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work_n good_a know_v tree_n 4,740 5 8.9177 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58850 The method and means to a true spiritual life consisting of three parts, agreeable to the auncient [sic] way / by the late Reverend Matthew Scrivener ... ; cleared from modern abuses, and render'd more easie and practicall. Scrivener, Matthew. 1688 (1688) Wing S2118; ESTC R32133 179,257 416

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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
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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inability_n than_o to_o frustrate_v the_o expectation_n of_o such_o christian_a spirit_n intend_v hereby_o to_o divert_v they_o with_o a_o mean_a view_n and_o sense_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 4._o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o method_n i_o have_v here_o choose_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o my_o proceed_n in_o this_o discourse_n that_o it_o be_v not_o my_o principal_n much_o less_o only_o design_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o great_a person_n or_o sublime_a christian_n but_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o both_o order_n i_o have_v lay_v my_o foundation_n so_o low_a as_o the_o weak_a may_v rest_v on_o and_o improve_v by_o and_o so_o raise_v themselves_o by_o orderly_a gradation_n to_o a_o more_o considerable_a height_n which_o course_n i_o have_v take_v not_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n as_o some_o may_v conjecture_v who_o be_v either_o whole_o ignorant_a that_o this_o be_v of_o very_o long_o stand_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o do_v know_v that_o book_n of_o devotion_n in_o our_o mother-tongue_n have_v very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o insist_v on_o this_o subject_a or_o tread_v the_o same_o path_n with_o i_o and_o they_o of_o the_o unreformed_a church_n who_o have_v often_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n have_v very_o seldom_o handle_v all_o these_o part_n of_o piety_n together_o but_o pass_v over_o light_o the_o illuminative_a and_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n have_v ambitious_o to_o my_o apprehension_n strive_v to_o abound_v and_o excel_v in_o the_o unitive-way_n and_o their_o mystical_a theology_n soar_v very_o high_a if_o not_o exorbitant_o towards_o heaven_n and_o gain_v to_o themselves_o and_o church_n no_o small_a estimation_n for_o divine_a contemplation_n strange_a notion_n and_o language_n as_o if_o they_o have_v themselves_o be_v 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
ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n p._n 9_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n especial_o conduce_v thereunto_o p._n 12_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v p._n 20_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v p._n 40_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o note_v and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v p_o 51_o sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o the_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state._n p._n 63_o sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n p._n 76_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._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 page_n 99_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n p._n 105_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o purity_n of_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 p._n 114_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n p._n 124_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n p._n 129_o sect_n vi_o that_o this_o purgative_a repentance_n must_v be_v general_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a p._n 147_o sect_n vii_o of_o self_n denial_n require_v to_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will._n p._n 156_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o custody_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v have_v over_o the_o outward_a man_n especial_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o tongue_n p._n 174_o sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n and_o modesty_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n p._n 189_o sect_n x._o the_o connexion_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seven_o capital_a sin_n p._n 201_o sect_n xi_o of_o pride_n the_o first_o deadly_a or_o capital_a sin._n p._n 203_o sect_n xii_o of_o anger_n a_o second_o capital_a sin_n its_o concomitant_n and_o remedy_n p._n 219_o sect_n xiii_o of_o the_o deadly_a sin_n of_o envy_n its_o nature_n and_o remedy_n p._n 233_o sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n p._n 244_o sect_n xv._o of_o luxury_n and_o uncleanness_n p._n 254_o sect_n xvi_o of_o gluttony_n its_o sinfullnesse_n and_o cure._n p._n 265_o sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n p._n 277_o sect_n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o part_n with_o some_o short_a advice_n relate_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therein_o p._n 288_o the_o three_o part._n treat_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n with_o god._n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a union_n with_o god_n and_o of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o p._n 297_o sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a p._n 304_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v p._n 309_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n for_o this_o latter_a p._n 317_o 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 p._n 328_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o defect_n incident_a to_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o their_o remedy_n p._n 334_o sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n p._n 342_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v or_o fix_v as_o also_o of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n p._n 350_o sect_n ix_o of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n to_o which_o certain_a instruction_n be_v premise_v p._n 359_o sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n here_o discuss_v p._n 367_o sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o with_o their_o proper_a remedy_n p._n 378_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o before_o with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o consolation_n p._n 387_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o true_a spiritual_a life_n the_o first_o part_n treat_v of_o spiritual_a illumination_n sect_n 1._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o vsefulnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a 1._o there_o be_v three_o principal_a stage_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v to_o pass_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n towards_o that_o sabbath_n of_o blessedness_n hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o aspire_v to_o it_o may_v seem_v both_o very_a methodical_a and_o profitable_a to_o that_o great_a end_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thither_o by_o clear_n up_o the_o deface_a character_n write_v by_o god_n own_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o in_o general_a that_o such_o a_o fundamental_a persuasion_n be_v well_o receive_v the_o edification_n in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a absolute_a and_o better_o advance_v 2._o for_o what_o may_v we_o call_v religion_n speak_v here_o more_o practical_o than_o artificial_o but_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o power_n able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v everlasting_o infer_v a_o strong_a and_o just_a obligation_n upon_o all_o creature_n especial_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o present_a be_v and_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o subsistence_n and_o upon_o who_o depend_v his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n 3._o but_o may_v it_o not_o here_o also_o be_v say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v too_o many_o obstinate_o refuse_v any_o better_a guidance_n or_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o as_o may_v favour_v their_o degenerous_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n of_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n hurry_v they_o to_o a_o liberty_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n freedom_n when_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o renounce_v the_o servitude_n and_o turpitude_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v ourselves_o apprentice_n to_o learn_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o religion_n the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indent_v and_o covenant_v with_o believer_n so_o faithful_o serve_v he_o when_o their_o time_n come_v out_o by_o death_n in_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o desirable_a freedom_n by_o make_v they_o citizen_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o than_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v no_o great_a or_o better_a event_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o good_a nor_o great_a remuneration_n 4._o who_o will_v not_o then_o sometime_o retire_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o divine_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n shall_v we_o see_v so_o many_o artist_n of_o this_o world_n strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o not_o only_o for_o lucre_n sake_n but_o esteem_v of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n and_o trade_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v cold_a indifferent_a and_o careless_a in_o this_o of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o how_o many_o have_v become_v poor_a infamous_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 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 for_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n every_o prudent_a and_o pious_a christian_a must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o put_v not_o such_o a_o fallacy_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o infer_v to_o himself_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n upon_o some_o particular_a branch_n thereof_o find_v in_o he_o crowd_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n into_o one_o and_o that_o rather_o a_o preparation_n unto_o true_a religious_a life_n than_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o tend_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n for_o be_v well_o initiate_v in_o those_o necessary_a principle_n and_o help_n of_o devotion_n there_o so_o to_o stop_v or_o in_o they_o to_o improve_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v neglect_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o faith_n itself_o whereof_o no_o small_a part_n be_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o repent_v hearty_o and_o 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
before_o he_o and_o the_o world_n 6._o now_o from_o this_o foundation_n lay_v this_o principle_n grant_v this_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n open_v do_v issue_n all_o particular_a branch_n of_o our_o faith_n illuminate_v we_o some_o few_o of_o which_o article_v reduce_v into_o the_o three_o eminent_a creed_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n viz._n the_o apostolical_a the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n which_o may_v yet_o be_v more_o plain_o and_o vulgar_o thus_o order_v to_o easy_a capacity_n 1._o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o god_n but_o one_o in_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a immutable_a be_v and_o there_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v no_o more_o number_n herein_o destroy_v all_o perfection_n proper_a to_o the_o divine_a be_v which_o article_n though_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a naturalist_n do_v give_v their_o cold_a assent_n unto_o yet_o scarce_o ever_o so_o but_o they_o tolerate_v such_o opinion_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o as_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a feel_v rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n be_v after_o god_n than_o find_v he_o or_o hold_v he_o fast_o by_o such_o a_o strong_a faith_n as_o christian_n be_v and_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o know_v assure_o that_o religion_n and_o our_o salvation_n receive_v by_o no_o one_o superstition_n so_o deadly_a a_o blow_n and_o destructive_a to_o all_o sound_n christianity_n as_o to_o err_v about_o this_o first_o principle_n by_o acknowledge_v direct_o or_o indirect_o more_o than_o one_o god_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o proposition_n profess_v more_o than_o one_o which_o total_o subvert_v christianity_n or_o in_o practice_n worship_v that_o for_o god_n which_o be_v not_o god_n though_o under_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v that_o one_o true_a god_n and_o though_o in_o mind_n and_o intention_n we_o design_v to_o worship_v only_o the_o true_a god._n for_o such_o a_o fact_n upon_o involuntarie_a error_n and_o all_o error_n be_v say_v by_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v involuntarie_a may_v mitigate_v the_o offence_n before_o god_n and_o man_n but_o it_o can_v at_o all_o change_n the_o thing_n itself_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o be_v idolatry_n or_o that_o no_o heresy_n which_o be_v heresy_n in_o itself_o but_o only_o by_o certain_a circumstance_n may_v alleviate_v and_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o little_a or_o much_o the_o crime_n of_o the_o offender_n which_o crime_n be_v in_o itself_o direct_o damnable_a and_o so_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v repute_v and_o even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v avoid_v 2._o and_o the_o same_o faith_n likewise_o teach_v we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v aright_o of_o the_o several_a and_o distinct_a way_n of_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o person_n which_o we_o common_o call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v three_o and_o not_o one_o person_n so_o must_v we_o believe_v to_o be_v one_o in_o nature_n and_o substance_n and_o not_o three_o so_o that_o the_o father_n beget_v the_o son_n and_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o any_o and_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n by_o a_o eternal_a and_o incorrupt_a generation_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o any_o other_o production_n though_o dim_o represent_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n by_o such_o a_o divine_a emanation_n as_o be_v not_o imitable_a by_o any_o create_a procession_n and_o in_o this_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n christian_n be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o all_o natural_a assistance_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a must_v redound_v to_o the_o power_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n reveal_v these_o thing_n and_o render_v they_o credible_a our_o faith_n upon_o that_o ground_n receive_v they_o 3._o and_o a_o three_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n proceed_v to_o reunite_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n those_o person_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o stand_v so_o distinguish_v by_o their_o intrinsical_a relation_n mention_v in_o their_o outward_a operation_n such_o as_o be_v act_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o this_o visible_a world_n and_o in_o that_o or_o those_o world_n which_o be_v to_o we_o invisible_a call_v celestial_a 4._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o be_v teach_v more_o express_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o nothing_o produce_v what_o we_o see_v and_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o more_o than_o we_o can_v behold_v and_o apprehend_v determine_v that_o knotty_a controversy_n which_o the_o philosopher_n can_v make_v no_o work_n with_o concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o some_o will_v have_v never_o to_o have_v be_v but_o subsist_v from_o eternity_n of_o itself_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o understand_v by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n how_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o brain_n or_o a_o model_n lay_v before_o the_o eye_n or_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o hand_n the_o sweat_n of_o the_o face_n and_o tedious_a but_o necessary_a toil_n of_o many_o day_n year_n or_o age_n but_o by_o the_o light_a and_o easy_a way_n we_o can_v possible_o understand_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v wrought_v for_o thus_o we_o read_v heb._n 11._o 2._o through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v and_o so_o we_o read_v psalm_n 33._o 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o by_o the_o word_n or_o mouth_n of_o god_n as_o that_o any_o such_o part_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o god_n or_o that_o proper_o god_n so_o speak_v vocal_o for_o to_o what_o or_o who_o shall_v god_n speak_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n yea_o nothing_o to_o hear_v but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a simple_a pure_a velleity_n or_o willing_a of_o he_o so_o effectual_a as_o to_o produce_v the_o universe_n without_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o of_o any_o other_o agent_n or_o instrument_n under_o he_o as_o some_o have_v vain_o imagine_v contrary_a to_o our_o divine_a faith._n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o god_n can_v create_v a_o worm_n he_o can_v create_v a_o elephant_n and_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n that_o he_o can_v create_v a_o mite_n he_o may_v create_v the_o huge_a monster_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n bare_a yea_o the_o earth_n itself_o and_o that_o without_o delay_n or_o distance_n of_o time_n though_o to_o show_v his_o liberty_n and_o not_o necessity_n of_o work_v and_o to_o teach_v we_o advisednesse_n in_o all_o our_o action_n of_o importance_n he_o vouchsafe_v to_o distribute_v his_o act_n into_o several_a order_n and_o space_n of_o duration_n call_v day_n for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o six_o day_n the_o lord_n make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o etc._n etc._n 5._o and_o from_o this_o general_a work_n or_o act_v of_o god_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n more_o near_o concern_v ourselves_o for_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n affirm_v he_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o psalm_n 95._o and_o that_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n very_o good_a so_o the_o more_o noble_a in_o rank_n such_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o unblameable_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o they_o come_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_n or_o proceed_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o nature_n from_o imperfect_a to_o perfect_v as_o all_o natural_a production_n be_v ill_o form_v and_o defective_a at_o first_o and_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n arise_v to_o their_o ordain_a perfection_n but_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n and_o especial_o man_n at_o once_o most_o perfect_a both_o as_o to_o inward_a endowment_n and_o outward_a form_n stature_n and_o part_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v either_o to_o the_o ornament_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o body_n crown_v both_o with_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n immortal_a wherein_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n principal_o consist_v add_v unto_o they_o here_o in_o this_o life_n power_n and_o dominion_n under_o he_o over_o all_o earthly_a thing_n 6_o furhermore_o the_o same_o faith_n teach_v we_o the_o original_a
man_n we_o will_v not_o understand_v until_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n though_o not_o in_o that_o outward_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n but_o by_o a_o certain_a tacit_a splendour_n and_o illumination_n all_o the_o recess_n and_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o foulness_n of_o they_o manifest_v in_o particular_a 5._o for_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o poor_a cottager_n or_o simple_a careless_a tenant_n while_o the_o housewife_n be_v alone_o with_o her_o own_o plain_a company_n only_o she_o see_v little_a or_o nothing_o amiss_o in_o her_o house_n it_o be_v clean_a enough_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o herself_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v set_v in_o order_n and_o place_n convenient_a enough_o to_o her_o like_n but_o it_o chance_v that_o she_o be_v surprise_v by_o some_o great_a and_o delicate_a person_n come_v into_o her_o habitation_n or_o that_o her_o rich_a and_o fine_a landlord_n come_v into_o her_o house_n then_o present_o she_o look_v about_o her_o every_o way_n than_o she_o see_v nothing_o be_v clean_a enough_o handsome_a enough_o or_o in_o place_n and_o order_v good_a enough_o but_o complain_v how_o she_o be_v take_v like_o a_o slut_n so_o fall_v it_o out_o in_o divine_a matter_n and_o with_o the_o careless_a and_o secure_a soul_n while_o she_o look_v only_o on_o herself_o and_o compare_v herself_o with_o herself_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v or_o perhaps_o with_o other_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o herself_o she_o discern_v very_o little_a amiss_o within_o herself_o but_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n come_v into_o it_o then_o she_o begin_v to_o apprehend_v she_o own_o uncleanlinesse_n and_o defect_n then_o be_v she_o sensible_a of_o her_o disorder_n foulness_n and_o even_a slut_n corner_n and_o begin_v to_o lament_v her_o state_n and_o confess_v her_o error_n and_o beg_v pardon_n for_o her_o unfitnesse_n and_o unsutablenesse_n to_o the_o divine_a presence_n a_o lively_a instance_n whereof_o holy_a job_n may_v be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peter_n in_o the_o new_a both_o eminent_a saint_n job_n have_v discourse_v free_o and_o confident_o of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o justify_v himself_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n before_o he_o he_o assert_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o cleanness_n before_o he_o and_o man_n yea_o god_n himself_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o satan_n say_v job_n 1._o 8._o have_v thou_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o upright_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n draw_v yet_o near_o to_o he_o in_o a_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o job_n to_o himself_o we_o find_v job_n note_v change_v to_o this_o say_v job_n 42._o 5._o i_o have_v hear_v of_o thou_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o therefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n st._n peter_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o at_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n cry_v out_o sudden_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o imperfection_n luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n not_o sustain_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o master_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unholinesse_n then_o chief_o appear_v to_o he_o 5._o and_o thus_o particular_o inform_v and_o affect_v the_o soul_n not_o only_a judge_n sin_n in_o other_o to_o be_v sin_n but_o in_o itself_o exceed_v sinful_a not_o only_o believe_v that_o anger_n and_o malice_n and_o censure_v and_o slander_v other_o that_o unclean_a act_n that_o light_n wanton_a and_o carnal_a thought_n be_v evil_a in_o other_o but_o in_o itself_o that_o immodest_a word_n and_o gesture_n unkind_a sour_a froward_a behaviour_n and_o look_n do_v ill_o become_v other_o profess_v the_o gospel_n which_o sweeten_v sour_a blood_n and_o carriage_n natural_o so_o far_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o sobriety_n and_o gravity_n but_o in_o its_o self_n too_o and_o dispose_v to_o a_o change_n of_o temper_n know_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v galat._n 5._o 22._o that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n longsufferance_n gentleness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n give_v by_o christ_n matth._n 7._o 12._o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o regulate_v of_o outward_a look_n and_o behaviour_n which_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o towards_o other_o distance_z of_o relation_n be_v observe_v as_o become_v than_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o towards_o we_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o vice_n flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v subject_a to_o even_o less_o observable_a the_o good_a man_n first_o condemn_v himself_o be_v more_o quick-sighted_a in_o perceive_v and_o severe_a in_o censure_v himself_o than_o other_o 6._o and_o upon_o and_o together_o with_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o pravity_n do_v the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n direct_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n both_o moral_a and_o evangelicall_n and_o such_o a_o transformation_n by_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v our_o sanctification_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o thessaly_n 4._o 3._o and_o that_o sanctification_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n wherein_o the_o illuminate_v mind_n may_v perceive_v all_o the_o line_n or_o lineament_n of_o the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o form_n of_o true_a godliness_n so_o that_o as_o he_o that_o copi_v out_o a_o exquisite_a picture_n or_o he_o that_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a eye_n and_o that_o eye_n must_v be_v constant_o fix_v on_o the_o pattern_n before_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o spiritual_a fashion_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o grand_a example_n christ_n a_o perpetual_a and_o strict_a eye_n must_v be_v have_v and_o fix_v on_o he_o whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v what_o of_o the_o natural_a stone_n be_v to_o be_v knock_v or_o pare_v off_o by_o mortification_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v towards_o conformablenesse_n to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n 7._o and_o to_o this_o also_o conduce_v much_o what_o be_v mention_v far_o concern_v our_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n hereafter_o and_o the_o vanity_n and_o fallacy_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n which_o latter_a seem_v to_o a_o unenlightened_a eye_n great_a and_o corpulent_a be_v in_o truth_n but_o shadow_n as_o the_o former_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n open_v solid_a and_o weighty_a and_o to_o be_v consider_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o we_o die_v but_o once_o natural_o and_o be_v not_o like_o the_o herb_n or_o flower_n or_o plant_v which_o flourish_v in_o its_o season_n and_o in_o his_o season_n fade_v and_o die_v with_o a_o aptness_n to_o return_v again_o to_o its_o former_a perfection_n even_o to_o many_o such_o vicissitude_n the_o tall_a cedar_n or_o fine_a flower_n in_o his_o own_o estimation_n man_n necessary_o and_o natural_o tend_v to_o decay_n and_o ruin_n die_v once_o and_o where_o be_v he_o say_v job_n chap._n 14._o and_o by_o no_o scent_n of_o water_n bud_v again_o or_o rise_v from_o his_o cold_a bed_n of_o earth_n till_o the_o heaven_n be_v no_o more_o and_o arise_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n but_o no_o more_o to_o return_v to_o his_o place_n and_o condition_n to_o amend_v what_o he_o before_o have_v do_v amiss_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o repent_v fruitful_o of_o what_o he_o former_o offend_v in_o how_o then_o do_v it_o concern_v every_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v serious_a with_o himself_o and_o stand_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o sabbath_n of_o pleasure_n here_o sudden_o all_o our_o vain_a imagination_n of_o sensible_a delight_n here_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o shadow_n of_o our_o approach_a death_n overtake_v and_o extinguish_v they_o and_o that_o be_v come_v there_o be_v no_o redemption_n of_o our_o misspend_v day_n no_o recovery_n of_o our_o voluntary_a loss_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n chastity_n modesty_n meekness_n charity_n good_a work_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god._n can_v any_o that_o have_v his_o sense_n i_o say_v not_o that_o wit_n which_o such_o inconsiderate_a worldling_n too_o often_o but_o vain_o vaunt_v of_o run_v such_o a_o notorious_a hazard_n as_o this_o in_o pursuit_n as_o child_n of_o butter_n fly_v of_o
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 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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
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 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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 common_a reason_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doubtful_a point_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o not_o a_o heaven_n or_o no_o heaven_n and_o the_o scale_n weigh_v both_o side_n be_v equal_a will_v not_o general_a reason_n advise_v so_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a course_n and_o live_v that_o life_n which_o may_v lead_v to_o the_o suppose_a happiness_n and_o escape_v the_o threaten_a torment_n what_o hurt_n befall_v that_o man_n that_o live_v continent_o temperate_o modest_o just_o sober_o yea_o and_o selfe-denying_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a though_o no_o reward_n follow_v upon_o his_o rigour_n but_o the_o ordinary_a comfort_n of_o health_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v great_a to_o he_o than_o the_o riotous_a liver_n and_o pleaser_n of_o his_o appetite_n and_o sense_n without_o restraint_n but_o what_o hurt_n do_v not_o befall_v he_o hereafter_o who_o by_o indulge_v to_o his_o sensible_a soul_n bereave_v himself_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o not_o be_v all_o neither_o as_o our_o religion_n true_o inform_v we_o 8._o let_v we_o therefore_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o prove_v ourselves_o know_v of_o our_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o corin._n 13._o 5._o sure_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o event_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o not_o to_o be_v like_o a_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n nor_o like_o such_o man_n who_o have_v
command_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a which_o to_o apportion_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n belong_v to_o his_o minister_n so_o that_o a_o general_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o same_o ought_v not_o secure_o to_o be_v interpret_v and_o apply_v by_o every_o man_n single_a and_o private_a opinion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o his_o sufficiency_n or_o insufficiency_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o but_o may_v better_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o by_o they_o dispense_v for_o some_o be_v too_o rigorous_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o great_a number_n too_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a and_o therefore_o safe_o and_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o that_o natural_a and_o dear_a judicature_n which_o every_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o and_o to_o commit_v ourselves_o and_o especial_o our_o sense_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o other_o not_o repugnant_a to_o great_a authority_n 5._o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v avoid_v be_v the_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n which_o art_n add_v to_o nature_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v call_v luxury_n special_o to_o be_v consider_v hereafter_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o good_a christian_a to_o be_v always_o full_a within_o and_o always_o warm_a without_o and_o always_o at_o ease_n and_o to_o fence_v ourselves_o by_o all_o care_n and_o solicitude_n against_o all_o ordinary_a incommodation_n and_o inconvenience_n so_o esteem_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o rather_o miserable_a than_o happy_a by_o the_o prophet_n amos_n 6._o 1_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n in_o zion_n i._n e._n under_o no_o hardship_n or_o molestation_n rather_o drudge_a infinite_o to_o gratify_v back_o belly_n eye_n ear_n and_o palate_n with_o all_o delectable_n contemn_v the_o simple_a sufficiency_n and_o salubritie_n of_o nature_n and_o exciting_a lust_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o invention_n strange_a and_o new_a to_o a_o great_a rampantnesse_n than_o corrupt_a nature_n itself_o dispose_v to_o nay_o to_o that_o excess_n of_o fashion_n and_o folly_n do_v man_n strive_v to_o arrive_v that_o to_o attain_v praise_n and_o admiration_n or_o but_o estimation_n for_o their_o vanity_n they_o can_v suffer_v more_o pain_n and_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o mischief_v their_o body_n than_o they_o do_v who_o for_o heaven_n sake_n i_o mean_v the_o strait_a gate_n of_o austerity_n lead_v thither_o suffer_v willing_o bodily_a incommodation_n and_o by_o affect_a nakedness_n of_o back_n breast_n and_o arm_n show_v themselves_o more_o hardy_a for_o fancy_n and_o fashion-sake_n than_o the_o ploughman_n or_o carter_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o for_o god_n sake_n which_o be_v do_v so_o frequent_o for_o the_o world_n sake_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o not_o superstitious_a also_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o saint_n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 14._o as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v yourselves_o according_a to_o your_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n ignorance_n and_o not_o skill_n cunning_a and_o not_o art_n be_v according_a to_o he_o the_o parent_n of_o superfluity_n and_o vanity_n worldly_a for_o witness_v experience_n witness_v saint_n paul_n 1_o corin._n 7._o 31._o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o before_o some_o can_v get_v well_o into_o a_o fashion_n it_o wear_v out_o and_o if_o it_o will_v last_v a_o mortal_a for_o ever_o i._n e._n as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a the_o strive_n for_o especial_o with_o great_a contention_n than_o man_n do_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o meanness_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o change_v of_o this_o vile_a body_n we_o may_v at_o length_n be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v philip_n 3._o 21._o 6._o sure_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v aim_v at_o by_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epist_n 2._o 9_o prescribe_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shamefastness_n and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n but_o which_o become_v woman_n profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o good_a work_n and_o saint_n peter_n 1_o epist_n 3._o 3._o speak_v of_o the_o same_o subject_a say_v who_o adorn_v let_v it_o not_o be_v that_o outward_a adorn_v of_o plait_v the_o hair_n or_o of_o wear_v of_o gold_n or_o of_o put_v on_o of_o apparel_n but_o let_v it_o be_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o corruptible_a even_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n how_o do_v this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n peter_n cross_v and_o confound_v the_o apology_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o outward_a lightness_n in_o apparel_n and_o behaviour_n the_o wisdom_n yea_o the_o religion_n of_o this_o world_n argue_v this_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o habit_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n use_n nor_o what_o fashion_n they_o follow_v in_o outward_a dress_n and_o ornament_n provide_v they_o have_v good_a heart_n towards_o god_n and_o be_v upright_o and_o innocent_a and_o true_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o saint_n peter_n plain_o say_v do_v not_o that_o but_o see_v to_o this_o and_o who_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o narrow_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o it_o intend_v none_o but_o woman_n here_o and_o not_o effeminate_a man_n and_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o if_o it_o have_v suffice_v to_o regard_v the_o inward_a man_n only_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n that_o these_o wise_a and_o holy_a apostle_n will_v never_o have_v urge_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n in_o wear_v hair_n and_o use_v apparel_n and_o gold_n and_o silver_n thereby_o disoblige_v waver_v or_o green_a convert_v and_o by_o such_o indifferent_a severity_n deter_v they_o from_o submit_v to_o the_o uneasy_a gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o more_o unblamable_a be_v such_o affect_v artifices_fw-la about_o the_o body_n in_o man_n of_o great_a mind_n and_o design_n than_o woman_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o person_n devote_v to_o holy_a function_n and_o ministration_n some_o of_o who_o we_o may_v suspect_v to_o have_v a_o worse_a end_n than_o the_o pharisee_n in_o their_o religious_a office_n viz._n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o covet_v rather_o to_o be_v see_v and_o admire_v by_o woman_n for_o the_o spruceness_n of_o their_o habit_n to_o the_o loathe_n of_o their_o improper_a affectation_n by_o sober_a person_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o character_n and_o capacity_n spiritual_a appear_v to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n eye_n rather_o than_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v saint_n paul_n choice_n and_o practice_n 7._o nature_n and_o infirmity_n be_v sometime_o just_o allege_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o such_o from_o lightness_n in_o such_o modishnesse_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v be_v never_o otherwise_o but_o that_o nature_n or_o distemper_n require_v such_o curiousness_n as_o be_v upon_o such_o pretence_n take_v up_o who_o can_v say_v or_o that_o all_o such_o end_n can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v as_o well_o by_o artless_a supplement_n neither_o will_v man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o that_o wretched_a topick_n for_o refuge_n take_v from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o no_o way_n sinful_a and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a in_o itself_o whereas_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n sex_n place_n office_n age_n time_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o to_o confound_v with_o such_o a_o universal_a argument_n be_v absurd_a enough_o to_o themselves_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n but_o religion_n heretofore_o never_o make_v nature_n judge_n in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o unless_o in_o st._n paul_n sense_n demand_v 1_o corinth_n 11._o 14._o do_v not_o nature_n itself_o teach_v you_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v long_a hair_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n unto_o he_o and_o may_v not_o this_o be_v extend_v far_o also_o be_v it_o not_o that_o greatness_n strength_n and_o number_n concern_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o oppress_v such_o discourse_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o time_n be_v in_o my_o memory_n when_o the_o puritan_n preach_v loud_o for_o short_a hair_n but_o whether_o they_o change_v their_o opinion_n and_o note_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o bishop_n likewise_o require_v the_o same_o of_o their_o clergy_n or_o whether_o the_o faction_n conquer_a and_o prosper_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v that_o fashion_n down_o and_o be_v the_o first_o
other_o in_o do_v evil_a man_n be_v general_o to_o fear_v evil_a but_o man_n be_v to_o fear_v pride_n most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o do_v well_o when_o man_n preach_v eloquent_o and_o powerful_o when_o other_o pray_v fluent_o and_o gifted_o as_o they_o suppose_v to_o the_o admiration_n and_o applause_n of_o other_o the_o vain_a spirit_n of_o man_n lick_v up_o as_o it_o be_v and_o draw_v greedy_o to_o itself_o the_o fume_n of_o praise_n offer_v so_o to_o he_o as_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n teach_v the_o paltry_a spirit_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o make_v several_a order_n of_o spirit_n too_o attend_v the_o altar_n at_o the_o time_n of_o sacrifice_v to_o they_o and_o with_o great_a pleasure_n draw_v to_o themselves_o the_o fat_a vapour_n that_o ascend_v from_o thence_o and_o be_v nourish_v by_o the_o same_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v so_o want_v that_o they_o of_o themselves_o refuse_v to_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n answerable_a to_o the_o appetite_n of_o the_o vain_a expecter_n pretty_a sly_a artifices_fw-la be_v invent_v to_o ensnare_v as_o it_o be_v man_n to_o ascribe_v something_o to_o they_o of_o which_o that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o or_o rare_a to_o cast_v out_o some_o light_a disparagement_n of_o themselves_o that_o the_o friend_n or_o flatterer_n may_v catch_v that_o occasion_n to_o confute_v what_o be_v say_v and_o amplify_v his_o desert_n on_o the_o contrary_a and_o extol_v he_o as_o it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o young_a child_n who_o discern_v their_o parent_n fondness_n towards_o they_o will_v sometime_o cast_v themselves_o down_o upon_o the_o ground_n that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v up_o into_o their_o arm_n dandle_v and_o kiss_v 6._o but_o so_o much_o as_o to_o point_v at_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o this_o vice_n may_v require_v a_o great_a latitude_n of_o discourse_n than_o be_v proper_a for_o this_o place_n ambition_n or_o affectation_n of_o great_a power_n or_o honour_n or_o place_n be_v that_o which_o can_v hardly_o consist_v with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n or_o spirit_n true_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o unsociablenesse_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o such_o order_n and_o subordination_n god_n will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o affectation_n and_o appetite_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o least_o of_o all_o to_o desire_v that_o good_a work_n the_o apostle_n mention_n in_o dignity_n but_o whole_o or_o chief_o to_o desire_v grandeur_n profit_n and_o perhaps_o ease_v from_o inferior_a labour_n and_o less_o advantageous_a become_v so_o much_o the_o less_o solicitous_a and_o industrious_a as_o the_o reward_n require_v and_o deserve_v great_a here_o must_v necessary_o be_v either_o vainglory_n or_o covetousness_n or_o both_o too_o prevalent_a 7._o but_o saint_n chrysostome_n give_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o vaingloriousnesse_n and_o pride_n of_o mind_n even_o after_o man_n be_v dead_a and_o turn_v to_o corruption_n a_o exorbitancy_n great_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o sin_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o for_o other_o sin_n common_o end_v their_o day_n with_o the_o sinner_n but_o pride_n divers_a time_n manife_v itself_o after_o death_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o gluttony_n and_o covetousness_n fall_v away_o with_o the_o guilty_a person_n but_o he_o that_o be_v ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a provide_v for_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o blindness_n and_o error_n by_o appoint_v last_v and_o magnificent_a monument_n to_o that_o purpose_n stately_a device_n and_o edifice_n must_v declare_v to_o posterity_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v once_o great_a and_o renown_a whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o ay_o and_o as_o now_o the_o wicked_a world_n go_v man_n shall_v be_v saint_v by_o a_o inscription_n who_o have_v be_v profane_a to_o a_o great_a degree_n in_o their_o lifes-time_n and_o by_o stately_a tomb_n proud_o after_o their_o death_n cease_v not_o to_o profane_v the_o church_n or_o chancel_n by_o usurp_v that_o part_n of_o god_n soil_v dedicate_v to_o holiness_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o rot_a flesh_n and_o dry_a bone_n and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o church_n which_o tolerate_v such_o abuse_n when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o which_o often_o it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o power_n and_o lordlinesse_n of_o great_a person_n too_o resolute_a to_o be_v divert_v and_o too_o strong_a to_o be_v resist_v in_o their_o unrighteous_a action_n especial_o when_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o man_n of_o such_o advantage_n over_o poor_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o superior_n too_o shall_v take_v a_o kind_n of_o antichristian_a pride_n in_o show_v how_o they_o can_v exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o repute_v holy_a and_o especial_o in_o follow_v the_o fashion_n and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a 8._o wherefore_o the_o mischief_n of_o this_o deadly_a evil_a be_v due_o consider_v and_o observe_v it_o will_v concern_v every_o true_a christian_a true_o and_o impartial_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o so_o judge_v his_o spirit_n as_o to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o same_o many_o for_o kind_n be_v the_o sort_n thereof_o and_o some_o very_a monstrous_a for_o nature_n all_o delusive_a of_o the_o affect_v therewith_o procure_v he_o hatred_n instead_o of_o love_n contempt_n instead_o of_o esteem_n and_o honour_n and_o restlessenesse_n of_o mind_n ever_o more_o thirst_v for_o that_o with_o which_o he_o can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v the_o apostle_n advice_n galat._n 4._o and_o not_o be_v desirous_a of_o vainglory_n provoke_v one_o another_o envy_v one_o another_o and_o if_o such_o mutual_a emulation_n be_v all_o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v endure_v but_o by_o such_o vainglorious_a provocation_n of_o god_n and_o man_n we_o stir_v they_o both_o up_o to_o the_o ruin_n and_o deject_v of_o ourselves_o exalt_v ourselves_o some_o philosopher_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o some_o christian_a contemplatour_n of_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n to_o see_v and_o say_v that_o god_n sit_v above_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n observe_v who_o by_o humility_n be_v capable_a of_o exaltation_n and_o who_o by_o exalt_v himself_o deserve_v to_o be_v crush_v and_o confound_v 9_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 10._o v._n 9_o teach_v we_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o ground_n of_o pride_n in_o man._n why_o say_v he_o be_v earth_n and_o ash_n proud_a for_o ask_v why_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o know_v not_o why._n yea_o rather_o ask_v why_o he_o know_v why_o not_o which_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o have_v say_v former_o ver_fw-la 7._o pride_n be_v hateful_a before_o god._n and_o so_o ver_fw-la 13._o pride_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o part_n from_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o it_o pride_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n be_v mutual_a cause_n one_o of_o another_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o monstrous_a incest_n beget_v one_o another_o but_o have_v for_o their_o common_a father_n the_o devil_n himself_o that_o apostate_n spirit_n lucifer_n who_o first_o commit_v that_o sin_n and_o suffer_v condign_a punishment_n for_o the_o same_o have_v make_v it_o his_o office_n to_o draw_v man_n into_o the_o same_o offence_n and_o condemnation_n and_o loss_n too_o by_o aspire_v as_o holy_a and_o humble_a job_n inform_v we_o chap._n 41._o 34._o thus_o speak_v of_o he_o he_o behold_v i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o love_v and_o admire_v all_o high_a thing_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o pride_n that_o be_v his_o own_o child_n make_v so_o by_o pride_n 10._o and_o who_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n why_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v be_v proud_a which_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la resolve_v into_o earth_n and_o ash_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o ash_n be_v barren_a of_o good_a and_o earth_n be_v base_a ordain_v to_o be_v trample_v on_o not_o lift_v up_o but_o in_o such_o case_n as_o great_a calamity_n seize_v on_o a_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v heap_v on_o the_o head_n to_o augment_v his_o vileness_n and_o misery_n that_o bring_v it_o upon_o he_o by_o his_o folly_n and_o vanity_n man_n have_v by_o pride_n advance_v himself_o above_o his_o original_n earth_n by_o as_o unnatural_a a_o course_n as_o if_o the_o stream_n shall_v rise_v high_o than_o the_o fountainhead_n reason_n good_a that_o earth_n shall_v recover_v its_o dignity_n and_o place_n by_o become_v high_o than_o the_o calamitous_a proud_a man._n 11._o let_v not_o therefore_o say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n chap._n
our_o former_a sin_n be_v to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v in_o youth_n ill_o squander_v the_o temporary_a good_n god_n have_v lend_v to_o we_o for_o a_o season_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o they_o in_o age_n but_o to_o employ_v they_o as_o free_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o promote_a piety_n exile_v by_o costly_a lust_n and_o not_o be_v like_o that_o unjust_a old_a usurer_n and_o oppressor_n of_o who_o henry_n of_o huntingdon_n speak_v who_o be_v exhort_v towards_o his_o death_n to_o give_v alm_n plentiful_o towards_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o wicked_a covetousness_n refuse_v say_v no_o i_o will_v leave_v my_o son_n all_o i_o have_v get_v and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v give_v alm_n out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o my_o soul_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n luke_n 12._o for_o 15._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v as_o if_o one_o word_n suffice_v not_o to_o obviate_v such_o a_o pestilent_a disease_n of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v take_v we_o heed_n of_o it_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o itself_o and_o beware_v of_o it_o for_o the_o viperous_a brood_n of_o sin_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o and_o nourish_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o obduration_n of_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o man_n be_v unsensible_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n thankfulness_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o all_o good_a work_n the_o end_n of_o his_o bounty_n to_o man_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o a_o hard_a heart_n and_o barren_a womb_n towards_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o brother_n crave_v some_o little_a of_o his_o abundance_n yea_o cruel_a be_v the_o covetous_a to_o his_o own_o flesh_n deny_v what_o may_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o same_o and_o no_o better_a to_o his_o mind_n torment_v it_o with_o restless_a and_o endless_a care_n to_o add_v to_o the_o unprofitable_a heap_n and_o bring_v about_o that_o design_n which_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o tell_v other_o first_o he_o desire_v but_o a_o honest_a livelihood_n but_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o he_o proceed_v and_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v willing_o leave_v a_o competent_a subsistence_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o have_v gain_v that_o point_n also_o than_o he_o be_v no_o less_o solicitous_a about_o that_o competency_n never_o know_v when_o he_o have_v it_o though_o he_o have_v it_o but_o will_v make_v his_o posterity_n rich_a too_o and_o gentleman_n and_o esquire_n and_o knight_n and_o noble_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o not_o then_o shall_v he_o sleep_v sweet_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o for_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o solicitude_n but_o if_o do_v no_o good_a or_o do_v no_o evil_a but_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o evil_a in_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v only_o guilty_a it_o be_v a_o laudable_a sin_n if_o any_o may_v be_v say_v so_o to_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o wicked_a prank_n it_o play_v upon_o other_o what_o choler_n and_o wrath_n rage_v not_o at_o a_o trivial_a loss_n which_o a_o liberal_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v move_v at_o or_o stir_v break_v but_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o two_o penny_n you_o almost_o break_v his_o heart_n and_o if_o he_o break_v your_o head_n it_o be_v less_o than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o violence_n fraud_n cheat_n treachery_n to_o god_n and_o his_o country_n for_o lucre_n pervert_v justice_n by_o bribery_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o confound_a religion_n by_o simony_n and_o sacrilege_n which_o he_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o he_o can_v stand_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o iniquity_n or_o bold_o ask_v what_o be_v sacrilege_n what_o be_v simony_n baffle_v all_o receive_v knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n thereof_o by_o his_o acute_a and_o singular_a scepticism_n trample_v on_o reason_n and_o justice_n and_o religion_n all_o at_o once_o add_v hereunto_o lie_v perjury_n stealing_n rapine_n and_o a_o benefit_n raise_v to_o himself_o by_o depopulation_n of_o parish_n reduce_v the_o well-inhabited_n place_v to_o one_o or_o two_o great_a farm_n take_v up_o a_o strange_a paradox_n for_o his_o defence_n that_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o never_o the_o few_o people_n because_o nature_n will_v work_v in_o a_o unknown_a manner_n and_o land._n how_o manifest_o have_v experience_n teach_v we_o what_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n denounce_v against_o such_o engrosser_n chap._n 2._o 9_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o covet_v a_o evil_a covetousness_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v set_v his_o nest_n on_o high_a etc._n etc._n for_o in_o truth_n i_o have_v by_o i_o many_o instance_n of_o curse_n upon_o person_n and_o family_n who_o by_o such_o ill_a way_n of_o advance_v themselves_o have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v utter_o ruin_v but_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o discourse_n with_o they_o so_o as_o that_o be_v happen_v to_o they_o which_o the_o psalmist_n have_v psalm_n 75._o 5._o according_a to_o the_o auncient_a translation_n the_o proud_a be_v rob_v they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o all_o the_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v mighty_a have_v find_v nothing_o great_a matter_n they_o grasp_v at_o in_o their_o projecting_n but_o in_o the_o conclusion_n they_o be_v force_v to_o let_v go_v what_o before_o they_o hold_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o above_o all_o this_o man_n shall_v serious_o consider_v there_o be_v more_o guilt_n in_o this_o sin_n than_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n especial_o have_v in_o it_o the_o pearl_n of_o covetousness_n and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o if_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v believe_v than_o idolatry_n coloss_n 3._o 5._o mammon_n be_v erect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v before_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o antichrist_n 6._o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o evil_n may_v more_o than_o sufficient_o dissuade_v the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o earthly_a riches_n which_o make_v we_o poor_a towards_o god_n but_o do_v not_o christ_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o as_o we_o have_v it_o act_n 20._o it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o it_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o yea_o psal_n 145._o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n and_o believe_v we_o solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n rather_o than_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o wit_n natural_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a not_o unlike_a to_o those_o breast_n which_o abound_v by_o be_v draw_v but_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o empty_a by_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v to_o afford_v to_o other_o by_o god_n and_o nature_n appointment_n 7._o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o or_o two_o main_a objection_n which_o the_o covetous_a be_v wont_a to_o allege_v for_o his_o tenaciousnesse_n and_o against_o bounty_n and_o charity_n especial_o towards_o public_a good._n charity_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v much_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o evil_a end_n which_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v plain_o know_v be_v not_o the_o real_a reason_n of_o such_o person_n illiberality_n but_o the_o love_n of_o money_n but_o be_v it_o so_o charitable_a deed_n be_v pervert_v to_o ill_a use_n such_o benefaction_n make_v with_o pious_a intention_n shall_v never_o be_v wrest_v by_o any_o abuse_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o his_o reward_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o a_o hundred_o fold_n beside_o to_o who_o can_v the_o subtle_a worldling_n give_v or_o leave_v his_o estate_n so_o secure_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v abuse_v he_o himself_o abuse_v it_o and_o himself_o many_o time_n in_o get_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o which_o as_o dung_n aught_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o make_v the_o soil_n fruitful_a and_o do_v not_o riches_n leave_v to_o the_o dear_a heir_n of_o our_o body_n suffer_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o they_o than_o good_a do_v they_o not_o abuse_v they_o in_o riot_v luxury_n and_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o covetous_a person_n shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o much_o mercy_n as_o to_o bring_v the_o abuse_n and_o mischief_n of_o wealth_n home_o to_o his_o own_o family_n rather_o than_o the_o church_n or_o state_n shall_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o his_o freeness_n but_o so_o experience_n often_o teach_v we_o to_o fall_v out_o whereas_o by_o spare_v somewhat_o out_o of_o that_o we_o enjoy_v to_o god_n service_n the_o remainder_n be_v sanctify_v and_o by_o god_n blessing_n become_v
he_o the_o exception_n lie_v only_o good_a where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o access_n to_o the_o public_a place_n 4._o but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vicious_a and_o very_a unblamable_a modesty_n have_v possess_v so_o many_o of_o late_a day_n as_o to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v see_v or_o take_v pray_v and_o sundry_a devout_a person_n be_v startle_v and_o shrink_v to_o be_v see_v unaware_o at_o their_o prayer_n in_o god_n house_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n unless_o when_o the_o bell_n publish_v the_o duty_n at_o hand_n and_o a_o assembly_n be_v make_v profess_o and_o so_o likewise_o at_o their_o domestic_a and_o separate_a devotion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o a_o fault_n or_o some_o crime_n whereof_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a some_o man_n be_v more_o abash_v see_v to_o do_v well_o than_o other_o be_v take_v in_o a_o evil_a action_n this_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o by_o god_n who_o service_n a_o man_n be_v then_o engage_v in_o and_o can_v but_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o man_n pray_v for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o hypocritical_o and_o with_o no_o better_a design_n than_o to_o be_v note_v and_o praise_v by_o man_n to_o expose_v studious_o himself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o other_o while_o he_o pray_v he_o be_v no_o less_o oblige_v not_o to_o forbear_v what_o place_n and_o time_n and_o just_a occasion_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o may_v be_v expedient_a because_o people_n see_v he_o for_o god_n say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o service_n be_v likewise_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o if_o at_o length_n we_o can_v recover_v and_o bring_v into_o reputation_n such_o lose_a good_a action_n as_o public_a prayer_n in_o private_a person_n religion_n will_v be_v more_o renown_a and_o many_o more_o than_o now_o do_v will_v also_o fall_v down_o and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o be_v excite_v to_o the_o same_o good_a work_n or_o worship_n in_o use_n 5._o but_o a_o know_a time_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v assign_v a_o sound_n entire_a try_v approve_a sacrifice_n and_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o confession_n humiliation_n supplication_n petition_n deprecation_n intercession_n thanksgiving_n and_o benediction_n as_o saint_n paul_n direct_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o with_o sobriety_n or_o good_a conscience_n to_o contemn_v these_o either_o ignorant_o or_o presumptuous_o and_o to_o foist_v in_o private_a invention_n scarce_o so_o good_a as_o humane_a all_o thing_n consider_v what_o amount_v this_o to_o but_o a_o despise_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v the_o officious_a zeal_n of_o such_o as_o dung_n upon_o their_o own_o face_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o that_o oblation_n obtrude_v upon_o he_o and_o other_o without_o authority_n which_o be_v often_o put_v up_o without_o faith_n and_o never_o with_o charity_n or_o humility_n convenient_a but_o if_o our_o prayer_n themselves_o offend_v how_o shall_v we_o hope_v for_o pardon_n of_o our_o offence_n by_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v favourable_a access_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v du_o qualify_v themselves_o and_o that_o such_o as_o these_o condition_n here_o only_o to_o be_v name_v be_v find_v in_o they_o 1._o that_o we_o pray_v in_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o 2._o that_o we_o pray_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o heretical_a or_o erroneous_a dogme_n or_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o god_n of_o his_o word_n or_o holy_a worship_n 3._o pray_v in_o purity_n of_o intention_n seek_v even_o when_o our_o prayer_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a benefit_n to_o our_o selule_n primary_o the_o glory_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god._n 4._o in_o purity_n or_o holiness_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v innocence_n of_o life_n as_o david_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n and_o so_o will_v i_o go_v to_o thy_o altar_n or_o at_o least_o a_o dislike_n of_o our_o guilt_n and_o contamination_n make_v they_o part_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o supplication_n to_o god._n 5._o in_o charity_n towards_o other_o so_o far_o as_o justice_n and_o piety_n will_v permit_v and_o last_o in_o zeal_n to_o god_n service_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o so_o pray_v which_o be_v that_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n we_o so_o much_o speak_v of_o here_o and_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o to_o preserve_v to_o his_o great_a service_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o immortal_a happiness_n sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v and_o fix_v as_o also_o sing_v of_o psalm_n 1._o now_o because_o there_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v several_a kind_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o well_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n as_o manner_n of_o put_v up_o our_o request_n to_o he_o all_o concur_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v thereby_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o fix_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o glance_v at_o the_o principal_a in_o this_o second_o order_n have_v touch_v the_o former_a from_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o all_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o which_o great_a artist_n have_v cast_v into_o this_o threefold_a prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a and_o supramentall_a sensible_a they_o make_v that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o vocal_a sensible_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o mental_a they_o will_v have_v that_o call_v which_o be_v contemplative_a and_o whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o direct_v to_o god_n not_o without_o affection_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n only_o be_v erect_v and_o direct_v to_o god_n it_o can_v scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o philosophize_v about_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o affectionatenesse_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n by_o love_n which_o be_v act_n of_o the_o will_v also_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o all_o due_a prayer_n yea_o in_o all_o treaters_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o prayer_n otherwise_o acute_a and_o learned_a man_n may_v prescribe_v better_a than_o teach_v or_o affect_v a_o manifest_a example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o two_o great_a chieftain_n among_o schoolman_n thomas_n the_o angelical_a and_o bonaventure_n the_o seraphical_a doctor_n as_o they_o call_v they_o both_o which_o have_v in_o their_o opuscula_fw-la write_a treatise_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god._n in_o which_o the_o former_a keep_n close_a than_o in_o such_o a_o subject_a be_v expedient_a to_o scholastical_a method_n and_o term_n of_o writing_n have_v leave_v but_o a_o dry_a monument_n and_o insipid_a to_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n of_o his_o gift_n in_o that_o kind_n whereas_o bonaventure_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o the_o subject_a require_v rather_o than_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a disquisition_n have_v much_o more_o divine_o commendable_o and_o profitable_o as_o to_o practice_n treat_v thereof_o and_o spiritual_a doctrine_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n seem_v much_o to_o resemble_v the_o notion_n we_o general_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o say_v consist_v in_o not_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o limit_n as_o our_o body_n be_v but_o indefinite_a and_o diffusive_a very_o much_o like_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n in_o which_o we_o be_v enclose_v which_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o figure_n but_o determine_v to_o none_o in_o like_a manner_n spiritual_a prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o lineament_n and_o part_n of_o humane_a method_n which_o as_o it_o be_v fetter_n the_o spirit_n from_o expatiate_v according_a to_o its_o pleasure_n which_o like_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o breathe_v and_o lead_v as_o it_o list_v and_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n as_o phanatiques_n term_v it_o stint_v and_o obstruct_v by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n model_v their_o devotion_n and_o not_o subject_a rather_o to_o it_o and_o follow_v rather_o than_o go_v before_o it_o dictate_v and_o impulse_v for_o however_o i_o find_v many_o commentatour_n ingenious_o enough_o and_o acute_o methodize_v holy_a scripture_n and_o analyze_a it_o so_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o to_o speak_v logical_o and_o
in_o the_o spirit_n so_o be_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n galat._n 5._o 25._o for_o by_o baptism_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o 10._o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o especial_o call_v all_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o joshuah_n do_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o set_v their_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o canaanitish_a prince_n to_o trample_v upon_o those_o seven_o capital_a sin_n which_o not_o only_o fight_v against_o our_o soul_n themselves_o but_o be_v leader_n on_o of_o other_o to_o assault_v and_o spoil_v we_o and_o from_o hence_o have_v we_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o top_n of_o pisgah_n by_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o god_n to_o have_v a_o certain_a foretaste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o land_n of_o promise_n we_o long_v after_o and_o expect_v by_o the_o conjunction_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n which_o we_o find_v not_o so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n strain_v the_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o christ_n to_o a_o sense_n offensive_a to_o ear_n not_o thorough_o open_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o smattering_n thereof_o be_v have_v by_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disquisition_n between_o porphyry_n and_o jamblichus_n of_o the_o egyptian_a mystery_n where_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o anagogical_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o god_n by_o elevation_n of_o the_o understanding_n through_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o theurgicall_a union_n i._n e._n as_o i_o understand_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o divine_o operative_a conjunction_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o all_o this_o he_o swell_v with_o be_v blind_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o egyptian_a darkness_n indeed_o lead_v to_o horrible_a superstition_n to_o attain_v such_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o infinite_a less_a superstition_n and_o more_o perspicuity_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n conduct_v to_o that_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o rest_v in_o god_n which_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o he_o and_o perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a matth._n 5._o with_o allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o mutablenesse_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o for_o though_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o now_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n have_v their_o true_a sense_n yet_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v firm_a and_o sure_o rest_v upon_o this_o foundation_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v his_o choose_a one_o until_o they_o total_o forsake_v he_o if_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o as_o to_o the_o actual_a and_o continual_a possession_n by_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o and_o spiritual_a sensation_n the_o christian_n be_v mutable_a here_o and_o that_o which_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o industry_n be_v for_o some_o time_n attain_v unto_o be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o sudden_o interrupt_v and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o great_a dismay_v of_o the_o devout_a soul_n so_o that_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o well_o to_o hold_v that_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o to_o acquire_v it_o and_o to_o recover_v it_o intermit_v as_o once_o to_o have_v attain_v it_o for_o as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o the_o four_o corner_n to_o saint_n peter_n act_v 12._o wherein_o he_o see_v in_o a_o vision_n all_o manner_n of_o fare_n his_o appetite_n can_v long_o for_o be_v as_o sudden_o again_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o delectation_n which_o the_o spirit_n feel_v let_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o its_o wonderful_a content_n they_o be_v sudden_o take_v away_o up_o into_o heaven_n again_o and_o when_o we_o imagine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n with_o saint_n paul_n we_o unexpected_o feel_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o humble_v we_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o paradise_n here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o fall_v again_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o we_o read_v of_o abraham_n the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o take_v by_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n signify_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o we_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o show_v it_o but_o have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o it_o for_o the_o present_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n act_v 7._o so_o have_v the_o religious_a soul_n no_o footing_n firm_a here_o though_o by_o faith_n and_o affection_n it_o have_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o promise_a possession_n 3._o it_o be_v therefore_o one_o principal_a rule_n of_o right_o use_v what_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attain_v to_o in_o consolation_n the_o fruit_n of_o union_n with_o god_n but_o not_o incessant_a or_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o understand_v so_o much_o lest_o find_v ourselves_o frustrate_v of_o our_o expectation_n we_o call_v in_o question_n the_o state_n itself_o we_o be_v in_o and_o bring_v unprofitable_a confusion_n upon_o our_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o time_n will_v come_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o be_v better_o now_o hide_v and_o keep_v with_o christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o second_o fullness_n of_o time_n shall_v come_v and_o christ_n too_o when_o our_o life_n will_v be_v manifest_v it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o love_a father_n towards_o a_o obsequious_a and_o dutiful_a child_n may_v sometime_o show_v he_o the_o grand_a deed_n whereby_o he_o have_v settle_v a_o great_a estate_n upon_o he_o yea_o may_v carry_v he_o out_o and_o show_v he_o the_o land_n house_n mine_n and_o timber_n on_o they_o which_o he_o purpose_v to_o give_v he_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v at_o all_o necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n itself_o but_o only_o to_o his_o encouragement_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n or_o such_o extraordinary_a argument_n thereof_o as_o be_v deny_v we_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o despondencie_n and_o sluggishness_n of_o spirit_n or_o be_v weakhanded_n in_o god_n service_n 4._o for_o second_o god_n may_v hereby_o have_v a_o gracious_a and_o wise_a design_n to_o wean_v the_o fond_a mind_n from_o sensible_a delectation_n whereby_o it_o shall_v take_v up_o short_a of_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o god_n himself_o seek_v its_o will_n and_o content_v rather_o than_o god_n to_o which_o the_o more_o true_o spiritual_a a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o more_o he_o be_v intent_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o less_o mind_n intermediate_v consolation_n which_o the_o less_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o often_o they_o happen_v 5._o three_o the_o patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n by_o submission_n to_o his_o fatherly_a wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n in_o such_o dispensation_n be_v exercise_v and_o manifest_v and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n nor_o follow_v christ_n mere_o for_o the_o loaf_n which_o he_o miraculous_o feed_v some_o with_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n we_o all_o know_v the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o conclusion_n of_o holy_a job_n life_n how_o religious_a and_o prosperous_a he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n before_o god_n and_o how_o miserable_a he_o be_v by_o the_o same_o providence_n remain_v all_o that_o while_o invincible_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o perserve_v in_o his_o wont_a righteousness_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o piety_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o fluid_a element_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o sensible_a comfort_n pertain_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o religion_n itself_o carry_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o so_o as_o saint_n james_n speak_v we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o he_o and_o such_o his_o patience_n and_o faith_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hardship_n bring_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n travail_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o desolate_a wilderness_n viz._n