these_o person_n have_v not_o yet_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o so_o whole_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o main_a business_n when_o once_o they_o have_v do_v that_o i_o dare_v assure_v they_o they_o will_v find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o they_o to_o think_v of_o good_a thing_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o natural_a to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v find_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n in_o so_o do_v second_o whoever_o will_v keep_v his_o heart_n always_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o thought_n to_o god_n must_v have_v a_o especial_a care_n to_o avoid_v two_o thing_n viz._n idleness_n and_o loose_a company_n for_o both_o of_o these_o do_v strange_o unhinge_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o disarm_v it_o of_o that_o severity_n which_o be_v its_o best_a guard_n and_o defence_n against_o evil_a thought_n and_o make_v it_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n that_o will_v attack_v it_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v never_o be_v at_o such_o a_o pass_n as_o to_o say_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o spend_v my_o next_o hour_n but_o shall_v so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o all_o the_o portion_n of_o his_o time_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v fill_v with_o some_o useful_a or_o at_o least_o come_v innocent_a employment_n it_o be_v idleness_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o most_o of_o those_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o sinful_a fancy_n in_o which_o some_o man_n spend_v their_o day_n and_o whereas_o temptation_n do_v now_o and_o then_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o man_n the_o idle_a man_n be_v force_v to_o seek_v out_o temptation_n for_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o seek_v they_o find_v abundance_n of_o they_o and_o true_o loose_a and_o impertinent_a conversation_n which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o name_v though_o its_o look_n something_o with_o a_o better_a grace_n yet_o be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o idleness_n for_o wherever_o it_o be_v much_o use_v it_o will_v so_o emasculate_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o as_o to_o serious_a thing_n that_o he_o can_v easy_o get_v it_o into_o a_o good_a frame_n again_o evil_a communication_n say_v st._n paul_n do_v corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o therefore_o those_o people_n a_o great_a part_n of_o who_o life_n be_v take_v up_o in_o gad_v up_o and_o down_o in_o play_n in_o merry_a meeting_n in_o tell_v or_o hear_v idle_a story_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o their_o thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v be_v suitable_a that_o be_v to_o say_v very_o frothy_a very_o light_a and_o foolish_a not_o to_o say_v profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o atheistical_a too_o if_o the_o company_n they_o much_o converse_v with_o be_v of_o that_o strain_n three_o another_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n for_o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v as_o attentive_a as_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o whenever_o we_o find_v that_o they_o tend_v towards_o something_o that_o be_v forbid_v to_o stop_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v we_o can_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o often_o prevent_v irregular_a desire_n or_o passion_n or_o inclination_n from_o arise_v in_o our_o mind_n upon_o sundry_a occasion_n but_o this_o we_o can_v do_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o they_o we_o can_v refuse_v our_o consent_n to_o they_o and_o in_o that_o case_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o as_o sin_n nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o can_v refuse_v their_o break_n out_o or_o show_v themselves_o in_o our_o word_n or_o our_o action_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o outward_a member_n be_v all_o at_o our_o command_n though_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o here_o therefore_o will_v lie_v a_o main_a point_n in_o the_o art_n of_o well_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o thought_n you_o can_v perhaps_o for_o instance_n prevent_v a_o sudden_a passion_n of_o anger_n from_o rise_v in_o your_o mind_n upon_o twenty_o accident_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o feel_v this_o passion_n you_o can_v thus_o far_o stifle_v it_o you_o can_v seal_v up_o your_o mouth_n so_o that_o the_o passion_n shall_v not_o vent_v itself_o in_o unseemly_a word_n and_o if_o you_o will_v withdraw_v that_o fuel_n from_o the_o new-kindled_n fire_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v extinguish_v and_o die_v whereas_o if_o you_o suffer_v it_o to_o break_v out_o in_o bitter_a speech_n and_o expression_n it_o will_v flame_n beyond_o measure_n thus_o again_o if_o any_o undecent_a impure_a fancy_n or_o desire_n shall_v be_v excite_v in_o you_o upon_o any_o occasion_n it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o in_o your_o power_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o temptation_n that_o cause_v they_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o direct_v your_o thought_n to_o some_o other_o object_n at_o least_o not_o to_o proceed_v one_o step_n in_o any_o outward_a action_n towards_o the_o accomplish_n of_o those_o desire_n if_o you_o take_v this_o course_n the_o disturbance_n of_o your_o mind_n will_v soon_o cease_v and_o you_o will_v return_v present_o to_o your_o ordinary_a temper_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o further_o that_o by_o your_o be_v thus_o careful_a to_o resist_v and_o smother_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o sin_n you_o will_v not_o only_o preserve_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o innocency_n of_o your_o mind_n under_o the_o present_a temptation_n but_o you_o will_v also_o have_v this_o far_a advantage_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n you_o increase_v your_o power_n over_o your_o thought_n against_o the_o next_o time_n that_o the_o temptation_n return_v every_o check_n you_o give_v to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n make_v the_o next_o assault_n of_o they_o the_o less_o furious_a and_o if_o you_o do_v constant_o use_v yourselves_o thus_o to_o guard_n and_o watch_n over_o your_o heart_n you_o will_v in_o time_n obtain_v such_o a_o command_n over_o they_o that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o quarter_n of_o those_o irregular_a desire_n and_o passion_n which_o heretofore_o upon_o several_a occasion_n use_v to_o be_v kindle_v in_o you_o by_o this_o method_n you_o will_v strengthen_v your_o faculty_n and_o enlarge_v your_o power_n and_o by_o degree_n bring_v yourselves_o to_o that_o happy_a temper_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a war_n between_o the_o law_n of_o your_o member_n and_o the_o law_n of_o your_o mind_n but_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n will_v be_v crucify_a to_o you_o as_o you_o be_v to_o they_o that_o i_o may_v use_v st._n paul_n expression_n but_o than_o four_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o keep_v bad_a thought_n out_o of_o your_o mind_n but_o also_o to_o have_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o good_a one_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a exercise_n very_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v recommend_v such_o i_o mean_v as_o these_o converse_v with_o discreet_a and_o pious_a person_n read_v good_a book_n especial_o the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v time_n of_o meditation_n and_o recollection_n and_o above_o all_o fervent_a and_o constant_a prayer_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tell_v how_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v help_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o purpose_n a_o little_a passage_n now_o and_o then_o though_o but_o occasional_o drop_v in_o conversation_n that_o be_v to_o the_o business_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n will_v supply_v we_o some_o time_n with_o matter_n for_o good_a thought_n for_o a_o considerable_a while_n after_o what_o last_a impression_n then_o do_v you_o think_v will_v be_v leave_v upon_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o make_v it_o our_o constant_a exercise_n every_o day_n to_o read_v or_o hear_v something_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o some_o other_o good_a book_n with_o a_o design_n to_o grow_v better_o thereby_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o serious_a in_o our_o application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v hearty_a prayer_n and_o devotion_n that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n steady_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o sensible_a earthly_a object_n that_o do_v surround_v we_o o_o therefore_o
contribute_v nothing_o but_o this_o i_o say_v suppose_v the_o virtuous_a man_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n with_o other_o suppose_v he_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o fortuitous_a hit_n and_o external_a concurrence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o he_o â—hall_v by_o many_o odds_o have_v the_o advantage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o thrive_a and_o improve_n in_o â—he_n world_n in_o any_o condition_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o the_o get_n of_o riches_n depend_v upon_o humane_a endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o art_n and_o fall_v under_o precept_n and_o direction_n no_o man_n alive_a can_v propose_v a_o better_a expedient_a in_o order_n thereto_o than_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v this_o good_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o do_v in_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a manner_n influence_n upon_o the_o get_n or_o improve_n a_o estate_n i_o speak_v of_o general_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v of_o use_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n for_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o mystery_n of_o any_o particular_a art_n or_o trade_n be_v not_o my_o purpose_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v beyond_o my_o skill_n as_o to_o such_o mean_n as_o these_o i_o say_v none_o can_v prescribe_v more_o effectual_a than_o these_o four_o 1._o prudence_n in_o administer_a our_o affair_n 2._o diligence_n in_o that_o vocation_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v we_o 3._o thrift_n and_o good_a husbandry_n 4._o keep_v a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o hinder_v or_o promote_v our_o affair_n if_o now_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o godliness_n do_v high_o improve_v a_o man_n in_o all_o these_o four_o respect_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o all_o these_o fruit_n natural_o grow_v and_o thrive_v better_o in_o a_o religious_a soil_n than_o any_o other_o it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o suppose_v these_o above_o name_v mean_n do_v indeed_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o a_o fortune_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o no_o man_n know_v what_o do_v and_o we_o strange_o abuse_v our_o friend_n and_o our_o child_n when_o upon_o that_o account_n we_o recommend_v they_o to_o they_o it_o follow_v i_o say_v that_o a_o life_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o purpose_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o godliness_n do_v above_o all_o thing_n tend_v to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a and_o prudent_a skilful_a and_o dexterous_a in_o the_o management_n of_o his_o affair_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o for_o it_o do_v very_o much_o clear_a and_o improve_v a_o man_n understanding_n not_o only_o by_o a_o certain_a natural_a efficacy_n it_o have_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o to_o purify_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n upon_o which_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o intellectual_a operation_n do_v exceed_o much_o depend_v but_o also_o by_o dispel_v those_o adventitious_a cloud_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o discern_a faculty_n from_o the_o noisome_a fume_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n all_o vice_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o deprave_v and_o distort_v a_o man_n judgement_n fill_v our_o mind_n with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o no_o man_n that_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o can_v possible_o have_v such_o a_o free_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n as_o otherwise_o he_o may_v for_o he_o will_v common_o see_v thing_n not_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o in_o those_o disguise_n and_o false_a colour_n which_o his_o passion_n put_v upon_o they_o upon_o which_o account_n he_o can_v avoid_v but_o he_o will_v be_v often_o impose_v upon_o and_o commit_v a_o thousand_o error_n in_o the_o management_n of_o his_o affair_n which_o the_o virtuous_a man_n who_o reason_n be_v pure_a and_o untinctured_a be_v secure_v from_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o either_o he_o shall_v foresee_v event_n so_o clear_o or_o spy_v opportunity_n so_o sagacious_o or_o weigh_v thing_n so_o impartial_o or_o deliberate_v so_o calm_o or_o transact_v so_o cautious_o as_o the_o man_n that_o be_v free_a from_o those_o manifold_a prepossession_n which_o his_o mind_n be_v fraught_v with_o we_o see_v this_o every_o day_n verify_v in_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o calling_n and_o employment_n what_o a_o multitude_n of_o inconvenience_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n do_v a_o intemperate_a appetite_n betray_v man_n to_o how_o silly_a and_o foolish_a be_v the_o most_o shrewd_a man_n when_o wine_n have_v get_v into_o his_o head_n there_o be_v none_o so_o simple_a in_o his_o company_n but_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o have_v design_n upon_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overreach_v he_o what_o a_o world_n of_o advantage_n do_v the_o angry_a man_n give_v to_o he_o he_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o hastiness_n and_o impatience_n of_o his_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v a_o man_n do_v that_o in_o the_o fury_n and_o expectancy_n of_o a_o lust_n for_o which_o when_o his_o ardour_n be_v over_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o bite_v his_o nail_n for_o very_a vexation_n it_o be_v thus_o more_o or_o less_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n they_o craze_v a_o man_n head_n and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o make_v he_o often_o lose_v himself_o in_o those_o very_a way_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v most_o skilful_a so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o virtue_n be_v of_o a_o singular_a use_n in_o all_o matter_n wherein_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o do_v secure_v we_o from_o a_o multitude_n of_o indiscretion_n which_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v unavoidable_o commit_v but_o second_o godliness_n be_v also_o a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o secure_v a_o man_n diligence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o call_v and_o employment_n which_o be_v also_o a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a consequence_n in_o order_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o diligent_a hand_n that_o make_v rich_a and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o business_n that_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o now_o the_o obligation_n that_o religion_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o this_o point_n be_v far_o strong_a than_o what_o can_v arise_v from_o any_o other_o respect_n or_o consideration_n soever_o for_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o mind_v our_o business_n not_o only_o for_o our_o own_o but_o for_o god_n sake_n it_o charge_v the_o matter_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o service_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o creator_n and_o upon_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o which_o no_o loss_n than_o the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v depend_v for_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o that_o will_v call_v we_o to_o account_v for_o every_o idle_a word_n will_v much_o more_o do_v so_o for_o the_o idle_a expense_n of_o our_o time_n and_o the_o abuse_n and_o not_o improvement_n of_o those_o talent_n that_o he_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v no_o worldly_a inducement_n to_o make_v we_o diligent_a in_o our_o calling_n though_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v suffer_v no_o prejudice_n in_o our_o temporal_a affair_n by_o idleness_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o business_n the_o fear_n of_o which_o yet_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o put_v worldly_a man_n upon_o action_n nevertheless_o we_o be_v infinite_o concern_v not_o to_o be_v slack_a or_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o will_v be_v so_o severe_o exact_v of_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n i_o know_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o discourse_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o what_o engagement_n soever_o religion_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o careful_a spend_v of_o our_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v own_o exercise_n prayer_n and_o reading_n and_o meditation_n take_v up_o so_o great_a a_o portion_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o ordinary_a employment_n that_o in_o effect_v it_o rather_o hinder_v our_o attendance_n on_o our_o business_n than_o promote_v it_o but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n but_o may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v both_o his_o business_n and_o his_o devotion_n consist_v together_o without_o prejudice_v of_o either_o they_o have_v very_o false_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n that_o think_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o knee_n or_o always_o pore_v upon_o some_o good_a book_n no_o we_o do_v as_o true_o serve_v god_n and_o perform_v act_n
iii_o preach_v at_o bow-church_n on_o the_o 17_o of_o february_n 1680._o eccles_n iij._n 10._o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n this_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a experiment_n that_o solomon_n have_v make_v in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v and_o these_o word_n be_v one_o of_o the_o conclusion_n he_o draw_v from_o those_o experiment_n no_o man_n have_v ever_o great_a opportunity_n of_o try_v all_o the_o way_n wherein_o man_n general_o seek_v for_o contentment_n than_o he_o have_v and_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o more_o industrious_o apply_v himself_o to_o or_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n in_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v common_o most_v admire_v than_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o all_o his_o enjoyment_n he_o find_v nothing_o but_o emptiness_n and_o dissatisfaction_n he_o think_v to_o become_v happy_a by_o philosophy_n give_v his_o heart_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1.13_o eccl._n 1.13_o to_o seek_v and_o search_v out_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o sun_n yet_o upon_o trial_n he_o find_v all_o this_o to_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n he_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o political_a wisdom_n and_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o his_o attainment_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v great_a than_o of_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o yet_o he_o experience_v at_o last_o 18._o ver._n 18._o that_o in_o wisdom_n be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n he_o prove_v his_o heart_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o mirth_n and_o wine_n 3._o chap._n 2._o ver._n 1_o 3._o and_o all_o sort_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o find_v if_o these_o be_v good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o his_o desire_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o say_v of_o laughter_n 2._o ver._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v mad_a and_o of_o mirth_n what_o good_a do_v it_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o work_n of_o pomp_n and_o magnificence_n he_o build_v he_o stately_a house_n and_o make_v he_o garden_n and_o vineyard_n 4._o ver._n 4._o and_o orchard_n and_o fountain_n he_o increase_v his_o possession_n 8._o ver._n 8._o and_o gather_v silver_n and_o gold_n and_o the_o precious_a treasure_n of_o king_n and_o of_o the_o province_n he_o get_v he_o a_o vast_a retinue_n and_o keep_v the_o most_o splendid_a court_n that_o ever_o any_o prince_n of_o that_o country_n do_v yet_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o when_o he_o come_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o work_n that_o his_o hand_n have_v wrought_v 11._o ver._n 11._o and_o on_o the_o labour_n that_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v behold_v all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o wherein_o then_o be_v there_o any_o profit_n if_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v that_o good_a that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o in_o order_n to_o their_o live_n as_o comfortable_o as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n here_o will_v allow_v this_o question_n after_o a_o intimation_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o perplexedness_n of_o all_o humane_a event_n but_o withal_o of_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n he_o thus_o resolve_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n do_v arise_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n rejoice_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o with_o they_o while_o we_o live_v take_v away_o these_o two_o uses_n and_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o or_o if_o you_o please_v we_o may_v interpret_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o proposition_n not_o of_o thing_n but_o of_o man_n thus_o i_o know_v there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o i._n e._n i_o be_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n or_o nothing_o that_o more_o contribute_v to_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n than_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o word_n be_v render_v by_o several_a interpreter_n but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n which_o of_o the_o sense_n we_o pitch_v upon_o since_o in_o effect_n they_o come_v both_o to_o one_o thing_n two_o thing_n then_o solomon_n here_o recommend_v to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v live_v comfortable_o in_o this_o world_n rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v recommend_v and_o insist_v on_o to_o you_o at_o this_o time_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n than_o these_o two_o thing_n for_o the_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n make_v up_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o meeting_n we_o be_v here_o so_o many_o brethren_n meet_v together_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o rejoice_v together_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o society_n one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o do_v good_a not_o only_o by_o increase_v our_o friendship_n and_o mutual_a correspondence_n but_o by_o join_v together_o in_o a_o cheerful_a contribution_n to_o those_o our_o countryman_n that_o need_v our_o charity_n to_o entertain_v you_o therefore_o upon_o these_o two_o point_n seem_v to_o be_v my_o proper_a business_n but_o in_o treat_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o invert_v the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o do_v good_a though_o it_o be_v last_o name_v and_o shall_v afterward_o treat_v of_o rejoice_v the_o truth_n be_v do_v good_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o rejoice_v for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a joy_n in_o the_o possession_n or_o use_v of_o any_o worldly_a blessing_n unless_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o have_v do_v some_o good_a with_o they_o it_o be_v the_o do_v good_a that_o sanctify_v our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v now_o in_o treat_v of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v brief_o endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v earnest_o recommend_v to_o you_o the_o practice_n of_o do_v good_a upon_o several_a consideration_n second_o i_o shall_v represent_v the_o practicableness_n of_o it_o by_o show_v the_o several_a way_n which_o every_o person_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v good_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n by_o way_n of_o application_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n serious_o to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o do_v good_n but_o where_o shall_v i_o begin_v to_o speak_v either_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o or_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o do_v accrue_v to_o we_o by_o do_v good_a in_o our_o life_n or_o have_v begin_v where_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o end_n the_o subject_n be_v so_o copious_a that_o the_o study_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n can_v exhaust_v it_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v it_o still_o the_o more_o and_o the_o weighty_a argument_n will_v present_v themselves_o to_o we_o to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o we_o practise_v it_o still_o the_o more_o shall_v we_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o more_o happy_a and_o bless_a shall_v we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o our_o being_n it_o be_v to_o gratify_v those_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n that_o be_v most_o strong_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n such_o as_o love_n and_o natural_a affection_n pity_n and_o compassion_n a_o desire_n of_o friend_n and_o a_o propensity_n to_o knot_n ourselves_o into_o company_n and_o society_n what_o be_v all_o these_o but_o so_o many_o stimuli_fw-la so_o many_o powerful_a incitement_n of_o nature_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o do_v good_a office_n one_o to_o another_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o acquisition_n of_o all_o those_o talent_n of_o all_o those_o favour_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a use_v we_o
bless_v we_o with_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o pinch_a and_o penurious_a way_n of_o live_v this_o i_o say_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o rejoice_v that_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a verse_n solomon_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o text_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a for_o a_o man_n than_o to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a he_o add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o rejoice_v these_o word_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o all_o his_o labour_n for_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n do_v he_o persuade_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o rejoice_v thus_o in_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 24._o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a for_o a_o man_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n enjoy_v good_a in_o his_o labour_n this_o also_o i_o see_v it_o be_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o in_o chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 18._o behold_v that_o which_o i_o have_v see_v it_o be_v good_a and_o comely_a for_o one_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o all_o his_o labour_n that_o he_o take_v under_o the_o sun_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n which_o god_n give_v he_o for_o it_o be_v his_o portion_n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o he_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n that_o he_o have_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o evil_a as_o be_v common_a among_o man_n that_o a_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v riches_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o he_o want_v nothing_o for_o his_o soul_n of_o all_o that_o he_o desire_v yet_o god_n give_v he_o not_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o but_o a_o stranger_n eat_v it_o this_o say_v he_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o evil_a disease_n and_o there_o be_v certain_o great_a reason_n in_o what_o he_o say_v for_o to_o have_v a_o plentiful_a portion_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o not_o to_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o friend_n for_o the_o refresh_v we_o under_o the_o toil_n that_o this_o life_n do_v expose_v we_o to_o for_o the_o promote_a acquaintance_n and_o society_n and_o the_o render_v our_o condition_n as_o easy_a as_o may_v be_v be_v as_o unaccountable_a a_o folly_n as_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o make_v we_o real_o as_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a as_o those_o that_o want_v bread_n but_o only_o not_o so_o pityable_a take_v now_o this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o rejoice_v in_o the_o text_n as_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v we_o have_v from_o hence_o a_o good_a warrant_n for_o this_o day_n meeting_n for_o we_o come_v together_o to_o rejoice_v in_o solomon_n sense_n that_o be_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o our_o labour_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o this_o practice_n of_o we_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v to_o meet_v every_o year_n three_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o nation_n 16._o see_v deut._n 16._o to_o feast_v and_o to_o rejoice_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o express_a word_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o christian_n for_o near_o 200_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n have_v their_o agapae_n their_o feast_n of_o charity_n wherein_o they_o meet_v together_o both_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o enjoy_v and_o make_v merry_a one_o with_o another_o it_o be_v true_a these_o feast_n be_v at_o length_n leave_v off_o by_o common_a consent_n because_o there_o grow_v abuse_n in_o they_o they_o become_v occasion_n of_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o so_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a reflection_n upon_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v innocent_a and_o commendable_a but_o upon_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o good_a and_o laudable_a institution_n be_v pervert_v to_o evil_a purpose_n however_o this_o very_a consideration_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o very_o careful_a of_o our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n in_o these_o our_o meeting_n lest_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n which_o that_o we_o may_v prevent_v two_o thing_n be_v especial_o needful_a to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o by_o we_o first_o that_o we_o do_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o rejoice_v prescribe_v to_o christian_n that_o be_v that_o we_o avoid_v all_o excess_n and_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n sober_o and_o temperate_o so_o as_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o none_o nor_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o second_o that_o we_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o feast_n of_o rejoice_v which_o end_n if_o we_o will_v take_v our_o measure_n from_o those_o law_n that_o god_n give_v to_o his_o own_o people_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o which_o the_o modern_a jew_n themselves_o in_o their_o commentary_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o without_o any_o authority_n they_o do_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o we_o be_v these_o four_o follow_v first_o that_o we_o rejoice_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v that_o we_o make_v our_o humble_a acknowledgement_n and_o return_v our_o due_a praise_n and_o thanks_o to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o in_o our_o life_n confess_v that_o all_o we_o have_v be_v from_o his_o free_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o our_o meet_v together_o be_v to_o praise_v his_o name_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o solemn_a sacrifice_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o offer_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o their_o annual_a feast_n the_o second_o end_n of_o these_o feast_n be_v to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o learn_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o that_o obedience_n we_o owe_v unto_o god_n for_o as_o maimonides_n observe_v that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o god_n call_v together_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o appear_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o law_n read_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o design_n be_v i_o suppose_v pursue_v by_o we_o in_o our_o choose_n this_o place_n to_o assemble_v in_o a_o three_o end_n of_o these_o feast_n as_o the_o same_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o and_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n be_v to_o promote_v acquaintance_n and_o friendship_n and_o brotherly_o love_v one_o with_o another_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a end_n and_o serve_v many_o excellent_a purpose_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v beyond_o it_o except_v the_o four_o and_o last_o end_n of_o these_o meeting_n which_o be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n towards_o our_o poor_a indigent_a brethren_n no_o man_n at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a 23.15_o exod._n 23.15_o he_o be_v to_o bring_v his_o offering_n not_o only_o to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o recognition_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o poor_a also_o that_o they_o may_v rejoice_v as_o well_o as_o he_o this_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o maimonides_n from_o deut._n 16.14_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v thou_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o thy_o feast_n thou_o and_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n thy_o manservant_n and_o thy_o maid-servant_n the_o levite_n and_o the_o stranger_n the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o assembly_n that_o not_o only_o we_o but_o the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n all_o of_o our_o country_n that_o need_v our_o charity_n may_v rejoice_v with_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o solomon_n join_v with_o rejoice_v in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a and_o what_o that_o man_n who_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v the_o wise_a of_o all_o man_n have_v thus_o join_v together_o let_v none_o of_o we_o presume_v to_o put_v asunder_o these_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o these_o be_v the_o end_n that_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o this_o our_o feast_n and_o let_v we_o all_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a country_n charge_v