puff_v up_o with_o wind_n and_o want_v the_o solidness_n of_o virtue_n he_o soon_o pass_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o i_o have_v see_v the_o wicked_a in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_a himself_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n yet_o he_o pass_v away_o and_z lo_o he_o be_v not_o yea_o i_o seek_v he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v psal_n 37.35_o chap._n xxviii_o motive_n and_o reason_n for_o humility_n 1._o our_o station_n be_v very_o slippery_a and_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n do_v perpetual_o weigh_v we_o down_o so_o that_o without_o god_n right_a hand_n uphold_v we_o we_o can_v neither_o stand_v nor_o yet_o walk_v firm_o we_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v if_o we_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o grievous_a crime_n it_o be_v god_n gracious_a providence_n have_v remove_v the_o occasion_n from_o we_o else_o we_o too_o well_o know_v by_o experience_n how_o weak_a we_o be_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n or_o under_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o temptation_n if_o any_o good_a thing_n be_v in_o we_o it_o be_v very_o small_a and_o imperfect_a and_o if_o the_o least_o detect_v can_v mar_v the_o best_a work_n who_o who_o then_o can_v say_v he_o have_v ever_o do_v any_o thing_n altogether_o good_a and_o without_o any_o mixture_n of_o evil_a who_o be_v there_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n and_o be_v as_o careful_a of_o his_o salvation_n as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n for_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o be_v we_o not_o all_o conscious_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o pardon_n whereof_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v certain_a because_o that_o depend_v upon_o our_o repentance_n which_o still_o remain_v many_o way_n imperfect_a nay_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v past_a yet_o have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o fear_v for_o the_o future_a lest_o we_o fall_v and_o perish_v 2._o whoever_o shall_v due_o consider_v all_o this_o how_o little_a be_v our_o virtue_n and_o our_o assurance_n how_o great_a our_o danger_n and_o frailty_n will_v hardly_o pride_n or_o trust_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o will_v find_v much_o cause_n to_o tremble_v and_o tremble_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v nothing_o and_o of_o himself_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o when_o the_o sun_n go_v away_o the_o air_n immediate_o become_v dark_a so_o do_v the_o soul_n grow_v blind_a and_o impotent_a as_o soon_o as_o god_n withdraw_v his_o light_n and_o gracious_a assistance_n he_o that_o right_o understand_v this_o truth_n can_v but_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o other_o also_o and_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v from_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n can_v refuse_v to_o bear_v contempt_n without_o oppose_v the_o know_a truth_n truth_n and_o humility_n be_v inseparable_a and_o he_o therefore_o be_v always_o most_o humble_a that_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rise_v again_o after_o he_o be_v fall_v if_o he_o will_v soon_o repair_v to_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n and_o from_o he_o receive_v help_n and_o direction_n but_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n that_o they_o will_v not_o see_v their_o distemper_n or_o they_o fancy_v they_o can_v cure_v it_o themselves_o they_o remain_v for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o fall_v and_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n till_o they_o die_v and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o flee_v to_o god_n for_o succour_n and_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o they_o count_v the_o prescription_n of_o the_o physician_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n flatter_v themselves_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o enough_o and_o by_o their_o own_o application_n make_v the_o evil_a desperate_a for_o no_o man_n be_v more_o unhappy_a and_o sure_a to_o perish_v than_o he_o who_o be_v blind_a yet_o fancy_n he_o can_v clear_o see_v because_o the_o conceit_n he_o want_v no_o man_n assistance_n to_o guide_v he_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v into_o every_o ditch_n and_o into_o the_o great_a precipice_n itself_o but_o let_v a_o man_n learn_v to_o know_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v from_o heaven_n nosce_fw-la teipsum_fw-la know_v thyself_o for_o than_o he_o shall_v know_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o fall_v and_o perish_v but_o that_o in_o god_n be_v his_o strength_n and_o sufficiency_n many_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o bondage_n and_o faint_a under_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v help_v and_o they_o will_v not_o by_o humble_a prayer_n seek_v to_o god_n for_o help_v and_o in_o he_o trust_v of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o 4._o to_o yield_v and_o lose_v heart_n be_v despondency_n but_o true_a humility_n will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o make_v we_o cheerful_o undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n confide_v in_o his_o gracious_a help_n who_o for_o we_o become_v man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o iron_n red_a hot_a burn_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o penetrate_v its_o substance_n and_o not_o of_o itself_o so_o a_o man_n become_v fervent_a and_o inflame_v not_o of_o his_o dull_a nature_n but_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a charity_n which_o god_n kindle_v in_o he_o as_o also_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v before_o man_n it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o god_n send_v in_o his_o heart_n man_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v nothing_o he_o be_v but_o a_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v power_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v for_o if_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o light_n and_o wisdom_n depart_v from_o a_o man_n he_o present_o become_v dark_a cold_a and_o unactive_a useless_a as_o a_o instrument_n without_o a_o artist_n man_n of_o himself_o be_v nothing_o and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o nothingness_n as_o in_o his_o centre_n for_o than_o he_o be_v most_o strong_a in_o god_n when_o he_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n chap._n xxix_o that_o the_o humble_a man_n judge_v himself_o and_o not_o other_o with_o a_o character_n of_o he_o 1._o humility_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o make_v man_n vile_a his_o own_o eye_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o attain_v by_o self-examination_n for_o when_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n be_v open_v and_o our_o past_a sinful_a life_n search_v into_o the_o soul_n must_v stand_v as_o criminal_a before_o her_o own_o tribunal_n and_o there_o be_v by_o herself_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v and_o happy_a they_o that_o thus_o judge_v themselves_o for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o woe_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o soar_v high_a in_o lofty_a conceit_n and_o dwell_v much_o abroad_o in_o vain_a inquiry_n for_o than_o she_o remain_v unknown_a to_o herself_o unacquainted_a with_o her_o own_o misery_n and_o those_o her_o error_n and_o fail_n she_o shall_v watch_v over_o and_o amend_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o and_o a_o sad_a case_n it_o be_v to_o see_v wretched_a ignorant_a and_o vicious_a person_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n but_o pray_v into_o other_o infirmity_n and_o observe_v their_o least_o miscarriage_n and_o this_o common_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o most_o loose_a and_o negligent_a they_o be_v the_o more_o busy_a to_o censure_v other_o that_o they_o do_v not_o reprove_v nor_o correct_v themselves_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o upright_a man_n that_o endeavour_v to_o know_v themselves_o for_o the_o great_a proficient_o they_o be_v in_o that_o knowledge_n the_o more_o humble_a they_o be_v and_o concern_v for_o themselves_o perceive_v their_o great_a distance_n from_o perfection_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o find_v so_o much_o work_n at_o home_n the_o less_o they_o mind_n other_o except_o where_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 2._o this_o be_v the_o true_a discipline_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o exercise_v their_o zeal_n against_o themselves_o and_o to_o bear_v patient_o with_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o for_o he_o that_o can_v bear_v with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o other_o be_v himself_o the_o most_o imperfect_a as_o god_n in_o nature_n produce_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o so_o in_o grace_n he_o produce_v all_o virtue_n out_o of_o a_o man_n hearty_a persuasion_n of_o be_v nothing_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n that_o be_v true_a virtue_n that_o will_v bear_v with_o scorn_n contempt_n and_o injury_n be_v
up_o to_o god_n thus_o at_o least_o he_o intend_v it_o but_o by_o our_o depravation_n and_o folly_n they_o become_v obstacle_n in_o our_o way_n to_o he_o they_o turn_v we_o from_o the_o path_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n say_v wisd_v 14.11_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n become_v stumble_a block_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o unwise_a of_o the_o unwise_a he_o say_v such_o as_o will_v not_o take_v god_n for_o their_o guide_n such_o as_o turn_v their_o eye_n from_o his_o glorious_a light_n to_o enjoy_v the_o shade_n and_o obscurity_n of_o creature_n thereby_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n and_o so_o become_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o abide_v the_o divine_a save_a light_n 2._o now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v create_v for_o this_o to_o be_v as_o help_v and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v our_o end_n then_o be_v we_o to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v love_v and_o desire_v without_o end_n and_o without_o competitor_n in_o goodness_n be_v independent_a supreme_a and_o alone_o satisfactory_a whereas_o mean_n have_v no_o far_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o help_v to_o obtain_v the_o end_n a_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o refer_v to_o god_n all_o his_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o not_o lazy_o or_o verbal_o only_a but_o with_o a_o strong_a affection_n and_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n avoid_v thereby_o the_o cheat_n man_n often_o put_v upon_o themselves_o in_o be_v deceive_v with_o their_o own_o formality_n and_o specious_a pretence_n when_o even_o in_o religion_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o often_o seek_v and_o please_v themselves_o rather_o than_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o scripture_n call_v the_o way_n to_o life_n straight_o and_o narrow_a because_o deprave_a man_n refer_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o can_v hardly_o follow_v the_o pure_a and_o direct_a way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v be_v natural_o averse_a to_o a_o upright_a intention_n but_o when_o this_o aversion_n be_v once_o overcome_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o divine_a commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v wide_a and_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v light_a and_o pleasant_a chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v earnest_a about_o the_o world_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o attain_v not_o their_o main_a end_n 1._o that_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n be_v past_a number_n be_v right_o affirm_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o indeed_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n trifle_v away_o their_o day_n so_o simple_o act_n so_o childish_o or_o rather_o so_o much_o like_o mad_a man_n that_o their_o intolerable_a folly_n can_v be_v sufficient_o deplore_v they_o set_v the_o flesh_n above_o the_o spirit_n they_o prefer_v time_n to_o eternity_n and_o earth_n to_o heaven_n till_o the_o unhappy_a comedy_n of_o their_o sinful_a lifâ—_n end_v in_o a_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o death_n and_o they_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n in_o a_o moment_n if_o a_o suit_n at_o law_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v or_o a_o estate_n gain_v or_o a_o place_n of_o honour_n obtain_v than_o they_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o labour_n no_o search_n no_o diligence_n no_o study_n but_o if_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v purchase_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n make_v sure_a than_o no_o man_n stir_v they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o unactive_a no_o regard_n no_o care_n be_v have_v of_o it_o 2._o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v and_o afflict_v the_o body_n as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n heat_n and_o cold_a pain_n and_o infirmity_n our_o sense_n be_v quick_a and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o industry_n we_o present_o occur_v to_o those_o evil_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o but_o if_o our_o soul_n suffer_v under_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a spiritual_a evil_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o we_o care_v no_o more_o than_o if_o that_o noble_a part_n of_o we_o whereby_o we_o live_v and_o be_v rational_a and_o like_a to_o angel_n have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o and_o this_o because_o the_o flesh_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o we_o value_v this_o sport_n uncertain_a life_n more_o than_o life_n eternal_a and_o we_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o sole_a employment_n to_o rescue_v that_o carcase_n from_o death_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o certain_o must_v soon_o become_v its_o prey_n 3._o one_o cause_n of_o these_o preposterous_a do_n be_v the_o gross_a and_o brutish_a ignorance_n or_o rather_o inconsideration_n of_o too_o too_o many_o who_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v to_o what_o end_n man_n be_v create_v what_o it_o be_v he_o shall_v seek_v and_o design_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o way_n he_o shall_v take_v that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o his_o great_a aim_n jer._n 12.11_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolate_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n consider_v wise_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o power_n of_o those_o enemy_n that_o perpetual_o assault_v we_o who_o snare_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o avoid_v without_o god_n break_v they_o and_o deliver_v he_o for_o we_o be_v continual_o besiege_v by_o a_o frail_a flesh_n a_o flatter_a world_n and_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o 4._o last_o our_o folly_n and_o misery_n proceed_v partly_o from_o our_o blindness_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o darkness_n we_o want_v light_a to_o guide_v we_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n and_o pray_v he_o devout_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o aright_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o sloth_n and_o inconstancy_n for_o we_o be_v virtuous_a in_o wish_n and_o not_o in_o effect_n because_o we_o be_v lazy_a to_o work_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o practice_n we_o find_v difficulty_n and_o be_v soon_o tire_v and_o dishearten_v hasty_o give_v over_o before_o we_o have_v effect_v any_o thing_n all_o christian_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o come_v after_o he_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o care_v not_o to_o imitate_v he_o fain_o will_v they_o come_v to_o he_o but_o not_o follow_v he_o man_n will_v obtain_v riches_n without_o labour_n and_o crown_n without_o fight_v they_o like_v well_o of_o reward_n but_o they_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n ghap._n xii_o how_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o fair_a outside_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a 1._o this_o world_n felicity_n put_v all_o together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o whole_a be_v but_o like_o a_o coarse_a picture_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v something_o please_v and_o invite_v when_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o false_a light_n or_o in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o obscure_a or_o with_o a_o small_a blind_a candle_n such_o as_o be_v the_o dim_a and_o deceitful_a light_n of_o present_a time_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v forth_o the_o picture_n and_o view_v it_o before_o that_o glorious_a sun_n that_o shine_v for_o ever_o the_o radiant_a brightness_n of_o eternity_n there_o it_o will_v appear_v deform_v and_o unfinished_a a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a shadow_n which_o represent_v nothing_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stroke_n and_o line_n draw_v without_o order_n or_o design_n for_o though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o it_o remain_v in_o darkness_n man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a discovery_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o 3._o yet_o that_o light_n it_o be_v and_o none_o else_o that_o clear_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n btwixt_a vile_a and_o precious_a betwixt_o truth_n and_o appearance_n how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o christianity_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o instruct_v it_o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o by_o it_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n because_o of_o their_o attractive_a beauty_n but_o so_o to_o consider_v their_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v by_o they_o lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o glorious_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o divine_a light_n it_o be_v make_v i_o see_v
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
they_o walk_v and_o cover_v their_o misery_n and_o danger_n so_o that_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o fear_v the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o that_o just_a judge_n who_o will_v condemn_v all_o apostate_n that_o turn_v from_o the_o right_a way_n they_o walk_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v the_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v past_o feeling_n they_o have_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n ephes_n 4.17_o they_o count_v their_o life_n a_o market_n for_o gain_v and_o say_v we_o must_v be_v get_v every_o way_n though_o it_o be_v by_o evil_a mean_n wisd_v 15.12_o and_o then_o it_o often_o happen_v by_o a_o just_a judgement_n that_o their_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v as_o debauch_v as_o their_o life_n that_o have_v long_o say_v it_o by_o their_o wicked_a deed_n they_o at_o last_o say_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 3._o i_o have_v already_o and_o can_v too_o often_o note_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a that_o be_v adam_n who_o by_o his_o sin_n not_o only_o lose_v the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o will_n but_o also_o the_o true_a light_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o stock_n and_o root_n whence_o all_o man_n grow_v we_o be_v deprive_v of_o both_o and_o now_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n incline_v man_n to_o self-love_n vain_a glory_n and_o a_o imperious_a pride_n to_o covetousness_n sloth_n sensuality_n and_o looseness_n and_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o understanding_n expose_v he_o to_o ignorance_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o doubt_n error_n and_o lie_n and_o make_v he_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o good_a and_o serious_a thought_n thus_o man_n be_v become_v earthly_a weak_a and_o distemper_v unable_a to_o resist_v the_o sinful_a motion_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o unable_a to_o know_v or_o to_o attain_v true_a felicity_n but_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v write_v his_o way_n be_v always_o grievous_a and_o god_n judgement_n be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n psal_n 10.5_o and_o he_o now_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v refer_v be_v also_o a_o stranger_n to_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o intention_n in_o be_v design_v to_o please_v god_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o act_n but_o that_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a jesus_n be_v redeem_v from_o this_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o slavery_n to_o sin_n be_v also_o enable_v to_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o god_n in_o who_o it_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n all_o that_o can_v make_v he_o entire_o happy_a for_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o too_o unsatiable_a to_o who_o god_n be_v not_o sufficient_a chap._n xvi_o another_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o miss_n of_o their_o end_n their_o live_n too_o much_o by_o sense_n 1._o whereas_o reason_n itself_o teach_v and_o all_o man_n free_o confess_v that_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o thing_n present_a heavenly_a thing_n to_o thing_n earthly_a and_o thing_n eternal_a to_o thing_n that_o last_v but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o so_o many_o who_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v this_o yet_o by_o their_o action_n strong_o deny_v it_o in_o worldly_a matter_n and_o such_o as_o concern_v this_o present_a life_n they_o be_v very_o active_a very_o wise_a and_o very_a laborious_a in_o other_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n if_o you_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o god_n of_o holy-living_a and_o life_n eternal_a they_o understand_v you_o not_o or_o they_o present_o forget_v what_o you_o say_v thing_n material_a and_o perish_a be_v sensible_a and_o therefore_o more_o regard_v and_o set_v by_o though_o oftentimes_o experience_n will_v force_v they_o to_o know_v that_o all_o human_a concern_v be_v flit_a uncertain_a and_o very_o deceitful_a yet_o man_n follow_v sense_n and_o they_o soon_o return_v to_o embrace_v those_o thing_n which_o custom_n and_o a_o familiar_a converse_n have_v make_v dear_a to_o they_o 2._o the_o fall_n as_o i_o say_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v the_o head-spring_n whence_o all_o this_o mischief_n flow_v from_o it_o proceed_v all_o temptation_n as_o also_o the_o darkness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o more_o immediate_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o i_o now_o consider_v be_v the_o imbecility_n depravation_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o have_v no_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o but_o a_o imperfect_a confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o amaze_a concern_v of_o eternity_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o great_a deformity_n of_o sin_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n the_o joy_n of_o saint_n above_o and_o the_o grievous_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n these_o be_v but_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v we_o have_v dark_a and_o narrow_a conception_n of_o they_o we_o understand_v not_o of_o how_o great_a a_o importance_n they_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o so_o affect_v with_o they_o as_o to_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n we_o only_o mind_v that_o least_o outward_a part_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n but_o we_o attend_v not_o to_o that_o which_o be_v less_o sensible_a though_o more_o considerable_a and_o apt_a effectual_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n thus_o in_o sin_n we_o look_v most_o of_o all_o to_o what_o be_v temporal_a we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o impair_n of_o our_o same_o and_o the_o diminution_n of_o our_o worth_n or_o self-complacency_a than_o for_o have_v offend_v god_n and_o make_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o infinite_a pain_n likewise_o in_o a_o die_a man_n we_o most_o observe_v what_o be_v in_o view_n outward_a symptom_n and_o accident_n little_o regard_v the_o more_o essential_a adjunct_n which_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v of_o far_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o unquenchable_a flame_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v imperceptible_a to_o sense_n as_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o and_o which_o we_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o mind_n 3._o the_o same_o deception_n also_o extend_v itself_o to_o thing_n present_v which_o gratify_v our_o appetite_n we_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o that_o outside_n which_o please_v we_o and_o so_o deplorable_a be_v our_o sottish_a mistake_n that_o we_o count_v ourselves_o very_o happy_a to_o enjoy_v that_o for_o a_o moment_n which_o must_v make_v we_o eternal_o miserable_a every_o man_n know_v his_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o many_o philosopher_n have_v write_v great_a thing_n upon_o that_o subject_n but_o where_o be_v they_o that_o be_v solicitous_a for_o its_o well-being_n after_o death_n do_v not_o most_v man_n neglect_v their_o soul_n and_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o die_v with_o the_o body_n the_o mischief_n be_v that_o general_o man_n live_v neither_o by_o faith_n nor_o by_o reason_n they_o follow_v blindfold_a and_o brutish_o just_a as_o sense_n lead_v they_o avoid_v careful_o what_o be_v now_o troublesome_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v do_v here_o and_o nothing_o else_o fear_v hereafter_o chap._n xvii_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n 1._o if_o a_o man_n shall_v right_o understand_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n by_o a_o gracious_a adoption_n own_v he_o for_o his_o son_n that_o he_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o bear_v again_o by_o holy_a baptism_n into_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o will_v doubtless_o esteem_v it_o his_o noble_a title_n and_o his_o great_a honour_n he_o will_v despise_v all_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o mind_n and_o value_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_a and_o eternal_a and_o passionate_o desire_v to_o come_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o he_o as_o he_o that_o act_v the_o king_n on_o the_o stage_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a show_n to_o delight_v vain_a people_n yet_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v and_o to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o befit_v a_o king_n so_o and_o much_o more_o careful_a shall_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o that_o honourable_a name_n which_o make_v he_o a_o brother_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o as_o a_o picture-drawer_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o a_o great_a design_n fix_v his_o
the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a as_o their_o christian_a faith_n require_v and_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a but_o want_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a power_n with_o they_o than_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o moral_a virtue_n which_o nature_n itself_o recommend_v be_v common_o make_v sin_n or_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o by_o the_o deprave_a judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n we_o therefore_o that_o live_v in_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o corrupt_a and_o deceive_v person_n ought_v serious_o and_o often_o to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v know_v the_o right_a way_n and_o whether_o we_o true_o follow_v it_o now_o that_o way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v one_o and_o altogether_o unchangeable_a and_o they_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o without_o change_n must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o world_n but_o up_o to_o heaven_n must_v not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o must_v direct_o follow_v god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 1._o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o we_o have_v not_o the_o principal_n concern_v in_o our_o good_a work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o sense_n in_o our_o action_n for_o sense_n be_v the_o great_a deceiver_n the_o fountain_n of_o error_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mortification_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v be_v confident_a ever_o to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n perfect_o good_a and_o without_o defect_n because_o that_o we_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o our_o best_a work_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o we_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o imperfection_n although_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o god_n account_n and_o by_o the_o impulse_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o any_o other_o for_o our_o prayer_n fast_n and_o alm_n and_o such_o like_a good_a work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v complete_a before_o man_n who_o see_v nothing_o but_o the_o outside_n yet_o before_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v defective_a and_o can_v be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o least_o except_o they_o be_v do_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a intention_n to_o please_v he_o 2._o of_o ten_o virgin_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n five_o foolish_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o wedding_n not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v virgin_n and_o have_v lamp_n that_o be_v work_n but_o because_o they_o want_v the_o oil_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o holy_a affection_n this_o may_v well_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o work_n will_v be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o unpleasing_a to_o he_o except_o we_o breath_n life_n into_o they_o by_o our_o inward_a sanctify_a spirit_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n in_o outward_a act_n and_o appearance_n all_o christian_n be_v almost_o alike_o but_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o watch_n be_v move_v by_o the_o hide_a spring_n and_o as_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o face_n depend_v on_o the_o secret_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o good_a be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o bad_a by_o their_o inward_a spirit_n or_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 1._o as_o many_o that_o eat_v much_o yet_o be_v feeble_a and_o infirm_a and_o lean_a because_o they_o overcharge_v their_o stomach_n so_o that_o their_o nourishment_n be_v not_o well_o concoct_v and_o as_o many_o that_o eat_v very_o moderate_o yet_o because_o they_o digest_v well_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a and_o long-lived_a so_o likewise_o some_o christian_n there_o be_v that_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o themselves_o become_v little_o better_o because_o they_o go_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o work_v they_o think_v that_o by_o do_v much_o they_o must_v become_v great_a proficient_o though_o they_o do_v it_o remissly_a and_o incurious_o whereas_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n every_o day_n with_o great_a fervency_n and_o exactness_n be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o perfection_n a_o few_o thing_n well_o do_v profit_n more_o than_o heap_n of_o work_n do_v negligent_o 2._o for_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o compare_v to_o these_o first_o do_v but_o little_a and_o yet_o increase_v much_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o they_o endeavour_v always_o to_o work_v with_o great_a affection_n and_o a_o more_o upright_a intention_n so_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o good_a action_n they_o may_v in_o some_o manner_n use_v that_o expression_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n joh._n 19.30_o it_o be_v finish_v i_o have_v in_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o i_o as_o perfect_o as_o my_o infirmity_n will_v allow_v and_o his_o free_a grace_n enable_v i_o who_o give_v we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o so_o spend_v each_o day_n that_o at_o night_n they_o can_v say_v it_o be_v finish_v and_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n that_o when_o it_o be_v end_v they_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a confidence_n i_o have_v now_o perfect_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v i_o to_o do_v he_o that_o live_v so_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n chap._n xxvii_o how_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n be_v always_o present_a 1._o nothing_o will_v more_o prevail_v to_o make_v perfect_a our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o be_v power_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v always_o act_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n that_o god_n see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o he_o never_o forsake_v we_o till_o we_o forsake_v he_o to_o turn_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o creature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o please_v with_o material_a thing_n present_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o thing_n as_o yet_o invisible_a whereas_o if_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o bear_v too_o great_a a_o sway_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v god_n in_o every_o place_n holy_a affection_n will_v always_o see_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n 2._o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o lay_v up_o it_o be_v none_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o they_o that_o love_v god_n they_o alone_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o treasure_n we_o must_v know_v we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o we_o must_v know_v the_o use_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o now_o such_o a_o treasure_n we_o have_v within_o we_o as_o be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a infinite_a value_n and_o yet_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v it_o for_o we_o run_v after_o mote_n and_o shadow_n and_o catch_v at_o paint_a drop_n that_o can_v quench_v our_o thirst_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v o_o you_o son_n of_o man_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lie_n thus_o we_o be_v cheat_v and_o understand_v not_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o god_n be_v present_a to_o we_o every_o moment_n and_o we_o can_v always_o enjoy_v he_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o we_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o we_o can_v if_o we_o will_v anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n we_o can_v now_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o beatified_a saint_n but_o that_o we_o indulge_v sense_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o
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
last_o will_v turn_v they_o into_o joy_n 2._o let_v we_o therefore_o look_v upon_o affliction_n as_o very_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o we_o and_o let_v we_o receive_v they_o as_o pledge_n of_o god_n love_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n for_o we_o according_a as_o st._n james_n exhort_v jam._n 1.2_o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n know_v this_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n but_o let_v patience_n have_v her_o perfect_a work_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o reproach_n slander_n persecution_n and_o all_o other_o evil_n we_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v love_v by_o pious_a man_n and_o to_o be_v count_v good_a for_o though_o they_o be_v afflictive_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n they_o come_v to_o we_o from_o god_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v his_o unjust_a judge_n john_n 19.11_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o against_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o give_v they_o from_o above_o so_o that_o in_o all_o event_n we_o may_v meek_o submit_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v consider_v this_o power_n from_o above_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o consider_v and_o receive_v our_o sorrow_n if_o we_o view_v they_o by_o themselves_o and_o not_o in_o their_o first_o cause_n that_o wise_a god_n who_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n then_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v afflict_v with_o a_o thousand_o grievous_a fancy_n of_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v which_o yet_o never_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v sleepless_a and_o restless_a full_a of_o anguish_n and_o fear_n and_o distraction_n whereas_o if_o we_o use_v ourselves_o to_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o god_n and_o do_v look_v up_o to_o he_o in_o our_o tribulation_n we_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o tranquillity_n his_o gracious_a will_n and_o appointment_n will_v answer_v and_o silence_n all_o our_o objection_n and_o whatever_o happen_v we_o can_v quiet_o say_v with_o patient_a job_n shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n who_o will_v have_v i_o to_o be_v afflict_v be_v gracious_a and_o compassionate_a and_o have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o i_o he_o have_v lay_v this_o cross_n upon_o i_o which_o i_o resolve_v to_o bear_v till_o he_o himself_o be_v please_v to_o take_v it_o off_o chap._n xxii_o that_o detraction_n and_o derision_n must_v be_v endure_v and_o deride_v 1._o if_o we_o grieve_v more_o for_o the_o evil_a man_n speak_v against_o we_o than_o for_o the_o evil_n we_o ourselves_o commit_v against_o god_n then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n self-love_n prevail_v in_o we_o above_o the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o holy_a bear_v patient_o with_o innumerable_a blasphemy_n and_o provocation_n and_o all_o the_o while_n bestow_v many_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n and_o we_o wretched_a sinful_a creature_n who_o can_v hardly_o hear_v worse_o than_o we_o deserve_v a_o disoblige_a word_n or_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o our_o fault_n put_v we_o into_o a_o fit_a of_o anger_n and_o fury_n though_o we_o infinite_o deserve_v it_o we_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o reproof_n or_o contempt_n whereas_o indeed_o we_o shall_v rather_o fear_v the_o undeserved_a praise_n of_o man_n lest_o the_o prosperity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n cut_v off_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v the_o pain_n which_o our_o sin_n deserve_v and_o the_o torment_v christ_n suffer_v for_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o one_o scale_n and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o evil_n and_o injury_n we_o suffer_v these_o will_v have_v no_o weight_n and_o be_v nothing_o compare_v to_o the_o other_o and_o far_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o injury_n we_o receive_v be_v make_v grievous_a according_a to_o our_o own_o apprehension_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o disproportion_n betwixt_o our_o suffering_n and_o desert_n will_v appear_v yet_o great_a for_o he_o can_v be_v injure_v that_o slight_n injury_n and_o he_o be_v not_o wound_v that_o will_v not_o by_o his_o impatience_n tear_v open_a his_o wound_n the_o soft_a flesh_n not_o the_o angry_a hand_n that_o fling_v the_o dart_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o hurt_n shall_v a_o man_n body_n be_v hard_a as_o a_o rock_n arrow_n throw_v against_o it_o can_v never_o enter_v and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o softness_n and_o frailty_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o revile_v word_n and_o affront_n have_v power_n to_o make_v impression_n 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o so_o order_v his_o life_n that_o malice_n itself_o can_v fasten_v a_o calumniation_n upon_o he_o and_o next_o to_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o peevish_a fool_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o he_o delight_v to_o do_v but_o if_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o christian_a prudence_n and_o our_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v man_n will_v speak_v ill_a of_o we_o then_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n undeserved_o and_o we_o must_v remember_v his_o say_n mat._n 5.11_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o let_v man_n think_v and_o say_v what_o they_o will_v we_o be_v happy_a if_o our_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v we_o before_o god_n man_n opinion_n and_o their_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o inconstant_a and_o vain_a and_o can_v make_v we_o neither_o better_o nor_o worse_a and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o if_o we_o seek_v to_o please_v man_n we_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1.10_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o please_v all_o man_n thought_n differ_v as_o their_o inclination_n and_o what_o some_o admire_v other_o will_v censure_v when_o a_o philosopher_n be_v tell_v that_o other_o laugh_v at_o he_o he_o answer_v at_o ego_fw-la non_fw-la derideor_fw-la that_o other_o may_v laugh_v but_o he_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o for_o it_o neither_o do_v hurt_n nor_o afflict_v he_o mean_v that_o those_o injury_n be_v nothing_o for_o which_o we_o ourselves_o will_v not_o be_v concern_v chap._n xxiii_o remedy_n against_o discontent_n and_o anger_n for_o what_o abuse_v we_o receive_v 1._o it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o comfort_n and_o patience_n in_o all_o our_o adversity_n to_o fix_v our_o mind_n steadfast_o upon_o god_n and_o take_v it_o off_o of_o our_o trouble_n which_o we_o increase_v by_o reflect_v on_o it_o for_o whilst_o we_o affect_v ourselves_o with_o pity_n at_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o we_o suffer_v we_o soften_v our_o spirit_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o misery_n make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o they_o now_o all_o our_o affliction_n proceed_v from_o a_o present_a or_o a_o fear_a loss_n the_o best_a and_o most_o universal_a remedy_n against_o they_o will_v be_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o that_o supreme_a increated_a good_a which_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o change_n and_o can_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o that_o love_v it_o and_o that_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v a_o outward_a decorum_n and_o not_o disgrace_v ourselves_o by_o give_v way_n to_o impotent_a passion_n we_o must_v refrain_v and_o quite_o hold_v in_o our_o tongue_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o provoke_v by_o any_o word_n or_o deed_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o symptom_n of_o a_o weak_a stomach_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v hard_a meat_n so_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o weak_o spirit_n not_o to_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o bear_v with_o a_o cross_a word_n or_o a_o cross_a accident_n and_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o religious_a man_n that_o he_o never_o find_v any_o thing_n so_o grievous_a but_o by_o silence_n he_o do_v overcome_v it_o for_o whatever_o other_o do_v to_o vex_v we_o come_v to_o nothing_o if_o we_o slight_v it_o and_o if_o we_o show_v ourselves_o much_o concern_v we_o betray_v our_o weakness_n or_o our_o guilt_n and_o we_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o well_o deserve_v the_o abuse_n 2._o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o thus_o to_o repress_v our_o grief_n and_o our_o talkativeness_n we_o must_v far_o reprove_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n acknowledge_v we_o deserve_v more_o contempt_n than_o can_v be_v