this_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v here_o mention_v 3._o what_o this_o same_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v ans._n this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o his_o comprehend_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o see_v of_o it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o measure_v it_o in_o his_o own_o understanding_n as_o man_n measure_v natural_a thing_n within_o his_o reach_n by_o his_o natural_a understanding_n so_o christ_n measure_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o spiritual_a light_n with_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o what_o he_o find_v proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v truth_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n as_o man_n what_o he_o true_o measure_v in_o the_o true_a light_n of_o 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 his_o own_o person_n and_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n and_o both_o he_o and_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o christ_n lay_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n before_o he_o come_v into_o this_o world_n there_o he_o see_v thing_n there_o he_o see_v this_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o when_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v in_o he_o before_o spring_v up_o here_o in_o he_o in_o this_o world_n he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o behold_v in_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o which_o now_o he_o receive_v quick_a lively_a pure_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o new_a state_n and_o station_n and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a let_v this_o seem_v what_o it_o will_v to_o you_o let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o he_o by_o moses_n let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o strange_a to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n also_o so_o much_o desire_v i_o know_v that_o life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v life_n and_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v and_o obey_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o can_v miss_v of_o life_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a 4._o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o what_o kind_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o 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
be_v from_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o man_n will_v fain_o be_v break_v there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n upon_o he_o that_o the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v through_o death_n for_o this_o which_o he_o possess_v he_o may_v see_v he_o may_v feel_v and_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v but_o long_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o pass_v through_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v at_o life_n but_o this_o baptism_n none_o can_v baptize_v himself_o with_o he_o alone_o can_v do_v it_o who_o baptize_v christ._n it_o be_v the_o life_n alone_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o break_n for_o the_o outward_a vessel_n belong_v to_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o have_v its_o capacity_n in_o and_o from_o the_o life_n and_o he_o alone_o can_v break_v it_o who_o form_v it_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v build_v and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v destroy_v this_o kind_n of_o fabric_n this_o wise_a and_o accurate_a destruction_n require_v the_o same_o skill_n and_o virtue_n which_o issue_v out_o and_o build_v up_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n can_v never_o attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o administer_v any_o degree_n of_o this_o death_n further_o than_o he_o be_v enable_v instruct_v and_o assist_v thereunto_o from_o the_o root_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o wisdom_n skill_n and_o power_n go_v along_o perfect_o in_o every_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o or_o apprehend_v by_o any_o thing_n now_o as_o all_o death_n and_o brokenness_n have_v affliction_n and_o misery_n in_o it_o so_o this_o beyond_o all_o and_o as_o man_n will_v aspire_v after_o this_o death_n so_o he_o will_v fancy_v that_o he_o have_v this_o kind_n of_o misery_n upon_o he_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o pang_n he_o know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o there_o be_v three_o great_a scene_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o various_a strain_n step_n and_o degree_n all_o which_o man_n can_v imitate_v very_o accurate_o but_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o they_o 1._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o corruption_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n come_v forth_o with_o power_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n slay_v it_o in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o in_o who_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o sow_o and_o spring_v up_o shall_v find_v himself_o die_v unto_o his_o sinful_a nature_n daily_o this_o be_v one_o scene_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n nature_n sin_n must_v die_v and_o righteousness_n must_v live_v yea_o and_o then_o righteouseness_n must_v die_v also_o when_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n at_o first_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n o_o say_v he_o that_o this_o filthy_a nature_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o little_o do_v he_o then_o think_v that_o all_o this_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o die_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v judge_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v but_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o plant_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o same_o god_n which_o sind_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o covenant_n can_v also_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o under_o that_o covenant_n and_o can_v so_o judge_v it_o unto_o death_n and_o destruction_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n even_o of_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o flesh_n eternal_a life_n in_o the_o life_n thus_o receive_v die_v christ_n thus_o alive_a die_v even_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o his_o life_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v he_o this_o life_n and_o who_o keep_v this_o life_n pure_a in_o he_o he_o slay_v it_o yea_o christ_n himself_o offer_v up_o this_o life_n without_o spot_n to_o god_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n or_o stage_n of_o death_n which_o god_n mention_v at_o the_o begin_n upon_o man_n fall_n namely_o the_o death_n of_o the_o serpent_n the_o death_n of_o man_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n now_o there_o be_v counterfeit_n of_o all_o these_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o their_o corruption_n who_o be_v not_o and_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o skill_n life_n and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o attain_v this_o seem_a death_n many_o also_o seem_v to_o drink_v very_o deep_a into_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n who_o never_o yet_o taste_v of_o that_o life_n of_o he_o which_o be_v to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n whereof_o this_o condition_n consist_v viz._n a_o thorough_o break_a state_n in_o itself_o 2._o to_o this_o there_o be_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n a_o through_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o only_o break_v but_o they_o feel_v themselves_o break_v they_o be_v not_o only_o strip_v and_o leave_v naked_a but_o they_o feel_v both_o their_o strip_v and_o nakedness_n in_o other_o case_n a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a yea_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o yet_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o happy_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o this_o kind_n of_o break_v be_v lively_a and_o of_o quick_a sense_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o be_v break_v this_o be_v such_o a_o death_n as_o he_o thorough_o feel_v who_o die_v christ_n feel_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o worm_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n feel_v their_o brutishness_n and_o want_n of_o understanding_n adam_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n while_o eve_n be_v form_v out_o of_o he_o but_o christ_n be_v awake_a and_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o his_o awaken_v spirit_n form_n his_o church_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o life_n in_o his_o church_n suffer_v in_o its_o death_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o a_o through_o sight_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o by_o the_o world_n and_o of_o they_o because_o of_o it_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n open_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o god_n kindle_v and_o set_v up_o this_o lamp_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o put_v it_o out_o also_o in_o their_o view_n the_o symptom_n of_o this_o death_n the_o symptom_n of_o this_o break_n be_v so_o visible_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v that_o life_n that_o power_n that_o activity_n that_o stir_v of_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n word_n behaviour_n whole_a course_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v out_o and_o go_v they_o as_o manifest_o appear_v all_o this_o season_n in_o the_o world_n without_o it_o as_o former_o they_o do_v with_o it_o and_o the_o world_n now_o despise_v they_o that_o which_o gain_v esteem_v and_o glory_n from_o the_o world_n be_v go_v they_o can_v but_o despise_v they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o begin_v to_o honour_v they_o there_o be_v such_o a_o lustre_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n when_o at_o any_o time_n it_o discover_v itself_o within_o man_n centre_n as_o man_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o subject_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o life_n and_o excellency_n before_o but_o when_o man_n see_v all_o this_o fall_v and_o himself_o still_o stand_v where_o he_o be_v this_o which_o make_v such_o a_o appearance_n above_o he_o be_v fall_v beneath_o he_o christ_n be_v dead_a and_o he_o alive_a how_o can_v he_o now_o but_o despise_v this_o appearance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o lustre_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o of_o its_o former_a glory_n the_o exceed_a low_a fall_n of_o the_o high_a glory_n be_v most_o contemptible_a never_o man_n speak_v as_o christ_n speak_v and_o never_o man_n do_v as_o christ_n do_v even_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o etc._n etc._n what_o power_n and_o authority_n do_v he_o bear_v in_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n how_o do_v he_o every_o where_o so_o take_v with_o the_o people_n that_o his_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a enemy_n dare_v never_o meddle_v with_o he_o but_o in_o his_o death_n in_o his_o break_a state_n he_o lose_v all_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n when_o he_o
and_o so_o still_o prejudice_v yourselves_o as_o if_o i_o go_v about_o to_o dissuade_v you_o from_o duty_n ordinance_n read_v of_o the_o scripture_n pray_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o like_a no_o i_o dissuade_v you_o not_o from_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o from_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o you_o may_v true_o serve_v and_o enjoy_v god_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o may_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n use_n and_o exercise_v of_o these_o but_o only_a from_o set_v up_o dead_a thing_n in_o stead_n of_o these_o which_o become_v not_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o your_o esteem_v or_o name_v they_o so_o that_o so_o you_o may_v once_o come_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o seek_v and_o serve_v the_o live_n god_n i_o do_v not_o dehort_v you_o either_o from_o build_v up_o a_o house_n unto_o the_o lord_n or_o from_o worship_v he_o there_o with_o his_o worship_n but_o this_o i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v good_a for_o you_o to_o build_v up_o the_o lord_n house_n with_o your_o material_n or_o to_o set_v up_o your_o worship_n there_o in_o stead_n of_o he_o call_v these_o the_o lord_n and_o form_v they_o as_o like_v as_o possible_o you_o can_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v once_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pass_v the_o better_a both_o with_o your_o own_o spirit_n and_o before_o man_n certain_o this_o will_v not_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o in_o the_o upshot_n it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o you_o to_o have_v sink_v down_o in_o that_o desolation_n which_o you_o so_o despise_v then_o to_o build_v with_o such_o hew_a stone_n they_o who_o be_v christ_n be_v teach_v by_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whithersoever_o he_o go_v out_o of_o fleshly_a egypt_n into_o the_o straighten_a wilderness_n out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o entangle_a path_n to_o canaan_n out_o of_o canaan_n into_o the_o wilderness_n again_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o fleshly_a rest_n in_o canaan_n but_o to_o be_v lead_v again_o by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o follow_v the_o spirit_n though_o out_o of_o canaan_n and_o into_o the_o wilderness_n i_o will_v lead_v they_o in_o path_n they_o have_v not_o know_v say_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n vain_a foolish_a man_n will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o follow_v he_o only_o in_o such_o path_n as_o he_o know_v but_o the_o true-spirited_n child_n which_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o guide_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o whither_o and_o if_o you_o can_v hear_v consider_v this_o i_o speak_v not_o at_o random_n there_o be_v secret_a pure_a hide_a path_n of_o faith_n love_n worship_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o god_n and_o some_o of_o his_o people_n meet_v know_v own_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n enjoy_v one_o another_o even_o in_o this_o wilderness_n where_o their_o spirit_n be_v feed_v by_o he_o and_o his_o life_n and_o nature_n embrace_v by_o they_o but_o the_o outward_a court_n be_v give_v to_o and_o profane_v by_o the_o heathenish_a spirit_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o seed_n until_o it_o be_v again_o measure_v and_o purify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o do_v not_o plough_v with_o the_o right_a heifer_n this_o will_v prove_v a_o very_a strange_a riddle_n to_o you_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o true_a in_o itself_o for_o your_o not_o apprehend_v or_o not_o relish_v of_o it_o take_v heed_n of_o fleshly_a wisdom_n take_v heed_n of_o a_o fleshly_a line_n it_o be_v always_o dangerous_a but_o then_o most_o of_o all_o when_o it_o appear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v spiritual_a you_o can_v measure_v any_o thing_n aright_o by_o a_o fleshly_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n may_v turn_v aside_o and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v never_o in_o any_o part_n of_o that_o line_n arrive_v at_o the_o spirit_n this_o will_v one_o day_n appear_v as_o manifest_v as_o it_o be_v now_o true_a that_o he_o that_o begin_v not_o with_o a_o right_a spirit_n with_o a_o right_a principle_n with_o a_o right_a nature_n can_v be_v right_o in_o any_o of_o his_o motion_n neither_o in_o his_o faith_n nor_o in_o his_o love_n nor_o in_o his_o hope_n desire_n prayer_n or_o any_o other_o part_n either_o of_o his_o outward_a or_o inward_a worship_n and_o obedience_n o_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o uncover_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o swallow_v up_o that_o thick_a vail_n which_o lie_v as_o yet_o upon_o all_o nation_n errata_fw-la pag._n 2._o l._n 19_o r._n a_o rise_n p._n 6._o l._n 8._o for_o a_o r._n or_o l._n 18._o &_o 24._o for_o stay_v r._n stage_n p_o 7._o l._n 3._o deal_n a_o p._n 8._o l._n 20._o d._n or_o p._n 16._o l._n 9_o d._n of_o p._n 23._o l_o 4._o r._n throw_v l._n 34._o r._n plain_o p._n 27._o l._n 3._o for_o in_o r._n be_v p._n 28._o l._n 34._o r._n observe_v p._n 39_o l._n 23._o r._n disperse_v l._n 31._o r._n these_o p._n 42._o l._n 2._o d._n in_o l._n 3._o r._n in_o they_o p._n 43._o l._n 5._o r._n power_n l._n 24._o for_o then_o r._n there_o p._n 57_o l._n 32._o r._n region_n p._n 58._o l._n 18._o r._n reach_v p._n 60._o l._n 32._o add_v fourthly_a p._n 63._o l_o 19_o r._n if_o he_o can_v l._n 20._o r._n in_o this_o kind_n of_o nature_n p._n 109._o l._n 7._o for_o in_o r._n be_v finis_fw-la some_o book_n extant_a of_o this_o author_n to_o be_v have_v at_o m_o r_o giles_n calvert_n shop_n at_o the_o black_a spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o paul_n 1._o a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o thick_a darkness_n etc._n etc._n 2._o light_a or_o darkness_n display_v or_o hide_v itself_o as_o it_o please_v and_o from_o or_o to_o who_o it_o please_v etc._n etc._n 3._o several_a fresh_a inward_a open_n concern_v several_a thing_n which_o the_o day_n will_v declare_v of_o what_o nature_n they_o be_v to_o which_o judgement_n they_o appeal_v for_o justice_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o echo_n from_o the_o great_a deep_a etc._n etc._n 5._o the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n discover_v etc._n etc._n 6._o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v a_o lamp_n kindle_v and_o light_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 7._o a_o question_n about_o government_n etc._n etc._n these_o out_o of_o print_n four_o question_n about_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n a_o touchstone_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n the_o great_a and_o sole_a troubler_n of_o the_o time_n or_o a_o map_n of_o misery_n a_o word_n for_o the_o commonweal_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
of_o flesh_n and_o be_v flesh_n so_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a he_o himself_o under_o all_o his_o spiritual_a change_n as_o he_o account_v they_o and_o with_o all_o his_o spiritual_a notion_n be_v but_o flesh_n but_o now_o he_o which_o be_v spirit_n all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v be_v spiritual_a the_o least_o degree_n of_o his_o light_n be_v spiritual_a he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o true_a light_n into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o he_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o true_a nature_n he_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a son_n jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v the_o true_a death_n the_o true_a life_n the_o true_a resurrection_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n yea_o he_o learn_v and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o order_n and_o place_n all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o as_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o each_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o flesh_o clothe_v to_o he_o he_o thrust_v off_o all_o that_o be_v flesh_n of_o it_o and_o receive_v in_o nothing_o but_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o other_o let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o spiritual_o to_o he_o receive_v in_o and_o can_v receive_v in_o only_a the_o flesh_n of_o it_o 3._o for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o die_a unto_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a unto_o he_o that_o be_v newborn_a and_o bring_v into_o the_o light_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v do_v too_o and_o can_v but_o do_v every_o change_n in_o he_o from_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o corruption_n whereof_o there_o be_v daily_a occasion_n minister_v unto_o he_o cause_v repentance_n man_n natural_a spirit_n open_v to_o see_v itself_o can_v but_o repent_v it_o can_v but_o make_v he_o loathe_v himself_o his_o own_o nature_n his_o own_o state_n his_o own_o course_n his_o own_o end_n what_o man_n have_v he_o the_o view_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o spirit_n can_v forbear_v abhor_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o can_v but_o turn_v from_o that_o corruption_n which_o he_o have_v contract_v with_o all_o the_o concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o that_o be_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n awaken_v though_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n to_o reward_v nor_o hell_n to_o punish_v he_o can_v not_o but_o loath_a sin_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o now_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v become_v a_o new_a nature_n to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v it_o and_o will_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o somewhat_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o first_o and_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o contrariety_n in_o it_o hereunto_o and_o which_o upon_o occasion_n of_o be_v stir_v at_o any_o time_n discover_v that_o contrariety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n do_v only_o repent_v flesh_o i_o say_v this_o repentance_n let_v it_o arise_v never_o so_o high_a and_o be_v heighten_v by_o never_o so_o many_o fresh_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a consideration_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a for_o that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o god_n discover_v and_o stir_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o now_o that_o repentance_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o true_a root_n from_o a_o renew_a spirit_n from_o a_o spirit_n change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o in_o it_o this_o repentance_n be_v it_o never_o so_o low_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o thick_o deep_o and_o dark_o cover_v with_o a_o seem_a approbation_n and_o justification_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o repentance_n itself_o be_v spiritual_a it_o come_v from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a notwithstanding_o its_o contrary_a black_a appearance_n as_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o all_o its_o light_n brightness_n and_o glory_n be_v but_o carnal_a 4._o for_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o new_a life_n man_n spirit_n do_v natural_o believe_v though_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o occasionl_o draw_v forth_o see_v his_o danger_n his_o misery_n he_o can_v but_o lean_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a rescue_n relief_n and_o support_v let_v god_n in_o christ_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fortress_n man_n can_v but_o run_v thither_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n and_o all_o his_o motion_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v but_o flesh_n have_v but_o self_n have_v but_o his_o own_o nature_n viz._n the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n for_o their_o root_n what_o can_v they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n nicodemus_n here_o can_v not_o but_o run_v to_o christ_n acknowledge_v christ_n believe_v on_o christ_n but_o what_o say_v christ_n to_o he_o ah_o poor_a nicodemus_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n to_o open_v this_o a_o little_a further_o because_o it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n whereupon_o all_o depend_v if_o either_o the_o nature_n or_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v mistake_v the_o miscarriage_n be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a wariness_n here_o now_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n assert_v here_o appear_v the_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v this_o consideration_n follow_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n if_o you_o shall_v stumble_v at_o this_o expression_n and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o his_o will_n yet_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v his_o will_n to_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o as_o there_o be_v at_o first_o so_o there_o be_v still_o a_o naturalness_n between_o god_n and_o man_n though_o not_o so_o open_a and_o manifest_a god_n do_v natural_o take_v care_n of_o man_n and_o man_n do_v natural_o depend_v upon_o his_o god_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v see_v there_o that_o from_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n do_v flow_v and_o his_o love_n unto_o man_n and_o care_n of_o he_o even_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n and_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v read_v there_o dependence_n and_o confidence_n upon_o his_o god_n it_o be_v his_o very_a nature_n though_o at_o present_a he_o be_v exceed_o turn_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o heap_n of_o corruption_n but_o let_v the_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n break_v in_o upon_o he_o they_o stir_v up_o this_o again_o in_o he_o present_o only_o indeed_o his_o corruption_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o can_v come_v off_o cleverly_o in_o any_o motion_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o his_o heart_n and_o nature_n stand_v towards_o it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o and_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o draw_v forth_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o look_v out_o for_o help_v and_o as_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o trust_v that_o which_o be_v discover_v to_o he_o as_o proper_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v he_o and_o this_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v awaken_v and_o stir_v nay_o as_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o he_o by_o divine_a mean_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o warmth_n and_o quicken_a virtue_n awaken_v in_o and_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o fleshly_a root_n notwithstanding_o his_o divine_a breathe_n and_o influence_n upon_o it_o do_v not_o thereupon_o become_v divine_a though_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n without_o much_o question_n to_o account_v it_o so_o but_o now_o that_o faith_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n john_n 1.12.13_o from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o mention_v they_o 5._o for_o love_n there_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o do_v natural_o flow_v forth_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v lovely_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n now_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o excellency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v take_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o unto_o man_n how_o can_v man_n choose_v but_o love_v they_o yet_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o discovery_n as_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a
of_o admit_v be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o root_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o that_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a life_n that_o love_n be_v of_o a_o new_a nature_n even_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spirit_n out_o of_o which_o it_o shoot_v 6._o for_o experience_n man_n may_v have_v many_o experience_n in_o a_o natural_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n or_o in_o any_o dispensation_n wherein_o he_o be_v place_v experience_n of_o god_n experience_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n experience_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v many_o experience_n of_o god_n own_v they_o and_o care_n of_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o these_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o root_n those_o experience_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n gather_v and_o comprehend_v they_o be_v but_o experience_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o experience_n in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n those_o experience_n alone_o which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o nature_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a life_n they_o only_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o and_o they_o alone_o be_v useful_a to_o that_o life_n 7._o and_o last_o for_o liberty_n true_a liberty_n be_v a_o very_a sweet_a effect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v common_o bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n every_o man_n darkness_n be_v his_o prison_n who_o light_n do_v set_v free_a now_o as_o man_n spirit_n may_v receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o a_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v receive_v that_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o man_v spirit_n may_v come_v forth_o into_o liberty_n into_o great_a liberty_n he_o may_v feel_v himself_o free_a from_o all_o his_o bond_n yea_o this_o freedom_n may_v be_v so_o large_a and_o clear_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o another_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o bond_n may_v have_v the_o true_a freedom_n for_o the_o one_o be_v true_a though_o but_o in_o its_o birth_n or_o seed_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a though_o in_o its_o great_a growth_n and_o flourish_a the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o truth_n be_v in_o god_n whereof_o in_o man_n there_o be_v but_o the_o weak_a dark_a shadow_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n he_o that_o flow_v from_o the_o generative_a virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v beget_v in_o that_o substance_n but_o he_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o man_n or_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v in_o man_n by_o the_o pure_a and_o exact_a strain_n of_o the_o human_a spirit_n either_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o though_o with_o the_o great_a furtherance_n and_o assistance_n even_o from_o above_o be_v beget_v but_o in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o shadow_n which_o when_o the_o substance_n appear_v can_v but_o vanish_v pass_v away_o and_o prove_v a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o pure_a extract_n that_o can_v be_v raise_v even_o by_o god_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o seed_n in_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o growth_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o take_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a image_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o truth_n itself_o all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v raise_v unto_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v work_v upon_o his_o spirit_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o that_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v in_o god_n a_o turn_n from_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o our_o spirit_n to_o turn_v from_o which_o be_v repentance_n and_o adherence_n to_o and_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o which_o be_v faith_n but_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o now_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o and_o come_v from_o it_o even_o in_o its_o great_a weakness_n be_v truth_n that_o repentance_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n etc._n etc._n that_o flow_v from_o this_o nature_n from_o this_o life_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v of_o this_o life_n the_o mean_a the_o low_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n even_o in_o its_o low_a state_n in_o its_o low_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o great_a the_o high_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o great_a height_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o all_o its_o spiritual_a exaltation_n exercise_n and_o motion_n be_v but_o flesh_n one_o man_n may_v run_v with_o much_o quickness_n and_o cleverness_n through_o all_o dispensation_n and_o be_v wonderful_o raise_v and_o yet_o remain_v but_o flesh_n before_o in_o and_o after_o all_o another_o may_v be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o the_o low_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o be_v spirit_n there_o it_o be_v true_a these_o thing_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o effect_n or_o at_o least_o concomitant_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n dark_a man_n hear_v no_o news_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o repentance_n faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v awaken_v and_o heighten_v partly_o by_o satan_n thereby_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o hereby_o he_o cozen_v and_o deceive_v man_n make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v new_a man_n whereas_o they_o be_v new_a only_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o outward_o be_v viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o form_n or_o shape_n wherein_o their_o spirit_n be_v but_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o inward_a nature_n and_o partly_o by_o god_n to_o make_v a_o proof_n or_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n throughout_o at_o first_o god_n try_v he_o in_o his_o whole_a or_o sound_a and_o now_o he_o tri_v he_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n in_o all_o the_o several_a change_n he_o can_v undergo_v there_o therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o draw_v forth_o what_o be_v in_o he_o but_o also_o add_v thereunto_o by_o gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o that_o at_o length_n he_o may_v give_v forth_o a_o complete_a experiment_n of_o man_n what_o he_o be_v or_o what_o he_o can_v come_v to_o and_o although_o these_o experiment_n be_v not_o of_o use_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o further_a his_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n and_o eye_n to_o which_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a yea_o necessary_a to_o which_o nature_n and_o eye_n the_o lord_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n manner_z season_n and_o proportion_n as_o his_o nature_n and_o they_o require_v for_o the_o better_a illustration_n yet_o a_o little_a further_o both_o of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_a and_o of_o these_o particular_a instance_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o careful_o observe_v and_o distinguish_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o threefold_a estate_n or_o condition_n first_o in_o his_o natural_a growth_n second_o in_o his_o transplantation_n three_o in_o his_o spiritual_a renovation_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o its_o natural_a way_n of_o growth_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n natural_o incline_v towards_o excellency_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o bulk_n of_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o he_o and_o turn_v he_o aside_o but_o his_o own_o spirit_n disrelish_v it_o and_o he_o wish_v he_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o make_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v natural_o excellent_a this_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n he_o will_v serve_v god_n he_o will_v enjoy_v god_n he_o will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a to_o man_n it_o be_v the_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v grow_v so_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a that_o it_o be_v now_o become_v his_o nature_n which_o make_v he_o otherwise_o but_o in_o his_o root_n in_o his_o principle_n he_o be_v not_o so_o and_o he_o
unite_a to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n not_o in_o the_o life_n or_o power_n of_o a_o present_a dispensation_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n vanish_v but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o life_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o now_o whatsoever_o flow_v whatsoever_o grow_v up_o from_o this_o spirit_n be_v truth_n all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o issue_n hence_o be_v true_a of_o the_o true_a kind_n have_v the_o true_a stamp_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o here_o you_o may_v find_v the_o true_a death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a life_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a understanding_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o that_o which_o be_v so_o only_o in_o a_o dispensation_n whether_o of_o law_n or_o gospel_n though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o its_o kind_n and_o may_v serve_v the_o present_a turn_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abide_a truth_n man_n nature_n man_n life_n man_n power_n even_o that_o which_o adam_n have_v from_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a his_o inclination_n and_o natural_a ability_n to_o believe_v to_o love_v to_o obey_v it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a take_v he_o with_o all_o his_o qualification_n and_o endowment_n that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v with_o his_o capacity_n of_o receive_v in_o more_o be_v but_o earthly_a adam_n who_o god_n dash_v in_o piece_n be_v but_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o the_o potter_n yea_o in_o every_o dispensation_n since_o all_o that_o be_v of_o man_n there_o be_v flesh_n all_o that_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o man_n be_v flesh_n that_o power_n of_o believe_a of_o love_v and_o obey_v which_o be_v rake_v up_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v at_o any_o time_n again_o rouse_v refresh_v and_o assist_v by_o any_o light_n or_o power_n from_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o lively_a motion_n and_o operation_n be_v still_o but_o flesh_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a birth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o fleshly_a birth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n god_n do_v not_o only_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o his_o several_a dispensation_n but_o he_o do_v also_o here_o and_o there_o sprinkle_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n he_o do_v beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o promise_n his_o own_o son_n under_o the_o law_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o ishmael_n now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o beget_v isaac_n which_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o sarah_n and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v isaacâ—hat_o â—hat_z which_o spring_v up_o from_o his_o own_o sow_v out_o of_o the_o wâ—mb_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v his_o own_o seed_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n therefore_o sir_n look_v to_o your_o root_n what_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o hitherto_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o still_o look_v to_o your_o foundation_n if_o your_o root_n be_v flesh_n all_o your_o glory_n must_v down_o all_o your_o spiritual_a apprehension_n and_o hope_n will_v vanish_v and_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o sud_n if_o they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a in_o their_o root_n if_o your_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o sand_n the_o high_a your_o build_n in_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a will_v the_o fall_v thereof_o be_v that_o which_o be_v exalt_v near_o to_o heaven_n in_o its_o present_a growth_n and_o lustre_n if_o it_o prove_v not_o right_a shall_v be_v throw_v down_o to_o hell_n with_o the_o great_a indignation_n and_o sink_v into_o the_o sharp_a wrath_n and_o misery_n there_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o hell_n be_v uneasy_a enough_o but_o the_o dark_a chamber_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o deep_a hypocrite_n which_o they_o without_o all_o controversy_n be_v who_o hold_v forth_o the_o high_a resemblance_n of_o the_o life_n liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o in_o they_o but_o in_o who_o all_o this_o spring_n from_o a_o fleshly_a foundation_n vii_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 4.20_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n there_o have_v always_o be_v great_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o the_o disciple_n thereof_o and_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o every_o one_o will_v have_v their_o apprehension_n their_o light_n their_o way_n their_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n yea_o many_o time_n that_o which_o be_v indeed_o truth_n run_v low_a and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o vanity_n swell_v and_o make_v a_o great_a show_n appear_v as_o very_o high_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a that_o which_o be_v empty_a make_v a_o great_a sound_n draw_v the_o multitude_n after_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v substantial_a be_v cast_v aside_o as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a likely_a to_o be_v that_o life_n and_o substance_n which_o all_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o dispute_n be_v very_o hot_a now_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o sort_n of_o religious_a person_n do_v not_o real_o believe_v and_o in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o so_o far_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v at_o least_o erroneous_a this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o among_o the_o several_a sort_n and_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o who_o make_v slight_a of_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o will_v undertake_v to_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v more_o substantial_a more_o pure_a more_o high_a more_o spiritual_a they_o will_v teach_v the_o truth_n the_o substance_n of_o that_o whereof_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v but_o a_o shadow_n now_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o way_n which_o he_o will_v take_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n and_o deceit_n of_o these_o person_n vers_fw-la 19_o he_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o know_v not_o their_o speech_n but_o their_o power_n he_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o speech_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v exceed_o take_v to_o a_o fleshly_a eye_n but_o the_o virtue_n the_o life_n the_o spirit_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v he_o will_v search_v into_o the_o nature_n into_o the_o root_n into_o the_o virtue_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o will_v he_o prize_v it_o in_o himself_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o other_o as_o he_o find_v it_o there_o and_o not_o have_v any_o esteem_n of_o it_o because_o of_o its_o flourish_n or_o it_o be_v seem_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a lustre_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o intend_a course_n or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o all_o this_o great_a appearance_n of_o glory_n of_o spirituality_n of_o life_n of_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v without_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o regard_v they_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o look_v after_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o deceive_v myself_o with_o a_o appearance_n with_o a_o flourish_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n but_o where_o ever_o the_o true_a power_n be_v to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v the_o kingdom_n therefore_o i_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o other_o and_o mind_n how_o much_o of_o that_o be_v in_o they_o towards_o open_v of_o the_o phrase_n three_o thing_n will_v be_v inquire_v into_o namely_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o kingdom_n second_o what_o by_o word_n three_o what_o by_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o kingdom_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v mean_v the_o new_a nature_n the_o new_a life_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o new_a inheritance_n unto_o which_o this_o nature_n and_o life_n lead_v there_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n descend_v from_o god_n this_o new_a nature_n lead_v a_o new_a life_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o both_o
this_o nature_n and_o life_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o new_a inheritance_n in_o the_o other_o world_n or_o if_o you_o will_v if_o you_o think_v that_o may_v be_v plain_o to_o you_o by_o kingdom_n be_v mean_v religion_n true_a religion_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n teach_v his_o seed_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n write_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o seed_n for_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n also_o which_o god_n write_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o teach_v man_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o dispensation_n that_o truth_n that_o virtue_n that_o light_n that_o life_n which_o come_v down_o upon_o the_o seed_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o seed_n and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v that_o breath_n of_o god_n from_o which_o the_o new_a nature_n or_o principle_n come_v in_o which_o the_o new_a nature_n live_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v perfect_v this_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n it_o denote_v every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o not_o improper_o neither_o for_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o nature_n why_o may_v it_o not_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n take_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o their_o dispensation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n take_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a dispensation_n of_o his_o life_n unto_o his_o people_n through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n â—hrist_n this_o phrase_n kingdom_n be_v of_o very_o large_a and_o full_a significancy_n note_v out_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o extent_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o riches_n of_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o its_o presence_n and_o power_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o word_n by_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v any_o outward_a form_n of_o doctrine_n any_o speech_n notion_n or_o apprehension_n whereby_o religion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v either_o conceive_v or_o express_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n or_o go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n self_n the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o inward_a spirit_n or_o outward_a command_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v the_o outward_a truth_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v it_o be_v the_o pipe_n or_o vessel_n whereby_o life_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o man_n or_o whereby_o it_o be_v take_v in_o by_o man_n it_o be_v in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o forementioned_a wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n do_v run_v as_o in_o so_o many_o vein_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o of_o these_o these_o do_v not_o bring_v in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o kingdom_n will_v of_o itself_o bring_v forth_o these_o where_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n say_v this_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v not_o a_o glorious_a description_n or_o apprehension_n of_o righteousness_n or_o peace_n or_o joy_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o lie_v not_o in_o mighty_a elevation_n or_o ravishment_n of_o heart_n through_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o this_o be_v the_o outward_a court_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o heathenish_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o have_v this_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o pain_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n the_o outward_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o most_o pure_a naked_a spiritual_a acception_n of_o they_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v they_o only_o receive_v not_o the_o kingdom_n man_n may_v receive_v every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n man_n may_v fall_v into_o any_o way_n nay_o into_o every_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o kingdom_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o power_n by_o power_n be_v mean_v the_o inward_a virtue_n the_o vigour_n the_o spirit_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o life_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n or_o power_n wherein_o it_o consist_v no_o life_n lie_v in_o the_o outwardness_n of_o its_o form_n or_o shape_n but_o in_o the_o inwardness_n of_o its_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o outward_a knowledge_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a virtue_n and_o spirit_n of_o reason_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a virtue_n a_o inward_a spirit_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o change_v the_o vessel_n whereinto_o it_o come_v subject_v the_o rational_a part_n to_o itself_o and_o advance_v it_o in_o itself_o as_o the_o rational_a part_n do_v the_o brutish_a so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o rational_a man_n all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o reason_n so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o reason_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o new_a spirit_n or_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v this_o virtue_n this_o life_n this_o spirit_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n institution_n and_o path_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o this_o only_o be_v religion_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n alas_o the_o profane_a spirit_n of_o man_n under_o a_o form_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o they_o but_o the_o nature_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v preserve_v entire_a for_o the_o pure_a into_o it_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o true_a power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a religion_n but_o there_o may_v be_v all_o the_o outward_a form_n or_o fabric_n and_o yet_o no_o true_a religion_n at_o all_o there_o may_v be_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n walk_v very_o zealous_o in_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o kingdom_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o the_o light_n life_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o every_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o inward_a spirit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o little_a further_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o threefold_a power_n in_o reference_n hereunto_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o outward_a power_n concur_v with_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n of_o heal_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v demonstrative_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n for_o else_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o that_o end_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n here_o speak_v of_o not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o resolve_v to_o know_v 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o inward_a power_n form_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v either_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o creature_n work_v by_o and_o according_a to_o its_o creature_o imagination_n by_o imagination_n i_o mean_v the_o reason_n or_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v no_o imaginer_n but_o a_o certain_a knower_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n yet_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v no_o knower_n at_o all_o but_o a_o mere_a imaginer_n now_o this_o inward_a power_n of_o reason_n or_o imagination_n will_v make_v strange_a fabric_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n especial_o where_o it_o have_v any_o superior_a principle_n to_o set_v it_o on_o work_n or_o engine_n to_o move_v it_o or_o oil_n to_o set_v it_o on_o go_v this_o power_n this_o virtue_n be_v inward_a be_v also_o of_o a_o more_o inward_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n then_o the_o former_a by_o the_o former_a a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v yet_o perhaps_o
their_o flesh_n shall_v return_v any_o more_o to_o folly_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a liberty_n which_o be_v wrap_v up_o within_o one_o a_o other_o a_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n a_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v grow_v unto_o perfection_n restore_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o creature_n bring_v it_o forth_o a_o new_a in_o itself_o adam_n by_o his_o fall_n bring_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o creation_n into_o bondage_n with_o he_o into_o which_o bondage_n the_o son_n enter_v or_o in_o this_o deprave_a and_o lose_v earth_n the_o seed_n of_o life_n be_v sow_o who_o by_o break_v through_o these_o bond_n which_o it_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o life_n for_o though_o this_o life_n may_v submit_v unto_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v hold_v down_o by_o the_o law_n or_o the_o curse_n redeem_v both_o adam_n and_o the_o creation_n this_o leaven_n enter_v both_o into_o the_o man_n and_o into_o the_o creature_n spread_v both_o over_o the_o man_n and_o over_o the_o creature_n and_o by_o break_v its_o own_o bond_n break_v the_o bond_n both_o of_o man_n and_o the_o creature_n and_o by_o challenge_v assume_v and_o possess_v its_o own_o life_n and_o liberty_n bring_v man_n and_o the_o creature_n into_o life_n and_o liberty_n so_o that_o though_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n be_v utter_o lose_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v find_v again_o in_o christ_n and_o find_v more_o pure_a more_o perfect_a more_o stable_a there_o then_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o they_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n happy_a be_v that_o creature_n which_o can_v find_v the_o way_n to_o true_a loss_n to_o true_a bond_n but_o that_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o man_n to_o the_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v to_o it_o to_o save_v itself_o and_o this_o be_v call_v into_o liberty_n brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n namely_o the_o break_v forth_o of_o this_o life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o wrap_v the_o man_n up_o in_o itself_o and_o bring_v the_o man_n forth_o again_o with_o itself_o make_v he_o both_o taste_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n anew_o i_o confess_v call_v here_o in_o this_o place_n may_v denote_v that_o invitation_n and_o inlet_n into_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o then_o be_v usual_a which_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a liberty_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a through_o liberty_n it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o seed_n do_v groan_v under_o it_o for_o want_n of_o freedom_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n but_o call_v into_o liberty_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v the_o advance_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n which_o nature_n be_v sow_o here_o in_o bond_n into_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o itself_o and_o the_o redeem_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o man_n in_o who_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v sow_o out_o of_o the_o bond_n either_o of_o its_o own_o corruption_n or_o of_o any_o dispensation_n of_o god_n wherewith_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o its_o corrupt_a and_o enslave_v estate_n so_o that_o in_o this_o liberty_n first_o there_o be_v a_o free_a spirit_n or_o nature_n beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o second_o there_o be_v a_o spread_a of_o this_o over_o the_o man_n convey_v into_o he_o or_o take_v he_o into_o the_o same_o free_a nature_n three_o there_o be_v the_o advance_n of_o both_o into_o a_o free_a state_n and_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o creature_n in_o and_o with_o they_o both_o now_o perhaps_o some_o may_v yet_o in_o truth_n of_o spirit_n desire_v to_o hear_v somewhat_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o concern_v this_o liberty_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o demonstrative_a view_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v already_o glance_v at_o for_o who_o satisfaction_n first_o i_o shall_v touch_v a_o little_a at_o man_n slavery_n and_o then_o propose_v to_o consideration_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o freedom_n man_n slavery_n consist_v chief_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o which_o be_v now_o become_v himself_o his_o understanding_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o dark_a and_o corrupt_a princple_n his_o will_n to_o vain_a and_o destructive_a desire_n that_o little_a reason_n that_o be_v yet_o remain_v in_o his_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v a_o slave_n and_o subject_n to_o the_o law_n and_o curse_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o 2._o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o satan_n he_o rule_v he_o at_o pleasure_n this_o world_n the_o whole_a state_n of_o this_o world_n the_o whole_a frame_n and_o motion_n of_o man_n spirit_n all_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o nature_n lie_v in_o that_o wicked_a one_o and_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o he_o so_o that_o man_n can_v see_v the_o true_a light_n not_o of_o reason_n because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v his_o eye_n nor_o can_v he_o observe_v or_o obey_v what_o he_o do_v discern_v of_o good_a further_a than_o god_n wind_v he_o up_o and_o assist_v he_o by_o some_o power_n which_o sometime_o he_o let_v forth_o upon_o he_o in_o a_o dispensation_n which_o for_o that_o season_n refresh_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o nature_n set_v it_o on_o work_n for_o god_n and_o towards_o good_a but_o otherwise_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o that_o light_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o shine_v upon_o he_o in_o any_o of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n because_o satan_n bind_v his_o heart_n his_o hand_n his_o foot_n his_o whole_a man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a liberty_n in_o the_o free_a nature_n or_o clear_a reason_n satan_n do_v but_o cozen_v a_o man_n in_o make_v he_o believe_v either_o that_o he_o can_v or_o will_v dispose_v of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o only_a in_o those_o who_o god_n by_o his_o wisdom_n love_n and_o pleasure_n turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 3._o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o law_n ordinance_n and_o observation_n either_o such_o as_o be_v write_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o dark_a be_v and_o residence_n there_o and_o which_o god_n can_v stir_v up_o at_o any_o time_n for_o any_o end_n or_o design_n of_o his_o or_o such_o as_o be_v dispense_v to_o he_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o state_n thus_o god_n have_v please_v to_o use_v many_o way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n in_o his_o present_a break_a condition_n thus_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v with_o several_a law_n and_o kind_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o also_o the_o gentile_n or_o believe_a christian_n after_o they_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a slavery_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o a_o thorough_o free_a state_n though_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v account_v free_a in_o compare_n with_o the_o former_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a taste_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o state_n but_o the_o state_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o a_o more_o complete_a shadow_n then_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v vanish_v and_o give_v way_n whensoever_o the_o truth_n appear_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n or_o main_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o man_n whereunto_o the_o several_a inferior_a parcel_n of_o it_o may_v be_v refer_v now_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o of_o man_n and_o the_o creature_n in_o with_o and_z through_o the_o seed_n lie_v chief_o in_o three_o thing_n also_o to_o let_v pass_v freedom_n from_o corruption_n and_o vanity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v wonderful_o excellent_a and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o air_n where_o we_o breath_n yet_o that_o may_v so_o easy_o be_v suppose_v and_o be_v so_o full_o comprehend_v in_o the_o other_o as_o i_o can_v but_o omit_v it_o therefore_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o say_v freedom_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o disobligation_n from_o all_o law_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n that_o man_n can_v be_v free_a who_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o any_o law_n or_o ordinance_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n spirit_n or_o principle_n than_o his_o own_o life_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o man_n in_o his_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n all_o which_o the_o life_n advance_v to_o its_o own_o proportion_n of_o liberty_n in_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o
they_o who_o be_v true_o dead_a with_o christ_n be_v free_v by_o that_o their_o death_n from_o their_o former_a husband_n the_o law_n the_o life_n which_o be_v marry_v to_o it_o die_v and_o have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n and_o there_o be_v no_o marry_v or_o give_v in_o marriage_n any_o more_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o the_o grave_n or_o after_o the_o resurrection_n the_o life_n have_v dye_v in_o that_o state_n and_o dispensation_n wherein_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o place_v that_o it_o may_v fulfil_v it_o and_o die_v and_o have_v slay_v the_o man_n also_o with_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a root_n and_o spirit_n of_o his_o life_n if_o either_o or_o both_o rise_v up_o any_o more_o they_o rise_v up_o free_a they_o can_v rise_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n of_o that_o dispensation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v slay_v so_o that_o the_o life_n in_o liberty_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o lord_n over_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o as_o they_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n to_o this_o life_n so_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a place_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o he_o in_o who_o the_o life_n live_v &_o reign_v may_v in_o or_o out_o at_o pleasure_n use_v they_o or_o leave_v they_o as_o the_o light_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o life_n direct_v he_o he_o may_v take_v any_o of_o they_o and_o seem_v bind_v under_o they_o though_o in_o himself_o he_o be_v still_o free_a he_o may_v leave_v they_o off_o again_o and_o manifest_v his_o own_o freedom_n when_o he_o see_v his_o time_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n i_o can_v use_v any_o thing_n but_o yet_o withal_o i_o know_v my_o time_n my_o spirit_n which_o know_v the_o greatness_n the_o largeness_n of_o my_o liberty_n know_v also_o how_o to_o manage_v it_o and_o he_o show_v as_o much_o in_o his_o practice_n for_o though_o at_o one_o time_n he_o can_v shave_v himself_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n in_o a_o way_n of_o legal_a purification_n yet_o at_o another_o time_n when_o certain_o creep_v in_o to_o espy_v out_o his_o liberty_n he_o will_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n but_o will_v maintain_v his_o liberty_n in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o they_o he_o can_v make_v use_n of_o circumcision_n himself_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o he_o circumcise_v timothy_n though_o he_o tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n will_v profit_v they_o nothing_o nor_o be_v this_o liberty_n restrain_v to_o the_o life_n in_o itself_o but_o sink_v with_o the_o life_n into_o the_o man_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v for_o man_n all_o creature_n all_o ordinance_n all_o law_n all_o institution_n and_o commandment_n not_o man_n for_o they_o as_o christ_n say_v particular_o concern_v the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n and_o when_o man_n come_v to_o his_o right_a place_n he_o shall_v be_v above_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o for_o who_o service_n use_n and_o discipline_n they_o be_v make_v it_o be_v true_a man_n in_o his_o present_a estate_n be_v a_o servant_n under_o they_o and_o enslave_v by_o they_o yea_o the_o life_n itself_o though_o by_o the_o right_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v far_o more_o free_a yet_o for_o a_o season_n it_o may_v lie_v under_o great_a bond_n than_o man_n in_o his_o condition_n of_o slavery_n have_v yet_o taste_v but_o when_o the_o son_n grow_v up_o to_o his_o freedom_n he_o become_v free_a indeed_o yea_o and_o that_o man_n who_o he_o make_v free_a be_v free_a also_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n for_o any_o to_o dream_v of_o and_o to_o think_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o live_v according_a to_o this_o freedom_n before_o it_o be_v true_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o by_o have_v the_o clear_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o liberty_n or_o by_o take_v scope_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o these_o notion_n that_o man_n become_v free_a but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n growth_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o true_a life_n in_o they_o from_z and_z according_a to_o the_o true_a light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o former_a be_v but_o poor_a man_n aspire_a into_o a_o state_n into_o which_o he_o be_v not_o right_o lead_v which_o tend_v to_o great_a bond_n the_o other_o be_v a_o fair_a passage_n through_o and_o from_o under_o bond_n to_o which_o that_o person_n who_o be_v once_o set_v free_a by_o the_o truth_n shall_v never_o be_v reduce_v for_o the_o lord_n will_v maintain_v that_o liberty_n unto_o which_o his_o own_o spirit_n life_n and_o power_n exalt_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o liberty_n consist_v a_o disobligation_n fâ—om_n all_o law_n and_o ordinance_n inferior_a to_o the_o nature_n or_o life_n which_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o 2._o liberty_n consist_v in_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o power_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n if_o satan_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o life_n as_o he_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o life_n in_o its_o weakness_n though_o he_o that_o than_o stand_v by_o the_o life_n and_o take_v care_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n yet_o the_o life_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o he_o the_o life_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v free_a must_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n or_o fear_v of_o his_o claw_n the_o life_n be_v not_o free_a which_o satan_n may_v interrupt_v or_o at_o least_o not_o while_o he_o may_v interrupt_v it_o satan_n must_v down_o when_o the_o life_n spring_v up_o god_n will_v trample_v down_o satan_n before_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o life_n nay_o under_o the_o foot_n both_o of_o man_n and_o the_o creature_n when_o the_o life_n appear_v in_o they_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n will_v tread_v down_o the_o troublesome_a spirit_n of_o satan_n under_o the_o spirit_n yea_o and_o under_o the_o flesh_n too_o of_o all_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o freedom_n nay_o the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v dreadful_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n for_o they_o have_v always_o complain_v of_o that_o as_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o that_o chief_o afflict_v and_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o sickness_n and_o death_n though_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v their_o chief_a support_n i_o say_v this_o power_n they_o must_v be_v secure_v from_o too_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o liberty_n god_n will_v not_o now_o interpose_v any_o more_o with_o his_o exercise_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o his_o time_n of_o nurture_v the_o life_n but_o henceforth_o there_o issue_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o what_o answer_v the_o nature_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o life_n 3._o liberty_n lie_v and_o that_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o cleverness_n strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o life_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o so_o free_a from_o all_o law_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o all_o power_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n yet_o if_o it_o fail_v of_o cleverness_n strength_n or_o perfection_n of_o life_n it_o can_v not_o be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n if_o it_o want_v either_o light_n or_o strength_n of_o life_n to_o move_v with_o it_o can_v but_o fall_v short_a in_o its_o motion_n and_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o free_a in_o other_o respect_n yet_o it_o will_v still_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o darkness_n weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o man_n reason_n be_v free_a from_o all_o law_n and_o bond_n whatsoever_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o full_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o it_o want_v either_o light_n or_o strength_n in_o its_o kind_n man_n can_v not_o be_v free_a either_o in_o the_o exercise_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o natural_a principle_n and_o this_o hold_v also_o in_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n its_o liberty_n lie_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o nature_n therefore_o though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o it_o before_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v full_o free_a until_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n there_o must_v be_v a_o clear_a spirit_n within_o a_o clear_a course_n and_o passage_n for_o the_o spirit_n clear_a light_n about_o the_o spirit_n and_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o spirit_n or_o there_o can_v be_v a_o through_o freedom_n if_o the_o spirit_n have_v any_o cloud_n
be_v forsake_v of_o his_o god_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o condition_n but_o he_o also_o feel_v it_o and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o feel_v it_o himself_o but_o his_o enemy_n see_v it_o too_o yea_o it_o be_v palpable_a to_o the_o common_a eye_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o all_o that_o see_v i_o laugh_v i_o to_o scorn_v they_o shooâ—_n the_o lip_n they_o shake_v the_o head_n say_v he_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o the_o will_v deliver_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v this_o the_o man_n that_o have_v so_o much_o interest_n in_o god_n be_v this_o the_o man_n in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o appear_v and_o who_o can_v do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n be_v his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n his_o great_a union_n and_o communion_n come_v to_o this_o they_o shake_v their_o head_n as_o at_o a_o deceit_n as_o at_o a_o delusion_n as_o at_o a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n they_o mock_v they_o spit_v upon_o he_o they_o buffet_v he_o etc._n etc._n they_o crown_v he_o in_o derision_n they_o reproach_n yea_o they_o abhor_v in_o their_o spirit_n the_o very_a power_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n use._n behold_v o_o christian_n the_o death_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n behold_v the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n the_o miserable_a passage_n to_o the_o crown_n if_o you_o will_v become_v christ_n you_o must_v die_v not_o only_o to_o the_o corruption_n and_o shame_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o not_o stop_v there_o neither_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n will_v put_v out_o the_o life_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o when_o it_o have_v do_v so_o there_o be_v a_o death_n for_o it_o too_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o seed_n must_v pass_v through_o its_o own_o blood_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n alas_o sir_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o pass_v through_o but_o a_o death_n to_o this_o world_n what_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v it_o comparative_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v it_o to_o despise_v and_o trample_v upon_o this_o world_n by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a life_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o have_v that_o spirit_n in_o the_o seed_n break_v which_o delight_n or_o may_v delight_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v bitter_a indeed_o to_o man_n but_o alas_o that_o bitterness_n be_v nothing_o in_o compare_n with_o that_o bitterness_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o break_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o new_a spirit_n will_v you_o know_v what_o this_o be_v why_o measure_v it_o by_o this_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o life_n do_v you_o know_v how_o sweet_a it_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v and_o live_v upon_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o true_o know_v these_o thing_n the_o true_a sweetness_n of_o they_o than_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o guess_n at_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o break_v but_o as_o there_o have_v be_v counterfeit_a image_n all_o along_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n so_o be_v there_o also_o of_o his_o death_n o_o what_o pain_n do_v several_a sort_n of_o man_n take_v to_o find_v out_o this_o death_n yea_o and_o to_o meet_v with_o the_o anguish_n of_o it_o but_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v light_v and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v extinguish_v this_o lamp_n i_o kill_v and_o i_o make_v alive_a this_o hold_v true_a every_o where_n but_o here_o most_o especial_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v bring_v forth_o the_o next_o strain_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n alone_o can_v bring_v into_o this_o narrow_a passage_n of_o death_n xiii_o the_o course_n and_o end_n of_o man._n deut._n 31.29_o for_o i_o know_v that_o after_o my_o death_n you_o will_v utter_o corrupt_v yourselves_o and_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o way_n which_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o evil_n will_v befall_v you_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n because_o you_o will_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n through_o the_o work_n of_o your_o hand_n this_o people_n who_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o god_n among_o who_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n be_v sow_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n true_o represent_v his_o nature_n and_o state_n more_o especial_o in_o these_o five_o particular_n follow_v 1._o in_o his_o difficulty_n to_o be_v wind_v up_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o any_o dispensation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n with_o this_o people_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o pass_n continual_a instruction_n continual_a correction_n a_o mighty_a current_n of_o power_n and_o providence_n do_v god_n both_o put_v forth_o and_o maintain_v to_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v both_o in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o yet_o it_o prove_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o wind_v they_o up_o to_o either_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n god_n be_v at_o a_o very_a great_a expense_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o let_v forth_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n of_o his_o own_o light_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o batter_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o fleshly_a hold_n before_o he_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n 2._o in_o his_o sudden_a backslide_n this_o people_n do_v natural_o fall_v from_o god_n they_o be_v hardly_o draw_v up_o but_o do_v slide_v down_o of_o themselves_o what_o a_o work_n have_v god_n with_o they_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o what_o a_o many_o wonderful_a work_n do_v he_o show_v to_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o trust_v he_o to_o follow_v he_o to_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n but_o alas_o how_o soon_o do_v they_o forget_v his_o work_n and_o retire_v back_o into_o the_o fleshly_a principle_n and_o course_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o this_o both_o in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o also_o in_o canaan_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n let_v god_n never_o so_o powerful_o convince_v and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o he_o natural_o slink_v back_o from_o it_o he_o corrupt_v himself_o in_o every_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v up_o his_o own_o lust_n there_o serve_v they_o and_o forget_v the_o lord_n his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n he_o make_v every_o path_n and_o truth_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n serve_v his_o own_o carnal_a spirit_n in_o so_o much_o as_o though_o he_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o account_v they_o yet_o he_o serve_v himself_o in_o all_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o man_n flesh_n man_n reason_n nay_o man_n vanity_n and_o corruption_n get_v into_o every_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n pollute_v itself_o there_o and_o profane_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n it_o turn_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o which_o though_o it_o still_o call_v it_o the_o way_n yet_o be_v not_o but_o only_o a_o way_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o very_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n have_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o mould_v they_o to_o his_o own_o bent_n god_n will_v no_o long_o own_v they_o but_o term_v they_o his_o way_n and_o invention_n 3._o in_o the_o season_n of_o man_n corrupt_a himself_o which_o be_v after_o moses_n his_o death_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o witness_n after_o the_o departure_n or_o death_n of_o that_o life_n in_o he_o which_o seize_v upon_o he_o overcome_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o man_n and_o overbear_v his_o spirit_n he_o can_v but_o follow_v it_o but_o when_o that_o light_n be_v go_v he_o return_v to_o himself_o again_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o life_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o into_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v retain_v only_o so_o much_o as_o will_v serve_v the_o ease_n quiet_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o corrupt_a spirit_n there_o be_v gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o descend_v upon_o this_o earth_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o these_o blow_n strong_o man_n be_v huge_o change_v he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a spirit_n in_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n natural_o lead_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v this_o breath_n his_o