audible_a voice_n to_o the_o ear_n the_o pleasure_n which_o those_o sense_n receive_v from_o a_o beautiful_a sight_n or_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n may_v be_v call_v their_o life_n and_o their_o death_n or_o mortification_n in_o proportion_n to_o this_o be_v their_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o object_n whereon_o they_o act_v with_o delight_n which_o deprivation_n be_v very_o useful_a if_o not_o altogether_o requisite_a to_o arrive_v to_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n and_o sanctification_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o destructive_a of_o a_o christian_a life_n than_o a_o life_n of_o sense_n the_o imagination_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n when_o these_o work_n upon_o she_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o outward_a object_n she_o likewise_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o low_a faculty_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o we_o bar_v our_o sense_n by_o a_o strict_a restraint_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o with_o sinful_a delight_n 3._o in_o this_o consist_v the_o death_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o twofold_a the_o first_o natural_a when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o real_a separation_n betwixt_o sense_n and_o its_o object_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o meet_v the_o second_o moral_a when_o sense_n perceive_v but_o enjoy_v not_o its_o object_n be_v restrain_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o the_o first_o some_o judge_n to_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o more_o safe_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n than_o to_o keep_v a_o due_a moderation_n when_o we_o engage_v in_o they_o but_o in_o this_o discretion_n and_o due_a measure_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o second_o be_v according_o think_v to_o be_v more_o dangerous_a because_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v very_a entice_a and_o insinuate_v and_o be_v know_v by_o sad_a experience_n to_o have_v a_o great_a prevalency_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o noble_a affection_n 4._o and_o then_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o suck_v the_o poison_n of_o voluptuousness_n together_o with_o our_o milk_n from_o our_o very_a infancy_n we_o learn_v to_o indulge_v sense_n and_o though_o we_o have_v often_o experiment_v that_o its_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v short_a and_o vain_a and_o unsatisfy_v and_o withal_o pernicious_a and_o high_o afflictive_a to_o the_o soul_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o they_o they_o stick_v close_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o those_o please_v though_o false_a apprehension_n which_o first_o enter_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v rectify_v nor_o be_v go_v till_o we_o have_v a_o long_a time_n use_v serious_a reflection_n and_o consideration_n till_o by_o many_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o contrary_a virtue_n we_o have_v imprint_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v the_o way_n to_o he_o to_o chastise_v and_o restrain_v the_o fancy_n to_o keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o divine_a precept_n be_v the_o way_n to_o spiritualise_v ourselves_o and_o to_o come_v to_o god_n chap._n vii_o of_o deny_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n especial_o intemperance_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n who_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o study_n to_o please_v he_o to_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o food_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o by_o it_o our_o body_n be_v rescue_v from_o death_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o return_v upon_o we_o daily_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o of_o delight_n in_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o need_n there_o be_v danger_n also_o lest_o luxury_n mingle_v with_o it_o and_o pleasure_n which_o may_v follow_v after_o be_v the_o lead_a cause_n to_o our_o refection_n therefore_o though_o we_o can_v whole_o forbear_v eat_v and_o drink_v yet_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n of_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o it_o that_o necessity_n be_v not_o the_o pretence_n and_o pleasure_v the_o design_n of_o eat_v nature_n be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o greediness_n or_o daintiness_n be_v always_o crave_v and_o sometime_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o want_n or_o wantonness_n call_v for_o food_n and_o we_o be_v glad_a and_o willing_a to_o mistake_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o occasion_n to_o gratify_v the_o unruly_a appetite_n in_o these_o we_o must_v daily_o watch_v ourselves_o because_o these_o temptation_n do_v daily_o return_v and_o we_o must_v diet_v ourselves_o with_o such_o moderation_n that_o we_o may_v nourish_v our_o body_n and_o not_o feed_v our_o lust_n plain_o abstemious_a and_o frugal_a food_n be_v the_o health_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o that_o pamper_v not_o his_o flesh_n by_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n of_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n may_v easy_o master_v all_o carnal_a desire_n 2._o to_o seek_v after_o feast_n and_o dainty_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n and_o our_o meditation_n be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o epicure_n of_o one_o who_o god_n be_v his_o belly_n and_o who_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n but_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v indeed_o and_o also_o live_v as_o a_o penitent_a press_v necessity_n shall_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o table_n and_o thither_o he_o shall_v come_v as_o if_o bread_n and_o water_n be_v his_o only_a allowance_n that_o whatever_o be_v superad_v may_v relish_v better_o and_o he_o may_v be_v more_o content_a and_o thankful_a and_o also_o moderate_a this_o we_o may_v easy_o do_v if_o we_o will_v due_o consider_v how_o abstemious_a primitive_a christian_n be_v how_o much_o our_o bless_a lord_n fast_v and_o how_o for_o we_o he_o taste_v vinegar_n and_o gall_n this_o if_o we_o will_v often_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o serious_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o bless_a example_n our_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o our_o thought_n will_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o dwell_v in_o cave_n and_o kitchen_n as_o for_o the_o other_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o also_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n all_o occasion_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o idleness_n also_o a_o strict_a watch_n over_o our_o sense_n must_v be_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a modesty_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o especial_o we_o must_v shun_v all_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o other_o sex_n for_o this_o without_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o will_n kindle_v a_o dangerous_a and_o secret_a fire_n and_o last_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o confident_a of_o ourselves_o for_o in_o such_o a_o slippery_a way_n he_o be_v in_o some_o manner_n already_o fall_v that_o fear_v not_o to_o fall_v chap._n viii_o of_o talkativeness_n and_o silence_n 1._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v past_a number_n therefore_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 10.19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n there_o want_v not_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o restrain_v his_o lip_n be_v wise_a indeed_o talkativeness_n be_v a_o fountain_n and_o a_o torrent_n of_o iniquity_n it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o ignorance_n it_o betray_v much_o folly_n and_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o serious_a thought_n and_o recollection_n man_n word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o something_o of_o pride_n for_o they_o common_o speak_v to_o teach_v other_o and_o to_o show_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o great_a part_n every_o one_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o be_v think_v somebody_o he_o common_o out_v with_o more_o than_o he_o know_v as_o bad_a air_n draw_v in_o do_v in_o time_n affect_v infect_v the_o body_n so_o do_v the_o breath_n of_o many_o word_n much_o prejudice_n the_o soul_n it_o dissolve_v the_o spirit_n and_o breed_v quarrel_n and_o contention_n and_o utter_v lie_n and_o detraction_n and_o bring_v forth_o loose_a unseemly_a jest_n and_o jeer_v and_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o be_v devout_a and_o to_o have_v peace_n within_o who_o do_v not_o refrain_v his_o tongue_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n before_o his_o lip_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o amend_v himself_o that_o censure_n and_o speak_v ill_a of_o other_o this_o be_v a_o snare_n wherein_o many_o be_v catch_v to_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o to_o boast_v and_o magnify_v what_o be_v they_o and_o slight_a as_o much_o what_o relate_v to_o other_o few_o there_o be_v that_o whole_o renounce_v to_o this_o vice_n few_o that_o lead_v so_o uncorrupt_a a_o life_n as_o not_o willing_o to_o tax_v other_o corruption_n the_o propensity_n to_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o many_o count_v good_a christian_n
without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o except_v our_o conversation_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o profession_n the_o most_o glorious_a name_n and_o title_n shall_v avail_v nothing_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o believer_n by_o work_v the_o distinction_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o false_a for_o what_o manner_n of_o faith_n be_v they_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o they_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o command_n be_v they_o not_o like_o the_o devil_n who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o be_v no_o worse_o for_o his_o faith_n beget_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n but_o these_o boast_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o fear_v god_n chap._n iii_o that_o original_a sin_n be_v the_o spring_n whence_o all_o evil_a proceed_v 1._o now_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o wickedness_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o have_v but_o hear_v of_o the_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o by_o their_o fall_n original_a righteousness_n be_v lose_v human_a nature_n utter_o deprave_v and_o shut_v up_o under_o condemnation_n their_o offspring_n fall_v into_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o that_o they_o can_v be_v neither_o express_v nor_o number_v hence_o that_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a ignorance_n which_o like_o a_o black_a cloud_n darken_v the_o mind_n and_o lie_v upon_o it_o hence_o that_o brutish_a and_o untamable_a lust_n which_o like_o a_o heavy_a weight_n sink_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o keep_v it_o fast_o hence_o that_o aversion_n from_o god_n and_o conversion_n to_o thing_n perish_v hence_o those_o anxious_a care_n and_o foolish_a joy_n those_o dissension_n quarrel_n and_o enmity_n those_o perverse_a heresy_n greedy_a sacrilege_n and_o unsatiable_a lust_n and_o hence_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o this_o be_v the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o man_n impious_a disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n that_o god_n shall_v forsake_v he_o who_o by_o pride_n lift_v up_o himself_o against_o god_n that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o when_o he_o can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o his_o free_a will_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o become_v uncapable_a of_o do_v what_o be_v infinite_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n to_o perform_v except_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o mercy_n 2._o thus_o man_n leave_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o self-love_n draw_v to_o himself_o seek_v himself_o only_o and_o in_o his_o wretched_a self_n alone_o set_v his_o rest_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a truth_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v all_o christian_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n how_o uncapable_a they_o be_v of_o themselves_o to_o do_v any_o good_a then_o it_o be_v like_a they_o will_v daily_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n beg_v his_o gracious_a help_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v from_o who_o come_v all_o our_o light_n our_o strength_n and_o our_o sufficiency_n but_o alas_o too_o many_o in_o a_o deep_a deathlike_a sleep_n rest_n in_o carnal_a security_n and_o unhappy_o abuse_v by_o vain_a delusion_n love_v their_o blindness_n and_o their_o disease_n too_o dream_v that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o sound_a because_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o distemper_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o book_n 1._o while_o i_o often_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o lose_a year_n of_o my_o life_n i_o be_v grieve_v and_o perplex_v both_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v past_a and_o of_o that_o which_o shall_v follow_v hereafter_o look_v backward_o on_o those_o day_n which_o be_v go_v and_o examine_v serious_o how_o i_o have_v spend_v they_o i_o be_v seize_v upon_o with_o horror_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o many_o soul_n prevarication_n against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o gracious_a god_n and_o my_o great_a unfaithulness_n to_o christ_n my_o saviour_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o sacred_a vow_n i_o make_v when_o i_o give_v up_o my_o name_n to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n i_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v to_o have_v thus_o requite_v my_o god_n and_o abuse_v his_o grace_n and_o when_o i_o turn_v myself_o to_o the_o future_a to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o i_o i_o can_v not_o but_o dread_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o my_o offend_a god_n and_o tremble_v exceed_o at_o the_o greatness_n of_o my_o danger_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o pardon_n i_o want_v and_o be_o so_o much_o unworthy_a of_o in_o these_o strait_n i_o resolve_v by_o god_n help_n first_o to_o help_v myself_o and_o then_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n to_o prescribe_v what_o may_v easy_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v effectual_a thing_n ready_a at_o hand_n which_o be_v often_o read_v and_o consider_v may_v be_v remember_v and_o follow_v that_o they_o that_o serious_o design_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n may_v find_v it_o here_o without_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o long_a and_o laborious_a search_n 2._o now_o because_o physician_n have_v their_o aphorism_n and_o philosopher_n their_o axiom_n or_o sentence_n and_o in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o must_v begin_v at_o certain_a principle_n which_o be_v short_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o marrow_n of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n therefore_o i_o purpose_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o lay_v down_o brief_o and_o clear_o those_o chief_a rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o religious_a life_n which_o more_o at_o large_a be_v scatter_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o divine_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o other_o good_a author_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v our_o first_o and_o our_o great_a concern_n that_o one_o necessary_a thing_n on_o which_o all_o depend_v to_o know_v how_o to_o live_v well_o to_o live_v like_o christian_n for_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n mat._n 16.26_o nothing_o more_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a can_v be_v imagine_v than_o to_o own_v ourselves_o christ_n disciple_n and_o live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v avail_v nothing_o where_o the_o life_n be_v antichristian_a chap._n v._o the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o learn_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o follow_v they_o not_o 1._o many_o without_o difficulty_n can_v read_v and_o learn_v the_o gospel-precept_n and_o even_o often_o think_v of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o few_o understand_v well_o their_o force_n and_o their_o full_a importance_n we_o easy_o grant_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v through_o self-denial_n fast_v watch_v and_o pray_v keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o go_v patient_o through_o many_o tribulation_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n we_o can_v ready_o say_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n cheerful_o to_o endure_v reproach_n and_o persecution_n torment_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o but_o when_o these_o evil_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o our_o life_n come_v to_o be_v in_o danger_n than_o thing_n appear_v not_o as_o they_o do_v before_o we_o can_v see_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o resignation_n and_o sufferance_n what_o before_o be_v a_o very_a clear_a case_n be_v now_o at_o the_o best_a but_o very_o doubtful_a we_o can_v be_v humble_a when_o no_o body_n revile_v we_o and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o vexation_n than_o we_o be_v patient_a we_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o severe_a injunction_n when_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o regard_v we_o and_o press_v upon_o we_o a_o present_a duty_n than_o the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n alter_v our_o resolution_n and_o disturb_v our_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o corrupt_a gloss_n or_o lazy_a interpretation_n we_o elude_v the_o unpleasing_a precept_n 2._o truth_n be_v as_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o man_n hate_v it_o because_o it_o reprove_v they_o their_o sinful_a deprave_a nature_n can_v abide_v its_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n they_o find_v in_o virtue_n something_o
eye_n and_o mind_n on_o that_o original_a which_o he_o mean_v to_o copy_n so_o shall_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n set_v before_o himself_o his_o master_n life_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a exemplar_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o imitate_v and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o 2._o now_o he_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o remain_v in_o he_o shall_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v careful_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o his_o new_a and_o better_a lord_n for_o as_o while_o we_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v its_o instinct_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v slave_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n so_o now_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o unhappy_a slavery_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n we_o must_v careful_o follow_v he_o who_o member_n we_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15.47_o the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o second_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a make_v that_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o high_a call_n as_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o high_a title_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o 3._o now_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o outward_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o be_v who_o â—_z and_o affection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n bless_a example_n who_o endeavour_v always_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n be_v create_v anew_o in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v look_v unto_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v not_o live_v after_o the_o method_n of_o deprave_a man_n but_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o righteous_a god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v own_a to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o certain_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n chap._n xviii_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o faith_n be_v to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n and_o the_o spring_n to_o the_o fountain_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o we_o must_v first_o begin_v and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o commendation_n job_n give_v to_o wisdom_n chap._n 28._o be_v just_o due_a to_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o solomon_n high_a encomium_n of_o wisdom_n do_v but_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o faith_n wisd_v 7._o gold_n in_o respect_n of_o she_o be_v as_o little_a sand_n and_o silver_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o clay_n before_o she_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n she_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n teach_v we_o all_o truth_n inform_v our_o soul_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v what_o to_o shun_v and_o what_o to_o pursue_v it_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o the_o world_n count_v good_a be_v evil_a and_o that_o worldly_a calamity_n be_v good_a if_o endure_v patient_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a and_o all_o that_o which_o be_v for_o no_o use_n but_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n and_o the_o high_a of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o from_o its_o wretched_a slavery_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o set_v we_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o great_a contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o then_o christ_n who_o deliver_v the_o first_o be_v ever_o true_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v clear_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o follow_v the_o holy_a light_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n not_o the_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o deprave_v as_o we_o now_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o altogether_o destructive_a of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a dictate_v and_o endeavour_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a a_o well-being_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o present_a world_n without_o take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n this_o evil_a man_n have_v from_o adam_n and_o from_o those_o lust_n which_o reign_n in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v still_o some_o cause_n to_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o rom._n 7._o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n st._n paul_n answer_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v deliver_v we_o for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v from_o our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n and_o enable_v to_o see_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o new_a life_n from_o he_o chap._n xix_o that_o faith_n work_v in_o a_o christian_a self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o great_a be_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v the_o faithful_a christian_n to_o be_v as_o itself_o be_v unshaken_a and_o unmovable_a the_o true_a believer_n who_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a regard_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o find_v light_n and_o peace_n delight_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o find_v neither_o rest_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o in_o time_n of_o need_n there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o they_o be_v like_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n perish_v and_o unstable_a so_o that_o he_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o same_o destiny_n whereas_o he_o that_o trust_v on_o god_n who_o be_v unmoveable_a be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n express_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o belief_n our_o action_n shall_v be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o what_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v glory_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o to_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o offence_n 2._o the_o first_o man_n indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocence_n may_v have_v come_v to_o bliss_n by_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o those_o good_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n but_o after_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o infect_v his_o unborn_a posterity_n with_o sin_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n appoint_v another_o way_n to_o bliss_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o self-denial_n through_o which_o christ_n himself_o pass_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n say_v luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o 33._o
most_o gracious_a providence_n and_o interpret_v the_o most_o afflictive_a event_n as_o sign_n of_o his_o care_n and_o good_a will_n for_o we_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o himself_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o please_v 4._o slander_n treachery_n oppression_n loss_n rape_n theft_n sickness_n plague_n famine_n and_o all_o other_o calamity_n public_a or_o private_a they_o be_v all_o send_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o to_o punish_v or_o reclaim_v wicked_a man_n or_o else_o to_o exercise_v and_o perfect_v the_o righteous_a therefore_o under_o the_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o any_o of_o these_o let_v a_o christian_a humble_a himself_o and_o worship_n and_o say_v with_o patient_a job_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n master_n commit_v their_o work_n and_o their_o affair_n to_o trusty_a servant_n and_o yet_o acquaint_v they_o not_o with_o their_o secret_a intent_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o their_o design_n so_o shall_v we_o like_v faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n yield_v to_o god_n cheerful_o a_o active_a or_o passive_a obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n unconcern_v for_o the_o final_a event_n how_o in_o any_o particular_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o we_o or_o of_o other_o taking_z that_z to_z ourselves_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v st._n peter_n once_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o follow_v i_o whatever_o happen_v and_o mind_n nothing_o else_o if_o thou_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o good_a design_n some_o profitable_a undertake_n and_o can_v not_o go_v on_o with_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o hindrance_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o help_v grieve_v not_o and_o be_v not_o deject_v for_o god_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o thou_o follow_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o call_v thus_o if_o we_o will_v meek_o entertain_v god_n will_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n will_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o perturbation_n can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o the_o place_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v and_o reign_v chap._n xxxi_o of_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v good_a to_o wish_v that_o god_n will_v afflict_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o he_o and_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o better_a to_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v without_o anxiousness_n or_o reluctancy_n whithersoever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v natural_a life_n show_v itself_o by_o the_o act_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n when_o we_o no_o long_o live_v ourselves_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o for_o he_o that_o true_o forsake_v himself_o and_o transfer_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n to_o god_n live_v here_o as_o a_o new_a bear_v infant_n without_o choice_n or_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o have_v whole_o permit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a guidance_n he_o be_v free_a from_o himself_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o cross_a accident_n he_o look_v and_o rest_v upon_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o the_o world_n call_v nothing_o his_o own_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n he_o be_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o be_v do_v with_o and_o put_v to_o such_o use_n as_o the_o master_n shall_v please_v he_o be_v not_o curious_a and_o inquistive_a after_o divine_a secret_a counsel_n but_o he_o adore_v they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v always_o just_a and_o equitable_a and_o therefore_o in_o what_o matter_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o determine_v any_o thing_n he_o assent_v and_o yield_v and_o think_v it_o best_o 2._o he_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o liberty_n he_o choose_v god_n will_n and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o and_o whereas_o by_o natural_a corruption_n man_n have_v too_o much_o complacency_n in_o himself_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o best_a act_n of_o his_o will_n rather_o as_o his_o own_o than_o as_o good_a whence_o proceed_v many_o trouble_n he_o that_o have_v part_v with_o his_o own_o will_n to_o make_v it_o one_o with_o god_n suffer_v no_o grief_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o creature_n but_o always_o rejoice_v in_o his_o acquiescence_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n at_o best_a if_o natural_a affection_n can_v be_v quite_o subdue_v yet_o this_o prevail_v and_o the_o man_n easy_o overcome_v his_o sorrow_n and_o find_v in_o god_n peace_n and_o satisfaction_n none_o can_v resist_v the_o almighty_a he_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o and_o his_o will_n must_v absolute_o take_v place_n in_o all_o thing_n therefore_o better_a it_o be_v willing_o to_o follow_v than_o be_v drag_v better_a it_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o than_o to_o be_v force_v by_o it_o 3._o our_o content_n and_o tranquillity_n consist_v in_o our_o meek_a subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o even_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a and_o mischievous_a sin_n though_o we_o be_v serious_o to_o repent_v to_o chastise_v and_o afflict_v ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o give_v way_n to_o distract_n perturbation_n and_o a_o tedious_a and_o confuse_a spirit_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o frailty_n in_o our_o fall_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a grace_n when_o we_o rise_v up_o again_o and_o stand_v we_o must_v patient_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o beg_v for_o pardon_n and_o the_o return_n of_o his_o favour_n with_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o without_o impatience_n or_o amazement_n make_v it_o our_o diligent_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o life_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n under_o god_n seek_v and_o desire_v nothing_o but_o that_o his_o lord_n command_n may_v be_v fulfil_v he_o will_v always_o be_v dispose_v to_o say_v from_o his_o heart_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o do_v and_o suffer_v thy_o pleasure_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n mat._n 11.26_o will_v thou_o grant_v i_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n or_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o be_v poor_a and_o sickly_a and_o to_o live_v in_o mournful_a sadness_n and_o spiritual_a dryness_n thy_o will_n be_v do_v do_v with_o i_o what_o thou_o please_v for_o i_o be_o whole_o thou_o 4._o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n and_o indifferency_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o send_v will_v free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o anxious_a trouble_n and_o fear_n and_o from_o be_v cast_v down_o nay_o will_v make_v he_o undaunted_a always_o peaceable_a or_o always_o victorious_a in_o all_o adversity_n we_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o food_n and_o raiment_n how_o much_o more_o about_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o minister_v only_o to_o vanity_n we_o must_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o god_n and_o rest_v ourselves_o upon_o his_o gracious_a and_o almighty_a will_n for_o even_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v seek_v too_o anxious_o too_o much_o care_n and_o inquisitiveness_n after_o thing_n to_o come_v betray_v a_o timorous_a and_o unsettled_a mind_n not_o yet_o resign_v to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o self-love_n afraid_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n god_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o above_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o every_o man_n and_o he_o sweet_o and_o powerful_o dispose_v all_o thing_n take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o that_o man_n that_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o chap._n xxxii_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v rest_v upon_o god_n 1._o a_o man_n guide_v by_o the_o christian_a wisdom_n will_v not_o only_o as_o the_o gospel_n command_v leave_v all_o temporal_a thing_n to_o god_n disposal_n take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o also_o commit_v his_o soul_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o who_o never_o fail_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o in_o conform_v his_o will_n to_o god_n will_v he_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n admire_v and_o reconcile_n together_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o yet_o not_o seek_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o deep_a abyss_n of_o god_n secret_a judgement_n and_o decree_n a_o bold_a presumption_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o wicked_a impenitent_n who_o desperate_a live_v make_v their_o soul_n desperate_a because_o they_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o return_n to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o