all_o time_n to_o help_v the_o travel_a soul_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o time_n more_o especial_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v more_o abundant_a access_n and_o opportunity_n unto_o the_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o be_v to_o observe_v within_o himself_o and_o improve_v the_o same_o let_v none_o therefore_o strive_v or_o wrestle_v in_o their_o own_o will_n or_o natural_a strength_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o silence_n but_o let_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o some_o honest_a and_o lawful_a employment_n and_o careful_o attend_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o faithful_a when_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v move_v and_o to_o worship_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v near_o unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v become_v strong_a man_n in_o christ_n have_v a_o exceed_a great_a influence_n upon_o the_o weak_a to_o help_v they_o and_o gather_v they_o to_o the_o true_a silence_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o abundant_o manifest_a where_o the_o faithful_a meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n as_o â—e_n have_v promise_v whereunto_o many_o can_v set_v their_o seal_n and_o thus_o every_o one_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o faithful_a to_o what_o they_o know_v and_o have_v receive_v will_v natural_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o natural_a growth_n in_o the_o truth_n attain_v by_o degree_n more_o and_o more_o unto_o such_o a_o state_n until_o they_o perfect_o come_v to_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v it_o so_o as_o to_o see_v jerusalem_n a_o quiet_a habitation_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o king_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o see_v his_o go_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o will_v cause_v the_o soul_n to_o sing_v with_o david_n and_o to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v psal._n 84._o ver_n 1_o 10._o how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n for_o a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o but_o of_o this_o i_o warn_v thou_o that_o if_o thou_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o spare_v as_o thou_o think_v to_o rest_v from_o all_o outward_a affair_n that_o thou_o may_v the_o more_o abundant_o apply_v thyself_o to_o this_o silence_n and_o silent_a wait_a yet_o thou_o may_v exceed_v through_o a_o wrong_n and_o blind_a zeal_n and_o so_o may_v endanger_v and_o hurt_v thyself_o for_o such_o a_o silence_n as_o do_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o mind_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o our_o honest_a and_o lawful_a affair_n be_v not_o always_o require_v of_o we_o but_o at_o certain_a time_n that_o we_o set_v apart_o unto_o that_o end_n either_o in_o private_a or_o public_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o and_o his_o spirit_n do_v move_v which_o time_n although_o they_o be_v frequent_a yet_o ordinary_o be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o these_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o be_v exercise_v in_o bodily_a and_o external_a action_n whereof_o christ_n himself_o give_v we_o a_o example_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o at_o time_n retire_v with_o his_o disciple_n and_o sometime_o alone_o to_o watch_v and_o to_o pray_v and_o again_o return_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o minister_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n what_o they_o have_v need_n of_o nor_o do_v the_o moderate_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o body_n in_o lawful_a affair_n hinder_v as_o be_v say_v the_o true_a silence_n in_o some_o degree_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a time_n but_o do_v rather_o help_v and_o contribute_v unto_o the_o same_o but_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o always_o require_v of_o we_o nor_o be_v indeed_o at_o all_o time_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o for_o unto_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o measure_n and_o what_o be_v within_o measure_n be_v good_a but_o to_o exceed_v be_v hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a george_n keith_n in_o the_o prison_n of_o aberdeen_n the_o 15_o of_o the_o 4_o month_n 1678._o the_o way_n to_o the_o city_n of_o god._n chap._n i._n hold_v forth_o certain_a doctrinal_a principle_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o a_o mâ—n_z be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o contribute_v much_o to_o his_o make_v a_o right_a entrance_n into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n a_o man_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v he_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n but_o he_o must_v first_o have_v his_o understanding_n some_o way_n open_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v some_o convincement_n of_o certain_a principle_n of_o truth_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n enter_v into_o a_o way_n and_o know_v nothing_o thereof_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n and_o order_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n first_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o divers_a thing_n before_o he_o proceed_v further_o so_o as_o to_o convert_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n or_o carry_v he_o on_o ward_n therein_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n lie_v down_o a_o few_o certain_a principle_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n unto_o beginner_n for_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o holiness_n and_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n but_o name_n and_o suppose_v they_o as_o know_v rather_o than_o prove_v they_o refer_v their_o probation_n to_o other_o treatise_n and_o though_o i_o may_v not_o say_v that_o none_o ever_o attain_v unto_o any_o measure_n of_o holiness_n without_o the_o clear_a distinct_a and_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n hereafter_o deliver_v yet_o i_o be_o very_o free_a to_o say_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o do_v very_o much_o conduce_v to_o beginner_n for_o their_o entrance_n into_o holiness_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a let_v to_o many_o a_o soul_n which_o though_o it_o have_v not_o make_v the_o entrance_n absolute_o impossible_a yet_o have_v it_o make_v it_o extreme_a difficult_a even_o much_o more_o by_o far_o than_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n or_o be_v find_v to_o be_v by_o those_o who_o understanding_n be_v well_o inform_v in_o these_o principle_n i._o that_o all_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a state_n be_v unholy_a and_o unrighteous_a altogether_o and_o so_o as_o such_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o unfit_a for_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o ii_o that_o god_n have_v not_o left_a man_n whole_o in_o this_o condition_n but_o have_v give_v unto_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o occasion_n in_o a_o day_n or_o time_n of_o visitation_n whereby_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o come_v out_o of_o their_o first_o state_n of_o unholiness_n and_o unrighteousness_n which_o be_v also_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o death_n into_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o enjoy_v spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n of_o god._n iii_o that_o this_o occasion_n be_v minister_v unto_o every_o one_o through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v free_o give_v of_o the_o father_n unto_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o salvation_n as_o attainable_a by_o every_o man_n through_o he_o iv._o that_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n both_o outward_o and_o inward_o be_v necessary_a unto_o man_n salvation_n so_o that_o the_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o for_o that_o both_o have_v their_o great_a use_n and_o blessing_n unto_o man_n hence_o all_o who_o be_v save_v be_v save_v no_o less_o by_o the_o benefit_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o outward_a come_n in_o his_o become_a man_n suffer_v die_a and_o resurrection_n then_o by_o that_o of_o his_o inward_a come_n as_o a_o light_n and_o quicken_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n yet_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o inward_a come_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o more_o needful_a and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o true_a and_o comfortable_a use_n of_o his_o outward_a come_n be_v alone_o sufficient_o understand_v v._o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o inward_a come_n be_v come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o all_o through_o he_o may_v believe_v and_o by_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n vi_o that_o his_o come_n in_o the_o inward_a be_v in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a seed_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v from_o heaven_n unto_o every_o man_n and_o have_v sow_v in_o the_o
lord_n who_o be_v the_o husbandman_n require_v not_o fruit_n of_o thou_o before_o the_o season_n but_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o yet_o the_o time_n be_v not_o so_o long_o betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o the_o season_n of_o bear_v fruit_n and_o produce_v good_a work_n as_o thou_o may_v think_v if_o thou_o pass_v true_o and_o faithful_o through_o these_o few_o step_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o bear_v some_o fruit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a to_o do_v some_o good_a work_n in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n much_o less_o than_o a_o year_n yea_o much_o less_o than_o a_o month_n yea_o what_o if_o i_o say_v than_o the_o space_n of_o one_o day_n nay_o i_o add_v further_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a for_o thou_o within_o a_o hour_n space_n and_o yet_o less_o after_o thou_o have_v true_o convert_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o touch_v as_o it_o be_v the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o drink_v in_o virtue_n therefrom_o to_o do_v some_o good_a work_n in_o a_o true_a measure_n of_o acceptance_n unto_o the_o lord_n yea_o the_o time_n may_v be_v so_o short_a wherein_o after_o thy_o conversion_n thou_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v something_o both_o inward_o and_o outward_o that_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o least_o bind_v or_o limit_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o raise_v his_o holy_a life_n in_o thou_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o indeed_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v very_o wonderful_a and_o past_a find_v out_o as_o in_o many_o other_o in_o some_o he_o raise_v life_n as_o it_o be_v instant_o in_o other_o he_o take_v a_o long_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o other_o yet_o a_o long_a etc._n etc._n for_o he_o be_v the_o unlimited_a holy_a one_o of_o israel_n who_o limit_v we_o but_o will_v not_o nor_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o we_o and_o though_o he_o may_v raise_v this_o life_n soon_o in_o one_o than_o another_o where_o that_o other_o be_v no_o more_o want_v as_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a step_n than_o his_o neighbour_n yet_o usual_o these_o who_o with_o most_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o appear_v in_o they_o in_o his_o own_o seed_n do_v most_o ready_o and_o speedy_o find_v the_o holy_a life_n raise_v in_o they_o and_o the_o power_n thereof_o sensible_o move_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n now_o i_o find_v it_o with_o i_o yet_o more_o particular_o to_o point_n at_o some_o advertisement_n and_o caution_n in_o relation_n unto_o the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o work_n and_o operative_a exercise_n after_o it_o have_v attain_v unto_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n and_o power_n whereby_o it_o be_v put_v in_o some_o capacity_n to_o perform_v they_o which_o i_o may_v not_o call_v rule_n and_o prescription_n as_o proceed_v from_o i_o though_o herein_o i_o know_v the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n but_o advertisement_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o point_v the_o soul_n inward_o unto_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o springing_n up_o of_o life_n in_o its_o own_o particular_a where_o it_o will_v see_v the_o use_n and_o need_v of_o these_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o it_o can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o they_o from_o another_o declaration_n and_o true_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n sense_n and_o observation_n of_o they_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o many_o in_o their_o progress_n in_o holiness_n yea_o have_v hinder_v they_o from_o grow_v up_o to_o any_o considerable_a pitch_n or_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n that_o they_o have_v continue_v as_o weakling_n and_o babe_n therethrough_a whereas_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n i._o have_v now_o attain_v unto_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o so_o that_o thou_o find_v the_o power_n of_o this_o life_n in_o thy_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n or_o as_o a_o soul_n within_o a_o soul_n yea_o it_o be_v true_o so_o and_o that_o also_o thou_o find_v thy_o soul_n in_o a_o measure_n of_o pure_a union_n with_o it_o and_o every_o power_n of_o thy_o soul_n affect_v and_o touch_v with_o the_o power_n of_o this_o holy_a life_n in_o pure_a embrace_n every_o one_o as_o it_o be_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o hereby_o thou_o will_v feel_v thyself_o strong_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o do_v some_o thing_n pertain_v unto_o a_o holy_a life_n yea_o thou_o will_v even_o so_o find_v it_o with_o thou_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v cure_v of_o a_o bodily_a lameness_n or_o as_o if_o thy_o tongue_n be_v loose_v which_o be_v former_o bind_v then_o thou_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o great_a fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o be_v very_o cautious_a that_o thou_o fall_v not_o upon_o do_v any_o thing_n or_o thing_n less_o or_o more_o at_o all_o adventure_n or_o hand_n over_o head_n as_o they_o use_v to_o say_v as_o to_o set_v about_o any_o performance_n in_o thy_o own_o natural_a and_o selfish_a will_n because_o thou_o find_v strength_n in_o thou_o as_o thou_o conceive_v to_o perform_v it_o for_o if_o thou_o so_o do_v thou_o will_v provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o grieve_v that_o holy_a life_n which_o have_v spring_v and_o appear_v in_o thou_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v rule_v or_o lead_v into_o any_o action_n by_o thy_o will_n but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n alone_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v about_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n though_o thou_o find_v both_o clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n with_o thou_o at_o first_o yet_o afterward_o thou_o will_v to_o thy_o great_a loss_n feel_v weakness_n and_o confusion_n to_o enter_v thou_o and_o a_o thick_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n will_v come_v betwixt_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o pure_a light_n of_o life_n which_o shine_v in_o thou_o yea_o a_o vail_n of_o death_n will_v come_v over_o the_o tender_a life_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v the_o pure_a life_n in_o thou_o burden_a and_o oppress_v which_o will_v occasion_v pain_n and_o grief_n of_o soul_n unto_o thou_o which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v have_v experience_n divers_a time_n so_o that_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o tender_a mercy_n recover_v we_o we_o have_v go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_n after_o some_o measure_n of_o quicken_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o of_o man_n by_o his_o own_o will_n usurp_v and_o presume_v to_o lead_v forth_o the_o holy_a life_n which_o usurpation_n it_o can_v endure_v so_o as_o to_o yield_v or_o consent_v unto_o it_o therefore_o it_o withdraw_v its_o holy_a power_n of_o light_n and_o life_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n concentr_v they_o within_o its_o own_o particular_a be_v and_o thus_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o weakness_n and_o the_o tender_a life_n be_v both_o grieve_v and_o burden_a as_o aforesaid_a for_o whatever_o seek_v to_o move_v it_o from_o its_o perfect_a unity_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v hurt_v it_o for_o it_o stand_v for_o ever_o incorruptible_a with_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o that_o which_o seek_v to_o move_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o bruise_v and_o wound_n yea_o kill_v it_o while_o it_o be_v but_o young_a and_o tender_a but_o it_o can_v never_o draw_v it_o to_o consent_v when_o therefore_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o find_v it_o well_o with_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v as_o with_o bread_n or_o with_o some_o strong_a cordial_a or_o liquor_n by_o the_o springing_n forth_o and_o effusion_n of_o the_o stream_n of_o this_o holy_a life_n in_o thou_o than_o thou_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o passiveness_n and_o forbearance_n wait_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o motion_n of_o this_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v for_o every_o one_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o that_o life_n require_v of_o thou_o and_o then_o whatever_o thou_o set_v about_o to_o do_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o natural_a will_n but_o in_o the_o will_n of_o this_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n thou_o shall_v find_v thy_o clearness_n thy_o peace_n and_o strength_n which_o former_o thou_o have_v not_o only_o to_o be_v continue_v with_o thou_o but_o to_o be_v multiply_v and_o abound_v ii_o and_o yet_o more_o particular_o know_v or_o consider_v it_o that_o thou_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o a_o clear_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o thy_o warrant_n and_o that_o from_o this_o inward_a guide_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a
the_o way_n to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n describe_v or_o a_o plain_a declaration_n how_o any_o man_n may_v within_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n give_v he_o of_o god_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o unrighteous_a into_o the_o righteous_a state_n as_o also_o how_o he_o may_v go_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v thereof_o wherein_o divers_a thing_n which_o occur_v to_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o inward_a trial_n temptation_n and_o difficulty_n be_v point_v at_o and_o direction_n intimate_v how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o therein_o and_o how_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n with_o divers_a other_o weighty_a particular_n which_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o inquirer_n and_o beginner_n write_a by_o george_n keith_n in_o the_o year_n 1669._o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o be_v a_o close_a prisoner_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n at_o edinburgh_n whereunto_o be_v add_v the_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o conviction_n motion_n &c_n &c_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a principle_n in_o we_o from_o those_o of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o natural_a reason_n etc._n etc._n write_a in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o confinement_n in_o aberdeen_n in_o the_o year_n 1676._o with_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o whole_a write_v this_o year_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1678._o isa._n 62.10_o cast_v up_o cast_v up_o the_o highway_n gather_v out_o the_o stone_n etc._n etc._n &_o 57.14_o cast_v you_o up_o cast_v you_o up_o prepare_v the_o way_n etc._n etc._n &_o 40.3_o prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_n a_o highway_n for_o our_o god_n 1_o joh._n 2.6_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n 3.2_o but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v joan._n picus_n mir_fw-fr and._n conclus_fw-la qui_fw-la perfect_v in_o animam_fw-la redierit_fw-la primae_fw-la formae_fw-la svam_fw-la formam_fw-la aequaverit_fw-la english_v thus_o he_o that_o shall_v perfect_o return_v into_o his_o own_o soul_n shall_v make_v his_o own_o frame_n or_o mould_n like_o unto_o the_o first_o friendly_a reader_n if_o thou_o be_v bring_v unto_o any_o sense_n of_o thy_o inward_a state_n and_o be_v come_v to_o feel_v thy_o absolute_a need_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o nothing_o less_o can_v satisfy_v thou_o than_o the_o true_a and_o real_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o thou_o can_v no_o long_o content_v thyself_o with_o the_o bare_a report_n of_o christ_n until_o thou_o feel_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o sprinkle_v thy_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o if_o thou_o breathe_v for_o life_n and_o to_o have_v the_o live_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o thou_o have_v gather_v by_o bare_a hear_v say_v or_o read_v while_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o if_o thou_o desire_v holiness_n itself_o more_o than_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o hungre_v and_o thirste_a after_n righteousness_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a inquirer_n after_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o i_o hope_v this_o small_a treatise_n will_v be_v acceptable_a and_o of_o service_n and_o indeed_o to_o such_o as_o thou_o it_o be_v main_o direct_v and_o intend_v i_o write_v it_o some_o year_n ago_o when_o i_o be_v by_o a_o outward_a restraint_n for_o divers_a month_n separate_v for_o most_o part_n from_o the_o company_n of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o unto_o i_o and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o presence_n i_o have_v more_o satisfaction_n than_o all_o worldly_a thing_n can_v afford_v i_o and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o in_o manuscript_n to_o who_o it_o be_v serviceable_a they_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v make_v public_a for_o a_o more_o general_a good_a and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o controversy_n with_o any_o particular_a adversary_n in_o it_o but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v practical_a and_o experimental_a which_o some_o who_o have_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o read_v controversy_n be_v willing_a to_o read_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v such_o who_o desire_v sincere_o to_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n in_o their_o journey_n and_o travel_n as_o the_o title_n of_o it_o import_v which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n for_o thither_o shall_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o labour_n tend_v for_o we_o have_v here_o no_o abide_v city_n and_o see_v without_o holiness_n none_o can_v see_v god_n and_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o whole_a treatise_n do_v hold_v forth_o divers_a necessary_a and_o useful_a thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o so_o that_o the_o various_a step_n of_o the_o spiritual_a traveller_n be_v set_v down_o from_o the_o beginning_n until_o a_o good_a growth_n and_o progress_n be_v attain_v in_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o life_n of_o holiness_n itself_o and_o who_o be_v thus_o far_o advance_v they_o be_v more_o sâ—fe_n and_o more_o out_o of_o danger_n to_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v their_o way_n than_o beginner_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o beginner_n and_o such_o as_o have_v make_v no_o great_a progress_n as_o yet_o in_o this_o divine_a travel_n what_o i_o have_v here_o deliver_v of_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o of_o experience_n be_v my_o own_o and_o my_o spirit_n and_o soul_n have_v travel_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o all_o these_o step_n herein_o mention_v and_o i_o have_v find_v the_o experimental_a good_a and_o advantage_n of_o all_o those_o advertisement_n caution_n warning_n and_o consideration_n deliver_v in_o the_o same_o and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o burden_n the_o understanding_n or_o memory_n of_o reader_n with_o many_o thing_n i_o have_v only_o aim_v for_o the_o reader_n good_a to_o set_v down_o some_o clear_a and_o plain_a direction_n concern_v the_o most_o needful_a thing_n and_o those_o which_o although_o they_o be_v most_o necessary_a be_v most_o neglect_v and_o especial_o to_o call_v back_o transgressor_n to_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o isaiah_n 46.8_o as_o the_o hebrew_n have_v it_o or_o as_o otherwise_o it_o be_v render_v but_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n return_v unto_o the_o heart_n o_o you_o transgressor_n and_o that_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n introversion_n which_o be_v a_o turning-in_a to_o find_v and_o feel_v after_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o wait_v to_o see_v he_o as_o he_o appear_v there_o and_o to_o hear_v he_o as_o he_o speak_v there_o and_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o walking_n go_n and_o moving_n as_o he_o be_v find_v there_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n leu._n 26.12_o 2._o cor._n 6.16_o for_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o to_o search_v for_o understanding_n as_o hide_v treasure_n prov._n 2.4_o which_o seek_v and_o search_v in_o the_o first_o place_n must_v be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n for_o there_o have_v god_n place_v this_o hide_a treasure_n which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n to_o wit_n a_o measure_n of_o his_o divine_a spirit_n life_n and_o light_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o in_o thyself_o thou_o will_v then_o find_v it_o in_o other_o and_o also_o thou_o will_v savour_v of_o that_o divine_a life_n and_o spirit_n both_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o in_o all_o write_n that_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o other_o and_o whatever_o testimony_n have_v at_o any_o time_n proceed_v from_o he_o and_o remain_v upon_o record_n the_o same_o witness_v unto_o that_o testimony_n in_o all_o unto_o all_o to_o who_o it_o come_v and_o all_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n and_o life_n in_o themselves_o can_v and_o do_v fell_a and_o discern_v that_o it_o have_v proceed_v of_o god_n and_o be_v own_v by_o he_o and_o to_o such_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o write_v that_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o a_o divine_a motion_n or_o draw_v be_v
regeneration_n be_v but_o in_o part_n it_o be_v because_o the_o mortification_n be_v but_o in_o part_n and_o where_o the_o mortification_n be_v become_v whole_a there_o the_o regeneration_n become_v whole_a also_o for_o that_o which_o hinder_v the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o spring_v up_o in_o its_o whole_a growth_n and_o statuâ—â—_n ready_o and_o speedy_o be_v the_o contrary_a image_n which_o will_v let_v till_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n xvi_o and_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o spirit_n appear_v in_o the_o divine_a seed_n and_o work_v therein_o even_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o be_v whole_o unholy_a and_o unrighteous_a in_o who_o satan_n image_n possess_v the_o whole_a place_n first_o to_o mortify_v some_o place_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v it_o and_o to_o expel_v the_o serpent_n image_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o the_o divine_a image_n may_v begin_v to_o be_v form_v and_o conceive_v the_o divine_a seed_n therefore_o through_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o work_v therein_o must_v first_o destroy_v and_o consume_v its_o contrary_n before_o it_o can_v take_v root_n and_o plant_v itself_o and_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o of_o this_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o outward_a viz._n israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o type_n for_o before_o they_o can_v plant_v themselves_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o behove_v to_o destroy_v their_o enemy_n which_o inhabit_v the_o same_o and_o gradual_o as_o they_o consume_v their_o enemy_n they_o plant_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o take_v root_n till_o they_o fill_v it_o all_o over_o like_o a_o great_a tree_n over-shaddowing_a the_o whole_a land_n with_o its_o branch_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o its_o fruit_n i_o shall_v not_o add_v more_o particular_n at_o present_a be_v unwilling_a to_o burden_n the_o weak_a understanding_n of_o a_o beginner_n with_o many_o thing_n at_o the_o entrance_n there_o be_v many_o more_o doctrinal_a principle_n but_o they_o will_v come_v in_o time_n enough_o afterward_o these_o well_o know_v and_o understand_v will_v satisfy_v to_o begin_v with_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o thing_n let_v none_o imagine_v they_o can_v be_v sufficient_o certify_v through_o this_o declaration_n or_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v outward_o give_v only_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n for_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o own_o understanding_n from_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v declare_v chap._n ii_o show_v that_o the_o soul_n convert_v itself_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a seed_n within_o its_o self_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n upon_o it_o for_o that_o effect_n be_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a unto_o it_o in_o order_n to_o its_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n i_o say_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o its_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o convert_v or_o turn_v itself_o unto_o the_o divine_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o divine_a seed_n for_o this_o be_v the_o message_n which_o paul_n receive_v to_o declare_v unto_o the_o gentile_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o he_o preach_v god_n near_o even_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o darkness_n and_o unbelief_n as_o among_o the_o athenian_n who_o be_v idolater_n he_o say_v he_o who_o you_o ignorant_o worship_n i_o declare_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n who_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v etc._n etc._n also_o unto_o the_o lycaonian_o who_o be_v idolater_n he_o preach_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o they_o shall_v turn_v from_o their_o vanity_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n now_o it_o be_v that_o which_o general_o pass_v among_o people_n that_o man_n shall_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o that_o conversion_n be_v a_o turn_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o jesus_n christ._n but_o that_o they_o be_v to_o turn_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o do_v inward_o manifest_a and_o reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n this_o they_o have_v not_o be_v instruct_v in_o for_o that_o general_o all_o of_o they_o except_o those_o call_v the_o mystic_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o these_o day_n as_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mystic_n though_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o divine_a presence_n do_v immediate_o reveal_v itself_o in_o man_n heart_n and_o that_o man_n be_v to_o turn_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o it_o which_o they_o call_v introversion_n yet_o they_o deny_v that_o man_n be_v to_o do_v this_o at_o first_o as_o while_o they_o be_v pollute_v in_o their_o gross_a abomination_n and_o lust_n to_o turn_v in_o unto_o the_o divine_a presence_n they_o judge_v a_o thing_n both_o presumptuous_a and_o vain_a presumptuous_a because_o it_o be_v altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o unbecoming_a that_o a_o soul_n pollute_v in_o its_o gross_a abomination_n and_o lust_n shall_v approach_v and_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o vain_a because_o though_o they_o shall_v attempt_v to_o do_v it_o they_o will_v find_v it_o as_o impossible_a as_o for_o a_o bird_n that_o be_v tie_v with_o a_o strong_a cord_n to_o the_o earth_n to_o flee_v upward_o to_o heaven_n from_o earth_n wherefore_o they_o require_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v attain_v unto_o some_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n which_o cleanse_v it_o from_o its_o gross_a impurity_n particular_o the_o abnegation_n of_o all_o creature_n and_o of_o its_o own_o self_n before_o it_o adventure_n to_o convert_v or_o turn_v it_o self_n inward_o unto_o the_o divine_a presence_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o they_o for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o divers_a manifestation_n and_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n according_a to_o their_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n for_o though_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v one_o yet_o it_o have_v its_o manifestation_n after_o different_a manner_n in_o the_o unholy_a and_o unclean_a and_o in_o the_o holy_a and_o clean_a soul_n as_o be_v somewhat_o above_o declare_v for_o in_o the_o holy_a he_o reveal_v himself_o immediate_o in_o great_a love_n peace_n joy_n meekness_n sweetness_n and_o beauty_n and_o suffer_v the_o soul_n to_o approach_v so_o near_o unto_o he_o as_o even_o to_o join_v in_o a_o union_n with_o he_o after_o a_o maâ—ner_n unconceivable_a to_o unholy_a soul_n and_o indeed_o for_o unholy_a soul_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o confess_v be_v both_o presumptuous_a and_o vain_a as_o aforesaid_a but_o in_o the_o unholy_a and_o unclean_a yea_o even_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o be_v most_o avert_v from_o god_n the_o lord_n be_v present_a in_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manifestation_n as_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o glory_n nor_o improper_a to_o their_o present_a condition_n who_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a visitation_n reach_v towards_o all_o man_n in_o jesus_n christ_n even_o the_o worst_a in_o a_o day_n or_o time_n give_v they_o of_o he_o for_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n according_a to_o which_o paul_n say_v that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o which_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o they_o in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n yet_o mix_v and_o qualify_v with_o mercy_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v appear_v in_o they_o in_o the_o divine_a seed_n as_o in_o a_o fire_n not_o simple_o to_o consume_v and_o destroy_v they_o but_o to_o consume_v and_o destroy_v the_o corruption_n and_o evil_n â—hat_n be_v in_o they_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v sin_n in_o they_o even_o that_o birth_n and_o body_n or_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o be_v in_o every_o unholy_a man_n and_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o of_o satan_n yea_o and_o be_v that_o serpent_n who_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n bruise_v in_o the_o head_n and_o destroy_v for_o as_o be_v former_o say_v this_o serpentine_a image_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n can_v live_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o can_v they_o flourish_v both_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n because_o of_o their_o enmity_n for_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a strife_n ware_v against_o each_o other_o and_o as_o the_o one_o lose_v ground_n the_o other_o gain_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_n the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v after_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o
her_o manchild_n she_o remember_v it_o no_o more_o for_o her_o gladness_n swallow_v it_o up_o so_o that_o she_o do_v not_o rue_v nor_o repent_v of_o her_o travel_n and_o labour_n she_o endure_v now_o methinks_v i_o as_o it_o be_v hear_v some_o poor_a soul_n object_v after_o this_o manner_n which_o indeed_o have_v be_v of_o the_o objection_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o i_o know_v also_o of_o other_o oh_o say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v find_v this_o divine_a fire_n kindle_v in_o we_o for_o the_o consumption_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o purification_n of_o our_o soul_n therefrom_o we_o be_v so_o weary_a of_o sin_n and_o have_v such_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o that_o we_o will_v rejoice_v with_o great_a joy_n to_o feel_v this_o sacred_a fire_n burn_v in_o we_o though_o it_o shall_v pain_v we_o as_o if_o our_o outward_a body_n be_v cast_v alive_a into_o outward_a flame_n we_o find_v say_v they_o somewhat_o as_o light_v from_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o see_v many_o vile_a and_o abominable_a thing_n in_o they_o but_o as_o for_o this_o fire_n we_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o find_v it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o you_o find_v that_o which_o discover_v and_o make_v manifest_v these_o evil_n in_o your_o heart_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n for_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a light_n eph._n 5.13_o joh._n 3.20_o now_o turn_v in_o or_o convert_v your_o mind_n unto_o it_o and_o persist_v therein_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o due_a time_n that_o this_o light_n shall_v become_v a_o fire_n in_o you_o according_a to_o these_o word_n which_o i_o may_v well_o apply_v at_o least_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n unto_o this_o matter_n isa._n 10.17_o and_o the_o light_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v for_o a_o fire_n and_o his_o holy_a one_o for_o a_o flame_n and_o it_o shall_v burn_v and_o destroy_v his_o thorn_n and_o his_o brier_n in_o one_o day_n for_o this_o self_n same_o light_n of_o god_n which_o you_o find_v in_o your_o heart_n have_v in_o it_o the_o virtue_n and_o property_n of_o fire_n no_o less_o than_o of_o light_n yea_o much_o more_o at_o first_o and_o for_o a_o good_a time_n follow_v but_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o do_v not_o find_v its_o operation_n of_o fire_n to_o burn_v and_o consume_v the_o evil_n in_o your_o heart_n as_o you_o find_v that_o of_o light_a to_o discover_v they_o be_v because_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o so_o near_o and_o intimate_o apply_v and_o convert_v thereunto_o as_o be_v requisite_a even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o outward_a fire_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o and_o but_o look_v to_o it_o afar_o off_o it_o will_v only_o make_v we_o perceive_v its_o light_n so_o as_o to_o give_v we_o a_o discovery_n of_o thing_n but_o we_o will_v know_v nothing_o of_o its_o fieriness_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fire_n at_o all_o but_o if_o we_o come_v near_o unto_o it_o so_o as_o to_o hold_v our_o hand_n or_o any_o other_o member_n of_o our_o body_n nigh_o unto_o it_o we_o will_v then_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fire_n and_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o its_o fiery_a operation_n so_o that_o if_o we_o take_v not_o away_o the_o member_n apply_v the_o fire_n will_v kindle_v in_o it_o and_o consume_v it_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o fit_a example_n of_o this_o thing_n to_o represent_v it_o by_o therefore_o it_o thou_o will_v find_v this_o divine_a principle_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n therein_o to_o be_v as_o a_o fire_n in_o thou_o turn_v in_o thy_o mind_n and_o heart_n unto_o it_o yet_o more_o near_o and_o intimate_o and_o persist_v therein_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v in_o thou_o a_o shine_a light_n but_o a_o burn_a light_n also_o yea_o at_o first_o and_o for_o some_o time_n follow_v rather_o burn_v than_o shine_v wherefore_o turn_v in_o and_o convert_v not_o only_a thy_o understanding_n unto_o it_o but_o thy_o will_n and_o affection_n thou_o will_v find_v its_o power_n even_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v the_o evil_n of_o thy_o heart_n no_o less_o than_o to_o discover_v they_o and_o hereby_o thou_o will_v receive_v not_o only_o a_o inform_v judgement_n and_o understanding_n but_o a_o reform_a will_n and_o affection_n and_o this_o divine_a principle_n will_v work_v mighty_o in_o thou_o to_o work_v out_o the_o error_n as_o well_o out_o of_o thy_o will_n as_o out_o of_o thy_o judgement_n for_o the_o error_n be_v great_a in_o both_o and_o now_o many_o be_v great_o deficient_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o do_v somewhat_o apply_v their_o understanding_n unto_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o thereby_o they_o receive_v some_o discovery_n of_o thing_n far_o beyond_o other_o but_o they_o do_v not_o apply_v their_o will_n unto_o it_o and_o so_o they_o remain_v as_o bad_a and_o evil_a in_o heart_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a yea_o many_o time_n they_o be_v worse_o for_o what_o they_o know_v natural_o as_o brute_n beast_n they_o corrupt_v themselves_o therein_o these_o be_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n more_o than_o any_o other_o they_o imprison_v it_o in_o their_o understanding_n but_o will_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o sink_v down_o into_o their_o heart_n and_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n these_o be_v they_o also_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n they_o will_v have_v it_o to_o shine_v in_o their_o head_n but_o can_v endure_v it_o shall_v burn_v and_o diffuse_v its_o sacred_a flame_n in_o their_o heart_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o such_o person_n though_o even_o from_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o the_o solid_a substantial_a pure_a knowledge_n which_o those_o have_v who_o receive_v this_o divine_a principle_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o solid_a substantial_a and_o holy_a knowledge_n be_v only_o receive_v from_o the_o light_n of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v seat_v and_o implant_v in_o the_o most_o inward_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o from_o thence_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n iu._n show_v how_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o convert_n unto_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o divine_a seed_n must_v in_o its_o persist_v and_o continuance_n therein_o stand_v in_o great_a passiveness_n stillness_n and_o quietness_n bear_v and_o forbear_v before_o it_o enter_v upon_o its_o operative_a exercise_n i_o say_v the_o soul_n after_o its_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o divine_a seed_n must_v in_o its_o persist_v and_o continuance_n therein_o stand_v in_o great_a passiveness_n stillness_n or_o quâ—terness_n otherwise_o call_v silence_n for_o that_o its_o place_n at_o present_a be_v more_o to_o be_v passive_a than_o active_a yea_o except_v only_o its_o simple_a act_n or_o act_n of_o conversion_n for_o sometime_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o it_o can_v to_o be_v whole_o passive_a the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v very_o evident_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o i_o do_v thus_o make_v appear_v if_o it_o will_v be_v active_a and_o give_v itself_o unto_o operative_a exercise_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o holiness_n and_o religion_n it_o must_v first_o be_v somewhat_o deliver_v and_o free_v from_o the_o positive_a impediment_n and_o let_n which_o hinder_v all_o such_o action_n and_o operative_a exercise_n which_o belong_v or_o pertain_v unto_o holiness_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v clothe_v or_o endue_v with_o such_o a_o power_n as_o whereby_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o to_o perform_v they_o as_o for_o example_n i_o can_v perform_v the_o operation_n of_o sense_n but_o i_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o â—ensual_a power_n as_o i_o can_v see_v but_o i_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o see_v also_o i_o can_v walk_v or_o go_v but_o i_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o loco-motiveâ—aculty_a â—aculty_z or_o power_n without_o which_o also_o i_o can_v not_o move_v my_o hand_n to_o write_v or_o do_v any_o other_o bodily_a occupation_n also_o without_o the_o power_n of_o speech_n i_o can_v use_v my_o tongue_n to_o express_v or_o declare_v my_o mind_n moreover_o i_o can_v exercise_v myself_o in_o operative_a act_n of_o reason_n unless_o i_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o tree_n can_v perform_v the_o sensual_a operation_n of_o a_o beast_n because_o it_o have_v only_o the_o life_n of_o vegetation_n and_o not_o of_o sensation_n therefore_o though_o by_o its_o growth_n it_o can_v shoot_v upward_o from_o the_o vegetable_a life_n yet_o it_o can_v remove_v
in_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v lie_v and_o false_a wonder_n and_o cause_n fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n videlicit_fw-la in_o appearance_n to_o deceive_v they_o who_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o ready_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o divine_a seed_n do_v send_v forth_o such_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o it_o which_o discover_v infallible_o the_o work_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n yea_o or_o nay_o and_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o capacity_n infallible_o to_o discern_v they_o and_o to_o know_v who_o they_o be_v and_o though_o the_o enemy_n be_v never_o so_o near_o in_o his_o subtle_a work_n to_o deceive_v thou_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o near_o and_o near_o to_o reveal_v he_o but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o deny_v immediate_a revelation_n in_o these_o day_n they_o leave_v the_o soul_n at_o a_o utter_a uncertainty_n that_o it_o can_v know_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o it_o from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o enemy_n for_o see_v they_o deny_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v objective_n and_o objective_o manifest_a they_o be_v but_o as_o certain_a blind_a or_o blank_a line_n and_o impression_n draw_v upon_o paper_n which_o no_o man_n can_v read_v or_o perceive_v but_o have_v show_v this_o at_o more_o length_n elsewhere_o i_o shall_v not_o further_o proceed_v in_o it_o at_o present_a now_o if_o thou_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o conversion_n by_o a_o way_n prio_fw-la to_o that_o of_o effect_n which_o be_v needful_a yea_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o thou_o to_o know_v in_o the_o very_a first_o instant_n in_o which_o thou_o set_v about_o to_o perform_v thy_o act_n of_o conversion_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a yea_o or_o no_o also_o whether_o that_o be_v the_o true_a presence_n or_o manifestation_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o thou_o do_v convert_v or_o but_o that_o false_a and_o frame_a god_n abovementioned_a or_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n thou_o shall_v know_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o true_a christ_n he_o do_v manifest_v himself_o so_o to_o be_v for_o god_n be_v light_a and_o christ_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o god_n now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v the_o light_n even_o that_o which_o be_v outward_a but_o by_o itself_o and_o the_o manifestation_n that_o come_v from_o it_o so_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n so_o certain_a to_o know_v god_n and_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o manifestation_n which_o proceed_v from_o they_o and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o manifestation_n of_o god_n so_o plain_o and_o evident_o set_v before_o he_o as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o frequent_o who_o appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o different_a from_o every_o false_a appearance_n of_o satan_n or_o any_o god_n or_o image_n of_o he_o which_o the_o soul_n make_v to_o itself_o or_o can_v make_v that_o it_o may_v very_o plain_o and_o infallible_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v unless_o it_o witting_o and_o wilful_o give_v up_o itself_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o thou_o ask_v wherein_o do_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o so_o far_o differ_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o discern_v i_o answer_v in_o this_o the_o true_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n be_v against_o every_o sin_n more_o or_o less_o in_o thou_o whether_o of_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n and_o by_o it_o thou_o be_v reprove_v of_o every_o sin_n in_o some_o measure_n yea_o and_o it_o work_v as_o fire_n against_o the_o briaâ—s_n and_o thorn_n against_o every_o sin_n in_o thou_o and_o the_o body_n and_o root_n of_o it_o though_o at_o first_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o it_o as_o to_o have_v a_o particular_a observation_n of_o all_o thy_o sin_n yet_o thou_o wilâ—_n find_v it_o work_v against_o they_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o heap_n spare_v none_o of_o they_o nor_o reconcileable_a to_o any_o of_o they_o so_o that_o what_o ever_o particular_a sin_n be_v bring_v under_o thy_o particular_a observation_n thou_o will_v find_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n against_o it_o as_o much_o as_o any_o but_o now_o the_o false_a god_n which_o a_o man_n make_v unto_o himself_o in_o his_o mind_n be_v very_o reconcileable_a to_o many_o sin_n which_o thou_o be_v plain_o convince_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o he_o can_v dwell_v with_o they_o and_o let_v they_o flourish_v and_o grow_v large_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n against_o they_o yea_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a god_n be_v a_o enemy_n tâ—_n no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o will_v never_o reprove_v or_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o any_o sin_n but_o o_o 〈…〉_z thou_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o high_a fly_v notionist_n god_n who_o they_o in_o some_o sort_n stand_v in_o awe_n to_o offend_v as_o to_o some_o â—ross_a outward_a act_n or_o even_o some_o inward_a also_o because_o they_o have_v shape_v he_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o form_n as_o be_v contrary_n in_o appearance_n to_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n but_o as_o for_o thou_o love_v he_o that_o reprove_v every_o sin_n in_o thought_n or_o desire_n word_n or_o work_n and_o be_v dreadful_a unto_o every_o transgressor_n more_o or_o less_o yea_o be_v as_o a_o devour_a fire_n against_o they_o for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a god_n now_o this_o appearance_n of_o god_n thou_o shall_v observe_v to_o manifest_v itself_o in_o a_o little_a small_a seed_n the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n in_o the_o very_a inward_o of_o thy_o heart_n which_o be_v meek_a and_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o harmless_a and_o be_v contrary_n unto_o nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o any_o thing_n save_o sin_n but_o with_o no_o sin_n in_o any_o measure_n i_o have_v find_v it_o with_o i_o the_o more_o to_o insist_v on_o this_o particular_a for_o that_o i_o certain_o know_v there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v woeful_o bewitch_v with_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v like_o capernanum_fw-la exalt_v to_o the_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o notion_n about_o god_n so_o as_o to_o think_v they_o daily_o contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idol_n and_o by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n they_o be_v see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v it_o darkness_n and_o the_o seed_n be_v feel_v to_o suffer_v in_o they_o and_o to_o â—e_v in_o the_o very_a bond_n of_o death_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o high_a and_o lofty_a imagination_n now_o if_o the_o seed_n be_v raise_v in_o thou_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n and_o power_n thereof_o become_v form_v though_o but_o a_o little_a thou_o will_v feel_v it_o and_o its_o power_n as_o manifest_v to_o move_v stir_v and_o spring_n in_o thou_o as_o ever_o the_o mother_n feel_v the_o child_n to_o spring_v in_o her_o womb_n so_o that_o thou_o can_v no_o less_o doubt_v of_o the_o one_o than_o she_o can_v of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o by_o the_o stir_n and_o move_n thereof_o thou_o will_v begin_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o divers_a advertisement_n and_o caution_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o relation_n unto_o its_o apply_v itself_o unto_o work_n or_o operative_a exercise_n inward_a or_o outward_a through_o the_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n say_v the_o apostle_n create_v unto_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o unto_o any_o man_n the_o be_v of_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o its_o power_n in_o vain_a or_o for_o no_o effect_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n even_o as_o the_o husbandman_n plant_v his_o vine_n and_o other_o tree_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit._n we_o must_v improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o master_n money_n to_o profit_v withal_o that_o our_o talon_n may_v increase_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o have_v give_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n
the_o other_o part_n may_v be_v of_o the_o enemy_n yea_o the_o soul_n may_v begin_v to_o do_v something_o well_o and_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o end_v it_o in_o the_o flesh_n through_o its_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n nevertheless_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o such_o mixture_n possible_a as_o if_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o what_o the_o soul_n do_v with_o he_o and_o by_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o enemy_n nay_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v still_o pure_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v but_o now_o the_o soul_n give_v way_n to_o the_o enemy_n he_o enter_v and_o so_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o lord_n work_n at_o that_o time_n but_o he_o can_v never_o defile_v or_o corrupt_v it_o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n part_n of_o the_o work_n be_v still_o his_o and_o the_o enemy_n have_v no_o share_n in_o it_o nor_o any_o influence_n upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o defile_v it_o but_o he_o may_v stop_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n permit_v he_o and_o as_o the_o soul_n give_v he_o way_n so_o to_o do_v now_o one_o may_v ready_o object_n according_a to_o this_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o so_o long_o as_o sin_n have_v any_o life_n or_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o do_v any_o work_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o he_o from_o fiâ—st_n to_o last_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mar_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o mixture_n as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o very_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o mixture_n as_o partly_o the_o holy_a life_n and_o its_o power_n have_v place_n therein_o and_o partly_o the_o unholy_a life_n and_o its_o power_n how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o the_o work_n itself_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o mixture_n also_o and_o that_o proportional_o according_a to_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v work_v that_o which_o be_v good_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a life_n in_o and_o with_o the_o lord_n will_v the_o power_n of_o the_o unholy_a life_n be_v idle_a and_o asleep_a or_o rather_o will_v they_o not_o work_v in_o opposition_n yea_o will_v not_o the_o devil_n move_v strong_o in_o they_o to_o resist_v and_o mar_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n answ._n this_o objection_n indeed_o do_v evince_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v somewhat_o difficult_a but_o not_o impossible_a it_o be_v true_a the_o power_n of_o the_o unholy_a life_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o work_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o satan_n will_v never_o be_v want_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v to_o move_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o but_o this_o answer_n it_o plain_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o breath_n unto_o he_o through_o the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o spirit_n for_o preservation_n and_o continue_v thus_o inward_o turn_v and_o convert_v unto_o he_o in_o fear_n watchfulness_n and_o singleness_n the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n come_v over_o the_o unholy_a life_n and_o its_o power_n yea_o and_o over_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o enemy_n therein_o and_o do_v bind_v and_o captivate_v they_o that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o prevail_v to_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o purity_n and_o perfection_n in_o a_o measure_n then_o if_o they_o have_v no_o such_o place_n in_o it_o even_o as_o in_o the_o outward_a if_o i_o be_v do_v a_o piece_n of_o work_n and_o some_o strong_a body_a man_n have_v a_o resolution_n to_o stop_v or_o mar_v i_o yet_o if_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o come_v and_o bind_v he_o up_o i_o may_v do_v the_o work_v complete_o maugre_o he_o he_o may_v fret_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n like_o a_o mad_a dog_n or_o lion_n upon_o a_o chain_n but_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o true_o we_o have_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o many_o time_n in_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o as_o we_o have_v keep_v diligent_a nigh_o unto_o the_o lord_n with_o our_o mind_n towards_o he_o in_o tender_a breathe_n and_o desire_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v we_o have_v find_v he_o chain_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o when_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a become_v remiss_a and_o suffer_v our_o mind_n to_o slide_v back_o from_o that_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o be_v requisite_a than_o the_o lord_n suffer_v the_o enemy_n somewhat_o as_o it_o be_v to_o break_v loose_a upon_o we_o and_o use_v his_o strength_n in_o some_o measure_n against_o we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o unto_o the_o more_o watchfulness_n and_o indeed_o many_o time_n we_o find_v it_o so_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o city_n who_o be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o that_o while_o they_o build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o behoove_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o adversary_n with_o the_o other_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o sin_n and_o its_o power_n may_v be_v captivate_v before_o it_o be_v utter_o slay_v and_o the_o strong_a man_n may_v be_v bind_v before_o he_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o chap._n ix_o show_v how_o that_o though_o work_n can_v have_v no_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o be_v only_o receive_v through_o a_o receptive_a faith_n yet_o they_o do_v great_o conduce_v unto_o the_o growth_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o also_o unto_o the_o kill_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o unholy_a life_n with_o its_o power_n more_o and_o more_o till_o it_o be_v utter_o slay_v where_o also_o the_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a property_n of_o faith_n viz._n receptive_a and_o operative_a be_v somewhat_o open_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n say_v the_o apostle_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a it_o be_v observable_a he_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o begin_v their_o salvation_n with_o work_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v it_o out_o or_o proceed_v in_o it_o through_o work_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n that_o work_n have_v a_o great_a use_n and_o service_n promote_a and_o carry_v on_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o they_o can_v begin_v it_o and_o concern_v the_o great_a use_n they_o have_v unto_o this_o effect_n paul_n the_o same_o apostle_n say_v again_o rom._n 8._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flâ—sh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v wherein_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o that_o carnal_a and_o evil_a work_n that_o be_v a_o live_n after_o the_o flesh_n occasion_n death_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v come_v to_o some_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a life_n evil_a and_o unholy_a work_n be_v deadn_v and_o kill_v they_o be_v like_o a_o canker_n which_o eat_v out_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o that_o good_a and_o holy_a work_n serve_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a life_n already_o attain_v but_o to_o increase_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o this_o same_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n do_v plain_o hold_v forth_o for_o he_o who_o receive_v but_o two_o talent_n yet_o improve_n the_o same_o and_o put_v they_o to_o use_v they_o become_v multiply_v into_o four_o so_o he_o who_o receive_v the_o five_o by_o use_v they_o gain_v other_o five_o many_o other_o scripture_n exaâ—mples_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o trâ—â—â—_n of_o it_o but_o these_o shall_v at_o present_a suffice_v moreover_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v also_o demonstrate_v it_o for_o it_o be_v here_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a for_o the_o natural_a life_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o become_v strong_a and_o strong_a the_o more_o it_o be_v upon_o motion_n and_o exercise_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n but_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o the_o natural_a life_n after_o it_o have_v come_v to_o its_o height_n do_v decay_n and_o even_o spend_v or_o consume_v itself_o in_o its_o motion_n or_o work_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o temporary_a thing_n whereas_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v eternal_a and_o do_v never_o at_o any_o time_n decay_n or_o diminish_v through_o its_o work_n but_o be_v thereby_o perpetuate_v it_o be_v such_o a_o good_a plant_n that_o it_o ever_o grow_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o twelve_o manner_n of_o fruit_n every_o month_n where_o it_o be_v well_o occupy_v or_o improve_v and_o never_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n decay_v or_o wax_v barren_a
there_o be_v require_v a_o inward_a spring_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o life_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o all_o imitation_n without_o the_o soul_n attain_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o life_n which_o it_o attain_v unto_o through_o the_o arise_v of_o the_o holy_a seed_n in_o it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v by_o much_o pain_n set_v himself_o to_o mount_v up_o towards_o heaven_n and_o fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o like_o a_o eagle_n or_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v even_o so_o as_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o follow_v christ_n in_o his_o heavenly_a virtue_n do_n and_o suffering_n but_o by_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o heavenly_a life_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o which_o be_v as_o wing_n whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v indeed_o mount_v up_o as_o a_o eagle_n and_o follow_v christ_n fly_v with_o he_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n yea_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o that_o without_o weary_v and_o run_v without_o faint_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n and_o order_n which_o we_o have_v find_v great_o bless_v of_o god_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o hold_v forth_o unto_o people_n whereby_o they_o attain_v unto_o holiness_n to_o a_o be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o come_v to_o know_v the_o true_a and_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o his_o outward_a come_v viz._n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o point_n and_o turn_v their_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v enlighten_v they_o and_o every_o one_o and_o have_v sow_v a_o seed_n of_o his_o light_n life_n and_o spirit_n in_o every_o one_o unto_o which_o seed_n they_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o inward_a of_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o ground_n for_o it_o to_o grow_v and_o spring_v up_o in_o abondon_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o hinder_v its_o arise_v whence_o then_o in_o due_a time_n such_o a_o measure_n of_o light_n and_o life_n arise_v therein_o as_o give_v they_o both_o true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o george_n keith_n how_o to_o discern_v the_o conviction_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n or_o divine_a principle_n in_o we_o from_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o mere_a natural_a and_o humane_a reason_n assist_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n this_o question_n i_o find_v weighty_a on_o my_o heart_n to_o answer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o who_o mind_n through_o the_o subtle_a work_n of_o the_o enemy_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o the_o same_o as_o my_o mind_n be_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n after_o i_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o enemy_n of_o my_o soul_n do_v exceed_o work_v in_o i_o to_o cause_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_v still_o but_o where_o former_o i_o have_v be_v to_o wit_n that_o although_o i_o have_v change_v my_o judgement_n concern_v many_o thing_n yet_o the_o principle_n that_o sway_v my_o judgement_n be_v still_o but_o the_o natural_a principle_n help_v with_o scripture_n argument_n and_o so_o my_o faith_n touch_v these_o thing_n be_v but_o mere_o humane_a and_o natural_a not_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o consequent_o be_v nothing_o but_o opinion_n still_o and_o that_o i_o be_v still_o but_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o no_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o though_o i_o shall_v join_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o true_a divine_a faith_n and_o shall_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v i_o can_v not_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n my_o obedience_n not_o proceed_v from_o the_o true_a divine_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o true_a divine_a light_n nor_o have_v receive_v the_o true_a divine_a call_n this_o objection_n do_v so_o trouble_v perplex_v and_o disquiet_v i_o through_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n as_o it_o be_v under_o ground_n and_o hide_v himself_o and_o his_o design_n from_o i_o that_o none_o but_o the_o lord_n alone_o do_v or_o can_v know_v the_o great_a anguish_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n break_v this_o snare_n i_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o it_o unto_o this_o very_a day_n and_o perhaps_o have_v die_v in_o that_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a condition_n and_o i_o do_v certain_o know_v the_o enemy_n do_v assault_v many_o in_o this_o day_n and_o do_v prevail_v over_o they_o by_o the_o same_o tentation_n who_o be_v true_o convince_v of_o truth_n by_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o principle_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o divine_a conviction_n be_v a_o sufficient_a divine_a call_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o secret_a divine_a draw_v to_o give_v obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v convince_v the_o sense_n now_o of_o such_o soul_n condition_n be_v bring_v upon_o i_o my_o bowel_n be_v move_v in_o great_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o and_o my_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o say_v somewhat_o unto_o they_o that_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v order_v to_o come_v and_o the_o breathe_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o lifeless_a that_o god_n almighty_n may_v bless_v it_o 〈…〉_z and_o make_v it_o effectual_a the_o 〈…〉_z between_o these_o two_o principle_n and_o their_o respective_a operation_n in_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n wide_o distinct_a or_o discernible_a to_o be_v so_o by_o they_o who_o have_v the_o true_a eye_n of_o discern_v open_v in_o they_o and_o be_v come_v to_o a_o clear_a inward_a sense_n and_o feeling_n through_o a_o live_a growth_n in_o the_o truth_n for_o indeed_o no_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a universe_n do_v more_o clear_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o a_o differ_a nature_n unto_o those_o who_o have_v the_o spiritual_a sense_n raise_v and_o open_v in_o they_o than_o the_o two_o aforesaid_a principle_n or_o light_n which_o differ_v as_o wide_o as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o other_o be_v of_o heaven_n heavenly_a the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ_n yea_o the_o one_o be_v mere_o humane_a and_o natural_a the_o other_o be_v pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o cause_n then_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o these_o two_o principle_n and_o their_o respective_a operation_n be_v that_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o be_v over_o the_o heart_n and_o understand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o first_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o as_o yet_o real_o so_o convert_v unto_o it_o as_o to_o be_v leaven_v by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o transform_v into_o its_o nature_n yea_o after_o some_o beginning_n of_o true_a conversion_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o difficulty_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n still_o remain_v but_o not_o so_o great_a as_o formerly_z the_o great_a difficulty_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o those_o only_a who_o be_v but_o beginner_n and_o beginning_n to_o travel_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n and_o sodom_n into_o the_o holy_a land_n the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherwards_o to_o who_o also_o it_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n how_o to_o distinguish_v not_o only_o betwixt_o the_o naturals_n understanding_n and_o the_o divine_a light_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o but_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o true_a divine_a light_n and_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v now_o to_o help_v any_o distress_a or_o perplex_a soul_n that_o may_v be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v this_o thing_n to_o such_o i_o say_v since_o thou_o be_v real_o convince_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a divine_a light_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o consequent_o unto_o thou_o for_o to_o such_o only_a at_o present_a do_v i_o write_v who_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o do_v question_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o convincement_n why_o shall_v thou_o question_v that_o thy_o convincement_n do_v only_o proceed_v from_o the_o natural_a light_n and_o mere_a natural_a understanding_n of_o thy_o soul_n as_o influence_v by_o scripture_n argument_n and_o other_o outward_a help_n and_o not_o also_o from_o the_o divine_a principle_n of_o the_o light_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n
for_o certain_o this_o divine_a principle_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o altogether_o idle_a or_o without_o operation_n it_o be_v of_o a_o most_o active_a or_o operative_a nature_n even_o as_o fire_n and_o light_n in_o the_o outward_a can_v the_o outward_a sun_n shine_v and_o enlighten_v the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o operation_n nor_o influence_n upon_o it_o or_o can_v the_o fire_n burn_v and_o have_v no_o operation_n or_o influence_n upon_o what_o be_v next_o unto_o it_o nay_o sure_o and_o therefore_o no_o more_o can_v this_o divine_a principle_n and_o light_n be_v in_o any_o soul_n but_o it_o must_v certain_o and_o infallible_o have_v some_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o that_o soul_n in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n who_o day_n of_o visitation_n be_v not_o expire_v and_o the_o most_o proper_a operation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o truth_n i_o mean_v of_o somewhat_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o somewhat_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o what_o he_o do_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o and_o what_o he_o do_v reject_v and_o abhor_v the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o be_v live_v and_o powerful_a or_o operative_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n judge_n or_o reprover_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o word_n be_v in_o all_o even_o in_o the_o mouth_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n and_o be_v that_o word_n of_o faith_n as_o paul_n do_v expound_v it_o rom._n 10.8_o now_o if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v also_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n for_o in_o that_o word_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o do_v lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o john_n declare_v 1.9_o now_o mark_v the_o word_n lighten_v which_o do_v import_v its_o active_a and_o operative_a influence_n and_o virtue_n in_o all_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n or_o degree_n real_o to_o convince_v they_o and_o although_o there_o be_v great_a darkness_n over_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o unconverted_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v darkness_n yet_o as_o john_n have_v declare_v the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n although_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o 1.5_o so_o the_o light_n not_o only_o be_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o it_o shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n and_o work_v against_o the_o darkness_n to_o reveal_v it_o and_o remove_v it_o even_o as_o the_o darkness_n do_v work_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o hide_v and_o obscure_v the_o light_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o extinguish_v and_o quench_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o natural_a principle_n have_v its_o operation_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v not_o without_o its_o influence_n and_o force_n to_o move_v and_o act_v the_o soul_n as_o also_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n to_o wit_n the_o diabolical_a or_o hellish_a principle_n even_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o satan_n have_v its_o operation_n and_o influence_n in_o all_o man_n in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o to_o deny_v that_o this_o divine_a principle_n that_o be_v in_o nature_n more_o powerful_a and_o more_o operative_a than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o have_v any_o influence_n or_o operation_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o this_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o also_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o great_a condescension_n many_o time_n together_o with_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o spirit_n in_o thy_o soul_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o argument_n draw_v therefrom_o make_v they_o of_o service_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o spirit_n as_o also_o to_o make_v use_n of_o thy_o own_o natural_a understanding_n and_o the_o natural_a principle_n or_o light_n by_o shine_v upon_o it_o and_o raise_v up_o in_o it_o pure_a and_o holy_a conviction_n and_o open_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o pure_a and_o holy_a desire_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o as_o they_o be_v entertain_v become_v a_o true_a beginning_n of_o conversion_n in_o that_o soul_n but_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o always_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n for_o sometime_o as_o be_v say_v he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o natural_a principle_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o natural_a understanding_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o shine_v upon_o it_o in_o a_o more_o active_a way_n and_o manner_n so_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o natural_a principle_n itself_o help_v with_o scripture_n argument_n and_o reason_n or_o some_o outward_a help_n that_o do_v convince_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a while_o yet_o it_o be_v divine_a light_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n more_o secret_o and_o hidden_o that_o have_v the_o main_a stroke_n and_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n at_o other_o time_n the_o divine_a light_n appear_v more_o immediate_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o more_o open_o and_o scarce_o at_o all_o make_v use_v of_o the_o natural_a principle_n or_o understanding_n further_a than_o in_o a_o passive_a way_n as_o when_o the_o eye_n look_v towards_o a_o object_n or_o as_o the_o ear_n hear_v a_o voice_n or_o sound_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v rather_o passive_a than_o active_a and_o sometime_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v into_o a_o deep_a silence_n by_o the_o mighty_a and_o yet_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a principle_n and_o light_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n by_o none_o of_o its_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n or_o faculty_n do_v apprehend_v what_o be_v inward_o reveal_v in_o it_o by_o the_o divine_a light_n but_o they_o all_o be_v silence_v bind_v lock_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v make_v asleep_a both_o imagination_n and_o reason_n or_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v call_v a_o natural_a or_o humane_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v whole_o suspend_v and_o lay_v by_o as_o of_o no_o present_a use_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v whole_o dead_a for_o that_o present_a time_n unto_o they_o all_o as_o so_o many_o dead_a member_n the_o divine_a light_n and_o spirit_n do_v raise_v up_o and_o awaken_v in_o that_o soul_n a_o new_a sense_n and_o power_n of_o discern_v of_o which_o it_o former_o have_v no_o experience_n or_o at_o lest_o make_v no_o reflection_n upon_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a sensation_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n as_o inward_o reveal_v by_o the_o divine_a light_n but_o this_o kind_n of_o experience_n be_v more_o rare_a to_o new_a beginner_n and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v be_v a_o most_o singular_a and_o choice_a mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v most_o ordinary_a to_o all_o those_o who_o in_o any_o considerable_a measure_n be_v true_o convert_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o leaven_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o give_v thou_o such_o a_o experience_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o considerable_o convert_v unto_o the_o truth_n thou_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o singular_a favour_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v deny_v at_o present_a unto_o thou_o god_n not_o judge_v thou_o worthy_a of_o so_o high_a a_o favour_n thou_o oughte_v to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o other_o way_n and_o such_o a_o convincement_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a convincement_n proceed_v original_o and_o principal_o from_o the_o true_a divine_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v virtue_n sufficient_a in_o that_o which_o do_v thus_o convince_v thou_o to_o enable_v thou_o to_o believe_v and_o join_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o obey_v its_o requiring_n according_a to_o the_o present_a measure_n and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a sufficient_a divine_a call_n for_o the_o present_a which_o if_o thou_o do_v slight_a or_o neglect_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o great_a or_o more_o clear_a thou_o do_v tempt_v the_o lord_n and_o provoke_v his_o holy_a spirit_n moreover_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o know_v that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o clearness_n or_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discern_v as_o perhaps_o thy_o own_o mind_n do_v judge_v to_o be_v requisite_a god_n be_v wise_a than_o thou_o and_o do_v better_a know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o thou_o than_o thou_o do_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v no_o small_a engine_n
whence_o it_o be_v what_o be_v its_o tendency_n and_o wherefore_o it_o be_v give_v they_o if_o then_o thou_o be_v but_o diligent_a in_o thy_o mind_n to_o observe_v and_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o inward_a operation_n motion_n and_o shining_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n in_o thou_o and_o breathe_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o the_o silence_n and_o quietness_n of_o thy_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o many_o wander_n vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o thy_o mind_n thou_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o a_o true_a measure_n of_o clear_a discern_a of_o the_o true_a divine_a principle_n life_n and_o light_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n thereof_o so_o as_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o that_o which_o be_v but_o natural_a and_o carnal_a as_o also_o from_o all_o that_o be_v of_o satan_n in_o his_o cunning_a transforming_n and_o although_o in_o the_o beginning_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o thou_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a inward_a silence_n of_o mind_n from_o all_o thy_o own_o thought_n and_o imagination_n which_o will_v afterward_o become_v easy_a and_o familiar_a unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o do_v experience_n any_o considerable_a growth_n in_o the_o truth_n yet_o as_o thou_o presse_v after_o it_o thou_o will_v find_v they_o self_n help_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o come_v into_o some_o measure_n of_o true_a silence_n and_o although_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v that_o all_o vain_a foolish_a thought_n and_o idle_a imagination_n be_v put_v out_o of_o thy_o mind_n yet_o if_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o be_v go_v and_o evanished_a so_o that_o thy_o mind_n be_v somewhat_o more_o cool_a and_o quiet_a and_o still_o and_o empty_a of_o such_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v here_o thou_o will_v find_v thyself_o at_o some_o advantage_n and_o in_o some_o capacity_n to_o discern_v the_o divine_a light_n and_o work_v thereof_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n of_o silence_n or_o half_a silence_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o to_o help_v thou_o then_o a_o little_a further_o in_o this_o inquiry_n and_o search_n that_o thou_o may_v come_v to_o know_v discern_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a divine_a light_n and_o work_v thereof_o in_o thou_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a necessary_a knowledge_n and_o without_o which_o thou_o be_v liable_a to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o false_a rest_n and_o build_v upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n as_o many_o do_v at_o this_o day_n take_v the_o natural_a light_n and_o principle_n for_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o so_o what_o the_o socinian_o and_o pelagian_n be_v in_o profession_n who_o profess_v no_o high_a principle_n in_o they_o necessary_a than_o the_o natural_a these_o man_n be_v whatever_o they_o profess_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v and_o be_v illuminate_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n real_o in_o practice_n therefore_o that_o thou_o may_v avoid_v this_o snare_n and_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o principle_n of_o god_n in_o thou_o i_o shall_v brief_o point_v at_o some_o distinguish_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a principle_n be_v true_o distinguishable_a from_o that_o which_o be_v but_o humane_a and_o natural_a as_o 1._o the_o light_n influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o humane_a and_o natural_a principle_n be_v cold_a saint_n and_o dead_a but_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a warm_a live_a and_o powerful_a and_o the_o warmth_n power_n and_o life_n thereof_o reach_v not_o only_o the_o brain_n or_o head_n or_o the_o animal_n part_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o natural_a can_v do_v and_o often_o do_v but_o it_o reach_v also_o the_o heart_n and_o most_o inward_a part_n even_o the_o most_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o principle_n be_v of_o which_o it_o proceed_v it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o preach_v outward_o he_o speak_v with_o authority_n or_o power_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 7.29_o and_o he_o say_v himself_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o joh._n 6.63_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o inward_a what_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v with_o power_n even_o with_o a_o heavenly_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o raise_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o voice_n or_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o innate_a majesty_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o psalm_n 29.4_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v glorious_a the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o majesty_n etc._n etc._n and_o although_o many_o soul_n be_v so_o dark_a blind_a deaf_a and_o stupid_a that_o many_o time_n they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o any_o divine_a power_n or_o principle_n yet_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o most_o deaf_a and_o stupid_a soul_n he_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o raise_v up_o some_o small_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o in_o it_o at_o that_o present_a time_n although_o soon_o after_o darkness_n and_o death_n do_v prevail_v over_o they_o again_o and_o they_o forget_v any_o such_o experience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o have_v it_o how_o do_v god_n speak_v unto_o cain_n and_o expostulate_v with_o he_o we_o read_v not_o that_o it_o be_v by_o a_o outward_a voice_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n to_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n reprove_v he_o for_o his_o anger_n against_o his_o brother_n it_o be_v by_o a_o outward_a voice_n and_o not_o rather_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n as_o he_o do_v reprove_v man_n at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o he_o do_v strive_v in_o man_n before_o the_o deluge_n and_o do_v judge_n and_o reprove_v he_o for_o sin_n gen._n 6.3_o my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v or_o contend_v in_o man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v translate_v and_o christ_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v send_v the_o comforter_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o he_o shall_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n joh._n 16.8_o now_o although_o a_o man_n by_o his_o own_o reason_n may_v reprove_v himself_o for_o sin_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o man_n reprove_v himself_n and_o god_n reprove_v he_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o divine_a principle_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o of_o man_n be_v saint_n cold_a and_o dead_a as_o be_v say_v but_o the_o inward_a reproof_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n powerful_a hot_a and_o live_v which_o go_v to_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o prick_v he_o to_o the_o quick_a wound_v he_o deep_o and_o of_o this_o no_o man_n but_o have_v some_o experience_n at_o time_n especial_o before_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o have_v power_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v become_v past_o feeling_n now_o that_o some_o be_v so_o become_v do_v plain_o imply_v that_o once_o they_o have_v a_o feeling_n again_o when_o a_o man_n reprove_v himself_o he_o do_v it_o too_o partial_o although_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o judge_n himself_o in_o the_o general_n a_o great_a sinner_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o time_n many_o particular_a sin_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a that_o he_o will_v not_o reprove_v himself_o for_o by_o any_o reason_n whatsoever_o or_o argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n but_o will_v rather_o justify_v and_o defend_v himself_o for_o the_o natural_a light_n and_o natural_a understanding_n be_v exceed_o corrupt_v by_o the_o fall_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v impartial_o witness_v against_o sin_n but_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o call_v many_o sin_n virtue_n and_o to_o call_v many_o virtue_n sin_n and_o so_o to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n and_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a isa._n 5.20_o yea_o the_o natural_a light_n or_o understanding_n be_v so_o dim_a and_o dark_a that_o it_o be_v no_o where_o in_o all_o scripture_n call_v light_a but_o i_o find_v that_o unconvert_v man_n be_v eall_v darkness_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o understanding_n it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n from_o below_o be_v carnal_a earthly_a and_o devilish_a all_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v but_o dark_a foolish_a blind_a and_o deceive_v in_o his_o most_o sublime_a and_o refine_a reason_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n but_o the_o inward_a