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truth_n holy_a spirit_n worship_v 3,077 5 9.0447 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B10083 Tracts theological. I. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and vertue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites. II. The life of St. Antony out of the Greek of Sr. Athanasius. III. The antiquity and tradition of mystical divinity among the Gentiles. IV. Of the guidance of the spirit of God, upon a discourse of Sir Matthew Hale's concerning it. V. An invitation to the Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into. Stephens, Edward, d. 1706.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and virtue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Life of St. Antony.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Antiquity, tradition, and succession of mystical divinity among the Gentiles.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Enthusiasmus divinus: the guidance of the spirit of God.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Apology for, and an invitation to, the people call'd Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into. 1697 (1697) Wing S5444E; Wing S5444E; ESTC R184630 221,170 486

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our_o saviour_n in_o his_o subjection_n to_o joseph_n and_o his_o mother_n which_o though_o self-denial_n be_v a_o precept_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a freewill_n offer_n and_o a_o do_v it_o daily_o as_o be_v express_v luk._n 9.23_o a_o live_n in_o it_o and_o a_o continual_a reasonable_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o prime_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o a_o abstract_a ascetic_a life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o reasonable_a religious_a and_o devout_a exercise_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o his_o admonition_n to_o martha_n luk._n 10.41_o 42._o against_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o short_a entertainment_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o that_o mary_n choice_n be_v of_o the_o better_a part_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n of_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o our_o life_n mat._n 6.25_o 34._o in_o his_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a concern_v the_o care_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n luk._n 8.14_o and_o concern_v watch_v that_o we_o be_v not_o surprise_v mat._n 24.42_o 25.13_o mar._n 13.35_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o now_o if_o any_o one_o please_v as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o make_v any_o question_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o what_o more_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v than_o what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v always_o approve_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o such_o case_n usage_n and_o practice_n afterward_o which_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o law_n and_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n do_v sufficient_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n certain_o practise_v all_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a 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2_o pet._n 3.16_o it_o be_v true_a many_o person_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o many_o more_o by_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o must_v we_o therefore_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o true_a divine_a illumination_n inspiration_n motion_n or_o communication_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o because_o o._n n._n in_o the_o book_n which_o our_o author_n answer_v have_v a_o discourse_n on_o that_o subject_a which_o have_v pass_v his_o examination_n without_o any_o hard_a censure_n which_o be_v a_o implicit_a approbation_n that_o may_v not_o improper_o here_o be_v add_v for_o the_o discern_a of_o such_o illusion_n proceed_v from_o satan_n from_o the_o true_a inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o affirm_v that_o many_o note_n and_o observation_n there_o be_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v if_o not_o certain_o whether_o divine_a as_o to_o 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christ_n and_o i●_n in_o some_o degree_n carnal_a and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o and_o not_o as_o yet_o entire_o spiritual_a and_o frequent_a mention_n we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d these_o several_a degree_n and_o growth_n in_o a_o regeneral_n condition_n it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n that_o the_o ne●_n man_n as_o the_o old_a shall_v grow_v by_o degree_n and_o not_o b●_n make_v complete_a in_o we_o all_o at_o once_o mention_v i_o say_v of_o some_o babe_n and_o little_a one_o and_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o yet_o only_o with_o milk_n of_o strong_a meat_n and_o wisdom_n and_o high_a mystery_n only_o to_o be_v deliver_v to_o and_o speak_v among_o the_o perfect_a see_v heb._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 1.2_o 6._o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o receive_v increase_n from_o god_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o col._n 2.19_o of_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n 2_o cor._n 〈◊〉_d .16_o of_o arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n 〈◊〉_d the_o stature_n or_o age_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.13_o of_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o present_v every_o 〈◊〉_d perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o full_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.28_o 4.12_o and_o of_o this_o perfection_n still_o contain_v in_o it_o high_o and_o high_a degree_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.12_o though_o therefore_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o habitual_a grace_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v already_o translate_v from_o the_o former_a be_v of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o a_o divine_a be_v of_o supernatural_a grace_n free_v at_o the_o first_o from_o the_o former_a state_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o from_o the_o slavery_n and_o captivity_n we_o suffer_v under_o its_o
humane_a in_o many_o case_n wherein_o the_o general_a prescript_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o may_v not_o be_v expedient_a so_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a or_o necessary_a which_o may_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o write_a word_n and_o to_o the_o successful_a performance_n of_o acknowledge_a duty_n certain_a circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o due_o observe_v all_o endeavour_n will_v be_v frustrate_a and_o all_o these_o expedience_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o frequent_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o mortal_n without_o some_o notice_n from_o more_o intelligent_a being_n if_o therefore_o the_o all-seeing_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v please_v either_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mediate_o by_o any_o of_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o afford_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n to_o such_o mortal_n as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o the_o same_o if_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v please_v by_o any_o secret_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n or_o other_o notice_n to_o conduct_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n though_o without_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o subjection_n of_o his_o intellect_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o who_o after_o competent_a experience_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o such_o notice_n will_v certain_o incur_v sin_n more_o or_o less_o and_o just_o deserve_v correction_n so_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o impiety_n against_o that_o holy_a majesty_n and_o mischief_n to_o man_n to_o raise_v among_o they_o any_o scandal_n or_o prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o thereupon_o a_o great_a indisposition_n for_o it_o by_o any_o undue_a opposition_n of_o fanaticism_n without_o sufficient_a distinction_n and_o caution_n than_o it_o be_v impudence_n and_o inconsiderateness_n in_o other_o to_o expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o follower_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n by_o high_a pretence_n to_o such_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o or_o notice_n of_o those_o special_a qualification_n and_o caution_n for_o trial_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o capacitate_v they_o for_o such_o favour_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o such_o delusion_n it_o require_v therefore_o no_o small_a caution_n to_o use_v this_o author_n expression_n that_o under_o a_o invidious_a name_n they_o reject_v not_o such_o favour_n or_o calumniate_v such_o a_o holy_a conduct_n and_o that_o they_o especial_o who_o reproach_n other_o with_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o themselves_o in_o this_o what_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o condemn_v in_o other_o with_o less_o reason_n and_o certain_o great_a caution_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v use_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o we_o presume_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v mere_o the_o imagination_n or_o effusion_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n what_o be_v mere_o humane_a invention_n or_o artifice_n and_o even_o the_o inspiration_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v great_a indignity_n common_o do_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n and_o great_a sin_n contract_v by_o man_n arrogate_a to_o themselves_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v little_a of_o and_o recommend_v themselves_o and_o their_o performance_n upon_o such_o high_a pretence_n and_o great_a scandal_n give_v to_o people_n to_o think_v mean_o of_o so_o great_a a_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v three_o greatmean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n natural_a reason_n supernatural_a revelation_n communicate_v by_o person_n authorize_v by_o divine_a commission_n so_o to_o do_v and_o special_a illumination_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o careful_o use_v all_o these_o in_o their_o due_a order_n can_v err_v but_o they_o who_o set_v up_o these_o one_o against_o another_o do_v usual_o run_v themselves_o and_o lead_v other_o into_o great_a error_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o great_a disorder_n and_o mischief_n have_v through_o the_o subtlety_n and_o energy_n of_o satan_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o person_n pretend_v to_o some_o one_o of_o these_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o some_o other_o of_o they_o either_o of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o right_a reason_n in_o opposition_n to_o inspiration_n be_v even_o therein_o very_o strong_o inspire_v but_o by_o the_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n as_o great_a and_o pernicious_a fanatic_n as_o any_o though_o they_o least_o suspect_v it_o but_o not_o only_o those_o unhappy_a atheistical_a pretender_n to_o reason_n who_o despise_v all_o revelation_n and_o reveal_v religion_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o that_o insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a sect_n who_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o strain_n and_o wrest_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o preconceived_n notion_n but_o more_o moderate_a man_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v high_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o most_o pure_a spiritual_a worship_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o man-made_a divinity_n and_o against_o fanaticism_n too_o by_o indulge_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o conceit_n have_v bring_v such_o disorder_n and_o mischief_n into_o the_o church_n as_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o influence_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n upon_o their_o mind_n hence_o be_v many_o run_v from_o superstition_n into_o profaneness_n from_o idolatry_n into_o sacrilege_n from_o formality_n into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o solemn_a christian_a worship_n from_o beggarly_a rudiment_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n to_o make_v light_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n from_o monkish_a austerity_n as_o they_o call_v it_o into_o common_a indulgence_n and_o gratification_n to_o sense_n from_o popish_a merit_n into_o carlessness_n worldly-mindedness_a selfishness_n and_o little_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n or_o salvation_n of_o soul_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o popish_a pretence_n to_o deny_v all_o even_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o direction_n and_o at_o last_o to_o limit_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n to_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n till_o at_o last_o by_o those_o mean_n we_o be_v grow_v ripe_a for_o a_o persecution_n or_o some_o other_o severe_a awaken_n and_o purge_v judgement_n all_o this_o and_o more_o that_o may_v be_v note_v we_o can_v impute_v mere_o to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n have_v be_v all_o the_o while_o mere_a idle_a spectator_n but_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o subtle_a and_o active_a thus_o to_o deceive_v the_o gentile_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o their_o assault_n it_o concern_v all_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n under_o any_o of_o these_o appearance_n either_o of_o the_o good_a spirit_n or_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n that_o they_o embrace_v not_o false_a conclusion_n instead_o of_o right_a reason_n their_o own_o conceit_n or_o the_o novel_a opinion_n of_o some_o sect_n instead_o of_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o satan_n transform_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n least_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n their_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a to_o escape_v this_o but_o by_o the_o aid_n illumination_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o spirit_n when_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commissioned_n by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v as_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n
sentiment_n and_o this_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o over_o the_o world_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o perform_v every_o day_n in_o most_o of_o the_o great_a church_n and_o every_o lord's-day_n in_o all_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o benefit_n to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v that_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o satan_n transform_v than_o disrespect_n and_o neglect_v of_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o that_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n than_o to_o see_v that_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v most_o malicious_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honour_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o apply_v to_o his_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v he_o oppose_v it_o with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n he_o can_v possible_a beside_o for_o people_n to_o slight_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n so_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o another_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v what_o decay_v of_o charity_n and_o unanimity_n among_o man_n and_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n have_v in_o all_o part_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o may_v be_v another_o evidence_n of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o do_v neglect_v it_o whatever_o their_o pretence_n be_v but_o for_o all_o separatist_n and_o sectary_n in_o general_a it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a caution_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o admonition_n and_o prohibition_n against_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o of_o prediction_n both_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n both_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v that_o specious_a appearance_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n among_o any_o of_o any_o party_n of_o separatist_n but_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n or_o delusion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n or_o energy_n of_o some_o spirit_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o divers_a of_o these_o indication_n or_o sign_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v and_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a spirit_n be_v its_o appearance_n never_o so_o specious_a in_o other_o respect_n and_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v such_o as_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n find_v themselves_o to_o be_v sometime_o strange_o assault_v and_o tempt_v by_o the_o subtle_a adversary_n viz._n to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o person_n and_o to_o neglect_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o needless_a to_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a religious_a christian_n be_v general_o preserve_v from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a snare_n be_v that_o they_o be_v train_v up_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o ancient_a experience_a christian_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n of_o humility_n subjection_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o constant_a discovery_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o where_o both_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o among_o many_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v little_a of_o solidity_n especial_o where_o those_o noble_a heroic_a virtue_n of_o abstraction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v reject_v as_o monkery_n and_o superstition_n but_o all_o their_o goodly_a appearance_n and_o pretence_n end_v at_o last_o in_o emptiness_n and_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ancient_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o any_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n and_o elude_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o undermine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o much_o fanaticism_n as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a for_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v as_o all_o other_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v be_v genuine_a live_a christian_n but_o mere_a empty_a formal_a professor_n of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o great_a part_n both_o of_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n among_o we_o if_o judgement_n be_v make_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o their_o fruit_n and_o fruitfulness_n but_o lest_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o any_o doubt_n in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o between_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a distinguishable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o operation_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v often_o so_o subtle_a and_o secret_a in_o the_o manner_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o power_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n as_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o as_o the_o most_o desirable_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v regeneration_n and_o effectual_a sanctification_n so_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o always_o lead_v to_o mortification_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o celestial_a angelic_a and_o divine_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o soul_n due_o prepare_v purge_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o that_o bless_a guide_n do_v often_o manifest_v his_o presence_n by_o sensible_a attraction_n and_o restraint_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o plain_a suggestion_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o once_o find_v that_o i_o can_v give_v no_o better_a advice_n than_o what_o we_o have_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o and_o 6._o which_o i_o believe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o mystic_a theology_n of_o the_o ancient_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n for_o and_o a_o invitation_n to_o the_o people_z call_v quaker_n to_o rectify_v some_o error_n which_o through_o the_o scandal_n give_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o wherein_o the_o true_a original_a cause_n both_o humane_a and_o divine_a of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o state_n and_o among_o the_o people_n be_v plain_o and_o brief_o open_v and_o detect_v london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1697._o advertisement_n that_o whole_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmity_n which_o the_o individual_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v and_o often_o sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o mind_n blindness_n conceitedness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n incorrigibleness_n and_o impatience_n of_o reproof_n or_o even_o friendly_a admonition_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a but_o in_o none_o be_v it_o more_o manifest_a than_o in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o example_n admonition_n and_o warn_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n their_o whole_a history_n and_o all_o
all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v question_n propose_v to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n first_o to_o their_o minister_n at_o their_o second_o day_n meet_v and_o now_o to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o better_a examination_n and_o rectify_v some_o error_n and_o mistake_v among_o they_o i._o whither_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a party_n of_o fall_v angel_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o with_o all_o the_o power_n activity_n and_o subtlety_n they_o can_v do_v continual_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v their_o salvation_n and_o communion_n and_o union_n with_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n ii_o whether_o the_o word_n which_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n be_v not_o make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o call_v jesus_n which_o signify_v a_o saviour_n and_o christ_n the_o messiah_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n iii_o whether_o his_o appearance_n in_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o prince_n of_o that_o party_n of_o fall_v angel_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n to_o all_o who_o receive_v he_o and_o subject_n themselves_o entire_o to_o his_o teach_n by_o his_o example_n and_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n and_o order_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o and_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n iv_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n so_o that_o man_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n or_o participation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n but_o by_o and_o through_o he_o v._o whether_o that_o party_n of_o fall_v angel_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n know_v this_o do_v not_o above_o all_o thing_n endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o withhold_v people_n from_o close_v and_o unite_n with_o that_o holy_a mediator_n and_o to_o withdraw_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v from_o he_o vi_o whether_o their_o most_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a act_n in_o this_o opposition_n be_v not_o principal_o by_o way_n of_o deceit_n under_o the_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n of_o good_a to_o man_n and_o of_o good_a spirit_n vii_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o be_v foretold_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n especial_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o false_a teacher_n who_o with_o such_o specious_a pretence_n and_o secret_a energy_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o people_n from_o the_o faith_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o warning_n give_v to_o beware_v of_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n viii_o whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o from_o all_o fraud_n deceit_n and_o fallacy_n cavil_n and_o shuffle_a evasion_n ix_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v what_o manner_n he_o please_v for_o his_o people_n engage_v with_o he_o and_o for_o their_o recognise_v he_o and_o make_v their_o solemn_a address_n to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o what_o order_n he_o please_v and_o will_v have_v observe_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n x._o whether_o to_o oppose_v such_o appointment_n prescription_n or_o order_n or_o to_o cavil_v at_o they_o seek_v evasion_n or_o pretence_n to_o neglect_v they_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o insincerity_n and_o of_o a_o subtle_a antichristian_a spirit_n of_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n xi_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o his_o general_n command_v to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o go_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o for_o forty_o day_n show_v himself_o to_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n until_o the_o day_n in_o which_o he_o be_v take_v up_o after_o that_o he_o through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v commandment_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o or_o with_o those_o commandment_n give_v they_o sufficient_a instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o constitute_v his_o church_n which_o he_o purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n xii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n faithful_o pursue_v his_o command_n and_o direction_n xiii_o whether_o beside_o his_o express_a command_n and_o direction_n they_o do_v not_o also_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o have_v the_o same_o reside_v in_o they_o and_o manifest_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o by_o extraordinary_a operation_n to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o work_n fourteen_o whether_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o command_n to_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n baptise_v they_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o do_v not_o in_o all_o place_n preach_v the_o gospel_n exhort_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o baptize_v with_o water_n those_o who_o do_v believe_v though_o baptize_v before_o with_o john_n baptism_n and_o though_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n xv._o whether_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o people_n convert_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o when_o they_o come_v together_o in_o one_o or_o assemble_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n break_v bread_n and_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o do_v as_o their_o lord_n do_v and_o command_v they_o to_o do_v and_o that_o so_o constant_o that_o there_o be_v not_o know_v any_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o in_o many_o age_n after_o to_o have_v be_v hold_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n without_o it_o xvi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n and_o appoint_v other_o by_o special_a appointment_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o every_o city_n by_o such_o authority_n that_o none_o do_v presume_v to_o take_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n unto_o himself_o but_o who_o be_v so_o ordain_v or_o the_o office_n of_o ordain_v elder_n but_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o afterward_o but_o who_o have_v be_v infamous_a ever_o since_o xvii_o whether_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o he_o need_v not_o will_v notwithstanding_o be_v baptize_v with_o water_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o have_v sensible_a approbation_n from_o heaven_n do_v also_o by_o his_o apostle_n baptize_v with_o water_n and_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o practice_n that_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n do_v understand_v his_o command_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n of_o baptism_n by_o water_n and_o as_o necessary_a for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o baptism_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o whether_o i_o say_v this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o force_a and_o strain_a interpretation_n without_o any_o sound_a ground_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o authentic_a mean_n of_o explain_v word_n to_o restrain_v that_o command_n to_o baptism_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n only_o xviii_o whether_o if_o such_o construction_n be_v by_o any_o spirit_n more_o than_o humane_a it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n or_o satan_n transform_v to_o withhold_v man_n under_o his_o own_o dominion_n from_o solemn_o engage_v with_o christ_n and_o from_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n or_o if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o opinion_n of_o man_n such_o opinion_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o be_v not_o a_o damnable_a sin_n contrary_a to_o subjection_n of_o all_o imagination_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o subvert_v of_o soul_n and_o such_o teacher_n to_o be_v abominate_v and_o anathamatize_v by_o all_o sincere_a christian_n as_o seducer_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o satan_n though_o they_o appear_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n xix_o whether_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a belief_n of_o all_o nation_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o they_o have_v a_o real_a though_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v in_o their_o participation_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n as_o st._n paul_n intimate_v 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o
good_a authority_n and_o christian_n due_o dispose_v have_v a_o like_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o cup_n as_o st._n paul_n affirm_v and_o the_o solemn_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o father_n with_o those_o memorial_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n be_v plain_o a_o recognition_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o dominion_n over_o we_o acquire_v by_o his_o passion_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o only_a propitiation_n and_o he_o the_o only_a mediator_n by_o which_o and_o by_o who_o we_o mortal_n bear_v in_o sin_n can_v have_v access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v concern_v this_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n frequent_v this_o ordinance_n after_o they_o have_v manifest_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o be_v so_o to_o reject_v these_o either_o as_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v indeed_o antitype_n as_o the_o grecian_n express_v it_o solemn_a memorial_n and_o sensible_a declaration_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n of_o present_a internal_a action_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o great_a manifestation_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o mere_a sophistry_n shuffle_v and_o evasion_n or_o as_o needless_a upon_o pretence_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o their_o have_v the_o substance_n be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o in_o pride_n above_o the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a christian_n who_o have_v so_o manifest_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o above_o christ_n himself_o viz._n to_o reject_v that_o as_o needless_a which_o he_o institute_v as_o necessary_a and_o a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o subtlety_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n to_o oppose_v christ_n and_o detain_v and_o withdraw_v people_n from_o his_o solemn_a worship_n and_o under_o the_o most_o specious_a appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o sensible_a motion_n to_o thing_n appear_v good_a and_o by_o false_a light_n to_o corrupt_v and_o adulterate_a they_o and_o get_v and_o keep_v a_o residence_n in_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n whether_o such_o obstinacy_n such_o fallacy_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n in_o christianity_n and_o yet_o so_o easy_a to_o man_n and_o void_a of_o all_o exception_n be_v not_o plain_a evidence_n of_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o it_o xx._n whether_o to_o deliver_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o immediate_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v plain_o perceive_v and_o detect_v to_o proceed_v either_o from_o a_o humane_a spirit_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v not_o a_o great_a presumption_n against_o the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o double_a and_o great_a sin_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a and_o that_o which_o in_o germany_n former_o and_o since_o in_o this_o nation_n raise_v so_o great_a a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o these_o question_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o some_o answer_n be_v return_v and_o therefore_o some_o account_n of_o that_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v answer_v so_o reasonable_a a_o expectation_n more_o full_o but_o the_o truth_n in_o short_a be_v that_o eight_o of_o the_o first_o ten_o be_v answer_v affirmative_o but_o the_o other_o two_o be_v answer_v indeed_o but_o with_o answer_v not_o to_o the_o question_n and_o the_o other_o ten_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v answer_v but_o i_o hope_v upon_o due_a consideration_n will_v be_v answer_v at_o last_o not_o with_o word_n only_o but_o with_o deliberate_a solemn_a action_n nor_o be_v my_o hope_n without_o rational_a ground_n for_o in_o the_o several_a conference_n i_o have_v have_v with_o they_o seven_o or_o eight_o at_o a_o time_n of_o the_o principal_n lead_v man_n of_o their_o party_n they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v serious_a considerate_a person_n hear_v patient_o and_o attentive_o reply_v grave_o and_o calm_o none_o interrupt_v either_o i_o or_o any_o of_o their_o own_o party_n while_o speak_v and_o our_o conclusion_n be_v friendly_a though_o not_o altogether_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o this_o be_v my_o ground_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n itself_o in_o question_n that_o they_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o question_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v they_o sensible_a and_o when_o beside_o they_o shall_v consider_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o who_o mislead_v the_o rest_n come_v to_o overshoot_v themselves_o and_o fall_v into_o those_o mistake_v viz._n through_o the_o scandal_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o common_a infirmity_n incident_a to_o we_o mortal_n to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o this_o will_v far_o satisfy_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o to_o these_o consideration_n be_v add_v a_o clear_a explication_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v not_o right_o apprehend_v before_o this_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v far_o inlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o regard_v truth_n more_o than_o any_o temporal_a concern_v with_o much_o satisfaction_n viz._n that_o baptizm_n with_o water_n and_o that_o noble_a solemnity_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v not_o needless_a type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o fulfil_v as_o they_o imagine_v but_o solemn_a expression_n and_o declaration_n more_o comprehensive_o and_o remarkable_o significative_a than_o word_n before_o god_n angel_n devil_n and_o man_n of_o present_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o what_o be_v internal_o and_o invisible_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n act_v in_o spirit_n the_o one_o of_o our_o engagement_n in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o put_v off_o by_o repentance_n our_o pollution_n through_o sin_n and_o dedication_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o other_o of_o our_o recognition_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o of_o his_o dominion_n over_o we_o and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o even_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v his_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v do_v by_o make_v our_o solemn_a address_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o father_n with_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o passion_n as_o the_o great_a propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o participation_n of_o those_o memorial_n be_v consecrate_a not_o only_o by_o a_o separation_n to_o a_o holy_a use_n but_o by_o a_o real_a sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o real_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o this_o be_v the_o pure_a offer_v of_o the_o gentile_n foretell_v by_o malachy_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o they_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v thereof_o receive_v and_o retain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o over_o the_o world_n till_o calvin_n new_a notion_n become_v receive_v as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v this_o most_o sublime_a most_o holy_a and_o most_o august_n sacrament_n as_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v by_o dr._n morton_n be_v take_v in_o effect_n for_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n or_o of_o no_o great_a importance_n by_o other_o beside_o the_o quaker_n and_o use_v or_o rather_o neglect_v according_o even_o to_o this_o day_n these_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o rare_a to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o book_n now_o a_o day_n or_o hear_v of_o from_o our_o pulpit_n nor_o can_v it_o convenient_o here_o be_v explain_v as_o it_o deserve_v but_o as_o to_o both_o these_o what_o be_v say_v before_o pag._n 13_o 14._o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v well_o consider_v can_v choose_v but_o make_v great_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concern_v but_o when_o they_o shall_v also_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o as_o they_o imagine_v but_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n
of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o a_o discourse_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n and_o some_o other_o under_o the_o title_n of_o ascetick_n or_o the_o heroic_a piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o some_o inconsiderate_a opposer_n of_o fanaticism_n assert_v by_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o this_o church_n as_o the_o profound_a dr._n cradock_n late_o decease_v who_o himself_o tell_v i_o he_o have_v preach_v twenty_o or_o thirty_o sermon_n upon_o that_o subject_a and_o other_o now_o live_v and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v before_o george_n fox_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n person_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o themselves_o and_o by_o consequence_n how_o little_a necessity_n there_o be_v of_o venture_v upon_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n for_o that_o cause_n and_o moreover_o consider_v that_o christ_n appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n for_o his_o ministerial_a office_n to_o succeed_v in_o his_o church_n by_o a_o external_a call_n and_o commission_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n of_o those_o who_o sit_v then_o in_o moses_n seat_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o or_o disregard_n their_o authority_n and_o by_o consequence_n how_o dangerous_a it_o may_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n for_o man_n to_o presume_v to_o set_v up_o party_n and_o draw_v people_n after_o they_o contrary_a to_o his_o order_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v after_o fair_a warning_n and_o unanswerable_a admonition_n to_o the_o contrary_n to_o conclude_v when_o they_o shall_v far_o consider_v how_o horrid_a a_o sin_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o presume_v to_o attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o working_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o perhaps_o the_o subtle_a suggestion_n of_o some_o wicked_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o to_o expose_v and_o scandalize_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o deny_v of_o certain_a and_o manifest_a truth_n and_o use_v such_o little_a shift_n and_o evasion_n to_o oppose_v plain_a evidence_n as_o a_o honest_a and_o ingenious_a lawyer_n will_v scorn_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v for_o his_o client_n when_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o more_o that_o may_v be_v observe_v be_v well_o understand_v and_o consider_v why_o may_v i_o not_o with_o reason_n hope_v that_o all_o who_o be_v real_o such_o as_o they_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o several_a conference_n i_o have_v have_v with_o they_o to_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o my_o letter_n and_o question_n with_o more_o than_o civil_a and_o kind_a word_n in_o real_a and_o solemn_a action_n why_o shall_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o no_o private_a interest_n nor_o any_o temporal_a concern_v shall_v hinder_v they_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o hope_n that_o since_o god_n have_v apparent_o again_o conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n which_o all_o party_n confess_v of_o all_o other_o but_o their_o own_o and_o be_v true_a of_o all_o without_o exception_n that_o all_o shall_v humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o return_v to_o mutual_a charity_n one_o with_o another_o and_o subject_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o imagination_n to_o his_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o their_o action_n to_o his_o will_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o hope_n i_o say_v since_o god_n have_v do_v this_o and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o partaker_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o in_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a humiliation_n before_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o humane_a infirmity_n if_o never_o so_o little_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o or_o but_o stepe_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o his_o holy_a conduct_n and_o subject_n themselves_o entire_o and_o ready_o to_o all_o the_o order_n he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n no_o sober_a wise_a man_n will_v expose_v himself_o and_o lead_v other_o into_o danger_n or_o hazard_n when_o he_o may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n or_o encumbrance_n put_v himself_o and_o they_o into_o safety_n and_o security_n nor_o will_v any_o ingenious_a man_n if_o he_o have_v commit_v a_o mistake_n stand_v it_o out_o and_o maintain_v it_o against_o a_o grave_a and_o judicious_a man_n much_o less_o will_v any_o considerate_a man_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o tremendous_a majesty_n dare_v to_o persist_v in_o oppose_v or_o dispute_v his_o institution_n or_o order_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v this_o but_o because_o i_o have_v receive_v certain_a question_n concern_v these_o matter_n but_o without_o any_o name_n of_o any_o who_o send_v they_o or_o to_o who_o i_o shall_v return_v answer_n though_o i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o expose_v they_o by_o make_v they_o public_a yet_o because_o i_o be_o debtor_n both_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a for_o their_o satisfaction_n who_o be_v either_o move_v with_o such_o scruple_n or_o rely_v upon_o such_o infirm_a ground_n i_o shall_v return_v a_o brief_a comprehensive_a answer_n to_o the_o eight_o question_n in_o these_o follow_a assertion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n right_o understand_v and_o use_v but_o it_o be_v in_o many_o case_n only_o a_o general_n rule_n leave_v the_o special_a application_n in_o some_o to_o all_o person_n in_o other_o to_o certain_a determinate_a person_n and_o therefore_o to_o require_v express_a and_o plain_a scripture_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n in_o some_o but_o too_o often_o from_o a_o disingenuous_a spirit_n of_o contention_n a_o dishonest_a design_n or_o satanical_a delusion_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v some_o permanent_a to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n other_o temporary_a and_o alterable_a according_a as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n for_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n and_o do_v vary_v from_o the_o begin_n in_o several_a church_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v true_o catholic_n according_a to_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n his_o rule_n that_o be_v universal_o observe_v without_o any_o know_a beginning_n since_o the_o apostle_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o all_o flesh_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o all_o flesh_n or_o to_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o the_o gentile_n also_o but_o as_o to_o individual_a person_n it_o be_v never_o so_o pour_v out_o upon_o all_o flesh_n but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n pre-acquired_n as_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o ordinary_o baptism_n with_o water_n obedience_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v the_o manifestation_n thereof_o ever_o give_v to_o every_o one_o but_o to_o every_o one_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v give_v to_o profit_v withal_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.14_o &_o 9_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o remember_v that_o a_o great_a and_o principal_a and_o the_o most_o certain_a lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o sensible_a or_o easy_o perceivable_a how_o it_o come_v but_o it_o be_v general_o a_o secret_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o perceive_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o emptiness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n from_o which_o proceed_v a_o appetite_n to_o those_o and_o a_o indifference_n to_o these_o and_o in_o particular_a action_n a_o like_a secret_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o apply_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n to_o what_o be_v so_o perceive_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o more_o sensible_a motion_n impression_n and_o open_n as_o some_o call_v they_o the_o trial_n be_v by_o their_o agreement_n with_o what_o be_v agree_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o come_v from_o the_o enemy_n what_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v follow_v or_o if_o doubtful_a be_v refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o elder_n according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ancient_n or_o of_o the_o most_o experience_a christian_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o by_o
they_o may_v acquire_v money_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v up_o between_o which_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v i_o pray_v you_o observe_v those_z not_o think_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o morrow_n do_v offer_n to_o god_n the_o most_o grateful_a fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o these_o extend_v their_o infidel_n solicitude_n not_o only_o to_o the_o morrow_n but_o even_o to_o the_o term_n of_o many_o year_n believe_v god_n either_o a_o liar_n or_o a_o beggar_n who_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o his_o promise_a sufficiency_n of_o daily_a food_n and_o raiment_n those_o with_o all_o earnestness_n desire_v that_o they_o may_v attain_v nudity_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o poverty_n these_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o affluence_n of_o all_o good_n they_o strive_v with_o one_o another_o labour_v to_o exceed_v in_o their_o daily_a work_n the_o state_v rule_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v redundant_fw-la above_o the_o holy_a uses_n of_o the_o monastery_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o prison_n or_o to_o the_o hospital_n or_o to_o the_o poor_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o abbot_n these_o that_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o daily_a gluttony_n may_v serve_v either_o for_o a_o more_o profuse_a gratification_n or_o be_v hoard_v up_o through_o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n last_o to_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v with_o none_o of_o the_o best_a purpose_n hoard_v up_o may_v also_o by_o they_o be_v better_o dispose_v of_o than_o we_o have_v say_v yet_o even_o so_o do_v they_o not_o aspire_v to_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o for_o they_o bring_v so_o great_a revenue_n to_o the_o monastery_n and_o daily_o renounce_v they_o themselves_o do_v persevere_v in_o so_o great_a humility_n of_o subjection_n that_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o power_n as_o of_o themselves_o so_o also_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o with_o their_o sweat_n they_o have_v acquire_v continual_o renew_v the_o fervour_n of_o their_o first_o ab-renunciation_n while_o they_o do_v daily_o strip_v themselves_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o labour_n but_o these_o even_o in_o that_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a be_v puff_v up_o do_v daily_o fall_v headlong_o those_o the_o patience_n and_o strictness_n with_o which_o they_o so_o devout_o hold_v out_o in_o this_o profession_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v that_o they_o never_o fulfil_v their_o own_o will_n make_v they_o daily_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o live_a martyr_n but_o these_o the_o tepidity_n and_o lukewarmness_n of_o their_o own_o will_n sink_v down_o alive_a into_o hell_n there_o be_v also_o another_o a_o four_o sort_n which_o we_o see_v late_o to_o have_v rise_v in_o these_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o show_n and_o image_n of_o anchoretes_n and_o who_o in_o their_o beginning_n do_v seem_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o short_a fervour_n to_o desire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o coenobite_n but_o present_o be_v cool_v while_o they_o refuse_v to_o cut_v off_o their_o former_a manner_n and_o vice_n nor_o be_v content_a long_o to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o humility_n and_o patience_n and_o disdain_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o senior_n or_o superior_n they_o require_v separate_v cell_n and_o desire_v to_o sit_v solitary_n viz._n that_o so_o they_o be_v provoke_v by_o none_o they_o may_v be_v think_v patient_n meek_n and_o humble_a by_o men._n which_o institution_n yea_o lukewarmness_n who_o it_o once_o infect_v it_o never_o permit_v to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n their_o corruption_n be_v not_o only_o not_o cure_v but_o strengthen_v for_o the_o worse_o while_o they_o be_v provoke_v by_o none_o as_o a_o certain_a deadly_a intestine_a poison_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o be_v conceiled_a spread_v so_o much_o the_o deep_a make_v the_o disease_n incurable_a to_o the_o party_n st._n hierom_n concern_v the_o same_o epist_n 22._o ad_fw-la eustoch_n c._n 15._o there_o be_v in_o egypt_n three_o sort_n of_o monk_n the_o first_o coenobite_n which_o they_o in_o the_o language_n of_o their_o country_n call_v sauce_n we_o may_v say_v live_v in_o common_a the_o second_o anchoretes_n who_o live_v alone_a separately_z throughout_o the_o desert_n and_o from_o thence_o that_o they_o have_v retire_v far_o from_o man_n be_v so_o call_v the_o three_o that_o which_o they_o call_v remoboth_n a_o very_a bad_a and_o disesteem_v kind_n and_o that_o which_o in_o our_o province_n be_v either_o sole_a or_o the_o first_o these_o inhabit_v two_o or_o three_o and_o not_o many_o more_o together_o live_v at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o command_n and_o of_o what_o they_o have_v wrought_v bring_v all_o together_o for_o common_a maintenance_n they_o dwell_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o city_n and_o town_n and_o as_o if_o their_o art_n not_o their_o life_n be_v holy_a whatever_o they_o sell_v be_v at_o a_o great_a price_n than_o ordinary_a there_o be_v often_o squabble_n among_o they_o because_o live_v of_o their_o own_o provision_n they_o do_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o one_o they_o be_v wont_v in_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o fast_n and_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o secrecy_n they_o make_v it_o matter_n of_o victory_n or_o triumph_n among_o they_o all_o thing_n be_v affect_v their_o sleeve_n large_a their_o sandal_n flop_v their_o garment_n thick_a and_o frequent_a be_v their_o sigh_n visit_n of_o virgin_n and_o detraction_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o if_o a_o feast-day_n come_v they_o fill_v themselves_o till_o they_o vomit_n these_o therefore_o be_v cashier_v as_o very_a pest_n let_v we_o come_v to_o those_o who_o be_v more_o in_o number_n and_o live_v in_o common_a that_o be_v those_o who_o we_o have_v say_v be_v call_v coenobite_n the_o first_o confederation_n or_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n and_o to_o do_v whatever_o they_o command_v they_o be_v divide_v into_o decennary_n or_o tithing_n as_o our_o ancestor_n call_v they_o and_o centenaries_n so_o that_o one_o of_o ten_o do_v preside_v over_o the_o other_o nine_o and_o over_o those_o ten_o precedent_n the_o centenarie_a or_o hundreder_n they_o abide_v separate_v but_o in_o cell_n join_v together_o until_o the_o nine_o hour_n according_a to_o their_o institute_n none_o go_v to_o another_o except_o these_o decanes_fw-la or_o dean_n who_o we_o mention_v that_o if_o perhaps_o any_o of_o they_o have_v any_o doubtful_a thought_n he_o may_v be_v comfort_v by_o his_o discourse_n after_o the_o nine_o hour_n they_o come_v together_o in_o common_a where_o psalm_n be_v sing_v or_o chant_v the_o scripture_n read_v as_o accustom_v and_o the_o prayer_n be_v do_v and_o all_o sit_v down_o he_o in_o the_o middle_n who_o they_o call_v the_o father_n begin_v to_o discourse_v while_o he_o be_v speak_v there_o be_v great_a silence_n and_o composedness_n that_o no_o one_o dare_v to_o look_v aside_o or_o to_o hawk_v and_o spit_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o speaker_n appear_v in_o the_o weep_v of_o the_o auditor_n silent_a tear_n trickle_v down_o their_o face_n but_o their_o compunction_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o break_v out_o into_o sigh_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o future_a beatitude_n and_o glory_n to_o come_v you_o may_v see_v all_o with_o a_o moderate_a sigh_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n say_v who_o will_v give_v i_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o i_o will_v fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n after_o this_o the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v and_o each_o tithe_n or_o decennary_n with_o their_o father_n go_v to_o their_o table_n where_o they_o serve_v every_o week_n by_o turn_n there_o be_v no_o noise_n at_o their_o meal_n none_o while_o eat_v speak_v they_o live_v upon_o bread_n pulse_n and_o herb_n which_o be_v season_v only_o with_o salt_n wine_n only_o old_a man_n take_v who_o with_o child_n have_v their_o meal_n together_o that_o the_o spend_v age_n of_o some_o may_v be_v sustain_v and_o the_o tender_a age_n of_o other_o not_o destroy_v then_o they_o rise_v together_o and_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n retire_v to_o their_o stall_n there_o until_o evening_n each_o with_o his_o companion_n discourse_v to_o this_o purpose_n do_v you_o see_v such_o a_o one_o and_o such_o a_o one_o what_o grace_n in_o he_o what_o silence_n what_o decent_a comportment_n if_o they_o see_v one_o weak_a they_o comfort_v he_o if_o fervent_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o encourage_v he_o to_o industry_n and_o because_o in_o the_o night_n out_o of_o the_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n each_o do_v watch_n in_o his_o own_o couch_n they_o go_v about_o to_o every_o one_o of_o their_o cell_n and_o lay_v their_o ear_n to_o they_o diligent_o listen_v
increase_v and_o the_o negligence_n of_o some_o be_v shake_v off_o and_o the_o opinionativeness_n or_o self-conceit_n and_o vainglory_n of_o other_o cease_v and_o all_o be_v persuade_v to_o despise_v the_o devil_n treachery_n admire_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o st._n antony_n by_o our_o lord_n for_o his_o exercise_n 21._o the_o monastery_n now_o be_v like_o so_o many_o sacred_a tabernacle_n full_a of_o divine_a choir_n sing_v and_o delight_v in_o holy_a conference_n and_o fast_v and_o pray_v and_o exult_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a good_n and_o work_v to_o give_v alm_n and_o exercise_v mutual_a love_n and_o unanimous_a symphony_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o you_o may_v see_v there_o of_o a_o truth_n a_o land_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n by_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v neither_o a_o injurious_a nor_o a_o injure_a person_n neither_o any_o complaint_n of_o the_o oppressor_n but_o a_o multitude_n of_o ascetick_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o ardour_n for_o virtue_n insomuch_o that_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o spectator_n see_v such_o monastery_n and_o regular_a discipline_n can_v not_o forbear_v cry_v out_o as_o we_o read_v numb_a 24.5_o 6._o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o dwelling_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o tabernacle_n o_o israel_n as_o the_o shady_a vale_n be_v they_o spread_v forth_o and_o as_o the_o park_n beside_o the_o river_n and_o as_o the_o tent_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v fix_v and_o as_o the_o cedar_n by_o the_o water_n side_n 22._o st._n antony_n therefore_o oft_o retire_v himself_o into_o his_o monastery_n daily_o grow_v vigorous_a in_o exercise_n and_o groan_v long_v for_o mansion_n in_o heaven_n because_o he_o long_v for_o they_o and_o observe_v the_o frail_a life_n of_o man_n whenever_o he_o be_v about_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o sleep_v or_o serve_v any_o other_o bodily_a necessity_n he_o blush_v for_o he_o think_v upon_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o intellectual_a part_n so_o that_o oftentimes_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o eat_v with_o other_o monk_n and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n his_o spiritual_a food_n he_o refuse_v and_o retire_v to_o eat_v alone_o think_v he_o shall_v blush_v if_o he_o be_v see_v eat_v by_o they_o when_o he_o eat_v alone_o it_o be_v pure_o out_o of_o necessity_n sometime_o though_o very_o seldom_o he_o eat_v with_o his_o brethren_n but_o though_o it_o be_v with_o blush_v he_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o acquaint_v his_o brethren_n for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o shall_v lay_v out_o their_o leisure_n rather_o on_o their_o soul_n than_o their_o body_n lest_o it_o be_v weigh_v down_o by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v nor_o for_o your_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o do_v not_o seek_v what_o you_o may_v eat_v nor_o what_o you_o may_v drink_v neither_o aim_n at_o high_a thing_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n seek_v for_o your_o father_n know_v that_o you_o need_v they_o and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 23._o not_o long_o after_o the_o emperor_n maximinus_n persecute_v the_o church_n and_o some_o holy_a martyr_n be_v carry_v to_o alexandria_n he_o leave_v his_o monastery_n and_o follow_v they_o say_v to_o his_o friend_n let_v we_o also_o go_v and_o combat_n or_o see_v those_o who_o do_v for_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o martyrdom_n but_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o deliver_v up_o himself_o he_o minister_v to_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o mine_n and_o prison_n and_o show_v great_a diligence_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n comfort_v and_o spur_v on_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o attend_v they_o till_o they_o be_v crown_v martyr_n wherefore_o the_o judge_n observe_v the_o fearlesness_n and_o assiduity_n of_o antony_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o order_v that_o no_o monk_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o court_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o live_v in_o the_o city_n so_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n seem_v to_o abscond_v that_o day_n but_o st._n antony_n take_v this_o so_o much_o to_o thought_n that_o he_o wash_v his_o scapulary_a the_o clean_a the_o day_n after_o and_o stand_v foremost_a on_o a_o high_a place_n before_o the_o judge_n face_n and_o though_o all_o person_n admire_v at_o it_o and_o the_o governor_n as_o he_o pass_v by_o with_o his_o train_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o stand_v unmoved_a show_v the_o readiness_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o die_v for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o he_o wish_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n and_o appear_v very_o much_o grieve_v because_o he_o do_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n preserve_v and_o reserve_v he_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o many_o more_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n to_o many_o by_o the_o exercise_n which_o he_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o bare_a sight_n of_o his_o discipline_n inflame_v many_o other_o to_o imitate_v his_o life_n wherefore_o he_o again_o visit_v the_o confessor_n as_o he_o use_v and_o as_o it_o be_v bind_v up_o together_o with_o they_o he_o labour_v to_o serve_v they_o but_o after_o that_o persecution_n in_o which_o the_o bless_a bishop_n peter_n suffer_v martyrdom_n cease_v he_o pilgrimage_v and_o retire_v again_o to_o the_o monastery_n where_o he_o be_v daily_o a_o martyr_n in_o conscience_n and_o fight_v the_o combat_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o he_o use_v himself_o to_o much_o and_o strict_a exercise_n for_o he_o always_o fast_v his_o inner_a garment_n be_v haircloth_n his_o upper_a of_o leather_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n he_o wear_v to_o his_o die_a day_n neither_o wash_v the_o dirt_n off_o his_o body_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o his_o foot_n unless_o they_o be_v wet_a by_o chance_n when_o he_o wade_v through_o water_n on_o a_o journey_n 24._o now_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o retire_v and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n some_o time_n without_o ever_o go_v abroad_o or_o entertain_v any_o company_n there_o come_v to_o he_o one_o martinian_n a_o colonel_n who_o have_v a_o daughter_n trouble_v with_o a_o devil_n and_o be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o he_o and_o after_o he_o have_v stand_v a_o long_a while_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n and_o entreat_v he_o to_o come_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o daughter_n antony_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o break_v open_a his_o door_n but_o lean_v out_o of_o the_o top_n say_v man_z why_o do_v thou_o stand_v cry_v thus_o i_o be_o a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o if_o thou_o believe_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v do_v present_o the_o colonel_n therefore_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o faith_n and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o his_o daughter_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o devil_n many_o other_o thing_n do_v our_o lord_n by_o he_o wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o read_v in_o vain_a matt._n 7.7_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o for_o many_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o only_o sit_v without_o the_o monastery_n by_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v cure_a but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v himself_o thus_o disturb_v by_o a_o great_a many_o people_n and_o not_o permit_v to_o retire_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_v lest_o from_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v by_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o or_o any_o one_o else_o upon_o that_o account_n shall_v think_v of_o he_o beyond_o what_o he_o ought_v he_o think_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v to_o the_o upper_a thebais_n where_o no_o body_n know_v he_o and_o have_v take_v some_o loaf_n of_o his_o brethren_n he_o sit_v down_o by_o the_o river_n banks_n watch_v for_o a_o vessel_n to_o get_v over_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o come_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v antony_n whither_o go_v thou_o and_o wherefore_o antony_n without_o any_o commotion_n or_o disorder_n of_o mind_n for_o he_o be_v use_v to_o such_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n say_v since_o the_o multitude_n will_v not_o let_v i_o be_v at_o rest_n here_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o retire_v in_o the_o upper_a thebais_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o require_v thing_n above_o my_o strength_n then_o reply_v the_o voice_n shall_v thou_o go_v thither_o thou_o will_v have_v double_a the_o trouble_n to_o undergo_v but_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v quiet_a indeed_o go_v into_o the_o inner_a wilderness_n but_o who_o say_v antony_n shall_v show_v i_o the_o way_n for_o i_o do_v know_v it_o and_o the_o voice_n present_o direct_v he_o to_o some_o saracen_n that_o be_v travel_v that_o way_n whereupon_o antony_n make_v up_o to_o they_o and_o request_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o wilderness_n they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o
public_a meeting_n upon_o sufficient_a notice_n and_o there_o to_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o my_o proceed_n with_o they_o hitherto_o and_o to_o discourse_v the_o great_a question_n now_o depend_v between_o we_o what_o that_o spirit_n be_v by_o which_o the_o party_n have_v be_v general_o and_o principal_o act_v and_o conduct_v whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o good_a minister_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n or_o some_o porphyrian_a or_o apostate_n spirit_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o only_o recommend_v this_o advertisement_n to_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o best_a spiritual_a writer_n give_v great_a caution_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a spirit_n and_o direction_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o if_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o quaker_n do_v not_o so_o they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v suspect_v also_o that_o it_o be_v common_o agree_v by_o such_o writer_n that_o there_o be_v often_o much_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n of_o evil_a and_o seduce_v spirit_n in_o seem_a illumination_n and_o sensible_a impression_n and_o inspiration_n see_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n tr._n 3._o §_o 4._o ch_z 5._o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la enthusiasmus_fw-la divinus_fw-la the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a upon_o a_o discourse_n of_o sir_n matthew_n hale_n concern_v it_o london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a society_n 1697._o of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n the_o judgement_n of_o sir_n matthew_n hale_v concern_v it_o in_o his_o contemplation_n on_o the_o magnet_n c._n 15._o p._n 132._o the_o magnet_n have_v not_o only_o its_o intrinsic_a active_a principle_n its_o form_n from_o which_o its_o motion_n proceed_v but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a magnetism_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o efflux_n that_o great_o assist_v excite_v and_o direct_v its_o motion_n animal_n and_o vegetable_n have_v not_o only_o their_o intrinsic_a specifical_a vital_a principle_n of_o their_o specifical_a motion_n and_o operation_n but_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n be_v a_o universal_a adjuvant_fw-la exciting_a principle_n of_o all_o vital_a and_o sentient_a operation_n and_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n and_o their_o several_a commentator_n as_o simplicius_n themistius_n alexander_n aphrodiceus_n avicen_n and_o averro_n but_o also_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o divine_n for_o some_o age_n after_o christ_n do_v think_v that_o beside_o the_o individual_a intellectual_a soul_n of_o every_o man_n there_o be_v also_o a_o certain_a common_a intelligent_a nature_n or_o be_v substitute_v by_o almighty_a god_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o illuminate_v the_o humane_a soul_n to_o excite_v actual_a intellection_n in_o it_o and_o to_o communicate_v unto_o it_o these_o common_a intellectual_a principle_n which_o ordinary_o and_o general_o obtain_v in_o all_o man_n and_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o humane_a intellectual_a soul_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o light_n and_o influence_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o vital_a nature_n in_o the_o low_a world_n and_o this_o they_o call_v intellectus_fw-la agens_fw-la which_o averro_n suppose_v to_o be_v vltima_fw-la intelligentiarum_fw-la separatarum_fw-la and_o depute_v to_o the_o actuate_a and_o exciting_a of_o intellection_n in_o men._n this_o opinion_n have_v be_v possible_o upon_o reason_n probable_a enough_o lay_v aside_o for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o use_v therefore_o that_o i_o make_v of_o it_o only_o be_v this_o that_o though_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o bottom_v upon_o a_o clear_a evidence_n yet_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o a_o adumbration_n of_o a_o great_a and_o real_a truth_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o a_o full_a clear_a distinct_a discovery_n of_o it_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o in_o another_o case_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o that_o god_n who_o they_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o act_v 17.23_o so_o with_o some_o variation_n i_o may_v with_o humility_n say_v that_o secret_a unseen_a and_o spiritual_a power_n which_o these_o ancient_a philosopher_n do_v not_o distinct_o understand_v but_o grope_v after_o it_o and_o celebrate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o intellectus_fw-la agens_fw-la i_o be_o now_o endeavour_v to_o declare_v almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v every_o where_o by_o his_o essential_a presence_n so_o he_o be_v every_o where_o by_o his_o powerful_a influence_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o universal_a productive_a and_o conserve_n cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v more_o intimate_a unto_o and_o effective_a of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o efficacious_a influence_n than_o any_o second_o create_v cause_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v all_o but_o his_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o their_o causality_n be_v still_o but_o in_o and_o from_o the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o this_o influx_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n the_o prime_a efficient_a almighty_a god_n be_v by_o he_o ordinary_o communicate_v effuse_a and_o proportion_v according_a to_o the_o several_a nature_n of_o create_a being_n though_o according_a to_o his_o wise_a good_a pleasure_n he_o sometime_o be_v please_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o excellent_a end_n pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la and_o therefore_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v simple_o natural_a this_o ordinary_a efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n be_v suit_v to_o that_o common_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o govern_v such_o thing_n according_a to_o those_o institute_v regular_a natural_a law_n but_o unto_o a_o intellectual_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o will_n this_o divine_a efflux_n be_v communicate_v in_o a_o kind_a proportionable_a to_o those_o faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o therefore_o these_o efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n be_v communicate_v in_o two_o kind_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o illumination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o understanding_n faculty_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n inclination_n and_o incitation_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o kind_n of_o efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o influence_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o bodily_a strength_n as_o that_o of_o samson_n judge_n 16.20_o the_o gift_n of_o curious_a workmanship_n as_o that_o of_o aholiab_n and_o besaliel_n exod._n 36.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o majesty_n and_o government_n as_o that_o of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 10.9_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v tongue_n miracle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 9_o for_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a efflux_n give_v out_o upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o special_a end_n though_o even_o in_o most_o of_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v much_o concern_v and_o wrought_v upon_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n certain_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o sentient_a eye_n that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v almighty_a god_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n psal_n 36.9_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n john_n 1.9_o this_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o inclination_n and_o bend_v of_o the_o will_n it_o be_v true_a the_o will_n be_v natural_o free_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v essential_o subject_a unto_o the_o god_n that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_v ordinary_o be_v but_o persuasive_a and_o therefore_o ordinary_o resistible_a thus_o the_o old_a world_n resist_v the_o merciful_a strive_v of_o the_o divine_a influence_n gen._n 6.3_o my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n act_n 7.51_o you_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o powerful_a god_n have_v so_o great_a a_o efficacy_n and_o have_v so_o intimate_v a_o access_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v and_o doubtless_o sometime_o do_v irresistible_o bend_v and_o incline_v the_o will_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n psal_n 110.3_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a expression_n prov._n 21.1_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whithersoever_o he_o will_n a_o good_a artist_n will_v guide_v a_o stream_n of_o water_n to_o what_o place_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v in_o the_o same_o level_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o violence_n
to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n so_o be_v observance_n of_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o gospel_n design_v for_o our_o tutourage_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o spirit_n to_o that_o we_o must_v come_v or_o we_o be_v none_o of_o he_o but_o that_o way_n we_o must_v come_v and_o in_o that_o way_n we_o must_v keep_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v that_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v learn_v what_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a to_o obtain_v that_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o by_o what_o sign_n and_o character_n it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v and_o thereby_o we_o may_v discern_v that_o many_o who_o pretend_v high_o to_o the_o spirit_n be_v much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o many_o lead_v by_o the_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n under_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n to_o undermine_v the_o gospel_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o raise_v scandal_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o pretend_v and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o assert_v and_o to_o indispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o those_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n may_v know_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o and_o this_o shall_v make_v other_o the_o more_o cautious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o be_v make_v the_o very_a tool_n of_o these_o wicked_a agent_n in_o their_o opposition_n lest_o at_o last_o they_o be_v involve_v with_o they_o in_o their_o condemnation_n the_o true_a way_n to_o reduce_v the_o mislead_a people_n be_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n much_o less_o to_o vilify_v or_o reproach_v it_o but_o plain_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o wherein_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v mislead_v from_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a and_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v principal_o to_o transform_v we_o into_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n to_o endue_v we_o with_o power_n to_o overcome_v all_o our_o corruption_n and_o all_o temptation_n and_o to_o adorn_v we_o with_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o ennoble_v humane_a nature_n and_o raise_v it_o above_o its_o self_n and_o so_o make_v we_o christian_n indeed_o and_o to_o conduct_v we_o in_o all_o the_o important_a occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n but_o to_o desire_v it_o for_o matter_n of_o ostentation_n to_o glory_n in_o divine_a communication_n or_o over-earnest_o seek_v after_o the_o consolation_n through_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o spiritual_a cross_n be_v great_a sign_n that_o such_o soul_n be_v either_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o have_v make_v but_o little_a progress_n 2._o that_o satan_n be_v often_o transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o 2.1_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n ibid._n 6.3_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16.17_o gal._n 1.8_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n jud._n 3_o can_v be_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o that_o such_o spirit_n as_o lead_v into_o division_n separation_n and_o sect_n lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o lead_v into_o contempt_n or_o disrespect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n how_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v for_o the_o conscientious_a and_o reverend_a use_n of_o these_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n whereby_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whereby_o it_o be_v ordinary_o communicate_v to_o they_o cui_fw-la veritas_fw-la comperta_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la cui_fw-la deus_fw-la cognitus_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la cui_fw-la christus_fw-la exploratus_fw-la sine_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la cui_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n accommodatus_fw-la sine_fw-la fidei_fw-la sacramento_n say_v a_o ancient_a and_o eminent_a christian_a tertul._n de_fw-fr anima_fw-la c._n 1._o to_o who_o be_v truth_n discover_v without_o god_n to_o who_o be_v god_n know_v without_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v christ_n manifest_v without_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n grant_v without_o the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v baptism_n 5._o and_o more_o particular_o in_o respect_n to_o some_o among_o we_o that_o they_o who_o assert_v this_o doctrine_n without_o distinction_n or_o caution_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o may_v be_v presume_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a what_o caution_n and_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o learned_a and_o experience_v christian_n to_o distinguish_v the_o imposture_n of_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o conduct_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a be_v much_o to_o be_v suspect_v to_o serve_v another_o interest_n then_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o those_o they_o mislead_v and_o that_o they_o all_o expose_v people_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o ready_o embrace_v such_o advantage_n 6._o that_o there_o be_v special_a reason_n why_o god_n order_v moses_n to_o smite_v the_o water_n and_o the_o dust_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o take_v handful_n of_o ash_n from_o the_o furnace_n and_o sprinkle_v it_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n to_o produce_v the_o intend_a effect_n and_o why_o our_o saviour_n make_v clay_n with_o spital_n and_o anoint_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o then_o bid_v he_o wash_v and_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n for_o which_o perhaps_o no_o man_n do_v nor_o do_v know_v the_o reason_n and_o yet_o undoubted_o if_o these_o order_n have_v not_o be_v observe_v the_o effect_n have_v not_o follow_v 7._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v order_n without_o declare_v the_o reason_n for_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n if_o the_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o effect_n shall_v follow_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o exercise_n of_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n it_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o shall_v lead_v people_n to_o despise_v or_o neglect_v these_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o they_o there_o be_v more_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o solemnity_n and_o external_a act_n of_o declaration_n of_o our_o engagement_n in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o seal_v and_o deliver_v a_o bond_n which_o whoever_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o give_v bond_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o knave_n or_o a_o cheat_n and_o in_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a communion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o recognition_n of_o the_o absolute_a dominion_n of_o the_o father_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o son_n by_o right_a of_o redemption_n over_o we_o and_o all_o we_o be_v and_o have_v a_o symbolical_a oblation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o all_o we_o have_v to_o god_n in_o a_o commemorative_n sacrifice_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o father_n as_o the_o great_a propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n of_o as_o full_a import_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o christian_n as_o be_v all_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o which_o be_v but_o type_n of_o the_o same_o a_o holy_a rite_n of_o address_n to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o passion_n by_o which_o alone_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n whereby_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n be_v as_o real_o communicate_v to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v as_o virtue_n go_v out_o of_o he_o and_o heal_v the_o people_n and_o the_o woman_n who_o touch_v the_o hem_o of_o his_o garment_n and_o these_o have_v be_v the_o
whether_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o one_o of_o those_o seduce_v spirit_n to_o who_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n that_o some_o will_v give_v heed_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o take_v this_o into_o very_o deep_a consideration_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o and_o weighty_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o our_o warning_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o go_v out_o after_o they_o with_o admonition_n concern_v their_o subtlety_n their_o energy_n or_o power_n and_o their_o strong_a delusion_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o that_o even_a satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n that_o be_v put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o and_o last_o that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o jo._n 4.1_o 2._o because_o if_o the_o trial_n be_v by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authorize_v by_o he_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v apostatise_v and_o go_v off_o or_o at_o least_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o special_a concern_v those_o before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o some_o spirit_n of_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v that_o malice_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v conquer_a and_o vanquish_a and_o against_o the_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o that_o victory_n that_o can_v he_o but_o keep_v people_n from_o engage_v in_o that_o holy_a covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o that_o memorial_n he_o will_v be_v willing_a himself_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o other_o truth_n upon_o that_o condition_n rather_o than_o fail_v yet_o notwithstanding_o since_o they_o be_v a_o sober_a people_n have_v receive_v retain_v and_o do_v act_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v divers_a commendable_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o what_o error_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n give_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o i_o do_v hope_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a spirit_n which_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v lead_v and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v sincere_a among_o they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o those_o thing_n whereto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o resign_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o to_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o better_a guide_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o society_n of_o complete_a christian_n come_v out_o of_o this_o despise_a people_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o know_v of_o these_o be_v my_o thought_n and_o hope_n concern_v this_o people_n in_o general_n at_o present_a and_o hope_n i_o say_v ground_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o no_o good_a be_v will_v oppose_v nor_o no_o evil_a power_n can_v stand_v before_o and_o in_o his_o name_n i_o come_v unto_o you_o know_v assure_o that_o neither_o i_o nor_o any_o humane_a ability_n be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o power_n that_o be_v among_o you_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n almighty_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n more_o full_o to_o explain_v unto_o you_o in_o due_a time_n but_o as_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a power_n it_o will_v favour_v i_o and_o assist_v i_o in_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a power_n commissioned_n it_o must_v cease_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o victorious_a and_o all-conquering_a name_n its_o enchantment_n must_v be_v dissolve_v and_o its_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n detect_v i_o therefore_o as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n beseech_v you_o be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n that_o be_v meet_v without_o cavil_v or_o regard_n to_o any_o temporal_a concern_v i_o do_v not_o invite_v you_o to_o return_v to_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o you_o have_v forsake_v but_o to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o those_o holy_a thing_n against_o which_o you_o have_v be_v scandalize_v by_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n nor_o do_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o dissolve_v your_o society_n or_o to_o leave_v off_o your_o meeting_n and_o drown_v yourselves_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n no_o you_o have_v in_o part_n bear_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v so_o still_o but_o i_o invite_v you_o only_o to_o make_v your_o testimony_n more_o complete_a illustrious_a and_o irrefragable_a by_o bear_v your_o testimony_n to_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o not_o any_o long_o a_o testimony_n like_o the_o foot_n of_o daniel_n image_n partly_o strong_a and_o partly_o weak_a by_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n for_o that_o can_v stand_v long_o together_o but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v that_o you_o may_v stand_v for_o otherwise_o you_o will_v certain_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n i_o invite_v you_o but_o to_o what_o i_o be_o do_v myself_o with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v bear_v a_o testimony_n for_o god_n and_o manifest_o under_o his_o conduct_n but_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o a_o sufficient_a time_n and_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n consider_v their_o learning_n and_o pretence_n to_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o a_o despise_a people_n that_o god_n may_v humble_v the_o proud_a and_o highminded_a and_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a by_o mean_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n be_v wise_a and_o neglect_v not_o the_o opportunity_n and_o you_o who_o be_v last_o in_o the_o world_n account_n shall_v be_v first_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v solid_a truth_n in_o the_o proposal_n and_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v receive_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o you_o will_v then_o find_v i_o to_o have_v be_v your_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a friend_n e._n s._n 31_o aug._n 1696._o after_o this_o there_o be_v other_o letter_n and_o paper_n send_v which_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o hereafter_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n but_o the_o last_o contain_v certain_a question_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a now_o to_o propose_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o do_v desire_v not_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o will_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o any_o notwithstanding_o will_v presume_v to_o go_v on_o in_o any_o false_a or_o erroneous_a way_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o their_o blood_n if_o they_o miscarry_v must_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o these_o question_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o case_n what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o the_o 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