digest_v if_o the_o patient_n will_v not_o receive_v and_o keep_v it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v any_o benefit_n from_o it_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o argument_n as_o sense_n and_o reason_n can_v invent_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o image_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n insensible_a and_o uncapable_a of_o adoration_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o gentile_a world_n but_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o add_v some_o christian_n have_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o folly_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o his_o 44._o ch._n and_o 19_o verse_n give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o none_o consider_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o have_v burn_v part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o shall_v i_o make_v the_o residue_n of_o it_o a_o abomination_n shall_v i_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o stock_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o thus_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o the_o brevity_n and_o vanity_n of_o life_n be_v as_o strong_a motive_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v to_o man_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o have_v a_o due_a effect_n if_o israel_n will_v not_o know_v if_o the_o people_n will_v not_o consider_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n break_v out_o into_o that_o pathetical_a wish_n in_o the_o 32._o deut._n 29._o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v many_o that_o will_v not_o consider_v at_o all_o there_o be_v many_o likewise_o that_o baffle_v their_o consideration_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o possible_o may_v happen_v they_o know_v and_o consider_v too_o that_o they_o must_v die_v and_o that_o their_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o they_o must_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n before_o they_o depart_v this_o life_n or_o perish_v everlasting_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v live_v to_o a_o good_a old_a age_n and_o wear_v out_o by_o degree_n may_v have_v leisure_n to_o think_v and_o be_v good_a when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o then_o they_o resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o business_n and_o think_v of_o eternity_n they_o see_v there_o be_v some_o that_o god_n bless_v with_o a_o gradual_a and_o a_o sensible_a departure_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o mercy_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o these_o some_o and_o do_v therefore_o abuse_v his_o patience_n and_o long_a sufferance_n because_o they_o hope_v for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o now_o urge_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o such_o a_o carriage_n nor_o contend_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v rather_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o be_o only_o now_o note_v that_o how_o unreasonable_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o still_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o backwardness_n and_o roerastination_n of_o repentance_n hope_n be_v a_o flatter_a passion_n it_o will_v represent_v what_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o what_o be_v sometime_o give_v as_o if_o it_o may_v be_v always_o expect_v and_o so_o by_o pursue_v these_o vain_a hope_n man_n loose_v their_o real_a one_o and_o be_v overtake_v by_o evil_a when_o they_o promise_v themselves_o peace_n they_o hope_v death_n will_v not_o come_v quick_o and_o so_o squander_v away_o life_n and_o by_o expect_v a_o long_a duration_n of_o their_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o hasty_a in_o lay_v the_o well_o ground_a expectation_n of_o bliss_n in_o a_o future_a one_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o here_o present_a who_o have_v hitherto_o defer_v their_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n who_o be_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o resolve_v still_o to_o put_v off_o this_o work_n till_o old_a age_n i_o need_v not_o send_v they_o far_o for_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n our_o decease_a brother_n god_n have_v call_v away_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o youth_n about_o the_o thirty_o three_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o the_o world_n be_v in_o expectation_n of_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o and_o when_o possible_o improvement_n in_o natural_a knowledge_n reputation_n in_o his_o profession_n and_o advancement_n in_o his_o fortune_n fill_v and_o employ_v his_o thought_n he_o have_v live_v a_o virtuous_a and_o a_o sober_a life_n free_a from_o those_o extravagancy_n which_o man_n in_o the_o luxuriant_a bloom_n of_o youth_n and_o wit_n be_v too_o often_o carry_v into_o and_o by_o which_o they_o run_v into_o a_o hasty_a decay_n and_o yet_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o course_n and_o to_o make_v he_o our_o warning_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n thus_o his_o fate_n be_v one_o argument_n for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o regard_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o will_v be_v another_o for_o though_o he_o have_v be_v free_a from_o the_o debauch_n of_o the_o age_n yet_o what_o he_o seem_v most_o to_o lament_v at_o his_o death_n be_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v better_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o employ_v more_o of_o that_o time_n which_o he_o spend_v in_o the_o search_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o entertainment_n of_o philosophy_n in_o the_o more_o useful_a search_n into_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o a_o future_a life_n so_o that_o both_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o early_a departure_n strike_v in_o with_o my_o main_a design_n to_o press_v man_n to_o apply_v their_o heart_n betimes_o to_o this_o piece_n of_o true_a wisdom_n the_o early_o prepare_v for_o eternity_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o close_a application_n of_o this_o it_o will_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o you_o to_o have_v some_o short_a account_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n who_o give_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a admonition_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o ireland_n and_o educate_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o remain_v in_o his_o own_o country_n as_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o his_o friend_n till_o about_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o in_o order_n to_o cultivate_v his_o study_n and_o to_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o physic_n and_o work_v out_o his_o fortune_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o travel_v his_o part_n and_o conduct_n be_v soon_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o court_n of_o france_n where_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o high_a chancellor_n of_o poland_n who_o be_v then_o in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o he_o attend_v they_o in_o their_o travel_n into_o italy_n sicily_n germany_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v he_o opportunity_n of_o make_v many_o considerable_a observation_n in_o those_o country_n at_o his_o arrival_n in_o poland_n whither_o he_o accompany_v these_o gentleman_n in_o their_o return_n he_o be_v make_v physician_n to_o the_o late_a king_n and_o by_o he_o recommend_v to_o his_o daughter_n the_o electoress_n of_o bavaria_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o her_o health_n after_o some_o stay_n at_o the_o elector_n court_n he_o depart_v thence_o with_o several_a mark_n of_o esteem_n and_o favour_n as_o he_o have_v before_o do_v from_o the_o court_n of_o poland_n and_o he_o come_v through_o holland_n into_o this_o city_n where_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o royal_a society_n and_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n whether_o it_o be_v only_o to_o perfect_v himself_o in_o physic_n that_o he_o come_v into_o england_n where_o our_o professor_n have_v deserve_o the_o reputation_n of_o excel_v those_o of_o our_o neighbour_a nation_n or_o whether_o his_o ripe_a year_n give_v he_o other_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o will_v have_v be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o court_n whence_o he_o come_v i_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v myself_o in_o fact_n he_o have_v not_o be_v long_o in_o england_n but_o he_o become_v so_o far_o acquaint_v with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o approve_v of_o both_o so_o well_o that_o he_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n what_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n and_o inducement_n to_o his_o conversion_n though_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v public_a i_o can_v not_o particular_o examine_v for_o i_o know_v not_o of_o his_o sickness_n till_o two_o day_n before_o his_o death_n when_o he_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o i_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o have_v i_o know_v it_o i_o shall_v still_o have_v think_v it_o more_o necessary_a to_o employ_v that_o little_a time_n his_o weakness_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o
that_o the_o doctor_n thank_v he_o for_o it_o and_o desire_v that_o none_o of_o those_o person_n add_v a_o reproachful_a word_n which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v decent_a to_o publish_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v own_o desire_n that_o i_o shall_v attend_v he_o in_o his_o sickness_n and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o occasion_n there_o shall_v be_v for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o dissimulation_n if_o he_o have_v be_v of_o the_o roman_a communion_n now_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o that_o he_o be_v real_o past_o his_o sense_n it_o can_v but_o give_v we_o some_o resentment_n of_o the_o confidence_n of_o person_n who_o will_v take_v such_o liberty_n in_o our_o land_n as_o to_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o the_o die_a member_n of_o our_o church_n when_o they_o know_v what_o severity_n any_o protestant_n must_v expect_v who_o shall_v dare_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o in_o a_o popish_a country_n and_o it_o must_v give_v we_o some_o indignation_n against_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o church_n which_o hope_v to_o save_v a_o man_n by_o word_n say_v over_o he_o in_o which_o he_o bear_v no_o part_n and_o against_o the_o profaneness_n of_o those_o priest_n who_o prostitute_v the_o most_o sacred_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o they_o or_o regard_v for_o they_o however_o it_o be_v i_o think_v it_o a_o sincere_a part_n to_o lay_v the_o thing_n open_a as_o it_o happen_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v pretend_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v conceal_v which_o shall_v argue_v he_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n or_o that_o we_o do_v what_o we_o just_o reproach_v our_o adversary_n for_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o our_o church_n by_o feign_a and_o pretend_a conversion_n iv._o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o hasten_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o to_o make_v that_o due_a application_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n which_o the_o text_n direct_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o present_a occasion_n do_v so_o move_o recommend_v to_o we_o do_v the_o number_n of_o our_o day_n then_o afford_v we_o the_o most_o move_a and_o prevalent_a argument_n to_o a_o pious_a course_n of_o live_v and_o do_v the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o other_o reflection_n draw_v from_o it_o natural_o excite_v we_o to_o caution_n and_o vigilance_n let_v we_o then_o for_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v persuade_v to_o fix_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o nature_n have_v write_v it_o in_o legible_a character_n and_o providence_n give_v we_o frequent_a demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o funeral_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o this_o day_n afford_v we_o a_o fresh_a instance_n to_o awaken_v our_o memory_n let_v not_o this_o occasion_n then_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o vain_a let_v it_o not_o add_v to_o our_o condemnation_n by_o prove_v a_o new_a slight_v call_v to_o conversion_n but_o let_v the_o natural_a death_n of_o our_o brother_n be_v the_o commencement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o consider_v of_o our_o great_a change_n let_v we_o now_o begin_v and_o let_v not_o business_n pleasure_n or_o time_n obliterate_v the_o thought_n or_o stop_v its_o growth_n but_o let_v we_o constant_o recall_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o temptation_n it_o will_v help_v we_o to_o fly_v and_o resist_v in_o business_n it_o will_v prevent_v immoderate_a care_n and_o anxiety_n and_o in_o pleasure_n it_o will_v make_v we_o cautious_a to_o guide_v they_o by_o innocence_n and_o confine_v they_o with_o moderation_n thus_o will_v it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o our_o life_n and_o keep_v the_o judgement_n steady_a and_o the_o passion_n in_o sobriety_n but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o our_o meditation_n on_o this_o subject_n be_v not_o bare_a thought_n and_o persuasion_n but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o due_a energy_n upon_o our_o manner_n let_v not_o actual_a amendment_n of_o our_o life_n be_v put_v off_o till_o another_o day_n nor_o jet_n vain_a hope_n of_o future_a opportunity_n which_o may_v be_v will_v never_o come_v make_v we_o loose_v the_o present_a which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n if_o we_o know_v we_o must_v die_v let_v we_o live_v as_o man_n that_o expect_v it_o if_o our_o time_n at_o best_a can_v be_v very_o long_o let_v we_o not_o give_v idleness_n or_o sin_n any_o share_n in_o it_o and_o if_o our_o end_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v now_o at_o hand_n and_o no_o one_o can_v tell_v but_o his_o turn_n may_v be_v the_o next_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o leave_v behind_o we_o a_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n and_o love_n and_o not_o for_o terror_n and_o abhorrence_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o time_n allot_v we_o but_o this_o mortal_a life_n to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n and_o to_o secure_v our_o happiness_n let_v all_o our_o action_n speak_v that_o we_o think_v of_o it_o and_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o ourselves_o a_o joy_n to_o our_o friend_n and_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o public_a and_o our_o death_n when_o ever_o it_o come_v shall_v be_v acceptable_a and_o welcome_a not_o attend_v with_o anxious_a distrust_n and_o doubtful_a expectation_n but_o cheerful_a and_o resign_v and_o such_o as_o give_v a_o bless_a presage_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o his_o due_a time_n grant_v unto_o we_o all_o amen_n finis_fw-la
hope_v in_o god_n unite_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n will_v with_o they_o more_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o at_o panegyric_n on_o himself_o and_o be_v more_o please_v at_o the_o improvement_n of_o other_o virtue_n than_o at_o the_o recital_n of_o his_o own_o now_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o number_v our_o day_n furnish_v we_o with_o excellent_a motive_n to_o a_o pious_a and_o holy_a life_n ii_o that_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o high_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n iii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o have_v general_o so_o little_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o engage_v they_o serious_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a piety_n iv._o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o make_v that_o due_a application_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n which_o the_o text_n direct_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o present_a occasion_n do_v so_o move_o recommend_v to_o we_o i._o that_o the_o number_v our_o day_n furnish_v we_o with_o excellent_a motive_n to_o a_o pious_a and_o holy_a life_n the_o number_v our_o day_n be_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o brevity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o a_o dissolution_n that_o we_o must_v die_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o we_o do_v that_o the_o time_n be_v not_o at_o our_o own_o disposal_n no_o not_o in_o our_o knowledge_n that_o the_o method_n of_o our_o end_v our_o day_n be_v as_o uncertain_a as_o the_o time_n but_o that_o whenever_o or_o however_o it_o happen_v it_o open_v a_o passage_n into_o a_o eternity_n of_o joy_n or_o misery_n such_o reflection_n as_o these_o make_v up_o the_o work_n of_o number_v our_o day_n and_o at_o first_o apprehension_n they_o must_v strike_v the_o mind_n with_o attention_n and_o concern_v but_o they_o be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v consider_v all_o together_o and_o too_o fruitful_a of_o argument_n to_o have_v they_o all_o at_o one_o glance_n deduce_v and_o attend_v to_o i_o shall_v therefore_o distinct_o treat_v of_o some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o and_o show_v the_o motive_n they_o afford_v to_o piety_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n 1._o the_o number_v our_o day_n imply_v that_o we_o must_v die_v and_o that_o a_o period_n must_v be_v put_v to_o they_o whatever_o can_v be_v number_v must_v end_v it_o be_v only_a infinity_n that_o be_v always_o durable_a the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v indeed_o proper_o eternal_a and_o his_o mortal_a life_n be_v but_o the_o prologue_n of_o it_o we_o be_v make_v principal_o for_o another_o world_n and_o this_o present_a one_o be_v but_o the_o journey_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o let_v it_o be_v therefore_o never_o so_o durable_a we_o must_v at_o last_o come_v to_o our_o long_a home_n and_o its_o length_n will_v then_o be_v nothing_o when_o eternity_n be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o it_o how_o pleasant_a soever_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v however_o our_o affection_n may_v dote_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v we_o say_v within_o ourselves_o as_o peter_n do_v to_o our_o saviour_n on_o the_o mount_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o yet_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o mortality_n oppose_v their_o bent_n and_o cry_v aloud_o to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v here_o no_o abide_v city_n our_o body_n be_v tabernacle_n that_o can_v last_v long_o and_o nature_n itself_o by_o degree_n moulder_n these_o our_o house_n of_o clay_n to_o make_v way_n for_o death_n and_o that_o land_n we_o upon_o immortality_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n that_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o temporary_a support_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o what_o make_v a_o provision_n for_o a_o endless_a life_n what_o if_o every_o thing_n here_o do_v not_o fall_v according_a to_o our_o wish_n or_o what_o if_o it_o do_v what_o if_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o meet_v with_o disappointment_n in_o our_o design_n necessity_n in_o our_o fortune_n and_o pain_n and_o disease_n in_o our_o body_n what_o if_o all_o these_o join_v together_o to_o make_v our_o journey_n uneasy_a if_o we_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o end_n to_o find_v a_o last_a comfort_n to_o have_v all_o our_o tear_n wipe_v off_o and_o a_o admittance_n give_v we_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o what_o if_o fortune_n smile_v upon_o we_o here_o for_o a_o moment_n what_o if_o we_o be_v fear_v or_o envy_v caressed_a or_o love_v by_o those_o about_o we_o what_o if_o we_o have_v health_n of_o body_n plentiful_a estate_n and_o fair_a reputation_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o hope_n reach_v no_o far_o and_o death_n be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n both_o to_o our_o grandeur_n and_o our_o expectation_n will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o reflect_v serious_o on_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v to_o himself_o shall_v i_o spend_v my_o thought_n or_o contrivance_n for_o that_o which_o profit_v nothing_o or_o for_o so_o short_a a_o time_n shall_v i_o loose_v my_o rest_n and_o my_o peace_n to_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o neighbour_n when_o i_o be_o poor_a and_o miserable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o god_n destitute_a of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o spiritual_a treasure_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v i_o gratify_v my_o own_o folly_n and_o vice_n and_o in_o the_o hurry_n of_o they_o fancy_n i_o live_v for_o a_o moment_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o blind_o into_o everlasting_a death_n o_o stupidity_n and_o madness_n that_o can_v please_v itself_o with_o the_o gaiety_n of_o a_o mortal_a state_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o make_v provision_n for_o immortality_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o to_o make_v we_o not_o value_v it_o and_o that_o our_o home_n be_v in_o another_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v of_o and_o provide_v for_o it_o 2._o another_o reflection_n that_o the_o number_n of_o our_o day_n will_v afford_v we_o be_v that_o life_n be_v at_o best_a but_o short_a and_o of_o no_o considerable_a duration_n if_o we_o reckon_v it_o from_o our_o birth_n to_o the_o period_n of_o a_o good_a old_a age_n it_o be_v no_o vast_a circuit_n when_o jacob_n have_v live_v near_o twice_o the_o common_a age_n of_o man_n and_o the_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n be_v 130_o year_n he_o tell_v pharaoh_n that_o the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o his_o life_n be_v but_o few_o as_o well_o as_o evil_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a complaint_n of_o those_o that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o inquiry_n after_o science_n in_o the_o search_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o improvement_n of_o art_n that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n and_o life_n be_v but_o short_a to_o work_v it_o out_o but_o if_o we_o measure_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o work_n that_o most_o concern_v we_o the_o subdue_a our_o corruption_n the_o improve_n our_o grace_n and_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o short_a time_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o inconsiderable_a the_o day_n fly_v swift_o and_o the_o night_n hasty_o approach_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o do_v not_o now_o mention_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o life_n be_v spend_v before_o we_o come_v to_o any_o maturity_n of_o thought_n that_o another_o great_a portion_n be_v give_v to_o necessary_a employment_n and_o diversion_n and_o a_o three_o glide_v away_o insensible_o in_o the_o silence_n of_o thoughtless_a sleep_n for_o the_o present_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o all_o of_o it_o be_v in_o our_o hand_n to_o husband_n and_o employ_v to_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o shall_v not_o be_v sudden_o snatch_v from_o we_o yet_o alas_o it_o be_v easy_o measure_v we_o see_v how_o short_a it_o seem_v to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o what_o be_v pass_v of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o eternity_n it_o quite_o disappear_v and_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o use_v wisdom_n will_v make_v of_o such_o a_o consideration_n as_o this_o will_v it_o pass_v this_o little_a time_n it_o have_v give_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n or_o to_o wicked_a one_o will_v it_o study_v method_n and_o contrivance_n to_o waste_v and_o misspend_v it_o will_v it_o neglect_v its_o work_n or_o add_v to_o it_o will_v it_o careless_o let_v slip_v the_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o
for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o if_o those_o only_o be_v addmit_v into_o the_o company_n of_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o clothe_v with_o innocence_n will_v not_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o passion_n by_o a_o zealous_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o it_o and_o by_o a_o careful_a preservation_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o a_o affectionate_a do_v of_o his_o will_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n make_v ourselves_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o glory_n cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o embrace_v our_o dissolution_n as_o that_o which_o will_v crown_v the_o pious_a life_n on_o earth_n with_o a_o immortal_a one_o in_o heaven_n these_o be_v the_o genuine_a application_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a reflection_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o number_n our_o day_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o lesson_n furnish_v we_o with_o excellent_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v ii_o that_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o high_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n and_o that_o whether_o wisdom_n be_v take_v for_o judge_v aright_o or_o for_o the_o do_v what_o be_v most_o for_o our_o interest_n and_o advantage_n 1._o if_o wisdom_n be_v take_v for_o judge_v aright_o or_o deduce_v just_a consequence_n from_o evident_a truth_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o these_o conclusion_n if_o we_o must_v quit_v this_o world_n and_o then_o enter_v upon_o a_o eternity_n of_o joy_n or_o misery_n be_v it_o not_o rational_a to_o take_v care_n how_o we_o steer_v our_o present_a course_n that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v a_o fatal_a mistake_n at_o last_o if_o the_o time_n we_o have_v to_o stay_v be_v but_o short_a be_v it_o not_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o we_o be_v cautious_a of_o lose_v and_o misapply_v it_o if_o its_o duration_n be_v uncertain_a and_o futurity_n be_v out_o of_o our_o knowledge_n do_v it_o not_o high_o become_v a_o understand_a creature_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o what_o may_v happen_v and_o if_o this_o opportunity_n be_v once_o lose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o retrieve_v our_o hope_n do_v not_o common_a reason_n urge_v we_o immediate_o to_o embrace_v and_o employ_v it_o and_o do_v we_o not_o all_o act_n thus_o in_o those_o affair_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o temporal_a concern_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v prudence_n to_o judge_v alike_o with_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a one_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n which_o libertinism_n raise_v how_o unconclusive_a and_o absurd_a be_v they_o life_n must_v end_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o we_o spend_v it_o it_o be_v short_a therefore_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o improve_n it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o design_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v our_o only_a opportunity_n and_o therefore_o what_o that_o we_o must_v neglect_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v it_o o_o senseless_a folly_n and_o unmanly_a stupidity_n we_o pretend_v in_o vain_a to_o reason_n if_o we_o can_v judge_v no_o better_o we_o have_v no_o pretence_n to_o understanding_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v 2._o but_o then_o if_o we_o take_v wisdom_n for_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o for_o our_o interest_n and_o advantage_n one_o shall_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o proof_n to_o evince_v that_o to_o spend_v our_o life_n in_o goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v the_o most_o useful_a deduction_n we_o can_v make_v from_o the_o vanity_n and_o brevity_n of_o it_o for_o what_o do_v we_o loose_v by_o it_o or_o what_o do_v we_o gain_v by_o the_o contrary_a if_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o future_a judgement_n a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n and_o a_o lake_n of_o everlasting_a fire_n we_o be_v then_o sure_a nothing_o but_o piety_n can_v bear_v the_o one_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o other_o or_o deliver_v from_o the_o last_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v a_o profane_a and_o impenitent_a person_n how_o he_o think_v he_o can_v bear_v the_o pomp_n of_o the_o last_o tribunal_n what_o thought_n will_v be_v raise_v in_o he_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o distant_a heaven_n and_o what_o sense_n he_o will_v have_v of_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o present_a hell_n if_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v sure_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n must_v make_v the_o apostle_n reflection_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n but_o what_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v only_a probability_n and_o conjecture_n what_o if_o we_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o future_a state_n but_o only_o apprehend_v and_o dread_v it_o a_o pious_a life_n will_v still_o be_v the_o most_o advantageous_a conclusion_n we_o can_v deduce_v from_o this_o for_o what_o do_v we_o loose_v by_o it_o nothing_o but_o some_o of_o the_o deceitful_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o alwasy_a fall_n short_a of_o our_o hope_n end_n in_o dissatisfaction_n and_o never_o full_o gratify_v and_o yet_o we_o gain_v in_o exchange_n the_o delight_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v deep_a real_a and_o last_a and_o what_o great_a pleasure_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v from_o vice_n be_v it_o enough_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_a we_o have_v lest_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n shall_v prove_v true_a at_o last_o do_v it_o balance_v the_o dismal_a apprehension_n we_o have_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n or_o upon_o approach_a death_n no_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o one_o so_o wicked_a but_o he_o will_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o wish_v it_o whilst_o he_o live_v so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o so_o profligate_v but_o when_o he_o see_v his_o last_o hour_n be_v come_v he_o will_v most_o willing_o choose_v to_o have_v have_v all_o his_o year_n confine_v to_o a_o bed_n of_o weakness_n and_o debar_v all_o the_o sensual_a delight_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o he_o may_v die_v like_o the_o good_a man_n and_o have_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o happiness_n which_o the_o pious_a christian_a have_v when_o he_o depart_v this_o life_n i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v i_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o apply_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o so_o may_v be_v all_o mankind_n be_v when_o they_o do_v but_o reflect_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v these_o reflection_n be_v like_o man_n himself_o short-lived_a uncertain_a and_o too_o often_o fruitless_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o let_v we_o if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n in_o order_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o this_o i_o be_o to_o endeavour_v in_o my_o three_o general_n iii_o where_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v general_o so_o little_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o engage_v they_o serious_o to_o constant_a and_o habitual_a piety_n now_o to_o omit_v other_o i_o conceive_v it_o general_o owe_v to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o man_n do_v not_o general_o consider_v serious_o or_o reflect_v on_o these_o truth_n with_o that_o attention_n and_o meditation_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n the_o world_n be_v most_o common_o take_v up_o with_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n and_o man_n thought_n be_v habitual_o possess_v with_o contrivance_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o when_o a_o person_n be_v so_o overbusy_a in_o raise_v his_o fortune_n gratify_v his_o appetite_n or_o combat_v with_o necessity_n matter_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o preparation_n for_o death_n may_v wait_v long_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v and_o when_o they_o be_v they_o have_v but_o a_o short_a hear_n and_o be_v present_o dismiss_v with_o a_o be_v go_v for_o this_o time_n and_o when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a opportunity_n i_o will_v resume_v you_o now_o inconsideration_n be_v a_o certain_a obstruction_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n or_o motive_n that_o can_v be_v give_v a_o man_n the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o press_n be_v a_o sovereign_a medicine_n indeed_o but_o it_o must_v be_v apply_v and_o