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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n true_a worship_n worshipper_n 3,023 5 12.1458 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54032 Divine essays, or, Considerations about several things in religion of very deep and weighty concernment both in reference to the state of the present times, as also of the truth itself : with a lamenting and pleading postscript / by Isaac Penington (Junior) Esq. Penington, Isaac, 1616-1679. 1654 (1654) Wing P1162; ESTC R40044 96,398 144

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life_n perish_v and_o man_n return_v to_o his_o earth_n to_o his_o very_a corruption_n again_o yea_o and_o take_v unto_o himself_o seven_o devil_n worse_o than_o the_o former_a for_o the_o high_a that_o man_n be_v raise_v by_o this_o breath_n from_o the_o lord_n the_o low_a he_o fall_v when_o this_o breath_n be_v withdraw_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a man_n get_v or_o advance_v by_o the_o lord_n into_o the_o pure_a way_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o filthy_a abomination_n 4._o in_o the_o result_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o evil_a will_v befall_v you_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n sin_z most_o natural_o bring_v forth_o death_n corruption_n or_o putrefaction_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o and_o a_o direct_a passage_n unto_o death_n and_o it_o will_v break_v forth_o and_o appear_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n man_n must_v have_v a_o time_n to_o corrupt_v in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o but_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n when_o his_o end_n draw_v nigh_o death_n hasten_v apace_o his_o corruption_n then_o begin_v to_o open_v itself_o and_o to_o discover_v the_o death_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o it_o then_o that_o evil_a which_o man_n hope_v all_o this_o while_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o will_v begin_v to_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o he_o hide_v within_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o have_v hide_v his_o destruction_n in_o his_o own_o bowel_n he_o have_v hug_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o design_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v ripe_a and_o strong_a thence_o it_o will_v start_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o devour_v he_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v thorough_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o when_o man_n have_v thorough_o corrupt_v himself_o then_o will_v he_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o tree_n and_o cut_v it_o down_o that_o it_o may_v cumber_v the_o ground_n no_o long_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o jew_n already_o their_o latter_a day_n wherein_o evil_a do_v befall_v they_o have_v overtake_v they_o and_o he_o will_v also_o cut_v down_o the_o gentile_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o seed_n for_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n they_o do_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o discover_v that_o they_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o flesh_n neither_o be_v the_o gentile_n the_o seed_n for_o they_o also_o after_o the_o death_n of_o that_o life_n which_o do_v flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v also_o corrupt_v themselves_o the_o uncircumcised_a and_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o temple_n and_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o former_a therefore_o the_o lord_n will_v both_o cut_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o will_v also_o down_o with_o all_o that_o into_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v enter_v and_o then_o will_v he_o bring_v forth_o his_o own_o truth_n his_o true_a temple_n his_o true_a worship_n his_o true_a worshipper_n 5._o in_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o death_n and_o destruction_n to_o man_n because_o you_o will_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n through_o the_o work_n of_o your_o hand_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o man_n anger_n god_n all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v filthy_a and_o corrupt_a in_o themselves_o and_o provocative_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o spirit_n all_o man_n knowledge_n all_o his_o life_n all_o his_o way_n of_o worship_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o every_o kind_n every_o thing_n that_o suit_v the_o eye_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o wherewith_o he_o think_v to_o please_v god_n be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n this_o lothsomness_n stir_v up_o in_o god_n his_o indignation_n which_o cause_v he_o in_o the_o proper_a season_n thereof_o to_o bring_v death_n upon_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o judgement_n after_o which_o come_v the_o second_o death_n then_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v who_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o have_v true_o follow_v he_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n now_o laugh_v at_o all_o who_o walk_v not_o with_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o understanding_n then_o shall_v all_o see_v and_o know_v who_o be_v righteous_a and_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v from_o their_o very_a heart_n say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a a_o competent_a reward_n a_o full_a reward_n unto_o they_o for_o all_o the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o have_v attend_v they_o in_o their_o way_n and_o passage_n hither_o bless_a be_v he_o who_o the_o lord_n lead_v by_o the_o proper_a cross_n attend_v every_o dispensation_n through_o trouble_n and_o death_n into_o life_n but_o excessive_o miserable_a be_v that_o man_n who_o fleshly_a spirit_n remain_v in_o any_o dispensation_n or_o who_o pass_v from_o dispensation_n to_o dispensation_n with_o his_o life_n unslain_a therewith_o feed_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n duty_n enjoyment_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a or_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o fatten_v and_o fit_v himself_o for_o death_n and_o destruction_n against_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o david_n speak_v psal._n 94.12_o 13._o with_o a_o gloss_n whereupon_o i_o shall_v draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastene_v o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v give_v he_o rest_v from_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n until_o the_o pit_n be_v dig_v for_o the_o wicked_a there_o be_v a_o pit_n dig_v for_o the_o wicked_a into_o which_o when_o it_o be_v finish_v when_o it_o be_v every_o way_n make_v large_a and_o deep_a and_o pierce_a enough_o the_o whole_a wicked_a spirit_n of_o man_n shall_v either_o fall_v or_o be_v cast_v or_o partly_o fall_v and_o partly_o be_v cast_v into_o it_o till_o this_o pit_n be_v dig_v it_o be_v a_o troublesome_a time_n to_o the_o seed_n but_o a_o quiet_a time_n with_o man_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v now_o at_o ease_n he_o can_v serve_v he_o can_v please_v he_o can_v enjoy_v himself_o in_o his_o whole_a course_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o religion_n yea_o and_o he_o can_v also_o secure_v himself_o from_o future_a danger_n from_o danger_n at_o the_o last_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o with_o hell_n be_v he_o at_o agreement_n when_o the_o overflow_a scourge_n pass_v it_o shall_v not_o come_v near_o he_o it_o be_v for_o unbeliever_n for_o sinner_n for_o person_n who_o know_v not_o god_n or_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o fear_v death_n and_o hell_n or_o eternal_a destruction_n but_o when_o this_o pit_n be_v dig_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o light_n will_v search_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n under_o all_o his_o disguise_n and_o what_o ever_o have_v not_o the_o true_a breath_n of_o life_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o and_o die_v in_o this_o pit_n there_o be_v person_n also_o to_o who_o god_n will_v give_v rest_n from_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n those_o who_o have_v all_o along_o be_v persecute_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n and_o afflict_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n that_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hunt_v wound_a grieve_a distress_a all_o the_o day_n long_o by_o the_o cruel_a spirit_n of_o man_n and_o satan_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o each_o and_o be_v refresh_v those_o who_o be_v leaven_v with_o the_o life_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v so_o new-changed_n by_o it_o that_o they_o have_v none_o of_o that_o life_n none_o of_o that_o spirit_n leave_v remain_v in_o they_o which_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o rest_n when_o the_o lord_n come_v forth_o to_o hunt_v take_v and_o devour_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n those_o in_o who_o that_o spirit_n be_v already_o dissolve_v shall_v not_o be_v in_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o his_o severity_n but_o shall_v find_v the_o abundance_n of_o love_n sweetness_n peace_n and_o rest_n administer_v to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n which_o will_v then_o so_o eager_o and_o fierce_o prosecute_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n then_o they_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v at_o ease_n shall_v be_v trouble_v and_o they_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v trouble_v shall_v have_v ease_n and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v etc._n etc._n 2_o thes._n 1._o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n lead_v he_o to_o this_o rest_n be_v
be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o and_o it_o flow_v through_o the_o word_n the_o seed_n be_v form_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n begete_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v life_n through_o the_o word_n into_o that_o which_o he_o have_v beget_v even_o that_o life_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o it_o in_o any_o dispensation_n into_o which_o the_o spirit_n guide_v it_o wonderful_a true_a most_o true_a be_v that_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n either_o in_o the_o shadow_n or_o in_o the_o substance_n any_o otherwise_o all_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o god_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o word_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o several_a dispensation_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o their_o several_a circuit_n run_v from_o christ_n through_o and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a ministration_n of_o his_o word_n or_o word_n in_o their_o several_a kind_n seek_v after_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n it_o breathe_v in_o and_o from_o and_o after_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n breathe_v in_o it_o it_o breathe_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o breathe_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o find_v rest_n in_o fetch_v full_a soop_n of_o breath_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o seek_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v bear_v it_o find_v itself_o weak_a it_o find_v itself_o a_o babe_n a_o child_n and_o it_o breathe_v after_o its_o father_n after_o union_n with_o its_o father_n after_o the_o help_n strength_n and_o care_n of_o its_o father_n after_o food_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o provision_n which_o it_o needs_o from_o its_o father_n there_o be_v no_o life_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a kind_n and_o yet_o no_o life_n more_o indigent_a when_o it_o be_v first_o bring_v for●●_n or_o more_o dependent_a all_o along_o and_o it_o have_v a_o wonderful_a strong_a sense_n of_o this_o 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myself_o and_o pant_v after_o deliverance_n from_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n excellent_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o this_o his_o present_a state_n the_o one_o be_v to_o know_v that_o which_o be_v above_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o the_o other_o be_v to_o walk_v righteous_o love_o and_o sweet_o towards_o his_o fellow_n creature_n this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n natural_o it_o be_v write_v over_o again_o in_o that_o dispensation_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o again_o by_o christ._n we_o feel_v we_o be_v man_n and_o not_o god_n flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n and_o we_o be_v to_o reverence_v that_o which_o be_v above_o we_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o but_o live_v from_o and_o yet_o further_o want_v the_o supply_n of_o yea_o although_o we_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o take_v away_o that_o obligation_n which_o arise_v not_o from_o our_o sense_n but_o from_o our_o nature_n and_o state_n we_o also_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v deal_v just_o merciful_o sweet_o and_o tender_o with_o our_o fellow_n creature_n let_v we_o say_v and_o think_v what_o we_o please_v yet_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v so_o with_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o contrary_a equal_a with_o it_o alas_o how_o do_v we_o delude_v ourselves_o by_o cherish_v principle_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n can_v but_o disown_n and_o be_v they_o so_o lovely_a as_o they_o be_v account_v can_v those_o principle_n be_v very_o good_a which_o shut_v up_o or_o banish_v not_o only_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a common_a excellency_n of_o nature_n and_o open_a and_o let_v loose_v all_o the_o filth_n and_o abomination_n of_o it_o sure_o man_n be_v forward_o enough_o of_o himself_o to_o evil_a and_o unrighteousness_n as_o also_o backward_o enough_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o just_a he_o need_v not_o thus_o egg_n himself_o on_o to_o the_o one_o and_o exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o other_o by_o poison_v his_o judgement_n already_o too_o much_o corrupt_v with_o such_o corrupt_a principle_n 3._o their_o destructiveness_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o sweetness_n security_n or_o comfortable_a converse_n this_o necessary_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a for_o in_o that_o they_o strip_v a_o man_n of_o all_o those_o seed_n of_o ingenuity_n and_o civil_a honesty_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v remain_v in_o his_o nature_n or_o any_o way_n repair_v by_o outward_a art_n or_o any_o inclination_n to_o or_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o introduce_v in_o their_o stead_n seed_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n they_o make_v he_o fit_v only_o for_o perverseness_n and_o mischief_n incurable_a and_o unavoidable_a as_o for_o instance_n he_o who_o very_a principle_n allow_v he_o to_o and_o justify_v he_o in_o lie_v as_o well_o as_o speak_a truth_n defraud_v as_o well_o as_o deal_n upright_o he_o that_o can_v without_o any_o scruple_n rob_v i_o of_o my_o name_n estate_n wife_n etc._n etc._n believe_v in_o his_o very_a soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v therein_o as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o do_v the_o contrary_a or_o do_v forbear_v so_o to_o do_v which_o way_n can_v i_o converse_v with_o he_o or_o secure_v myself_o from_o he_o this_o world_n be_v bad_a enough_o as_o it_o be_v but_o certain_o do_v but_o these_o principle_n overspread_v it_o it_o will_v be_v far_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hell_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o now_o be_v it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o seat_n of_o confusion_n oppression_n and_o misery_n as_o will_v make_v they_o themselves_o from_o who_o these_o principle_n spring_v and_o in_o who_o they_o do_v most_o full_o reign_v perfect_o weary_a of_o it_o for_o such_o miserable_a principle_n be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v only_o harm_v they_o in_o who_o they_o take_v place_n and_o other_o through_o they_o but_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a secure_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o themselves_z who_o prostitute_v all_o their_o honour_n and_o excellency_n to_o entertain_v they_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o truth_n nor_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n man_n be_v so_o selfish_a blind_a and_o corrupt_v in_o his_o very_a root_n which_o all_o the_o art_n of_o common_a nature_n or_o religion_n can_v neither_o rectify_v nor_o sway_v down_o that_o he_o can_v be_v true_a or_o just_a either_o to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o himself_o but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o righteousness_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n subsist_v from_o whence_o that_o peace_n sweetness_n safety_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o man_n have_v flow_v now_o to_o break_v down_o this_o shadow_n by_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o man_n want_v will_v be_v excellent_a service_n but_o to_o beat_v it_o down_o by_o a_o lie_n by_o confusion_n by_o darkness_n to_o thrust_v out_o this_o seem_a righteousness_n by_o real_a filthiness_n and_o abomination_n this_o will_v both_o bring_v desolation_n upon_o the_o present_a seem_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o plunge_v he_o into_o a_o far_o deep_a misery_n then_o that_o wherein_o he_o yet_o be_v he_o that_o will_v ascend_v let_v he_o first_o descend_v he_o that_o will_v through_o down_o righteousness_n let_v he_o first_o pursue_v attain_v and_o bring_v righteousness_n he_o that_o have_v and_o can_v at_o pleasure_n fulfil_v the_o law_n may_v challenge_v some_o liberty_n in_o undervalue_v it_o but_o it_o very_o ill_o beseem_v he_o to_o make_v light_n of_o it_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o condition_n far_o beneath_o it_o 4._o their_o dangerousness_n in_o case_n of_o mistake_n man_n be_v in_o a_o weak_a state_n come_v forth_o with_o a_o weak_a eye_n and_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a sight_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n how_o many_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o every_o day_n discover_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o their_o apprehension_n deceive_v in_o their_o principle_n deceive_v in_o their_o practice_n thou_o who_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n how_o many_o do_v thou_o apprehend_v deceive_v how_o often_o have_v thou_o thyself_o be_v deceive_v before_o thou_o arive_v here_o now_o suppose_v thou_o also_o shall_v be_v deceive_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o here_o again_o as_o well_o as_o former_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n light_a and_o darkness_n hell_n and_o heaven_n the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o condition_n be_v thou_o in_o thou_o may_v say_v rash_o thou_o must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o fall_v but_o be_v thou_o sure_a that_o understand_o thou_o can_v be_v content_a to_o do_v so_o alas_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o engine_n of_o misery_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o thou_o thou_o also_o will_v be_v make_v with_o all_o sinner_n to_o repent_v the_o stop_v thy_o ear_n at_o the_o voice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o harken_v to_o the_o enchantment_n of_o thy_o own_o seduce_a spirit_n which_o have_v lead_v thou_o like_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n for_o alas_o thou_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n the_o testimony_n which_o christ_n give_v concern_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o light_n nor_o upon_o light_a term_n he_o deal_v fair_o and_o plain_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v who_o knowledge_n be_v neither_o small_a nor_o uncertain_a and_o will_v thou_o undertake_v upon_o a_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o reason_n to_o overthrow_v that_o divine_a light_n which_o shine_v in_o he_o the_o danger_n of_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o practice_v all_o manner_n of_o thing_n which_o god_n christ_n and_o nature_n condemn_v but_o they_o do_v it_o as_o good_a and_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v so_o they_o call_v and_o that_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n confound_v they_o together_o and_o equalize_a they_o both_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n who_o have_v profess_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o now_o if_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a advantage_n for_o other_o will_v be_v as_o safe_a as_o they_o but_o doubtless_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n their_o danger_n can_v but_o be_v exceed_o great_a god_n have_v baffle_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n in_o all_o its_o undertake_n yea_o and_o he_o delight_v to_o make_v the_o
by_o which_o she_o be_v exalt_v and_o adorn_v in_o her_o great_a seem_o spiritual_a glory_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o beget_v bring_v forth_o and_o feed_v zion_n even_o in_o her_o low_a ebb_n and_o diminution_n so_o that_o mark_v now_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o both_o all_o that_o you_o can_v find_v in_o zion_n you_o may_v find_v in_o babylon_n there_o be_v not_o any_o knowledge_n there_o be_v not_o any_o practice_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v take_v up_o nay_o and_o perhaps_o go_v through_o with_o better_a than_o the_o seed_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n they_o be_v still_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n which_o difference_n flow_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o root_n therefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v indeed_o know_v his_o estate_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v so_o much_o by_o consider_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o flow_v from_o he_o bare_o in_o itself_o as_o to_o search_v out_o thereby_o and_o therein_o the_o root_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conclude_v i_o be_o safe_a because_o i_o repent_v or_o believe_v but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a root_n from_o whence_o these_o flow_n &_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o true_a nature_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o make_v this_o to_o be_v more_o manifest_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n and_o show_v that_o the_o distinction_n among_o they_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o root_n as_o particular_o in_o these_o 1._o in_o regeneration_n 2._o in_o knowledge_n 3._o in_o repentance_n 4._o in_o faith_n 5._o in_o love_n 6._o in_o experience_n 7._o in_o liberty_n all_o which_o may_v grow_v from_o each_o from_o the_o root_n of_o man_n nature_n dress_v and_o purify_v and_o so_o be_v fleshly_a or_o from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v spiritual_a 1._o for_o regeneration_n you_o will_v say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o life_n that_o can_v be_v yea_o but_o regeneration_n itself_o be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n man_n spirit_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o womb_n of_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v bear_v again_o so_o say_v christ_n here_o speak_v of_o regeneration_n speak_v of_o the_o second_o birth_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n a_o man_n may_v be_v new_o bear_v in_o religion_n by_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o serve_v and_o consider_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v discover_v by_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v hold_v out_o very_o clear_o and_o miraculous_o as_o the_o case_n be_v here_o any_o man_n who_o have_v be_v ingenious_a may_v have_v acknowledge_v what_o nicodemus_n do_v here_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o regeneration_n which_o arise_v hence_o which_o be_v from_o flesh_n which_o be_v from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o wisdom_n reason_n understanding_n or_o power_n in_o man_n it_o be_v according_a to_o this_o root_n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o flesh_n from_o flesh_n into_o flesh_n it_o be_v all_o along_o but_o a_o fleshly_a change_n it_o be_v not_o the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n into_o a_o new_a nature_n but_o only_o a_o change_n of_o the_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o it_o the_o man_n indeed_o seem_v mighty_o change_v unto_o himself_o newborn_a new-made_a he_o be_v not_o what_o he_o be_v but_o a_o new_a thing_n have_v new_a thought_n of_o god_n new_a desire_n towards_o god_n new_a hope_n a_o new_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o he_o in_o a_o kind_n in_o a_o sense_n he_o be_v not_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v new_a but_o all_o this_o newness_n be_v but_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v but_o the_o put_n on_o a_o new_a garment_n a_o new_a dress_n on_o the_o old_a man_n on_o the_o old_a wisdom_n reason_n understanding_n ingenuity_n and_o integrity_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v find_v in_o that_o nature_n where_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n awaken_v and_o polish_v but_o now_o that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v from_o god_n that_o man_n who_o be_v bring_v forth_o again_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o new_a root_n from_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o life_n this_o change_n be_v true_o spiritual_a this_o man_n be_v true_o spirit_n cast_v this_o man_n into_o what_o shape_n and_o form_v you_o will_v he_o be_v still_o spirit_n the_o other_o man_n religion_n consist_v in_o his_o form_n which_o the_o sweetness_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o his_o earthly_a principle_n feed_v itself_o in_o and_o exercise_v itself_o about_o so_o that_o take_v away_o his_o form_n and_o you_o take_v away_o his_o religion_n but_o this_o man_n religion_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o root_n from_o which_o his_o spirit_n come_v and_o which_o it_o be_v one_o with_o 2._o as_o touch_v knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o the_o new_a birth_n when_o a_o man_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o any_o kind_n he_o be_v still_o bring_v forth_o into_o a_o new_a light_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o move_v and_o act_v and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v now_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n light_n of_o every_o sort_n be_v surable_a to_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o break_n of_o it_o forth_o still_o he_o can_v take_v it_o in_o indeed_o what_o can_v more_o full_o distinguish_v the_o child_n of_o light_n then_o light_a and_o yet_o what_o light_n can_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o child_n of_o darkness_n transform_v himself_o into_o what_o truth_n what_o mystery_n can_v be_v reveal_v which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v suck_v in_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o want_a love_n imply_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o rationality_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v reach_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n not_o have_v a_o divine_a root_n in_o himself_o for_o want_v of_o which_o his_o knowledge_n can_v be_v call_v true_o divine_a though_o it_o be_v from_o above_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v be_v from_o above_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o to_o he_o may_v be_v from_o above_o yea_o he_o may_v receive_v divine_a help_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o in_o he_o which_o receive_v they_o may_v be_v but_o flesh_n and_o may_v receive_v but_o the_o flesh_n of_o they_o man_n receive_v but_o the_o rationality_n but_o the_o outward_a nature_n but_o the_o external_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n not_o the_o inward_a substance_n so_o that_o all_o his_o knowledge_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n wherewith_o he_o abound_v be_v but_o fleshly_a it_o be_v not_o true_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o true_a light_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o a_o spirit_n light_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o a_o light_n of_o man_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o fleshly_a light_n of_o god_n at_o which_o man_n have_v light_v his_o fleshly_a spirit_n all_o the_o light_n which_o man_n spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o argue_v life_n do_v not_o argue_v truth_n to_o accompany_v it_o because_o it_o may_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o be_v fleshly_a nay_o indeed_o be_v and_o can_v but_o be_v so_o all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o sin_n death_n hell_n of_o life_n salvation_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o each_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o never_o so_o full_a in_o the_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v all_o but_o fleshly_a because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fleshly_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o a_o fleshly_a root_n and_o can_v give_v forth_o itself_o but_o according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o can_v be_v receive_v in_o but_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o that_o which_o receive_v it_o as_o man_n who_o receive_v these_o thing_n into_o himself_o spring_v from_o a_o root_n
of_o flesh_n and_o be_v flesh_n so_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a he_o himself_o under_o all_o his_o spiritual_a change_n as_o he_o account_v they_o and_o with_o all_o his_o spiritual_a notion_n be_v but_o flesh_n but_o now_o he_o which_o be_v spirit_n all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v be_v spiritual_a the_o least_o degree_n of_o his_o light_n be_v spiritual_a he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o true_a light_n into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o he_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o true_a nature_n he_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a son_n jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v the_o true_a death_n the_o true_a life_n the_o true_a resurrection_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n yea_o he_o learn_v and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o order_n and_o place_n all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o as_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o each_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o flesh_o clothe_v to_o he_o he_o thrust_v off_o all_o that_o be_v flesh_n of_o it_o and_o receive_v in_o nothing_o but_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o other_o let_v knowledge_n come_v never_o so_o spiritual_o to_o he_o receive_v in_o and_o can_v receive_v in_o only_a the_o flesh_n of_o it_o 3._o for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o die_a unto_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a unto_o he_o that_o be_v newborn_a and_o bring_v into_o the_o light_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v do_v too_o and_o can_v but_o do_v every_o change_n in_o he_o from_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o corruption_n whereof_o there_o be_v daily_a occasion_n minister_v unto_o he_o cause_v repentance_n man_n natural_a spirit_n open_v to_o see_v itself_o can_v but_o repent_v it_o can_v but_o make_v he_o loathe_v himself_o his_o own_o nature_n his_o own_o state_n his_o own_o course_n his_o own_o end_n what_o man_n have_v he_o the_o view_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o spirit_n can_v forbear_v abhor_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o can_v but_o turn_v from_o that_o corruption_n which_o he_o have_v contract_v with_o all_o the_o concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o that_o be_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n awaken_v though_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n to_o reward_v nor_o hell_n to_o punish_v he_o can_v not_o but_o loath_a sin_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o now_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v become_v a_o new_a nature_n to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v it_o and_o will_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o somewhat_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o first_o and_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o contrariety_n in_o it_o hereunto_o and_o which_o upon_o occasion_n of_o be_v stir_v at_o any_o time_n discover_v that_o contrariety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n do_v only_o repent_v flesh_o i_o say_v this_o repentance_n let_v it_o arise_v never_o so_o high_a and_o be_v heighten_v by_o never_o so_o many_o fresh_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a consideration_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a for_o that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o god_n discover_v and_o stir_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o now_o that_o repentance_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o true_a root_n from_o a_o renew_a spirit_n from_o a_o spirit_n change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o in_o it_o this_o repentance_n be_v it_o never_o so_o low_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o thick_o deep_o and_o dark_o cover_v with_o a_o seem_a approbation_n and_o justification_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o repentance_n itself_o be_v spiritual_a it_o come_v from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a notwithstanding_o its_o contrary_a black_a appearance_n as_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o all_o its_o light_n brightness_n and_o glory_n be_v but_o carnal_a 4._o for_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o new_a life_n man_n spirit_n do_v natural_o believe_v though_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o occasionl_o draw_v forth_o see_v his_o danger_n his_o misery_n he_o can_v but_o lean_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a rescue_n relief_n and_o support_v let_v god_n in_o christ_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fortress_n man_n can_v but_o run_v thither_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n and_o all_o his_o motion_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v but_o flesh_n have_v but_o self_n have_v but_o his_o own_o nature_n viz._n the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n for_o their_o root_n what_o can_v they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n nicodemus_n here_o can_v not_o but_o run_v to_o christ_n acknowledge_v christ_n believe_v on_o christ_n but_o what_o say_v christ_n to_o he_o ah_o poor_a nicodemus_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n to_o open_v this_o a_o little_a further_o because_o it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n whereupon_o all_o depend_v if_o either_o the_o nature_n or_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v mistake_v the_o miscarriage_n be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a wariness_n here_o now_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n assert_v here_o appear_v the_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v this_o consideration_n follow_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n if_o you_o shall_v stumble_v at_o this_o expression_n and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o his_o will_n yet_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v his_o will_n to_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o as_o there_o be_v at_o first_o so_o there_o be_v still_o a_o naturalness_n between_o god_n and_o man_n though_o not_o so_o open_a and_o manifest_a god_n do_v natural_o take_v care_n of_o man_n and_o man_n do_v natural_o depend_v upon_o his_o god_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v see_v there_o that_o from_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n do_v flow_v and_o his_o love_n unto_o man_n and_o care_n of_o he_o even_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n and_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o open_v we_o shall_v read_v there_o dependence_n and_o confidence_n upon_o his_o god_n it_o be_v his_o very_a nature_n though_o at_o present_a he_o be_v exceed_o turn_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o heap_n of_o corruption_n but_o let_v the_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n break_v in_o upon_o he_o they_o stir_v up_o this_o again_o in_o he_o present_o only_o indeed_o his_o corruption_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o can_v come_v off_o cleverly_o in_o any_o motion_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o his_o heart_n and_o nature_n stand_v towards_o it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o and_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o draw_v forth_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v but_o natural_a or_o fleshly_a it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o look_v out_o for_o help_v and_o as_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o trust_v that_o which_o be_v discover_v to_o he_o as_o proper_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v he_o and_o this_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v awaken_v and_o stir_v nay_o as_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o he_o by_o divine_a mean_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o warmth_n and_o quicken_a virtue_n awaken_v in_o and_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o fleshly_a root_n notwithstanding_o his_o divine_a breathe_n and_o influence_n upon_o it_o do_v not_o thereupon_o become_v divine_a though_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o weak_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n without_o much_o question_n to_o account_v it_o so_o but_o now_o that_o faith_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n from_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n john_n 1.12.13_o from_o a_o spiritual_a root_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o mention_v they_o 5._o for_o love_n there_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o do_v natural_o flow_v forth_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v lovely_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o nature_n now_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o excellency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v take_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o unto_o man_n how_o can_v man_n choose_v but_o love_v they_o yet_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o discovery_n as_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a
of_o admit_v be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o root_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a but_o that_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a life_n that_o love_n be_v of_o a_o new_a nature_n even_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spirit_n out_o of_o which_o it_o shoot_v 6._o for_o experience_n man_n may_v have_v many_o experience_n in_o a_o natural_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n or_o in_o any_o dispensation_n wherein_o he_o be_v place_v experience_n of_o god_n experience_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n experience_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v many_o experience_n of_o god_n own_v they_o and_o care_n of_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o these_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o root_n those_o experience_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n gather_v and_o comprehend_v they_o be_v but_o experience_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o experience_n in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n those_o experience_n alone_o which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o nature_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a life_n they_o only_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o and_o they_o alone_o be_v useful_a to_o that_o life_n 7._o and_o last_o for_o liberty_n true_a liberty_n be_v a_o very_a sweet_a effect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v common_o bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n every_o man_n darkness_n be_v his_o prison_n who_o light_n do_v set_v free_a now_o as_o man_n spirit_n may_v receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o a_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v receive_v that_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o man_v spirit_n may_v come_v forth_o into_o liberty_n into_o great_a liberty_n he_o may_v feel_v himself_o free_a from_o all_o his_o bond_n yea_o this_o freedom_n may_v be_v so_o large_a and_o clear_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o another_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o bond_n may_v have_v the_o true_a freedom_n for_o the_o one_o be_v true_a though_o but_o in_o its_o birth_n or_o seed_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o true_a though_o in_o its_o great_a growth_n and_o flourish_a the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o truth_n be_v in_o god_n whereof_o in_o man_n there_o be_v but_o the_o weak_a dark_a shadow_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n he_o that_o flow_v from_o the_o generative_a virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v beget_v in_o that_o substance_n but_o he_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o man_n or_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v in_o man_n by_o the_o pure_a and_o exact_a strain_n of_o the_o human_a spirit_n either_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o though_o with_o the_o great_a furtherance_n and_o assistance_n even_o from_o above_o be_v beget_v but_o in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o shadow_n which_o when_o the_o substance_n appear_v can_v but_o vanish_v pass_v away_o and_o prove_v a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o pure_a extract_n that_o can_v be_v raise_v even_o by_o god_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o seed_n in_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o growth_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o lie_n so_o far_o as_o it_o take_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a image_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o truth_n itself_o all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v raise_v unto_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v work_v upon_o his_o spirit_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o that_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v in_o god_n a_o turn_n from_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o our_o spirit_n to_o turn_v from_o which_o be_v repentance_n and_o adherence_n to_o and_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o which_o be_v faith_n but_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o now_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o and_o come_v from_o it_o even_o in_o its_o great_a weakness_n be_v truth_n that_o repentance_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n etc._n etc._n that_o flow_v from_o this_o nature_n from_o this_o life_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v of_o this_o life_n the_o mean_a the_o low_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n even_o in_o its_o low_a state_n in_o its_o low_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o great_a the_o high_a thing_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o great_a height_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o all_o its_o spiritual_a exaltation_n exercise_n and_o motion_n be_v but_o flesh_n one_o man_n may_v run_v with_o much_o quickness_n and_o cleverness_n through_o all_o dispensation_n and_o be_v wonderful_o raise_v and_o yet_o remain_v but_o flesh_n before_o in_o and_o after_o all_o another_o may_v be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o the_o low_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o be_v spirit_n there_o it_o be_v true_a these_o thing_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o effect_n or_o at_o least_o concomitant_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n dark_a man_n hear_v no_o news_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o repentance_n faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v awaken_v and_o heighten_v partly_o by_o satan_n thereby_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o hereby_o he_o cozen_v and_o deceive_v man_n make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v new_a man_n whereas_o they_o be_v new_a only_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o outward_o be_v viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o form_n or_o shape_n wherein_o their_o spirit_n be_v but_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o inward_a nature_n and_o partly_o by_o god_n to_o make_v a_o proof_n or_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n throughout_o at_o first_o god_n try_v he_o in_o his_o whole_a or_o sound_a and_o now_o he_o tri_v he_o in_o his_o break_a estate_n in_o all_o the_o several_a change_n he_o can_v undergo_v there_o therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o draw_v forth_o what_o be_v in_o he_o but_o also_o add_v thereunto_o by_o gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o that_o at_o length_n he_o may_v give_v forth_o a_o complete_a experiment_n of_o man_n what_o he_o be_v or_o what_o he_o can_v come_v to_o and_o although_o these_o experiment_n be_v not_o of_o use_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o further_a his_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n and_o eye_n to_o which_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a yea_o necessary_a to_o which_o nature_n and_o eye_n the_o lord_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n manner_z season_n and_o proportion_n as_o his_o nature_n and_o they_o require_v for_o the_o better_a illustration_n yet_o a_o little_a further_o both_o of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_a and_o of_o these_o particular_a instance_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o careful_o observe_v and_o distinguish_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o threefold_a estate_n or_o condition_n first_o in_o his_o natural_a growth_n second_o in_o his_o transplantation_n three_o in_o his_o spiritual_a renovation_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o its_o natural_a way_n of_o growth_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n natural_o incline_v towards_o excellency_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o bulk_n of_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o he_o and_o turn_v he_o aside_o but_o his_o own_o spirit_n disrelish_v it_o and_o he_o wish_v he_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o make_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v natural_o excellent_a this_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n he_o will_v serve_v god_n he_o will_v enjoy_v god_n he_o will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a to_o man_n it_o be_v the_o corruption_n which_o hang_v about_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v grow_v so_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a that_o it_o be_v now_o become_v his_o nature_n which_o make_v he_o otherwise_o but_o in_o his_o root_n in_o his_o principle_n he_o be_v not_o so_o and_o he_o
unite_a to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n not_o in_o the_o life_n or_o power_n of_o a_o present_a dispensation_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n vanish_v but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o life_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o now_o whatsoever_o flow_v whatsoever_o grow_v up_o from_o this_o spirit_n be_v truth_n all_o the_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o issue_n hence_o be_v true_a of_o the_o true_a kind_n have_v the_o true_a stamp_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o here_o you_o may_v find_v the_o true_a death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a life_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a understanding_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o that_o which_o be_v so_o only_o in_o a_o dispensation_n whether_o of_o law_n or_o gospel_n though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o its_o kind_n and_o may_v serve_v the_o present_a turn_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abide_a truth_n man_n nature_n man_n life_n man_n power_n even_o that_o which_o adam_n have_v from_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v but_o fleshly_a his_o inclination_n and_o natural_a ability_n to_o believe_v to_o love_v to_o obey_v it_o be_v but_o fleshly_a the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a take_v he_o with_o all_o his_o qualification_n and_o endowment_n that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v with_o his_o capacity_n of_o receive_v in_o more_o be_v but_o earthly_a adam_n who_o god_n dash_v in_o piece_n be_v but_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o the_o potter_n yea_o in_o every_o dispensation_n since_o all_o that_o be_v of_o man_n there_o be_v flesh_n all_o that_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o man_n be_v flesh_n that_o power_n of_o believe_a of_o love_v and_o obey_v which_o be_v rake_v up_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v at_o any_o time_n again_o rouse_v refresh_v and_o assist_v by_o any_o light_n or_o power_n from_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o its_o lively_a motion_n and_o operation_n be_v still_o but_o flesh_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a birth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o fleshly_a birth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n god_n do_v not_o only_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o his_o several_a dispensation_n but_o he_o do_v also_o here_o and_o there_o sprinkle_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n he_o do_v beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o promise_n his_o own_o son_n under_o the_o law_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o ishmael_n now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o beget_v isaac_n which_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o sarah_n and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v isaac●hat_o ●hat_z which_o spring_v up_o from_o his_o own_o sow_v out_o of_o the_o w●mb_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v his_o own_o seed_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n therefore_o sir_n look_v to_o your_o root_n what_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o hitherto_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o still_o look_v to_o your_o foundation_n if_o your_o root_n be_v flesh_n all_o your_o glory_n must_v down_o all_o your_o spiritual_a apprehension_n and_o hope_n will_v vanish_v and_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o sud_n if_o they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a in_o their_o root_n if_o your_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o sand_n the_o high_a your_o build_n in_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a will_v the_o fall_v thereof_o be_v that_o which_o be_v exalt_v near_o to_o heaven_n in_o its_o present_a growth_n and_o lustre_n if_o it_o prove_v not_o right_a shall_v be_v throw_v down_o to_o hell_n with_o the_o great_a indignation_n and_o sink_v into_o the_o sharp_a wrath_n and_o misery_n there_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o hell_n be_v uneasy_a enough_o but_o the_o dark_a chamber_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o deep_a hypocrite_n which_o they_o without_o all_o controversy_n be_v who_o hold_v forth_o the_o high_a resemblance_n of_o the_o life_n liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o in_o they_o but_o in_o who_o all_o this_o spring_n from_o a_o fleshly_a foundation_n vii_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 4.20_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n there_o have_v always_o be_v great_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o the_o disciple_n thereof_o and_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o every_o one_o will_v have_v their_o apprehension_n their_o light_n their_o way_n their_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n yea_o many_o time_n that_o which_o be_v indeed_o truth_n run_v low_a and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o vanity_n swell_v and_o make_v a_o great_a show_n appear_v as_o very_o high_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a that_o which_o be_v empty_a make_v a_o great_a sound_n draw_v the_o multitude_n after_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v substantial_a be_v cast_v aside_o as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a likely_a to_o be_v that_o life_n and_o substance_n which_o all_o pretend_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o dispute_n be_v very_o hot_a now_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o sort_n of_o religious_a person_n do_v not_o real_o believe_v and_o in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o so_o far_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v at_o least_o erroneous_a this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o among_o the_o several_a sort_n and_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o who_o make_v slight_a of_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o will_v undertake_v to_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v more_o substantial_a more_o pure_a more_o high_a more_o spiritual_a they_o will_v teach_v the_o truth_n the_o substance_n of_o that_o whereof_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v but_o a_o shadow_n now_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o way_n which_o he_o will_v take_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n and_o deceit_n of_o these_o person_n vers_fw-la 19_o he_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o know_v not_o their_o speech_n but_o their_o power_n he_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o speech_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v exceed_o take_v to_o a_o fleshly_a eye_n but_o the_o virtue_n the_o life_n the_o spirit_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v he_o will_v search_v into_o the_o nature_n into_o the_o root_n into_o the_o virtue_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o will_v he_o prize_v it_o in_o himself_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o other_o as_o he_o find_v it_o there_o and_o not_o have_v any_o esteem_n of_o it_o because_o of_o its_o flourish_n or_o it_o be_v seem_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a lustre_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o intend_a course_n or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o all_o this_o great_a appearance_n of_o glory_n of_o spirituality_n of_o life_n of_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v without_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o regard_v they_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o look_v after_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o deceive_v myself_o with_o a_o appearance_n with_o a_o flourish_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n but_o where_o ever_o the_o true_a power_n be_v to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v the_o kingdom_n therefore_o i_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o other_o and_o mind_n how_o much_o of_o that_o be_v in_o they_o towards_o open_v of_o the_o phrase_n three_o thing_n will_v be_v inquire_v into_o namely_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o kingdom_n second_o what_o by_o word_n three_o what_o by_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o kingdom_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v mean_v the_o new_a nature_n the_o new_a life_n yea_o and_o also_o that_o new_a inheritance_n unto_o which_o this_o nature_n and_o life_n lead_v there_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n descend_v from_o god_n this_o new_a nature_n lead_v a_o new_a life_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o both_o
this_o nature_n and_o life_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o new_a inheritance_n in_o the_o other_o world_n or_o if_o you_o will_v if_o you_o think_v that_o may_v be_v plain_o to_o you_o by_o kingdom_n be_v mean_v religion_n true_a religion_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n teach_v his_o seed_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n write_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o seed_n for_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n also_o which_o god_n write_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o teach_v man_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o dispensation_n that_o truth_n that_o virtue_n that_o light_n that_o life_n which_o come_v down_o upon_o the_o seed_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o seed_n and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v that_o breath_n of_o god_n from_o which_o the_o new_a nature_n or_o principle_n come_v in_o which_o the_o new_a nature_n live_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v perfect_v this_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n it_o denote_v every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o not_o improper_o neither_o for_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o nature_n why_o may_v it_o not_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n take_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o their_o dispensation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n take_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a dispensation_n of_o his_o life_n unto_o his_o people_n through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ●hrist_n this_o phrase_n kingdom_n be_v of_o very_o large_a and_o full_a significancy_n note_v out_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o extent_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o riches_n of_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o its_o presence_n and_o power_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o word_n by_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v any_o outward_a form_n of_o doctrine_n any_o speech_n notion_n or_o apprehension_n whereby_o religion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v either_o conceive_v or_o express_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n or_o go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n self_n the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o inward_a spirit_n or_o outward_a command_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v the_o outward_a truth_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v it_o be_v the_o pipe_n or_o vessel_n whereby_o life_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o man_n or_o whereby_o it_o be_v take_v in_o by_o man_n it_o be_v in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o forementioned_a wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n do_v run_v as_o in_o so_o many_o vein_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o of_o these_o these_o do_v not_o bring_v in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o kingdom_n will_v of_o itself_o bring_v forth_o these_o where_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n say_v this_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v not_o a_o glorious_a description_n or_o apprehension_n of_o righteousness_n or_o peace_n or_o joy_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o lie_v not_o in_o mighty_a elevation_n or_o ravishment_n of_o heart_n through_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o this_o be_v the_o outward_a court_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o heathenish_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o have_v this_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o pain_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n the_o outward_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o most_o pure_a naked_a spiritual_a acception_n of_o they_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v they_o only_o receive_v not_o the_o kingdom_n man_n may_v receive_v every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n man_n may_v fall_v into_o any_o way_n nay_o into_o every_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o kingdom_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o power_n by_o power_n be_v mean_v the_o inward_a virtue_n the_o vigour_n the_o spirit_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o life_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n or_o power_n wherein_o it_o consist_v no_o life_n lie_v in_o the_o outwardness_n of_o its_o form_n or_o shape_n but_o in_o the_o inwardness_n of_o its_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o outward_a knowledge_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a virtue_n and_o spirit_n of_o reason_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a virtue_n a_o inward_a spirit_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o change_v the_o vessel_n whereinto_o it_o come_v subject_v the_o rational_a part_n to_o itself_o and_o advance_v it_o in_o itself_o as_o the_o rational_a part_n do_v the_o brutish_a so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o rational_a man_n all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o reason_n so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o reason_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o new_a spirit_n or_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v this_o virtue_n this_o life_n this_o spirit_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n institution_n and_o path_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o this_o only_o be_v religion_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n alas_o the_o profane_a spirit_n of_o man_n under_o a_o form_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v very_o exact_a in_o they_o but_o the_o nature_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v preserve_v entire_a for_o the_o pure_a into_o it_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o true_a power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a religion_n but_o there_o may_v be_v all_o the_o outward_a form_n or_o fabric_n and_o yet_o no_o true_a religion_n at_o all_o there_o may_v be_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n walk_v very_o zealous_o in_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o kingdom_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o the_o light_n life_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o every_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o inward_a spirit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o little_a further_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o threefold_a power_n in_o reference_n hereunto_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o outward_a power_n concur_v with_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n of_o heal_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v demonstrative_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n for_o else_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o that_o end_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n here_o speak_v of_o not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o resolve_v to_o know_v 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o inward_a power_n form_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v either_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o creature_n work_v by_o and_o according_a to_o its_o creature_o imagination_n by_o imagination_n i_o mean_v the_o reason_n or_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v no_o imaginer_n but_o a_o certain_a knower_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n yet_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v no_o knower_n at_o all_o but_o a_o mere_a imaginer_n now_o this_o inward_a power_n of_o reason_n or_o imagination_n will_v make_v strange_a fabric_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n especial_o where_o it_o have_v any_o superior_a principle_n to_o set_v it_o on_o work_n or_o engine_n to_o move_v it_o or_o oil_n to_o set_v it_o on_o go_v this_o power_n this_o virtue_n be_v inward_a be_v also_o of_o a_o more_o inward_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n then_o the_o former_a by_o the_o former_a a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v yet_o perhaps_o
not_o at_o all_o satisfy_v thereby_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o a_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o so_o into_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o form_v in_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o fancy_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o here_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v but_o fancy_n after_o its_o manner_n comprehend_v be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v natural_a to_o the_o man_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a power_n and_o can_v make_v mighty_a change_n and_o do_v mighty_a thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o and_o work_v very_o like_o the_o truth_n insomuch_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_a man_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n neither_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n or_o virtue_n in_o the_o thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v what_o it_o do_v whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o most_o natural_o be_v and_o produce_v its_o own_o most_o natural_a effect_n there_o be_v a_o true_a virtue_n in_o truth_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o inward_a power_n in_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disperse_v and_o leaven_v the_o lump_n with_o where_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v he_o will_v know_v this_o power_n he_o will_v distinguish_v by_o this_o virtue_n the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v be_v observe_v obseru._n that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o notion_n not_o in_o apprehension_n not_o in_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n virtue_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n let_v a_o man_n have_v the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o clear_a expression_n of_o they_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o knowledge_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v in_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o self-denial_n of_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n which_o this_o knowledge_n can_v produce_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n there_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n neither_o be_v this_o religion_n reas._o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o because_o all_o outwardness_n be_v but_o a_o garment_n wherewith_o religion_n may_v be_v clothe_v or_o not_o clothe_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o you_o know_v a_o garment_n neither_o be_v the_o thing_n nor_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n all_o outward_a building_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n rear_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v also_o leave_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n may_v enter_v into_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o build_v his_o everlasting_a tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o therefore_o those_o he_o do_v set_v up_o be_v but_o shadow_n his_o spirit_n may_v as_o well_o leave_v as_o enter_v into_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o may_v come_v into_o apprehension_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o notion_n or_o expression_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n at_o best_a it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o true_a garment_n but_o a_o true_a appearance_n but_o a_o true_a house_n for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o appear_v and_o abide_v in_o while_o the_o lord_n please_v but_o now_o where_o there_o be_v the_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n where_o there_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o renew_a nature_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o renew_a nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v religion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v from_o it_o this_o be_v ●n_v it_o yea_o this_o be_v it_o what_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o god_n what_o be_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v it_o in_o which_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v life_n go_v forth_o and_o reside_v quest._n but_o what_o be_v this_o same_o nature_n life_n power_n or_o virtue_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n consist_v this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v for_o there_o be_v a_o nature_n life_n virtue_n or_o power_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n that_o which_o here_o the_o apostle_n call_v word_n have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o man_n call_v power_n let_v a_o man_n receive_v any_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n full_o let_v he_o but_o receive_v it_o serious_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o come_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n it_o bring_v virtue_n with_o it_o to_o make_v change_n in_o he_o change_v in_o his_o spirit_n change_n in_o his_o understanding_n change_v in_o his_o will_n change_v in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o look_v after_o all_o this_o be_v with_o he_o but_o word_n the_o great_a inwardness_n of_o man_n be_v but_o outwardness_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o then_o be_v this_o same_o power_n here_o or_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n of_o this_o virtue_n answ._n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v return_v this_o threefold_a description_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n 1._o for_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v divine_o spiritual_a it_o be_v not_o a_o birth_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n beget_v that_o which_o be_v spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o a_o true_o spiritual_a religion_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n where_o he_o sow_v his_o seed_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o common_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v both_o kill_n and_o quicken_a and_o that_o both_o in_o one_o self_n and_o also_o towards_o other_o in_o every_o truth_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v that_o virtue_n which_o continual_o kill_v and_o quicken_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o it_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n it_o lay_v flat_a all_o the_o corruption_n yea_o all_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n where_o ever_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v like_o a_o fire_n it_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o life_n of_o every_o thing_n it_o come_v near_o and_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v live_v in_o that_o fire_n i_o know_v man_n have_v his_o several_a way_n of_o kill_v and_o quicken_n by_o his_o notion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n in_o truth_n for_o under_o all_o the_o seem_a death_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o alive_a and_o under_o all_o the_o seem_o renew_v life_n be_v of_o the_o creature_n the_o creature_n be_v still_o dead_a in_o its_o root_n and_o principle_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o operation_n 3._o for_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o every_o particular_a truth_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n to_o every_o particular_a thing_n portion_n or_o member_n of_o life_n which_o be_v form_v in_o we_o thus_o the_o several_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o own_o particular_a nature_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n its_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n its_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o disciple_n have_v their_o particular_a nature_n self-denial_n it_o be_v faith_n it_o be_v love_v its_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o they_o
all_o agree_v in_o their_o common_a nature_n and_o property_n and_o yet_o have_v also_o a_o distinct_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o their_o own_o suitable_a to_o that_o whereof_o they_o be_v form_v and_o to_o that_o peculiar_a end_n and_o operation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v form_v use_v 1_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n and_o of_o god_n man_n receive_v his_o virtue_n his_o strength_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o outward_a notion_n the_o power_n which_o be_v find_v in_o he_o issue_v thence_o but_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n the_o strength_n arise_v yea_o and_o the_o notion_n itself_o too_o from_o the_o seed_n the_o seed_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v sow_o discover_v its_o own_o name_n teach_v they_o how_o to_o call_v it_o by_o manifest_v itself_o in_o they_o what_o it_o be_v the_o new_a adam_n know_v how_o to_o name_v every_o new_a creature_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n by_o his_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n 2._o see_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o religion_n to_o slip_v in_o or_o out_o of_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n this_o life_n this_o nature_n this_o virtue_n may_v creep_v in_o or_o out_o at_o pleasure_n the_o life_n may_v fill_v appear_v and_o live_v in_o that_o in_o we_o one_o day_n which_o the_o flesh_n may_v fill_v appear_v and_o live_v in_o the_o next_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v rear_v up_o and_o discover_v himself_o in_o that_o temple_n to_o day_n which_o antichrist_n may_v take_v possession_n of_o to_o morrow_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o life_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n not_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n whatsoever_o but_o in_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n there_o which_o when_o god_n once_o withdraw_v from_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o long_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n there_o to_o be_v find_v and_o ever_o after_o it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o receptacle_n for_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o man_n which_o must_v have_v some_o outward_a court_n some_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n to_o place_n itself_o in_o but_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v then_o lose_v that_o speech_n refer_v to_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v here_o true_a also_o thou_o withdrawe_v thy_o breath_n they_o perish_v 3._o take_v notice_n of_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o growth_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o by_o have_v the_o outward_a notion_n it_o be_v not_o by_o grow_v in_o the_o outward_a notion_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n self-denial_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_v etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n viii_o of_o the_o weakness_n uncertainty_n and_o invalidity_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n john_n 6.63_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n hold_v forth_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n man_n who_o himself_o be_v but_o flesh_n he_o eye_v the_o flesh_n think_v to_o drink_v in_o light_n life_n and_o happiness_n thence_o but_o that_o lie_v not_o where_o man_n look_v for_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o outward_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o quicken_v not_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o christ_n word_n in_o his_o light_n in_o his_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o light_n of_o man_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n they_o be_v but_o flesh_n flesh_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o nature_n the_o root_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o the_o garment_n about_o the_o second_o adam_n spirit_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o grace_n the_o root_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n sow_o in_o and_o renew_v the_o old_a earth_n of_o god_n flesh_n denote_v weakness_n outwardness_n proneness_n to_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n spirit_n denote_v strength_n inwardness_n purity_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n die_v even_o christ_n himself_o so_o bear_v die_v that_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n life_n even_o the_o weak_a creature_n so_o bear_v life_n the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o there_o be_v a_o fleshly_a principle_n and_o there_o be_v a_o fleshly_a object_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v of_o any_o advantage_n of_o any_o true_a profit_n to_o the_o end_n here_o speak_v the_o flesh_n in_o man_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a principle_n the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a object_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a eye_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o profitable_a sight_n the_o thing_n so_o see_v though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o excellent_a in_o their_o own_o light_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o here_o be_v of_o no_o use_n no_o benefit_n at_o all_o the_o fleshly_a object_n can_v feed_v the_o spiritual_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o fleshly_a principle_n feed_v on_o the_o spiritual_a object_n the_o flesh_n be_v the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n take_v it_o either_o with_o all_o outward_a help_n of_o art_n or_o of_o more_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n both_o which_o may_v very_o much_o advance_v it_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o eye_n of_o flesh_n the_o object_n of_o this_o eye_n be_v all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o even_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n themselves_o the_o outward_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o outward_a reason_n of_o they_o be_v flesh_n flesh_n be_v god_n eye_n a_o eye_n of_o his_o make_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o god_n to_o have_v it_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o its_o own_o religion_n now_o this_o natural_a understanding_n this_o fleshly_a principle_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o receive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a from_o all_o the_o outward_a teach_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o man_n any_o such_o way_n as_o he_o look_v for_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o by_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o man_n at_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o spirit_n man_n indeed_o may_v receive_v the_o outwardness_n of_o god_n the_o outwardness_n of_o his_o light_n the_o outwardness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o outward_a gift_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n faith_n of_o his_o own_o element_n faith_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n yet_o do_v not_o boast_v o_o man_n for_o who_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o thing_n now_o but_o he_o can_v receive_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v receive_v the_o new_a life_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v sow_o and_o grow_v up_o man_n know_v not_o how_o indeed_o after_o the_o kingdom_n have_v enter_v into_o man_n and_o overcome_v he_o and_o new-molded_n he_o than_o he_o also_o can_v receive_v the_o truth_n and_o answer_v the_o touch_n of_o it_o though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v a_o motion_n of_o he_o as_o of_o the_o life_n in_o he_o nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n in_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o that_o this_o scripture_n teach_v man_n in_o all_o his_o high_a strain_n let_v he_o climb_v as_o high_a as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o he_o let_v he_o know_v what_o he_o can_v of_o christ_n receive_v what_o he_o can_v from_o christ_n act_n what_o he_o can_v towards_o christ_n all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n it_o be_v of_o no_o profit_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o its_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a kind_n of_o operation_n in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o man_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v excellent_a use_n of_o it_o to_o his_o end_n but_o to_o the_o end_n propose_v by_o god_n and_o the_o end_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o therein_o it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n it_o will_v not_o reach_v that_o eternal_a life_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o observe_v i_o equal_o i_o say_v it_o be_v profitable_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o in_o its_o way_n and_o shall_v have_v its_o reward_n but_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o substance_n
that_o pass_v not_o away_o but_o purify_v perfect_v and_o preserve_v the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v a_o life_n which_o both_o endure_v in_o itself_o and_o lead_v to_o that_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o life_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o and_o through_o the_o seed_n shall_v settle_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o all_o adam_n nature_n all_o adam_n excellency_n all_o adam_n life_n all_o adam_n enjoyment_n content_a and_o blessedness_n thereby_o how_o soon_o do_v it_o fade_v but_o this_o nature_n this_o life_n this_o principle_n with_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o this_o life_n be_v not_o write_v in_o adam_n nature_n or_o in_o the_o command_n to_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o command_n to_o christ_n nature_n and_o to_o man_n through_o that_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o adam_n be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n to_o death_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v lead_v and_o be_v guide_v safe_o through_o this_o commandment_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o alone_o can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o thirst_n of_o his_o nature_n even_o this_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v here_o mention_v 3._o what_o this_o same_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v ans._n this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o his_o comprehend_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o see_v of_o it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o measure_v it_o in_o his_o own_o understanding_n as_o man_n measure_v natural_a thing_n within_o his_o reach_n by_o his_o natural_a understanding_n so_o christ_n measure_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o spiritual_a light_n with_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o what_o he_o find_v proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v truth_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n as_o man_n what_o he_o true_o measure_v in_o the_o true_a light_n of_o reason_n with_o a_o true_o rational_a understanding_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n there_o so_o what_o christ_n measure_v after_o his_o way_n in_o this_o his_o spiritual_a region_n he_o know_v to_o be_v truth_n here_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n with_o the_o true_a eye_n see_v the_o true_a thing_n in_o the_o true_a light_n so_o that_o his_o light_n his_o knowledge_n be_v truth_n i_o know_v etc._n etc._n man_n propose_v unto_o himself_o vain_a way_n and_o satan_n invent_v many_o device_n for_o he_o but_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n speak_v truth_n and_o propose_v only_a truth_n unto_o he_o he_o propose_v the_o letter_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o prophet_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o spirit_n thereof_o the_o word_n which_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n &_o they_o be_v life_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n so_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a ministration_n of_o it_o which_o he_o begin_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n and_o both_o he_o and_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v out_o for_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o christ_n lay_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n before_o he_o come_v into_o this_o world_n there_o he_o see_v thing_n there_o he_o see_v this_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o when_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v in_o he_o before_o spring_v up_o here_o in_o he_o in_o this_o world_n he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o behold_v in_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o which_o now_o he_o receive_v quick_a lively_a pure_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o new_a state_n and_o station_n and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a let_v this_o seem_v what_o it_o will_v to_o you_o let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o he_o by_o moses_n let_v it_o seem_v never_o so_o strange_a to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n even_o to_o that_o life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n also_o so_o much_o desire_v i_o know_v that_o life_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v life_n and_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v and_o obey_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o can_v miss_v of_o life_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a 4._o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o what_o kind_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o which_o contain_v everlasting_a life_n in_o it_o which_o draw_v everlasting_a life_n along_o with_o it_o ans._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v exhort_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o son_n come_v not_o to_o save_v himself_o but_o to_o seek_v and_o save_v lose_v man_n it_o be_v for_o he_o he_o bring_v forth_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n but_o yet_o that_o way_n whereby_o he_o save_v he_o be_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v and_o act_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n in_o he_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v by_o man_n spirit_n or_o nature_n believe_v in_o the_o son_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o be_v comprehend_v and_o act_v in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o motion_n of_o man_n that_o tend_v to_o life_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a come_v alone_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o only_a life_n and_o move_v and_o act_n aright_o in_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o repentance_n mourning_n joy_n hope_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v spiritual_a as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o come_v forth_o in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v from_o a_o new_a root_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o faith_n that_o save_v this_o old_a nature_n spring_v from_o a_o new_a nature_n he_o that_o be_v not_o new_o bear_v have_v not_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v life_n nor_o a_o heart_n to_o desire_v it_o nor_o a_o foot_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o so_o that_o though_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o most_o proper_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o new_a life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o also_o need_v salvation_n in_o this_o state_n wherein_o it_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o here_o in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o it_o enter_v into_o spring_v up_o in_o take_v possession_n of_o and_o leaven_n the_o man_n it_o become_v his_o also_o it_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a nature_n of_o the_o man_n and_o infuse_v this_o new_a insomuch_o as_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o the_o man_n also_o so_o that_o not_o only_o now_o christ_n in_o the_o man_n believe_v but_o the_o man_n also_o believe_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o have_v change_v he_o into_o and_o communicate_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o observation_n itself_o will_v now_o appear_v more_o manifest_a which_o be_v this_o obser._n that_o christ_n hold_v out_o from_o true_a light_n from_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n christ_n do_v not_o guess_v at_o it_o or_o imagine_v it_o strong_o as_o we_o do_v at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o he_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o this_o four_o fold_n ground_n first_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n second_o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n three_o from_o his_o life_n and_o four_o from_o his_o light_n each_o of_o these_o contribute_v much_o towards_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v make_v up_o no_o less_o than_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n 1._o from_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o earth_n but_o from_o above_o he_o be_v beget_v by_o god_n
in_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o true_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v deceive_v because_o as_o it_o flow_v from_o truth_n alone_o so_o it_o be_v pure_o truth_n in_o itself_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o entertain_v or_o admit_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o be_v nature_n be_v perfect_o shut_v up_o against_o every_o lie_n and_o deceit_n it_o natural_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o thrust_v it_o away_o its_o nature_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v receive_v it_o now_o he_o which_o be_v natural_o true_a and_o can_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n sure_o he_o can_v possible_o bring_v forth_o a_o lie_n hence_o arise_v the_o certainty_n of_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o christ_n namely_o from_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v of_o a_o true_a of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n and_o can_v but_o act_v true_o according_a to_o their_o kind_n 2._o from_o his_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n his_o nature_n be_v not_o only_o excellent_a right_a and_o of_o a_o perfect_a kind_n but_o it_o be_v also_o in_o union_n with_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v adam_n may_v be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o that_o root_n will_v not_o preserve_v its_o offspring_n therefore_o he_o fall_v but_o christ_n nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o can_v miscarry_v both_o because_o that_o root_n can_v but_o preserve_v its_o seed_n and_o because_o that_o nature_n can_v but_o be_v suck_a nourishment_n from_o the_o root_n there_o be_v no_o nature_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v more_o independent_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o fullness_n and_o yet_o no_o nature_n be_v more_o dependent_a which_o arise_v from_o its_o constitution_n and_o be_v its_o wisdom_n and_o safety_n there_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o root_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o certainty_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a same_o certainty_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o root_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o yea_o his_o nature_n be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o root_n have_v also_o communion_n with_o it_o insomuch_o as_o he_o enjoy_v the_o truth_n there_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o light_n and_o be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o darkness_n 3._o from_o his_o life_n christ_n have_v a_o life_n in_o he_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a life_n a_o spiritual_a life_n a_o divine_a life_n his_o spirit_n as_o it_o have_v the_o nature_n so_o also_o it_o have_v the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o his_o motion_n spring_v from_o his_o own_o life_n and_o so_o can_v but_o be_v as_o certain_a unto_o he_o in_o his_o kind_n yea_o much_o more_o his_o life_n be_v of_o a_o more_o certain_a kind_n as_o our_o motion_n which_o spring_n in_o we_o from_o our_o life_n be_v to_o we_o in_o our_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o our_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o be_v very_o certain_a because_o he_o be_v our_o knowledge_n at_o best_a be_v but_o reveal_v it_o be_v but_o give_v in_o to_o our_o life_n but_o his_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a it_o flow_v from_o his_o life_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n every_o motion_n unto_o he_o be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o satisfactory_a namely_o because_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a because_o it_o flow_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o life_n man_n attain_v his_o skill_n and_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n by_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o trouble_v he_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o defend_v and_o manage_v it_o yea_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v a_o little_a awaken_v and_o enlarge_v can_v but_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o but_o christ_n skill_n and_o understanding_n spring_v up_o in_o he_o and_o flow_v forth_o from_o he_o and_o both_o in_o its_o spring_v up_o and_o flow_v forth_o answer_v the_o truth_n largeness_n and_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n 4._o from_o his_o light_n he_o have_v a_o proper_a light_n to_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n with_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n with_o god_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n breathe_v in_o the_o same_o air_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n spirit_n and_o life_n so_o he_o have_v the_o same_o light_n he_o be_v call_v the_o light_n joh._n 1.7_o john_n come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n he_o himself_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n verse_n 8._o that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n verse_n 9_o the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v a_o true_a shadow_n the_o light_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a testimony_n but_o he_o be_v the_o substance_n he_o be_v that_o true_a light_n which_o all_o other_o light_n do_v but_o shadow_n out_o and_o testify_v concern_v there_o be_v a_o eye_n proper_a to_o every_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o eye_n in_o every_o nature_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v to_o behold_v and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o light_n proper_a to_o every_o eye_n now_o christ_n have_v both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o light_n how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o see_v certain_o gather_v up_o these_o together_o he_o that_o have_v a_o true_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o true_a eye_n in_o it_o he_o who_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n and_o who_o himself_o be_v truth_n in_o he_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a life_n in_o he_o for_o his_o motion_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o true_a life_n to_o guide_v his_o eye_n with_o and_o last_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a light_n to_o see_v in_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o be_v certain_a in_o what_o he_o thus_o view_v and_o so_o his_o seed_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o life_n the_o same_o light_n how_o can_v they_o miss_v of_o the_o same_o certainty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v guide_v natural_o unto_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o infallibility_n but_o now_o man_n adam_n take_v he_o at_o his_o best_a who_o never_o have_v this_o nature_n but_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o earthly_a man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o union_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o never_o have_v this_o life_n or_o light_n in_o he_o how_o can_v he_o understand_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n he_o may_v desire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o life_n and_o fumble_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o can_v possible_o pierce_v into_o they_o he_o may_v gather_v many_o apprehension_n into_o his_o mind_n and_o approach_v in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v to_o a_o certainty_n but_o he_o can_v reach_v the_o truth_n he_o can_v know_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o may_v perhaps_o reason_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n and_o a_o way_n unto_o it_o but_o he_o can_v possible_o conceive_v what_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v nor_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o but_o the_o son_n or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o nature_n that_o spirit_n that_o life_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v to_o it_o descends_z of_o itself_o upon_o they_o &_o spring_v up_o of_o itself_o in_o they_o use_v 1_o take_v heed_n of_o contradict_v christ_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o which_o he_o give_v out_o upon_o knowledge_n christ●●me_o ●●me_z from_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o god_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n here_o the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n that_o the_o present_a state_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o future_a that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v dispense_v and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n then_o be_v by_o believe_a now_o christ_n testify_v true_o and_o wise_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v upon_o ground_n he_o speak_v what_o he_o see_v by_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o from_o thy_o own_o head_n from_o a_o strong_a fancy_n or_o reason_n in_o thy_o own_o mind_n contradict_v this_o and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n
their_o flesh_n shall_v return_v any_o more_o to_o folly_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a liberty_n which_o be_v wrap_v up_o within_o one_o a_o other_o a_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n a_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o liberty_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v grow_v unto_o perfection_n restore_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o creature_n bring_v it_o forth_o a_o new_a in_o itself_o adam_n by_o his_o fall_n bring_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o creation_n into_o bondage_n with_o he_o into_o which_o bondage_n the_o son_n enter_v or_o in_o this_o deprave_a and_o lose_v earth_n the_o seed_n of_o life_n be_v sow_o who_o by_o break_v through_o these_o bond_n which_o it_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o life_n for_o though_o this_o life_n may_v submit_v unto_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v hold_v down_o by_o the_o law_n or_o the_o curse_n redeem_v both_o adam_n and_o the_o creation_n this_o leaven_n enter_v both_o into_o the_o man_n and_o into_o the_o creature_n spread_v both_o over_o the_o man_n and_o over_o the_o creature_n and_o by_o break_v its_o own_o bond_n break_v the_o bond_n both_o of_o man_n and_o the_o creature_n and_o by_o challenge_v assume_v and_o possess_v its_o own_o life_n and_o liberty_n bring_v man_n and_o the_o creature_n into_o life_n and_o liberty_n so_o that_o though_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n be_v utter_o lose_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v find_v again_o in_o christ_n and_o find_v more_o pure_a more_o perfect_a more_o stable_a there_o then_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o they_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n happy_a be_v that_o creature_n which_o can_v find_v the_o way_n to_o true_a loss_n to_o true_a bond_n but_o that_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o man_n to_o the_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v to_o it_o to_o save_v itself_o and_o this_o be_v call_v into_o liberty_n brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n namely_o the_o break_v forth_o of_o this_o life_n in_o the_o man_n which_o wrap_v the_o man_n up_o in_o itself_o and_o bring_v the_o man_n forth_o again_o with_o itself_o make_v he_o both_o taste_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n anew_o i_o confess_v call_v here_o in_o this_o place_n may_v denote_v that_o invitation_n and_o inlet_n into_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o then_o be_v usual_a which_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a liberty_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a through_o liberty_n it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o seed_n do_v groan_v under_o it_o for_o want_n of_o freedom_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n but_o call_v into_o liberty_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v the_o advance_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n which_o nature_n be_v sow_o here_o in_o bond_n into_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o itself_o and_o the_o redeem_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o man_n in_o who_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v sow_o out_o of_o the_o bond_n either_o of_o its_o own_o corruption_n or_o of_o any_o dispensation_n of_o god_n wherewith_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o its_o corrupt_a and_o enslave_v estate_n so_o that_o in_o this_o liberty_n first_o there_o be_v a_o free_a spirit_n or_o nature_n beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o second_o there_o be_v a_o spread_a of_o this_o over_o the_o man_n convey_v into_o he_o or_o take_v he_o into_o the_o same_o free_a nature_n three_o there_o be_v the_o advance_n of_o both_o into_o a_o free_a state_n and_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o creature_n in_o and_o with_o they_o both_o now_o perhaps_o some_o may_v yet_o in_o truth_n of_o spirit_n desire_v to_o hear_v somewhat_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o concern_v this_o liberty_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o demonstrative_a view_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v already_o glance_v at_o for_o who_o satisfaction_n first_o i_o shall_v touch_v a_o little_a at_o man_n slavery_n and_o then_o propose_v to_o consideration_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o freedom_n man_n slavery_n consist_v chief_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o which_o be_v now_o become_v himself_o his_o understanding_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o dark_a and_o corrupt_a princple_n his_o will_n to_o vain_a and_o destructive_a desire_n that_o little_a reason_n that_o be_v yet_o remain_v in_o his_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v a_o slave_n and_o subject_n to_o the_o law_n and_o curse_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o 2._o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o satan_n he_o rule_v he_o at_o pleasure_n this_o world_n the_o whole_a state_n of_o this_o world_n the_o whole_a frame_n and_o motion_n of_o man_n spirit_n all_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o nature_n lie_v in_o that_o wicked_a one_o and_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o he_o so_o that_o man_n can_v see_v the_o true_a light_n not_o of_o reason_n because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v his_o eye_n nor_o can_v he_o observe_v or_o obey_v what_o he_o do_v discern_v of_o good_a further_a than_o god_n wind_v he_o up_o and_o assist_v he_o by_o some_o power_n which_o sometime_o he_o let_v forth_o upon_o he_o in_o a_o dispensation_n which_o for_o that_o season_n refresh_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o nature_n set_v it_o on_o work_n for_o god_n and_o towards_o good_a but_o otherwise_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o that_o light_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o shine_v upon_o he_o in_o any_o of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n because_o satan_n bind_v his_o heart_n his_o hand_n his_o foot_n his_o whole_a man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a liberty_n in_o the_o free_a nature_n or_o clear_a reason_n satan_n do_v but_o cozen_v a_o man_n in_o make_v he_o believe_v either_o that_o he_o can_v or_o will_v dispose_v of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o only_a in_o those_o who_o god_n by_o his_o wisdom_n love_n and_o pleasure_n turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 3._o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o law_n ordinance_n and_o observation_n either_o such_o as_o be_v write_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o dark_a be_v and_o residence_n there_o and_o which_o god_n can_v stir_v up_o at_o any_o time_n for_o any_o end_n or_o design_n of_o his_o or_o such_o as_o be_v dispense_v to_o he_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o state_n thus_o god_n have_v please_v to_o use_v many_o way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n in_o his_o present_a break_a condition_n thus_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v with_o several_a law_n and_o kind_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o also_o the_o gentile_n or_o believe_a christian_n after_o they_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a slavery_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o a_o thorough_o free_a state_n though_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v account_v free_a in_o compare_n with_o the_o former_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a taste_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o state_n but_o the_o state_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o a_o more_o complete_a shadow_n then_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v vanish_v and_o give_v way_n whensoever_o the_o truth_n appear_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n or_o main_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o man_n whereunto_o the_o several_a inferior_a parcel_n of_o it_o may_v be_v refer_v now_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o of_o man_n and_o the_o creature_n in_o with_o and_z through_o the_o seed_n lie_v chief_o in_o three_o thing_n also_o to_o let_v pass_v freedom_n from_o corruption_n and_o vanity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v wonderful_o excellent_a and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o air_n where_o we_o breath_n yet_o that_o may_v so_o easy_o be_v suppose_v and_o be_v so_o full_o comprehend_v in_o the_o other_o as_o i_o can_v but_o omit_v it_o therefore_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o say_v freedom_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o disobligation_n from_o all_o law_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n that_o man_n can_v be_v free_a who_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o any_o law_n or_o ordinance_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n spirit_n or_o principle_n than_o his_o own_o life_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o man_n in_o his_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n all_o which_o the_o life_n advance_v to_o its_o own_o proportion_n of_o liberty_n in_o christ_n be_v free_a from_o
any_o darkness_n about_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o free_a if_o there_o be_v any_o rub_n in_o its_o way_n it_o can_v walk_v free_o therefore_o god_n promise_v to_o this_o life_n a_o high_a way_n a_o plain_a path_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o redemption_n and_o freedom_n as_o isai._n 35.8_o if_o its_o light_n be_v not_o very_o full_a and_o clear_a and_o its_o strength_n absolute_o perfect_a in_o reference_n to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o state_n it_o will_v want_v of_o its_o liberty_n it_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v forth_o or_o walk_v in_o perfect_a freedom_n so_o that_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a must_v be_v of_o a_o perfect_a seed_n from_o a_o perfect_a root_n perfect_o grow_v up_o and_o situate_v in_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o which_o alone_a it_o proceed_v and_o grow_v up_o and_o in_o which_o alone_a it_o can_v live_v and_o be_v enjoy_v it_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v a_o great_a question_n how_o far_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n and_o whether_o their_o sin_n be_v against_o the_o law_n or_o no_o or_o only_o against_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o life_n and_o law_n in_o relation_n whereunto_o since_o it_o fall_v so_o fair_o in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o conclusion_n which_o may_v occasion_v the_o clear_n of_o it_o in_o part_n and_o the_o further_a better_a right_a understanding_n of_o this_o liberty_n wherewith_o i_o intend_v to_o conclude_v the_o point_n only_o add_v somewhat_o concern_v the_o abuse_n which_o it_o be_v very_o liable_a unto_o as_o every_o other_o spiritual_a thing_n also_o be_v in_o the_o way_n that_o hitherto_o it_o have_v break_v forth_o and_o appear_v and_o right_a use_n of_o liberty_n from_o the_o follow_a word_n the_o conclusion_n be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n can_v sin_v against_o the_o law_n because_o he_o be_v not_o under_o it_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o it_o nor_o be_v engage_v to_o give_v any_o account_n unto_o it_o he_o be_v under_o another_o husband_n and_o therefore_o free_a from_o this_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_v rom._n 7._o but_o yet_o mark_v as_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o fleshly_a state_n be_v under_o the_o law_n who_o be_v the_o forerunner_n and_o pattern_n so_o all_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o fleshly_a state_n be_v under_o the_o law_n likewise_o they_o may_v have_v sometime_o a_o sight_n of_o life_n and_o a_o taste_n of_o liberty_n but_o until_o they_o have_v follow_v christ_n into_o his_o grave_n and_o be_v become_v dead_a with_o he_o yea_o and_o rise_v with_o he_o too_o they_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v it_o while_o the_o life_n live_v in_o the_o flesh_n it_o live_v under_o the_o law_n when_o the_o life_n come_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n alone_o it_o shall_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o the_o law_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o life_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n nor_o can_v its_o nature_n to_o speak_v proper_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o law_n though_o it_o may_v act_v a_o part_n of_o subjection_n for_o a_o season_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n of_o that_o part_n the_o sparkling_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o law_n which_o swallow_v up_o this_o weak_a life_n with_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o it_o can_v but_o now_o and_o then_o appear_v as_o they_o do_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o subjection_n and_o servitude_n but_o the_o man_n in_o which_o the_o life_n inhabit_v and_o through_o which_o the_o life_n act_n be_v weak_a and_o have_v only_o a_o promise_n of_o strength_n and_o of_o redemption_n with_o the_o life_n after_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n with_o it_o but_o have_v not_o any_o full_a sense_n or_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o be_v to_o remain_v under_o bondage_n and_o to_o travail_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o worldly_a state_n with_o the_o life_n until_o then_o and_o though_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o lord_n do_v let_v out_o both_o this_o life_n and_o this_o liberty_n into_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o his_o saint_n to_o give_v a_o little_a glimpse_n what_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v let_v forth_o but_o weak_o and_o they_o be_v soon_o clap_v in_o again_o and_o the_o old_a husband_n the_o law_n return_v and_o take_v universal_a possession_n again_o though_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o life_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o then_o be_v the_o sum_n to_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o until_o they_o be_v swallow_v up_o into_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o law_n be_v still_o a_o schoolmaster_n and_o they_o may_v find_v if_o they_o observe_v themselves_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o nature_n and_o further_o revive_v by_o acquire_v knowledge_n whether_o from_o the_o light_n spring_v up_o in_o man_n and_o so_o receive_v thence_o or_o from_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n continual_o instruct_v and_o disciple_v of_o they_o as_o a_o schoolmaster_n it_o exercise_v they_o as_o its_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n yea_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o have_v attain_v a_o strain_n of_o freedom_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o free_a but_o groan_v under_o bondage_n and_o pant_v after_o liberty_n 2._o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n can_v do_v that_o which_o the_o law_n judge_v to_o be_v sin_n he_o can_v act_v against_o the_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o law_n he_o can_v no_o more_o live_v to_o sin_n than_o he_o can_v live_v to_o the_o law_n he_o have_v as_o little_a to_o do_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n judge_v evil_a as_o with_o the_o law_n itself_o he_o can_v give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o that_o have_v any_o true_a light_n in_o they_o for_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o any_o true_a light_n in_o any_o kind_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n it_o long_v for_o it_o seek_v after_o it_o know_v it_o embrace_v both_o its_o own_o image_n and_o its_o own_o substance_n truth_n in_o the_o image_n long_v after_o the_o substance_n truth_n in_o the_o substance_n comprehend_v acknowledge_v and_o embrace_v the_o image_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o its_o nature_n motion_n and_o action_n comprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o but_o it_o comprehend_v it_o and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n know_v it_o and_o give_v way_n to_o it_o it_o have_v more_o in_o it_o a_o far_o high_a kind_n of_o righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n call_v for_o but_o it_o have_v that_o also_o every_o spiritual_a motion_n be_v beyond_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o law_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v all_o that_o excellency_n that_o the_o law_n can_v possible_o expect_v or_o exact_v and_o therefore_o can_v offend_v against_o the_o life_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n the_o life_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n most_o natural_o cherish_v the_o life_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o law_n which_o they_o who_o taste_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v teach_v to_o understand_v 3._o if_o he_o can_v possible_o do_v that_o which_o the_o law_n judge_v to_o be_v sin_n yet_o his_o sin_n will_v not_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o law_n for_o the_o law_n can_v judge_v he_o as_o a_o sinner_n who_o be_v not_o under_o it_o but_o against_o his_o own_o life_n which_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n in_o it_o then_o if_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n have_v a_o new_a life_n in_o he_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o life_n be_v transplant_v into_o christ_n who_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o what_o he_o now_o be_v he_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o now_o do_v he_o do_v unto_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o now_o any_o long_a under_o that_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o which_o he_o be_v before_o his_o transplantation_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o henceforth_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o sin_v against_o it_o this_o then_o be_v the_o sum_n they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o his_o spirit_n dead_a and_o rise_v with_o he_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o newness_n virtue_n life_n and_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o any_o dispensation_n though_o they_o can_v also_o fulfil_v any_o yea_o and_o be_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o every_o dispensation_n but_o