the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o a_o true_a spiritual_a life_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n agreeable_a to_o the_o ancient_a way_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a matthew_n scrivener_n vicar_n of_o haselingfield_n in_o cambridge-shire_n clear_v from_o modern_a abuse_n and_o render_v more_o easy_a and_o practical_a feb._n 1._o 1688._o imprimatur_fw-la jo._n batte_o london_n print_v for_o james_n knapton_n at_o the_o queen_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1688._o to_o the_o reader_n consider_v with_o myself_o and_o lament_v the_o many_o polemicall_a or_o contentious_a discourse_n about_o religion_n and_o that_o christian_a this_o unhappy_a age_n have_v produce_v it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n such_o strife_n may_v have_v the_o mortal_a event_n upon_o too_o many_o of_o like_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o to_o prevent_v or_o obviate_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a i_o find_v myself_o incline_v very_o much_o to_o treat_v of_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o might_n by_o god_n blessing_n conduce_v much_o as_o well_o to_o the_o oblige_v of_o man_n mind_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o general_a as_o to_o reconcile_v christian_n one_o to_o another_o rather_o than_o divide_v they_o far_o or_o increase_v animosity_n between_o they_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v a_o more_o special_a reason_n hereunto_o exciting_a i_n how_o insufficient_a soever_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o the_o worthy_a performance_n of_o so_o good_a work_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o some_o person_n of_o our_o communion_n i_o mean_v the_o establish_a religion_n in_o this_o isle_n who_o though_o shine_a with_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o fantastic_a light_n late_o appear_v do_v keep_v up_o that_o temper_n of_o spirit_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v affix_v this_o beatitude_n matth._n 5._o bless_a be_v they_o who_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v 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wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n as_o be_v saint_n paul_n and_o be_v privilege_v to_o do_v what_o be_v deny_v he_o viz._n to_o utter_v those_o unspeakable_a word_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o 2_o corinth_n 12._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o utter_v and_o exalt_v contemplation_n to_o the_o undervalue_v of_o operation_n and_o active_a life_n under_o pretence_n that_o marie_n who_o sit_v still_o not_o attend_v christ_n be_v present_a choose_v the_o better_a part_n and_o martha_n the_o inferior_a in_o serve_v of_o christ_n which_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v and_o applaud_v by_o scholastical_a as_o well_o as_o mystical_a doctor_n auntienter_fw-la and_o late_a seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o otherwise_o true_a than_o as_o mary_v represent_v the_o state_n of_o bliss_n hereafter_o consist_v altogether_o of_o contemplation_n and_o affection_n and_o martha_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n in_o which_o unactive_a contemplation_n and_o barren_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v scarce_o laudable_a and_o as_o the_o quietist_n be_v say_v to_o magnify_v it_o not_o tolerable_a they_o among_o other_o notorious_a error_n charge_v upon_o they_o exclude_v divine_a meditation_n from_o their_o contemplation_n by_o too_o great_a niceness_n though_o we_o ourselves_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n distinguish_v they_o as_o degree_n consistent_a one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n we_o now_o live_v for_o according_a to_o our_o present_a subject_n we_o first_o not_o without_o good_a advice_n consider_v simple_a intelligence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n acquire_v by_o illumination_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n whereby_o a_o christian_a come_v to_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o god_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o discerner_n in_o good_a measure_n of_o spirit_n and_o fallacious_a vision_n and_o revelation_n this_o be_v competent_o attain_v unto_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o right_a reformation_n of_o itself_o from_o the_o inveterate_a evil_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o afflict_v it_o which_o be_v the_o purgative_n way_n every_o true_a christian_n shall_v exercise_v himself_o in_o until_o he_o have_v purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n and_o cast_v out_o the_o old_a man_n of_o which_o saint_n paul_n speak_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o because_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o deny_v and_o even_o to_o die_v unto_o worldly_a lust_n if_o this_o may_v be_v suppose_v unless_o we_o also_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v true_o unite_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o and_o that_o by_o those_o proper_a help_n and_o ascent_n prescribe_v by_o he_o and_o in_o some_o manner_n by_o we_o describe_v here_o therefore_o do_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a common_o call_v the_o unitive_a wherein_o be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o true_a rest_n of_o the_o soul_n promise_v by_o christ_n not_o so_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v or_o suffer_v perturbation_n as_o late_a quietist_n be_v also_o report_v wicked_o to_o maintain_v but_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v god_n and_o godliness_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o love_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o to_o persevere_v immutable_o to_o perfect_a consummation_n in_o bliss_n hereafter_o and_o have_v thus_o give_v thou_o christian_a reader_n a_o brief_a account_n and_o prospect_n of_o my_o present_a design_n i_o commit_v myself_o to_o thy_o favourable_a acceptance_n and_o commend_v thou_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v thou_o up_o and_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o part._n sect_n i._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o usefullnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a page_n 1_o sect_n
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 ecclesiastes_n represent_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o understanding_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o earthly_a joy_n with_o a_o tacit_a dissuasion_n from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n which_o perform_v introduce_v a_o man_n to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n whereby_o such_o a_o sensation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v so_o far_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v unite_v more_o entire_o with_o god_n which_o we_o call_v the_o vnitive_a way_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v figure_v out_o to_o we_o by_o that_o song_n of_o song_n call_v common_o solomon_n and_o this_o threefold_a cord_n bind_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o little_a insinuation_n make_v to_o we_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o ancient_a pythagorean_n teach_v three_o manner_n of_o way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n labour_n 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
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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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
they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o hold_v it_o useful_a to_o distinguish_v three_o kind_n of_o illumination_n the_o first_o mere_o speculative_a represent_v unto_o the_o mind_n fine_a and_o rare_a object_n and_o heavenly_a scene_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o christ_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o quire_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o like_a not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o edification_n of_o he_o that_o have_v they_o or_o of_o any_o other_o this_o sort_n i_o shall_v think_v to_o be_v general_o vain_a and_o illusive_a as_o tend_v to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o swell_a of_o a_o man_n mind_n up_o with_o conceit_n of_o his_o be_v a_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n this_o that_o prudent_a holy_a man_n see_v mention_v in_o ancient_a history_n when_o the_o devil_n appear_v to_o he_o with_o a_o glorious_a retinue_n represent_v christ_n and_o the_o good_a angel_n attend_v he_o saint_n itor_n for_o so_o be_v his_o name_n demand_v what_o all_o that_o mean_v answer_n be_v make_v by_o that_o liar_n lucifer_n that_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v and_o be_v come_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v he_o with_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o that_o resplendent_a manner_n christ_n come_v to_o i_o say_v he_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o see_v christ_n on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n and_o he_o i_o there_o daily_a worship_n and_o enjoy_v whereupon_o the_o devil_n stratagem_n not_o succeed_v he_o with_o his_o complice_n be_v say_v sudden_o and_o with_o shame_n to_o have_v vanish_v the_o like_a do_v gerson_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n relate_v of_o another_o holy_a man_n to_o who_o none_o other_o but_o the_o devil_n appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o christ_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n but_o he_o believe_v he_o not_o clap_v both_o his_o hand_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o say_v i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o suffice_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n see_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n martin_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o a_o time_n a_o apparition_n very_o splendid_a be_v make_v to_o he_o resemble_v christ_n he_o flat_o deny_v to_o behold_v it_o say_v i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o appear_v on_o earth_n crucify_v from_o whence_o may_v be_v it_o be_v that_o modern_a revelation_n and_o vision_n pretend_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v much_o frame_v after_o this_o pattern_n yet_o often_o also_o otherwise_o and_o with_o the_o same_o probability_n and_o use_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o therefore_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o evil_a vision_n when_o such_o be_v send_v only_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o stare_v on_o and_o when_o a_o strong_a desire_n in_o man_n not_o otherwise_o evil_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o strange_a sight_n and_o revelation_n possess_v they_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o god_n may_v punish_v their_o carnal_a fondness_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o such_o delusion_n of_o spirit_n ready_a enough_o to_o do_v their_o office_n of_o deceive_v 7._o second_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o revelation_n judgement_n may_v be_v competent_o make_v of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o whence_o it_o come_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o in_o our_o religion_n towards-god_n we_o must_v always_o build_v upon_o some_o such_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a foundation_n give_v we_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o reveal_v word_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o try_v all_o extraordinary_a illumination_n or_o vision_n or_o revelation_n so_o that_o whatever_o shake_v or_o weaken_v those_o principle_n give_v we_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o from_o our_o vain_a imagination_n or_o the_o subtle_a blandishment_n of_o the_o tempter_n to_o deny_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o saint_n john_n age_n a_o sign_n of_o a_o antichristian_a spirit_n to_o subvert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o silence_v of_o moses_n his_o law_n to_o abuse_v christian_a liberty_n to_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o christian_a charity_n by_o disow_v and_o contemptuous_o disobey_v governor_n for_o every_o frivolous_a matter_n and_o such_o like_a be_v in_o saint_n paul_n day_n look_v on_o and_o teach_v by_o he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o gospel_n spirit_n or_o sound_a revelation_n and_o such_o that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v such_o contrariety_n to_o christianity_n he_o be_v to_o be_v anathematise_v there_o must_v be_v therefore_o as_o judicious_a author_n tell_v we_o the_o like_a form_n in_o all_o sound_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n there_o must_v be_v moses_n and_o elias_n join_v with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n vouch_v they_o 8._o a_o second_o sort_n therefore_o may_v be_v such_o vision_n as_o be_v partly_o speculative_a and_o partly_o practical_a have_v indeed_o extraordinary_a discovery_n but_o not_o rest_v there_o but_o tend_v to_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o which_o their_o good_a or_o evil_a nature_n may_v be_v discern_v for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o neither_o may_v he_o by_o extraordinary_a intimation_n warrant_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o ordinary_o he_o forbid_v so_o that_o they_o as_o pretend_a prophet_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o work_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o for_o though_o the_o devil_n may_v do_v good_a sometime_o at_o least_o in_o appearance_n yet_o god_n never_o do_v evil_a neither_o as_o saint_n james_n say_v tempt_v he_o any_o man_n so_o to_o do_v to_o preach_v therefore_o against_o truth_n to_o pray_v against_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o seem_a advantage_n to_o some_o few_o to_o prophesy_v without_o rule_n order_n or_o subjection_n be_v to_o bewray_v the_o bitter_a fountain_n from_o which_o such_o sweet_a water_n flow_v and_o though_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o foresee_v the_o truth_n god_n can_v at_o any_o time_n speak_v what_o be_v untrue_a when_o therefore_o pretend_v light_n and_o vision_n fail_v of_o their_o due_a event_n and_o end_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o light_n be_v from_o he_o that_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o character_n god_n himself_o give_v unto_o his_o own_o people_n the_o jew_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o prophet_n deuter._n 18_o 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o but_o in_o some_o case_n the_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o sign_n viz._n when_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o for_o so_o we_o read_v deuter._n 13._o 1_o 2._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v from_o hence_o that_o vision_n lead_v to_o superstition_n do_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v these_o as_o these_o condemn_v they_o 9_o again_o as_o it_o be_v with_o diamond_n and_o other_o jewel_n general_o of_o great_a value_n when_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o rare_a but_o be_v bring_v in_o heap_n and_o common_a be_v either_o counterfeit_n or_o lose_v their_o wont_a worth_n so_o be_v it_o with_o vision_n rapture_n and_o extraordinary_a illumination_n where_o they_o be_v common_a and_o familiar_a they_o may_v lose_v their_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n and_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o disease_n and_o the_o sublimate_v of_o the_o understanding_n to_o strange_a apprehension_n and_o speech_n incident_a to_o bodily_a inflammation_n of_o which_o notable_a instance_n and_o many_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o report_n of_o physician_n as_o well_o as_o they_o who_o treat_v of_o
to_o know_v to_o who_o therefore_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o for_o help_n and_o succour_n but_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n who_o alone_a can_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v we_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n in_o he_o therefore_o come_v unto_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o give_v i_o wisdom_n that_o sit_v by_o thy_o throne_n and_o reject_v i_o not_o from_o thy_o child_n for_o i_o thy_o servant_n and_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n be_o a_o feeble_a person_n and_o of_o short_a time_n and_o too_o young_a and_o weak_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o judgement_n and_o thy_o law_n o_o send_v she_o out_o of_o thy_o holy_a heaven_n and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o glory_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o i_o that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v unto_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god._n for_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o but_o by_o thy_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god._n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n o_o hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o that_o so_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o myself_o and_o i_o own_o way_n of_o my_o error_n and_o my_o negligence_n and_o ignorances_n of_o my_o infirmity_n and_o emptiness_n and_o so_o diffident_a in_o and_o dislike_a myself_o i_o may_v apply_v myself_o to_o thou_o lay_v hold_v on_o thy_o strength_n partake_v of_o thy_o fullness_n and_o freeness_n and_o have_v a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o thou_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o thou_o and_o holy_a life_n before_o thou_o and_o profess_v thou_o outward_o may_v believe_v thou_o inward_o and_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o good_a work_n in_o all_o godly_a conversation_n and_o honesty_n and_o persevere_v therein_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n 1._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v 1._o as_o light_n be_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n produce_v by_o god_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o his_o six-daye_n work_n so_o have_v he_o continue_v that_o light_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o especial_o man_n the_o great_a artist_n of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o those_o act_n and_o office_n assign_v he_o in_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o this_o world._n and_o according_a to_o his_o gift_n in_o work_n of_o nature_n have_v he_o provide_v a_o proportionable_a light_n of_o understanding_n and_o faith_n to_o give_v he_o mean_n rule_n and_o opportunity_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o upon_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v draw_v near_o unto_o god_n both_o in_o likeness_n of_o perfection_n and_o fruition_n of_o blessedness_n for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n deface_v by_o our_o apostasy_n have_v contract_v many_o and_o monstrous_a deformity_n the_o great_a business_n we_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o be_v how_o to_o refashion_v ourselves_o to_o that_o grand_a pattern_n which_o become_v visible_a to_o we_o by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o brightness_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o statuary_n who_o be_v to_o make_v a_o accurate_a image_n out_o of_o a_o rude_a and_o natural_a stone_n take_v out_o of_o the_o quarry_n what_o light_n be_v necessary_a what_o judgement_n what_o diligence_n by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o chip_n and_o hue_n away_o all_o irregular_a part_n and_o roughness_n till_o the_o intend_a form_n rise_v out_o of_o it_o so_o must_v it_o be_v with_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v his_o light_n to_o work_v by_o and_o instrument_n to_o work_v with_o and_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o his_o own_o soul_n overgrow_v and_o misshape_a and_o whole_o out_o of_o order_n and_o rule_v as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o common_a rock_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n therefore_o have_v set_v up_o his_o holy_a word_n among_o we_o as_o the_o great_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n according_a to_o who_o illumination_n we_o shall_v direct_v and_o rule_v all_o our_o action_n and_o not_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n advice_n put_v it_o under_o a_o bed_n or_o under_o a_o bushel_n that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o bed_n of_o slothfulness_n and_o laziness_n nor_o under_o the_o bushel_n of_o worldliness_n and_o secular_a business_n and_o trafficking_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o better_a to_o advance_v worldly_a profit_n as_o hypocrite_n do_v or_o sweet_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o know_v much_o as_o if_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o we_o be_v service_n do_v to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n that_o he_o will_v never_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o or_o perhaps_o some_o lipp-service_n whereby_o with_o religious_a discourse_n we_o move_v other_o to_o think_v well_o of_o we_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o he_o though_o we_o remain_v unfruitful_a as_o if_o he_o that_o give_v aim_n to_o another_o shall_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v hit_v the_o mark_n himself_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n quite_o contradict_v this_o and_o that_o often_o as_o st._n james_n 1._o 22._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n but_o the_o doer_n and_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 13._o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o so_o understand_v as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v here_o only_o commend_v but_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o who_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n than_o the_o work_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v once_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v live_v by_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o luke_n 12._o 47._o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o so_o where_o he_o say_v john_n 8._o 19_o if_o you_o have_v not_o know_v i_o you_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n comparative_o but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o know_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o gerson_n observe_v it_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o be_v demand_v of_o we_o how_o much_o we_o know_v how_o well_o skilled_a we_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o notable_a disputer_n and_o arguer_n we_o have_v be_v out_o of_o they_o nor_o how_o many_o good_a sermon_n we_o have_v hear_v nor_o how_o many_o chapter_n we_o have_v read_v or_o how_o often_o but_o as_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_v in_o that_o great_a day_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matt._n 25._o 34_o 36_o etc._n etc._n what_o good_a work_n we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n we_o profess_v and_o what_o good_a fruit_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n have_v produce_v and_o in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o beat_v the_o drum_n or_o sound_n as_o it_o be_v the_o trumpet_n to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o fight_v that_o good_a fight_n appoint_v by_o christ_n against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n unless_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o quit_v ourselves_o likeman_n in_o christ_n camp._n 3._o apply_v then_o ourselves_o to_o so_o divine_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n before_o we_o can_v do_v what_o be_v require_v we_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o be_v now_o about_o to_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corin._n 7._o 1._o we_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o those_o spot_n and_o blemish_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o soul_n and_o those_o scale_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v off_o our_o eye_n and_o those_o infirmity_n and_o distemper_n our_o soul_n natural_o labour_v under_o for_o we_o see_v not_o if_o we_o lament_v not_o our_o rude_a and_o pollute_a natural_a state_n our_o defect_n
end_n of_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n believe_v firm_o but_o not_o sound_o nor_o true_o his_o faith_n like_a to_o the_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v innumerable_a mistake_n not_o to_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a evil_a consequence_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a and_o willing_a to_o divide_v and_o rend_v faith_n from_o itself_o i_o mean_v the_o form_n or_o inward_a act_n of_o believe_v from_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o faith_n alone_o so_o take_v give_v we_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o give_v we_o sanctification_n too_o for_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v thereunto_o prepare_v by_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v and_o more_o dangerous_o presume_v no_o man_n be_v more_o justify_v alone_o by_o faith_n than_o he_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o alone_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o faith_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o rest_v upon_o such_o faith_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o upon_o such_o work_n of_o faith._n but_o this_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o pass_v 4._o however_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o at_o least_o form_n of_o speak_v as_o have_v late_o prevail_v disow_v the_o necessary_a ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o allow_v yea_o urge_v much_o good_a work_n and_o with_o many_o flourish_n commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o advance_v immoderate_o and_o injudicious_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n cripple_n it_o and_o bind_v it_o up_o from_o the_o free_a course_n and_o full_a influence_n it_o may_v and_o otherwise_o will_v have_v upon_o man_n life_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o evil_a and_o impregnate_v it_o to_o good_a work_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 5._o but_o leave_v that_o controversy_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v without_o controversy_n show_v by_o plain_a instance_n what_o we_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o militant_a state_n here_o and_o let_v it_o be_v ingenuous_o judge_v how_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o one_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o man_n especial_o and_o their_o heart_n and_o action_n and_o infallible_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a can_v easy_o omit_v the_o good_a so_o ample_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remunerate_v or_o rash_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a of_o sin-tempting_a stand_v by_o his_o christian_a faith_n assure_v that_o his_o temporary_a trifle_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o feel_v pleasure_n shall_v end_v infallible_o in_o bitterness_n and_o never-failing_a sorrow_n who_o will_v sow_v that_o seed_n in_o his_o field_n which_o he_o may_v easy_o believe_v will_v rise_v up_o to_o a_o harvest_n of_o serpent_n which_o will_v sting_v he_o to_o death_n or_o can_v a_o man_n steadfast_o believe_v that_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n teach_v and_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v appear_v a_o second_o time_n in_o glory_n and_o severe_a justice_n towards_o quick_a and_o dead_a render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n viz._n life_n everlasting_a or_o shame_n and_o torment_v everlasting_a and_o not_o fear_v or_o fear_v and_o yet_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v weigh_v he_o down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o misery_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v so_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o desireablenesse_n of_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o golden_a cup_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o deadly_a poison_n or_o will_v any_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o bread_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o perhaps_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n which_o he_o know_v will_v sudden_o after_o breed_v gravel_n and_o stone_n in_o his_o reins_o and_o bladder_n and_o infinite_o torture_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n persuasion_n which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o his_o fondness_n strong_a which_o can_v impose_v so_o hard_a thing_n on_o he_o unreject_v 6._o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a glory_n thereof_o yea_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fallacy_n vicious_a practice_n put_v on_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o less_o if_o less_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v not_o this_o next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n for_o what_o way_n we_o call_v a_o miracle_n if_o not_o delude_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o man_n eye_n and_o common_a sense_n that_o he_o shall_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o have_v no_o other_o opinion_n of_o flame_n into_o which_o he_o must_v be_v cast_v than_o of_o a_o feather_n bed_n 7._o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o present_a sweet_a be_v most_o sweet_a and_o the_o present_a bitter_a most_o bitter_a but_o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n the_o future_a exceed_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o to_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o hardship_n in_o this_o world_n no_o more_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o misery_n wicked_a man_n suffer_v hereafter_o than_o the_o joy_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n be_v to_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v hereafter_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o righteous_a it_o may_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v the_o least_o of_o evil_n and_o to_o run_v the_o least_o of_o hazard_n too_o as_o that_o poor_a simple_a austere_a man_n vile_o and_o cold_o clad_v and_o as_o ill_o feed_v do_v with_o who_o as_o our_o own_o history_n tell_v a_o boisterous_a and_o soft_a gallant_a meeting_n demand_v of_o he_o why_o he_o use_v himself_o so_o hardly_o and_o be_v answer_v by_o he_o i_o do_v this_o to_o escape_v hell-fire_n but_o say_v the_o gallant_a again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hell_n what_o a_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o use_v thyself_o so_o ill_o but_o he_o more_o witty_o and_o sharp_o reply_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n how_o much_o more_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o live_v so_o as_o thou_o do_v put_v the_o case_n to_o 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christ_n continue_v his_o wont_a method_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o babe_n which_o be_v common_o deny_v to_o the_o wise_a noble_a and_o great_a one_o in_o the_o world_n until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o forget_v whence_o themselves_o derive_v that_o understanding_n they_o have_v for_o then_o sudden_o it_o degenerate_v into_o folly_n and_o man_n pride_v themselves_o and_o transgress_v the_o limit_n of_o modesty_n humility_n and_o subjection_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v become_v insolent_a and_o contumacious_a towards_o they_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o scarce_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n like_o the_o foolish_a workman_n shall_v pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o build_v with_o another_o or_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 15._o 20._o give_v any_o man_n licence_n to_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v do_v if_o he_o allow_v 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and_o deformity_n and_o find_v the_o smart_n of_o our_o sore_n there_o be_v little_a probability_n we_o shall_v be_v solicitous_a so_o far_o about_o ourselves_o as_o to_o seek_v for_o redress_n and_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o but_o have_v attain_v this_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o mention_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v happy_o succeed_v and_o this_o advantage_n by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n towards_o so_o great_a and_o good_a work_n as_o to_o learn_v the_o general_a division_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o impurity_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o that_o some_o sin_n have_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o other_o of_o a_o fleshly_a for_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a constitution_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o he_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o beast_n so_o be_v his_o inclination_n sometime_o transport_v he_o to_o the_o excess_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o sometime_o sink_v he_o down_o towards_o brutish_a lust_n but_o which_o be_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o st._n james_n chap._n 3._o 15._o thus_o write_v this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o some_o sin_n and_o especial_o they_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v real_o devilish_a as_o have_v the_o devil_n as_o well_o for_o their_o author_n as_o actor_n viz._n envying_n glorying_n strife_n lie_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n a_o little_a before_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hatred_n murder_n violence_n offer_v to_o other_o intemperance_n incontinence_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o such_o like_a be_v such_o which_o senfuall_a appetite_n dispose_v we_o unto_o and_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o beast_n prone_a to_o they_o yet_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v beast_n many_o time_n govern_v by_o their_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o great_a offender_n thereby_o as_o man_n direct_v to_o high_a and_o better_a thing_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o religion_n or_o faith._n for_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a restraint_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o keep_v we_o within_o due_a compass_n of_o live_v first_o our_o very_a sense_n not_o make_v by_o evil_a custom_n more_o brutish_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v do_v certify_v by_o a_o natural_a reluctancy_n when_o we_o exce_v due_a measure_n in_o the_o use_n of_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o a_o great_a light_n and_o check_v to_o such_o exorbitance_n do_v our_o reason_n give_v we_o not_o bribe_v by_o corruption_n to_o give_v false_a report_n and_o dictate_v but_o the_o light_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v yet_o more_o clear_a full_a and_o perfect_a to_o direction_n and_o sanctification_n but_o the_o life_n and_o crown_n of_o all_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o will_n of_o man_n into_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n most_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v here_o speak_v brief_o to_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n 1._o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v by_o descent_n of_o heavenly_a extraction_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o owe_v original_o to_o the_o will_n or_o election_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v give_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v well_o apply_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o illumination_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manner_n than_o otherwise_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a or_o chief_a part_n of_o its_o power_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o which_o impell_v and_o enable_v we_o too_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v he_o send_v i_o into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o not_o by_o affirmation_n only_o but_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n consummate_v in_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v every_o good_a christian_a by_o do_v and_o die_v if_o need_v be_v testify_z to_z the_o truth_n 2._o and_o sure_o great_a be_v the_o influence_n true_a and_o strong_a faith_n have_v to_o that_o end_n according_a to_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 5._o 4._o tell_v we_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n even_o our_o faith_n so_o term_v because_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v conqueror_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o enemy_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o call_v the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o god_n as_o all_o sinful_a lust_n do_v and_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o subjection_n of_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v verify_v what_o christ_n foretell_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o man_n enemy_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o house_n a_o militant_a christian_a never_o be_v free_a from_o intestine_a jar_n and_o warring_n of_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o any_o suggestion_n or_o lean_a on_o any_o other_o aid_n but_o what_o our_o faith_n furnish_v we_o withal_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o fail_v and_o fall_v in_o our_o contention_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o demoniacall_a son._n mark_n 9_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v so_o shall_v we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o he_o that_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n himself_o mark_v 16._o 5._o he_o can_v do_v there_o viz._n in_o his_o own_o country_n no_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n as_o if_o unbelief_n in_o man_n have_v tie_v god_n hand_n and_o disable_v he_o who_o be_v ever_o omnipotent_a to_o act_v according_o though_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n not_o absolute_o but_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n proceed_v towards_o man_n who_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v obtrude_v his_o blessing_n upon_o he_o contemn_v he_o as_o do_v these_o his_o countryman_n who_o astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n carp_v at_o his_o relation_n and_o education_n and_o meanness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o parentage_n believe_v with_o prejudice_n reprovable_a by_o their_o sense_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v that_o they_o see_v he_o do_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o to_o he_o their_o sick_a and_o impotent_a so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o cure_n of_o the_o distemper_a soul_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a but_o unbelief_n make_v possible_a thing_n impossible_a and_o easy_a thing_n most_o difficult_a for_o faith_n not_o do_v its_o office_n of_o declare_v to_o the_o ignorant_a mind_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n a_o intolerable_a enemy_n to_o god_n man_n must_v needs_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o that_o false_a natural_a light_n that_o he_o have_v after_o those_o please_a object_n that_o seem_v rather_o than_o be_v good_a to_o he_o and_o again_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v firm_a be_v also_o operative_a as_o well_o as_o intuitive_a and_o so_o far_o influence_v and_o excite_v by_o it_o that_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o he_o must_v act_v according_a to_o his_o judgement_n persuasion_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n 3._o for_o what_o be_v that_o which_o move_v moses_n to_o forsake_v egypt_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o courtly_a pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v the_o very_a reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n but_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o he_o by_o his_o faith_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o by_o his_o faith_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o by_o faith_n both_o believe_v aright_o in_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o love_v what_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o noble_a and_o desirable_a which_o hold_v not_o good_a then_o only_o but_o be_v of_o perpetual_a truth_n as_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o unto_o thou_o so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o ever_o will_v be_v unto_o christian_a soul_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v true_o but_o do_v not_o full_o his_o faith_n be_v impotent_a in_o its_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o can_v profit_v very_o little_a to_o the_o main_a
lose_v their_o understanding_n but_o like_a to_o that_o great_a example_n set_v by_o christ_n for_o imitation_n here_o and_o salvation_n hereafter_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n not_o neglect_v outward_a severity_n 1._o faith_n be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o reform_a very_o often_o but_o sometime_o by_o the_o unreformed_a also_o of_o great_a note_n compare_v to_o and_o call_v a_o hand_n but_o if_o this_o hand_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o on_o the_o take_a side_n and_o little_a on_o the_o give_n both_o which_o be_v property_n equal_o of_o the_o spiritual_a hand_n then_o be_v it_o very_o defective_a for_o the_o philosopher_n term_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o all_o other_o instrument_n useful_a to_o we_o and_o such_o be_v faith_n to_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o action_n give_v we_o to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n with_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o extend_v to_o receive_v christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o to_o the_o quietation_n of_o the_o solicitous_a and_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o not_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n by_o diligent_a and_o dutiful_a action_n our_o faith_n be_v first_o unfaithful_a to_o god_n will_v in_o the_o end_n also_o prove_v treacherous_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o instrument_n which_o be_v blunt_a or_o ill_o frame_v in_o itself_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o mar_v the_o work_n intend_v without_o a_o good_a pen_n a_o man_n how_o expert_a soever_o can_v make_v a_o good_a letter_n and_o much_o less_o write_v a_o fair_a hand_n and_o not_o only_o a_o heretical_a faith_n subvert_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o a_o orthodox_n and_o sound_n yet_o barren_a credulous_a presumptuous_a unactive_a impatient_a of_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a fond_a contumacious_a turbulent_a or_o unnecessary_a querulous_a and_o quarrelsome_a be_v entertain_v and_o rest_v on_o draw_v near_a to_o perdition_n than_o salvation_n how_o flatter_a soever_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o 2._o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n blind_a zeal_n and_o violence_n rather_o than_o zeal_n go_v about_o to_o reform_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o unreformed_a or_o unsanctified_a faith_n do_v oftentimes_o expose_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o unprofitable_a and_o dangerous_a injury_n perhaps_o upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o perfection_n commend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v or_o because_o they_o have_v mislead_v he_o or_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v become_v a_o better_a philosopher_n as_o they_o write_v of_o some_o philosopher_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o didymus_n the_o alexandrian_a otherwise_o a_o holy_a christian_a give_v to_o contemplation_n or_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v mutilate_v himself_o because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v choose_v a_o bishop_n of_o which_o antiquity_n give_v we_o instance_n or_o to_o prevent_v or_o to_o revenge_v act_n of_o unlawful_a lust_n shall_v destroy_v what_o nature_n have_v ordain_v or_o in_o fine_a shall_v have_v fall_v into_o any_o great_a and_o shameful_a sin_n think_v to_o make_v propitiation_n for_o the_o same_o by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o all_o this_o must_v be_v impute_v rather_o to_o want_v than_o abundance_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o impenitence_n accumulate_v sin_n unto_o sin_n till_o the_o soul_n sink_v under_o the_o weight_n which_o by_o true_a faith_n may_v have_v be_v remove_v or_o lighten_v 2._o the_o inordinate_a passion_n therefore_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v the_o task_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a and_o the_o purge_n or_o chastize_v of_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o door_n and_o so_o purge_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o nehemiah_n do_v the_o profane_a stuff_n of_o tobiah_n the_o samaritan_n out_o of_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n pollute_v thereby_o several_a inmate_n there_o be_v which_o either_o creep_v in_o for_o entertainment_n or_o perhaps_o plead_v prescription_n which_o must_v be_v dislodge_v or_o there_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v find_v no_o room_n for_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n himself_o to_o reside_v in_o or_o rule_v over_o the_o soul_n to_o wash_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o bowl_n platter_n and_o cup_n be_v not_o amiss_o for_o it_o be_v require_v of_o every_o man_n not_o only_o to_o be_v religious_a but_o to_o appear_v so_o lest_o he_o come_v under_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n his_o doctrine_n and_o holy_a discipline_n but_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o pittance_n of_o performance_n be_v to_o rank_v ourselves_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o hypocrite_n condemn_v by_o christ_n oh_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n the_o israelite_n deuteron_n 5._o 19_o when_o they_o promise_v fair_a and_o speak_v well_o concern_v obedience_n which_o god_n require_v but_o not_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o tongue_n which_o without_o the_o heart_n end_v only_o in_o airy_a compliment_n absurd_o use_v towards_o man_n and_o ridiculous_o towards_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o far_o be_v that_o heart_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o from_o god_n which_o be_v unclean_a and_o unclean_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v which_o entertain_v such_o a_o rabble_n of_o lust_n which_o like_o drunken_a companion_n in_o tavern_n or_o alehouse_n quarrel_n notorious_o one_o with_o another_o but_o agree_v to_o foul_a the_o room_n with_o their_o pipe_n pot_n glass_n liquor_n and_o perhaps_o with_o their_o own_o vomit_n and_o other_o evacuation_n the_o sober_a man_n see_v this_o disorder_n and_o hear_v such_o noise_n and_o havoc_n say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o dwell_v there_o if_o i_o may_v have_v never_o so_o much_o and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n pure_a and_o pierce_a eye_n behold_v such_o distemper_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o disorder_n which_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n make_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o uncleanness_n contract_v thereby_o can_v or_o will_v condescend_v to_o take_v up_o his_o habitation_n there_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o sin_n wisdom_n 1._o 4._o for_o all_o sin_n consist_v of_o two_o thing_n contrary_a to_o wisdom_n and_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n folly_n and_o foulness_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o true_a wisdom_n which_o come_v from_o above_o and_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a etc._n etc._n 3._o if_o it_o be_v therefore_o only_o because_o god_n so_o frequent_o so_o earnest_o so_o press_o require_v inward_a purity_n purity_n of_o intention_n and_o understanding_n which_o qualify_v exceed_o action_n otherwise_o irregular_a and_o faulty_a purity_n of_o affection_n free_v from_o smuttie_a delectation_n and_o clear_a and_o sincere_a and_o fix_a and_o fervent_a towards_o the_o best_a object_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o motive_n god_n service_n and_o honour_n who_o well_o advise_v will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o so_o noble_a and_o necessary_a a_o task_n as_o the_o search_a and_o try_v his_o heart_n and_o cast_v out_o thence_o whatever_o may_v corrupt_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o exterior_a service_n and_o offend_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n though_o not_o scandalous_a to_o man._n 4._o and_o this_o may_v be_v another_o motive_n to_o interior_a holiness_n the_o powerful_a influence_n the_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v upon_o all_o exterior_a action_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o according_a to_o the_o regency_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n as_o our_o most_o wife_n and_o holy_a master_n christ_n inform_v we_o say_v mark_v 7._o 21._o from_o within_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n adultery_n fornication_n murder_n theft_n covetousness_n wickedness_n deceit_n lasciviousness_n a_o evil_a eye_n blasphemy_n pride_n foolishness_n all_o these_o evil_a thing_n come_v from_o within_o and_o defile_v the_o man._n all_o sin_n defile_v but_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o inward_a man_n and_o thence_o as_o from_o a_o bitter_a or_o corrupt_a fountainhead_n unsound_a and_o impure_a action_n do_v flow_v or_o as_o we_o see_v in_o clock_n and_o watch_n the_o hand_n outward_a point_v to_o the_o hour_n go_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o the_o spring_n and_o inward_a frame_n of_o they_o so_o our_o external_a practice_n be_v right_a just_a and_o holy_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a false_a and_o deprave_a according_a to_o the_o
cumbrance_n be_v such_o as_o man_n unwilling_o be_v subject_n to_o which_o can_v neither_o be_v foresee_v nor_o prevent_v but_o involuntary_o and_o unexpected_o fall_v between_o the_o cup_n and_o the_o lip_n as_o the_o say_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sudden_a and_o involuntarie_a uncleanness_n happen_v to_o a_o man_n bend_v to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n and_o so_o some_o monstrous_a surprise_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n may_v well_o detain_v a_o man_n from_o press_v upon_o the_o most_o sacred_a thing_n until_o he_o have_v humble_v himself_o and_o repent_v thereof_o in_o some_o good_a degree_n or_o perhaps_o some_o sore_a and_o sudden_a consternation_n of_o mind_n upon_o some_o grievous_a accident_n not_o sudden_o to_o be_v overcome_v may_v excuse_v a_o man_n for_o that_o time_n yet_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o no_o man_n please_v himself_o or_o take_v content_a in_o such_o abstain_v but_o preserve_v entire_a his_o good_a desire_n that_o way_n labour_v to_o remove_v that_o obstacle_n otherwise_o by_o postfact_n it_o become_v voluntary_a and_o so_o very_o criminal_a but_o when_o impediment_n be_v direct_o voluntary_a as_o affect_a blindness_n and_o negligence_n in_o prepare_v a_o man_n self_n and_o value_v and_o approve_v our_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n or_o care_n to_o part_v with_o they_o or_o project_n and_o modellize_v worldly_a affair_n so_o that_o we_o bring_v encumbrance_n upon_o ourselves_o at_o such_o time_n that_o we_o can_v fit_v ourselves_o for_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o become_v we_o and_o then_o apologise_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v not_o do_v it_o as_o man_n weary_a themselves_o with_o late_a work_n on_o saturday_n night_n that_o they_o must_v sleep_v out_o some_o part_n of_o the_o morning_n service_n on_o sunday_n or_o by_o worse_a exercise_n indispose_v themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o design_n to_o visit_v a_o friend_n or_o take_v a_o walk_n or_o entertain_v friend_n when_o they_o shall_v both_o be_v serve_v god_n and_o then_o say_v they_o be_v so_o hinder_v that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o require_v what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o a_o profess_a mock_v of_o god_n which_o come_v to_o thus_o much_o in_o plain_a term_n they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o but_o by_o device_n of_o their_o own_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o themselves_o to_o stay_v away_o but_o where_o multitude_n of_o business_n by_o virtue_n of_o occupation_n voluntary_a lie_v heavy_a on_o a_o man_n and_o obstruct_v he_o he_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o model_n worldly_a affair_n that_o they_o may_v comply_v better_o with_o and_o obey_v heavenly_a for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o psalmist_n will_v guide_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n psalm_n 112._o which_o prudence_n be_v see_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o give_v superiority_n and_o rule_n to_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o dignity_n over_o inferior_a ordain_v by_o god_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o not_o to_o usurp_v over_o divine_a and_o more_o heavenly_a and_o this_o method_n be_v observe_v the_o diligence_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o do_v use_v about_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n may_v prove_v a_o help_n by_o god_n blessing_n towards_o the_o more_o easy_a management_n of_o worldly_a thing_n also_o as_o the_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n of_o noah_n be_v predict_v to_o give_v comfort_n to_o man_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n because_o of_o the_o ground_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v curse_v gen._n 5._o 29._o 5._o it_o be_v also_o object_v by_o divers_a against_o themselves_o many_o time_n that_o they_o fear_v they_o want_v that_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o fervent_a charity_n which_o god_n require_v of_o such_o as_o so_o solemn_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o which_o suppose_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o cordial_a which_o sundry_a time_n be_v otherwise_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o difficulty_n be_v not_o difficult_a for_o where_o such_o holy_a sense_n of_o defect_n be_v there_o they_o be_v very_o pardonable_a and_o curable_a for_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a proof_n of_o god_n work_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o such_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o goodness_n as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o chrysostome_n judgement_n a_o tolerable_a qualification_n to_o receive_v those_o holy_a mystery_n for_o what_o great_a or_o better_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v there_o than_o humiliation_n upon_o such_o apprehension_n and_o aspiration_n after_o reformation_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o old_a rule_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o stoic_n hold_v good_a here_o also_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a man_n if_o thou_o fear_v thou_o be_v dead_a thou_o be_v certain_o alive_a for_o be_v thou_o not_o so_o thou_o can_v not_o fear_v 6._o but_o notwithstanding_o very_o expedient_a and_o safe_a it_o be_v for_o such_o conscientious_o scrupulous_a to_o consult_v with_o the_o officer_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o such_o end_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o may_v be_v more_o full_o declare_v from_o the_o resemblance_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o authority_n the_o leviticall_a priest_n have_v to_o discern_v judge_n quit_v or_o bind_v person_n unclean_a mosaical_o and_o from_o the_o direct_a sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o concern_v the_o evangelicall_n priest_n viz._n he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o hear_v i_o hear_v or_o receive_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o fidelity_n taciturnity_n and_o opinion_n of_o fallible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v physician_n and_o lawyer_n move_v man_n to_o make_v know_v their_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o sometime_o shameful_a disease_n upon_o hope_n of_o good_a counsel_n and_o comfortable_a recovery_n of_o health_n why_o shall_v not_o man_n put_v the_o like_a confidence_n in_o the_o physician_n in_o ordinary_a to_o the_o soul_n god_n minister_n be_v under_o strong_a bond_n of_o fidelity_n sincerity_n and_o secrecy_n than_o any_o secular_a person_n in_o their_o sphere_n who_o incur_v not_o any_o such_o punishment_n as_o do_v priest_n discover_v secret_n nor_o become_v so_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o such_o falseness_n and_o treachery_n and_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n be_v no_o less_o in_o divine_a than_o secular_a case_n 7._o last_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n rash_o and_o without_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o come_v unto_o the_o communion_n so_o may_v there_o be_v a_o impediment_n in_o the_o preparation_n itself_o we_o make_v of_o come_v worthy_o when_o man_n put_v such_o great_a confidence_n in_o their_o devout_a preparation_n as_o if_o they_o may_v expect_v a_o infallible_a welcome_n upon_o the_o worth_n of_o such_o their_o endeavour_n every_o man_n indeed_o ought_v so_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v there_o as_o that_o he_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v accept_v well_o by_o god_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o preparation_n which_o can_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o remove_v obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o not_o so_o far_o of_o itself_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o gratify_v he_o but_o to_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o powerful_a with_o god_n than_o humility_n and_o depend_v on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o a_o fruitful_a event_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o pure_a intention_n to_o that_o sacred_a work_n and_o reliance_n on_o god_n mercy_n that_o he_o may_v silence_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n either_o to_o presumption_n or_o pusillanimity_n and_o despondencie_n with_o that_o say_n of_o bernard_n answer_v the_o tempter_n in_o like_a case_n i_o begin_v not_o for_o thou_o neither_o will_v i_o give_v over_o for_o thou_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v here_o pass_v with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interrruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o consolation_n 1._o thus_o have_v we_o bring_v the_o true_a believer_n and_o liver_n from_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v darkness_n and_o confusion_n unto_o a_o state_n of_o illumination_n and_o regeneration_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o concomitant_a instruction_n of_o faith_n imbibe_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o church_n the_o font_n and_o from_o thence_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o high_a and_o strong_a act_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n consist_v in_o the_o purgation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o regenerate_v and_o purify_n of_o it_o from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o especial_o by_o selfe-deniall_n and_o subdue_a the_o will_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o as_o we_o live_v