of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o grace_n to_o strive_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o same_o which_o have_v competent_o attain_v unto_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n of_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v we_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v 4._o but_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o preposterous_a faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o fancy_n themselves_o into_o the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v laboursome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v man_n into_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o perhaps_o perdition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v we_o so_o much_o where_o he_o say_v luke_n 17._o 7._o which_o of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o 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thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
must_v only_o be_v owe_v to_o such_o divine_a revelation_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o particular_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o three_o main_a branch_n of_o our_o present_a method_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n in_o religion_n 1._o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n be_v sow_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o some_o small_a and_o dim_a stricture_n cast_v into_o man_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n direct_v man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o by_o orderly_a progression_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 4._o to_o this_o end_n antiquity_n not_o without_o competent_a ground_n in_o holy_a scripture_n have_v pitch_v upon_o three_o more_o considerable_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o religion_n though_o not_o absolute_a yet_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o saint_n john_n word_n 1_o epist_n 12_o 13_o 14._o seem_v to_o tend_v to_o this_o distinguish_v little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n or_o beginner_n proficient_n and_o perfect_a not_o so_o absolute_a as_o god_n may_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o yet_o so_o as_o before_o man_n they_o may_v be_v irreprehensible_a and_o allowable_a by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scantling_n and_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o cassian_n in_o his_o collation_n with_o some_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o solomon_n write_v three_o book_n one_o for_o instruction_n and_o illumination_n in_o wisdom_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n initiate_a young_a beginner_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n lay_v the_o foundation_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o other_o book_n of_o solomon_n call_v 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and_o action_n about_o virtue_n meditation_n conduct_v to_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god._n 2._o such_o concurrence_n then_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o humane_a wisdom_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o the_o repute_a dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n take_v hold_v of_o such_o a_o occasion_n give_v to_o he_o to_o commend_v this_o tripartite_a doctrine_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o unitive_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n in_o which_o many_o have_v imitate_v he_o and_o much_o and_o perhaps_o too_o far_o advance_v it_o from_o who_o i_o take_v the_o liberty_n so_o far_o to_o vary_v as_o to_o make_v illumination_n the_o foundation_n and_o first_o step_n to_o all_o regular_a ascent_n to_o godward_o as_o proceed_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n for_o by_o it_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n open_v and_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o purge_v ourselves_o and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o a_o high_a and_o near_a conjunction_n with_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n proper_o conduce_v thereunto_o 1._o famous_a be_v the_o distinction_n of_o st._n paul_n of_o theological_a virtue_n into_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n be_v found_v and_o move_v towards_o that_o perfection_n compatible_a to_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n faith_n illuminate_v hope_v purge_v and_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n we_o unto_o god._n for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n teach_v we_o and_o natural_o we_o all_o lie_v pollute_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o so_o natural_o be_v alien_n from_o god_n and_o unreconcilable_a by_o any_o other_o name_n or_o mean_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v proverb_n 19_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a faith_n with_o christian_n beget_v knowledge_n proper_o divine_a in_o christian_n be_v the_o light_n and_o eye_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n regenerate_v so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o blind_a man_n to_o work_v any_o curious_a work_n without_o the_o use_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o every_o act_n tend_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o fault_n and_o error_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v sew_v well_o that_o can_v thread_v his_o needle_n so_o they_o on_o who_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v not_o who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o god_n produce_v in_o create_v the_o world_n be_v light_a not_o that_o he_o absolute_o need_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n do_v and_o to_o intimate_v unto_o we_o the_o order_n of_o true_a regeneration_n that_o it_o must_v begin_v with_o illumination_n and_o therefore_o god_n who_o more_o immediate_o of_o old_a reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o choose_a servant_n do_v in_o follow_v age_n set_v up_o and_o fix_v a_o light_n in_o his_o church_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v by_o faith_n shall_v become_v a_o constant_a guide_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n pass_v through_o this_o dark_a vale_n towards_o the_o mount_n and_o true_a city_n of_o god._n 2._o for_o without_o this_o the_o philosopher_n of_o this_o world_n profess_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom_n 1._o 22._o wise_a become_v fool_n err_v in_o the_o very_a first_o step_n and_o prime_a principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o teach_v the_o only_a true_a god_n they_o for_o their_o part_n in_o grope_v after_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorcorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o corruptible_a man_n as_o st._n paul_n also_o observe_v v._o 23._o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o image_n or_o very_a substance_n of_o man_n into_o god._n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o be_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o do_v the_o shadow_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n flee_v away_o holy_a david_n have_v foretell_v of_o this_o when_o he_o say_v psalm_n 36._o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v in_o like_a manner_n may_v it_o true_o be_v say_v whoso_o enlighten_v not_o with_o by_z and_o from_o he_o darken_v as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o subtle_a and_o wise_a disputant_n job_n friend_n job_n 38._o who_o darken_a counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n 3._o and_o too_o near_o do_v they_o approach_v to_o the_o like_a error_n who_o darken_v of_o late_a the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o imagine_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o light_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o shall_v work_v be_v the_o work_n itself_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o such_o in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v acquiesce_v as_o have_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n
obstinacy_n and_o obduratenesse_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o v._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n martin_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o marvellous_a gift_n or_o faculty_n of_o cure_v sick_a and_o impotent_a person_n the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o decrepit_a who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o beg_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o lest_o be_v cure_v of_o such_o their_o defect_n and_o impotency_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o livelihood_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o get_v a_o miserable_a and_o beggarly_a livelihood_n by_o serve_v and_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v blind_a and_o cripple_v in_o a_o heavenly_a sense_n refuse_v that_o light_n and_o life_n and_o renovation_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n prepossess_v and_o captivate_v with_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o thereupon_o say_v thou_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o our_o ear_n in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a than_o true_a and_o though_o it_o be_v mannah_n itself_o and_o that_o drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n man_n out_o of_o their_o scepticalnesse_n and_o curiosity_n will_v question_v it_o and_o perhaps_o in_o time_n loathe_v it_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o bread_n from_o heaven_n there_o be_v general_o too_o little_a agreement_n between_o the_o notion_n of_o half-sighted_n natural_a reason_n and_o delectation_n of_o our_o sense_n natural_a and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o more_o spiritual_a prescription_n give_v we_o by_o religion_n though_o natural_a reason_n not_o counterfeit_v nor_o corrupt_v by_o base_a alley_n of_o vicious_a man_n may_v pass_v also_o as_o god_n true_a coin_n but_o that_o pure_a gold_n it_o be_v not_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v revel_v 3_o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v get_v white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o get_v that_o eyesalve_n that_o we_o may_v see_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o the_o knowledge_n or_o illumination_n which_o we_o have_v from_o thence_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o that_o money_n a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o or_o that_o which_o the_o tradesman_n have_v present_a in_o his_o bank_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o book_n which_o must_v put_v he_o sometime_o to_o trouble_v to_o fetch_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o fetch_v in_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n understand_v the_o scripture_n until_o which_o time_n that_o will_v be_v find_v too_o true_a which_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 8._o 12._o complain_n of_o in_o god_n behalf_n i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o shall_v inquire_v faithful_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n we_o may_v find_v they_o too_o often_o in_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o man_n influence_v the_o understanding_n with_o mistake_n and_o gross_a error_n which_o yet_o some_o to_o cover_v with_o show_n of_o great_a candour_n in_o judge_v and_o ingenuity_n have_v wish_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o thing_n christianity_n require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o reality_n and_o common_a integrity_n be_v not_o also_o lay_v aside_o here_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o do_v not_o their_o own_o prime_a reason_n and_o of_o all_o civilise_a people_n tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o true_o humane_a be_v more_o natural_a to_o man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v man_n but_o of_o indifferent_a read_n and_o observation_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n nor_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v all_o who_o principle_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o competent_a understanding_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o man_n to_o avoid_v the_o barbarity_n of_o atheism_n must_v believe_v more_o than_o nature_n can_v compel_v they_o unto_o by_o her_o philosophical_a demonstration_n or_o fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n little_a inferior_a to_o atheism_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v frame_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o religious_a as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o no_o far_o and_o which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v call_v his_o freak_n and_o humour_n his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o so_o true_a that_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o he_o will_v not_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o worst_a or_o let_v it_o be_v that_o he_o can_v when_o st._n paul_n if_o he_o be_v but_o so_o far_o believe_v say_v of_o some_o 2_o corinth_n 4._o 4._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o that_o be_v i_o suppose_v be_v well_o know_v have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o vain_a and_o vicious_a man_n have_v by_o their_o presume_a wit_n and_o evil_a life_n tempt_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o be_v accessary_n to_o their_o infatuation_n for_o as_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1._o 17._o so_o do_v every_o notorious_a error_n and_o wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o childeren_n of_o disobedience_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n in_o scripture_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o believe_v it_o reasonable_o propound_v 5._o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o worth_a our_o wonder_v how_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o the_o devil_n in_o scripture_n as_o john_n 12._o 4._o speak_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o scholastical_a difficulty_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n to_o which_o i_o may_v refer_v it_o but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v that_o as_o judge_n or_o prince_n be_v say_v to_o put_v malefactor_n to_o death_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o executioner_n who_o office_n it_o be_v so_o god_n upon_o just_a provocation_n deliver_v great_a sinner_n to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n when_o it_o be_v cause_v direct_o by_o satan_n only_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v most_o proper_o appertain_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 7._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o and_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o god_n assist_v lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 16._o 14._o and_o so_o necessary_a be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v this_o key_n by_o his_o own_o side_n and_o not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o lend_v it_o to_o his_o minister_n no_o not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v christ_n himself_o who_o as_o god_n have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n mind_n always_o succeed_v in_o his_o teach_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o deep_a providence_n suffer_v his_o labour_n to_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v fall_v out_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o beginning_n continue_v and_o consummation_n of_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o repel_v that_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n whereby_o too_o prosperous_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n or_o vineyard_n may_v be_v prone_a to_o attribute_v much_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o
preserve_v that_o comfortable_a state_n unshaken_a and_o the_o purity_n thereof_o undefiled_a be_v with_o peter_z at_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n transfiguration_n loath_a to_o go_v down_o the_o mountain_n where_o such_o manifestation_n be_v make_v 8._o and_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v true_o wonderful_a if_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o way_n to_o this_o conjunction_n with_o god_n be_v purification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n from_o earthly_a uncleanness_n but_o such_o union_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n do_v change_v the_o face_n at_o least_o that_o be_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o man_n not_o true_o fit_v or_o sanctify_v to_o such_o a_o end_n hence_o be_v a_o resolution_n in_o some_o measure_n make_v of_o a_o doubt_n seem_v difficult_a to_o i_o who_o perceive_v heretical_a and_o schismatical_a and_o man_n of_o unjust_a life_n to_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o good_a outward_a and_o retrench_v the_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n contrary_a to_o sound_v piety_n can_v not_o but_o wonder_v how_o a_o erroneous_a faith_n and_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a demeanour_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n shall_v attain_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o commendable_a formality_n of_o godliness_n for_o sure_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o holiness_n though_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o more_o in_o the_o case_n be_v in_o itself_o laudable_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o strange_a forwardness_n many_o such_o abound_v with_o in_o press_v though_o indirect_o into_o god_n presence_n affect_v mountainous_a phrase_n and_o phansy_v themselves_o intimate_a with_o god_n himself_o for_o as_o conspirator_n and_o traitor_n frequent_v the_o king_n court_n and_o presence_n and_o observe_v what_o be_v perform_v of_o such_o as_o do_v he_o immediate_a service_n and_o attend_v he_o can_v and_o do_v easy_o and_o more_o artificial_o comport_v themselves_o as_o prime_a subject_n or_o to_o use_v saint_n chrysostome_n comparison_n as_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o drugster_n shop_n where_o aromatical_a spice_n be_v pound_v shall_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o carry_v away_o upon_o his_o clothes_n some_o of_o the_o fragrancy_n which_o be_v there_o stir_v or_o last_o as_o the_o censer_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n with_o their_o complice_n become_v holy_a by_o be_v bring_v though_o in_o a_o wicked_a manner_n into_o god_n presence_n and_o devote_a to_o his_o service_n so_o ill-grounded_a and_o ill-advised_n devotion_n to_o god_n do_v make_v some_o alteration_n very_o laudable_a in_o man_n resemble_v god_n himself_o and_o his_o holiness_n so_o that_o as_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n purity_n of_o affection_n and_o action_n innocent_a and_o righteous_a do_v conduce_v much_o to_o spiritual_a mindedness_n and_o contemplation_n of_o and_o union_n with_o god_n so_o do_v even_o that_o preposterous_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o press_v undue_o into_o god_n presence_n divers_a time_n work_v some_o good_a effect_n outward_o at_o least_o upon_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o where_o divine_a contemplation_n be_v orderly_o perform_v and_o faithful_o a_o real_a and_o sound_a improvement_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v also_o make_v and_o the_o soul_n become_v not_o more_o like_a unto_o god_n so_o view_v and_o enjoy_v it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o error_n in_o scholastical_a divine_n to_o prefer_v the_o contemplative_a life_n or_o the_o life_n of_o mary_n before_o the_o practical_a or_o the_o life_n of_o martha_n serve_v christ_n restrain_v contemplation_n to_o that_o way_n have_v in_o this_o world_n which_o beginning_n on_o such_o low_a and_o sensible_a subject_n as_o be_v before_o recite_v may_v rise_v to_o great_a perfection_n in_o the_o more_o immediate_a intuition_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v reveal_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o union_n we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n habitual_a and_o actual_a as_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o worship_n 1._o from_z the_o twofold_a union_n with_o god_n speak_v of_o contemplation_n or_o knowledge_n and_o love_n proceed_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o both_o adoration_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o actual_a devotion_n and_o consecration_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n unto_o god_n and_o a_o inanition_n or_o empty_v of_o a_o man_n soul_n into_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o small_a as_o well_o as_o great_a river_n fall_v into_o the_o ocean_n and_o loose_v themselves_o the_o channel_n through_o which_o they_o run_v remain_v the_o same_o and_o always_o in_o those_o stream_n move_v or_o when_o as_o two_o intimate_a friend_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o equal_o affectionate_a one_o to_o another_o meet_v together_o after_o mutual_a embrace_n fall_v into_o discourse_n most_o kind_a and_o please_a one_o with_o another_o so_o the_o foresay_a meeting_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n beget_v conference_n and_o holy_a talk_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o think_v sufficient_a by_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o have_v procure_v follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o attender_n of_o his_o person_n nor_o by_o christ_n to_o have_v choose_v his_o apostle_n who_o shall_v be_v always_o near_o he_o by_o profession_n unless_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n for_o filiation_n or_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o have_v god_n for_o our_o father_n suffice_v not_o without_o he_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n use_v invocation_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a communication_n with_o he_o by_o the_o ascent_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o he_o in_o prayer_n 2._o and_o prayer_n be_v of_o a_o very_a comprehensive_a nature_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o habit_n which_o be_v a_o general_a and_o constant_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n of_o which_o sort_n we_o may_v understand_v saint_n paul_n to_o speak_v 1_o thessalonian_o 5._o 17._o ephes_n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o and_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o alienate_v the_o affection_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o raise_v and_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o and_o with_o god._n that_o so_o when_o ever_o god_n by_o any_o tacit_a suggestion_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o soul_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n a_o answer_n and_o act_n may_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n say_v thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v for_o actual_a prayer_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o general_a disposition_n man_n have_v towards_o god_n and_o differ_v no_o more_o from_o that_o than_o the_o fire_n cover_v and_o the_o fire_n kindle_v which_o latter_a when_o it_o cease_v leave_v new_a coal_n apt_a to_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o like_a flame_n and_o thus_o ascend_v unto_o god_n and_o for_o the_o time_n abide_v with_o he_o we_o be_v estrange_v from_o terrestrial_a business_n and_o cogitation_n from_o which_o consideration_n a_o tolerable_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o divers_a pray_v together_o in_o the_o conclusion_n be_v wont_a to_o salute_v one_o another_o as_o new_o meet_v for_o this_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v after_o a_o far_a journey_n take_v and_o a_o return_n so_o have_v be_v as_o far_o as_o heaven_n itself_o in_o prayer_n and_o whole_o as_o we_o ought_v at_o least_o estrange_v from_o thing_n below_o we_o return_v take_v acquaintance_n with_o our_o friend_n and_o brethren_n or_o perhaps_o have_v be_v so_o unite_v to_o god_n as_o in_o such_o case_n become_v we_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o christian_a charity_n whereby_o we_o meet_v altogether_o we_o testify_v our_o christian_a affection_n thereby_o increase_v with_o affectionate_a salutation_n outward_a 3._o but_o this_o be_v perform_v as_o well_o that_o be_v as_o real_o though_o not_o so_o edify_o in_o single_a address_n as_o in_o society_n when_o a_o man_n make_v know_v unto_o god_n that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o have_v publish_v to_o other_o of_o which_o we_o may_v speak_v by_o and_o by_o for_o though_o for_o daily_a and_o common_a sacrifice_n god_n house_n and_o altar_n be_v the_o most_o convenient_a place_n yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o vision_n report_v in_o ancient_a and_o inferior_a history_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v obtain_v chief_o in_o private_a retirement_n from_o the_o noise_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o world._n elias_n be_v so_o visit_v by_o god_n in_o the_o cleave_a of_o a_o rock_n and_o moses_n in_o the_o wide_a wilderness_n alone_o when_o god_n give_v he_o the_o signal_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o bush_n and_o david_n counsel_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o commune_v with_o that_o in_o his_o chamber_n as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a to_o draw_v god_n to_o a_o friendly_a conference_n with_o he_o a_o appearance_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o his_o exigence_n exceed_o