their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
assault_v second_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v three_o i_o will_v remove_v those_o objection_n with_o which_o this_o advice_n be_v encounter_v either_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n happen_v alike_o to_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o from_o the_o early_a and_o immature_n death_n of_o some_o righteous_a person_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o it_o have_v be_v too_o general_o teach_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o date_n of_o (null)_o life_n can_v be_v protract_v that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a period_n decree_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v go_v but_o this_o opinion_n direct_o defeat_v the_o force_n of_o all_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o virtue_n derive_v from_o temporal_a consideration_n and_o undermine_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o redicules_a our_o address_n to_o he_o as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o life_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o how_o plain_a a_o step_n be_v this_o to_o the_o refutation_n and_o overthrow_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n depend_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n upon_o that_o of_o the_o old_a i_o will_v leave_v every_o one_o to_o guess_v and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o opinion_n beside_o these_o alone_a these_o i_o shall_v think_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v consonant_a to_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o interest_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o more_o that_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o crowd_n they_o together_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v tediousness_n and_o redundancy_n this_o persuasion_n than_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o instinct_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o love_n of_o life_n implant_v in_o we_o by_o our_o great_a creator_n why_o be_v self-preservation_n the_o first_o dictate_v and_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o all_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o it_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a be_v that_o law_n who_o observation_n can_v procure_v we_o no_o good_a nor_o its_o violation_n any_o evil._n this_o be_v a_o persuasion_n that_o flat_o contradict_v the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_a how_o can_v the_o period_n of_o life_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a which_o we_o see_v every_o day_n either_o lengthen_v out_o by_o care_n and_o moderation_n or_o shorten_v by_o excess_n and_o negligence_n unless_o we_o can_v resolve_v to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o religion_n not_o only_o that_o life_n and_o death_n but_o also_o that_o vice_n and_o virtue_n wisdom_n and_o folly_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o predetermine_v necessary_a and_o fatal_a nor_o be_v this_o opinion_n less_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a than_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o multitude_n self_n preservation_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o (null)_o law_n but_o how_o foppish_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o the_o grave_a and_o sagacious_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o enter_v into_o deep_a consultation_n to_o frame_v solemn_a law_n and_o devise_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o fence_n and_o secure_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v invade_v one_o minute_n before_o its_o fatal_a hour_n nor_o prolong_v one_o minute_n beyond_o it_o nor_o have_v man_n only_o but_o god_n himself_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v this_o temporal_a life_n by_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o solemn_a law_n nor_o this_o only_a but_o he_o have_v make_v life_n and_o death_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n this_o opinion_n therefore_o be_v a_o manifest_a calumny_n against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n against_o his_o wisdom_n if_o he_o raise_v up_o the_o pallizado_n and_o bulwark_n of_o law_n to_o guard_n and_o defend_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v violate_v before_o nor_o extend_v beyond_o its_o minute_n his_o sincerity_n for_o his_o promise_n will_v be_v ludicrous_a and_o insignificant_a and_o so_o will_v his_o threat_n too_o if_o neither_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o virtuous_a can_v lengthen_v nor_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o sinner_n can_v shorten_v life_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.10_o 11._o invite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o religion_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o prosperity_n if_o in_o the_o bottom_n and_o truth_n life_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o behaviour_n but_o our_o fate_n and_o be_v not_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o open_a proposal_n but_o the_o secret_a and_o unconditional_a the_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a decree_n of_o the_o almighty_a i_o will_v not_o stop_v here_o but_o heap_v together_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o argument_n against_o this_o error_n do_v i_o not_o remark_n that_o as_o it_o have_v prevail_v too_o much_o to_o be_v despise_v so_o have_v it_o too_o little_a to_o be_v laborious_o refute_v and_o that_o it_o have_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n that_o few_o of_o those_o that_o defend_v it_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o at_o leastwise_o so_o hearty_o as_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o counsel_n or_o action_n turk_n astrologer_n and_o the_o most_o superstitious_a assertor_n of_o fate_n be_v no_o more_o free_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o a_o concern_v for_o life_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mortal_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v thus_o make_v out_o by_o unanswerable_a reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o superstitious_a imagination_n by_o any_o obscure_a or_o subtle_a objection_n or_o by_o any_o mere_a colour_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o be_v once_o clear_a and_o evident_a aught_o to_o remain_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a tho'_o we_o can_v unravel_v every_o objection_n against_o it_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v this_o doctrine_n with_o some_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o certainty_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o with_o some_o particular_a prediction_n of_o man_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o read_v the_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n in_o the_o scheme_n of_o heaven_n yet_o ought_v its_o authority_n to_o be_v preserve_v as_o build_v upon_o plain_a text_n and_o solid_a reason_n and_o attest_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o daily_a observation_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o object_v here_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a easy_a answer_n the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v a_o appoint_a time_n for_o man_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a personal_a fate_n but_o of_o a_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o nature_n not_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n life_n but_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o man_n in_o general_n or_o of_o the_o mortality_n of_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n residence_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o that_o man_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o species_n of_o animal_n and_o indeed_o of_o vegetable_n for_o so_o far_o job_n extend_v the_o comparison_n have_v his_o time_n appoint_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o life_n or_o abide_v here_o set_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v pass_v psalm_n 90.10_o the_o day_n of_o our_o age_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o tho'_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o come_v to_o fourscore_o year_n yet_o be_v their_o strength_n then_o but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n so_o soon_o pass_v it_o away_o and_o we_o be_v go_v as_o to_o astrological_a prediction_n if_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o unquestionable_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o prophecy_n of_o poet_n make_v of_o mend_v after_o the_o event_n yet_o methinks_v be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n very_o prone_a to_o superstition_n a_o thousand_o error_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discredit_v and_o disparage_v one_o good_a guest_n and_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v have_v a_o value_n for_o a_o pretend_a science_n who_o ground_n and_o principle_n be_v evident_o uncertain_a and_o precarious_a no_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o that_o which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v condemn_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n for_o tho'_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o idolatry_n which_o be_v ever_o blend_v with_o it_o seem_v especial_o to_o have_v draw_v down_o
day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n sect._n 1_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n just_a as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v do_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o that_o of_o hear_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o ear_n so_o much_o and_o much_o more_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o (null)_o action_n and_o the_o gust_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n depend_v upon_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o render_v this_o argument_n yet_o more_o visible_a and_o palpable_a let_v we_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o thing_n man_n be_v and_o how_o contemptible_a life_n without_o cultivation_n or_o improvement_n the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n something_o there_o needs_o to_o stamp_v a_o value_n upon_o it_o something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o give_v sweetness_n to_o the_o eye_n charm_v to_o the_o tongue_n and_o grace_n to_o motion_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n alike_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n or_o mercy_n of_o lust_n or_o chastity_n of_o avarice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v religion_n must_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v it_o it_o be_v wisdom_n must_v conduct_v and_o guide_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a action_n the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o volatile_a mutable_a unsteady_a thing_n capable_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o impression_n suspend_v as_o it_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n float_v between_o the_o different_a shore_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n form_n it_o into_o angel_n stamp_v a_o sort_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v great_a it_o be_v wisdom_n that_o imprint_n it_o with_o bright_a idea_n that_o impregnate_v it_o with_o noble_a passion_n and_o determine_v its_o tendency_n towards_o its_o true_a good_a and_o supreme_a felicity_n our_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dull_a intercourse_n of_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o civility_n a_o nauseous_a circulation_n of_o the_o same_o tasteless_a and_o superficial_a entertainment_n a_o tedious_a and_o repeat_v pursuit_n of_o vain_a mistake_v end_n and_o often_o baffle_v design_n it_o be_v virtue_n and_o knowledge_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o our_o action_n that_o lead_v we_o on_o towards_o excellent_a end_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a hope_n our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o a_o fluctuate_a unstable_a agitation_n make_v up_o of_o a_o confuse_a and_o motley_n variety_n of_o event_n knowledge_n and_o virtue_n fix_v the_o float_a island_n and_o give_v light_a and_o beauty_n to_o the_o chaos_n i_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o argument_n too_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particulary_a consider_v what_o accession_n or_o increase_n of_o life_n we_o derive_v from_o perfect_v our_o nature_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n true_a life_n than_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o active_a and_o industrious_a the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a motion_n of_o the_o sluggard_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a imitation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a languish_a thing_n a_o compound_n or_o mixture_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o of_o death_n than_o life_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o fruition_n how_o dark_a and_o dismal_a be_v those_o of_o the_o wicked_a compare_v to_o the_o calm_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o the_o good_a for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v like_o enjoyment_n to_o that_o man_n who_o dare_v make_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o past_a nor_o can_v entertain_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v
(null)_o life_n or_o a_o second_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n london_n print_v for_o george_n pawlet_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery-lane_n and_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1690._o imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r.p.d._n henrico_n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la july_n 5._o 1690._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o sect_n i._o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o (null)_o life_n chap._n i._o life_n a_o great_a blessing_n in_o itself_o prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o some_o and_o why_o happiness_n perfect_a only_o in_o heaven_n 3_o chap._n ii_o life_n what_o in_o a_o natural_a sense_n what_o in_o a_o moral_a life_n perfection_n and_o enjoyment_n inseparable_o unite_v more_o particular_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o sloth_n sensuality_n worldliness_n devilishness_n but_o in_o the_o regulation_n of_o all_o our_o action_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n 8_o chap._n iii_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n first_o to_o cultivate_v our_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o insist_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o bear_v evil_n and_o enjoy_v good_n second_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o as_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n four_o that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n consider_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 25_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o life_n 40_o chap._n i._o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o active_a more_o necessary_a the_o several_a ground_n on_o which_o man_n determine_v their_o choice_n that_o be_v interest_n providence_n inclination_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o civil_a life_n or_o the_o active_a life_n of_o a_o gentleman_n sect._n 1_o the_o gentleman_n obligation_n to_o a_o active_a life_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o his_o country_n to_o himself_o the_o active_a life_n not_o injurious_a to_o the_o gentleman_n pre-eminence_n liberty_n pleasure_n sect._n 2._o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o civil_a life_n i.e._n the_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o this_o sort_n of_o life_n the_o constancy_n require_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o gentleman_n life_n some_o vacation_n from_o business_n necessary_a and_o to_o what_o end_v 48_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v life_n sect._n 1_o rule_n relate_v to_o success_n in_o trade_n first_o that_o the_o trader_n be_v industrious_a second_o that_o he_o be_v not_o above_o his_o profession_n sect._n 2._o rule_n relate_v to_o his_o religion_n one_a the_o trade_n must_v be_v a_o lawful_a one_o 2_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n 3_o it_o must_v not_o interfere_v with_o religion_n 4_o the_o trader_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n such_o be_v a_o competency_n for_o himself_o and_o family_n the_o charitable_a assistance_n of_o other_o a_o timely_a retirement_n or_o retreat_n from_o the_o bussel_n or_o distraction_n of_o too_o much_o business_n 97_o chap._n iv_o of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n for_o who_o this_o chapter_n be_v design_v what_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o contemplative_a one_o sect._n 1_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n warrant_v the_o choice_n of_o such_o a_o life_n first_o enjoyment_n second_o self-preservation_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n three_o the_o better_a serve_v the_o the_o world_n four_o a_o more_o entire_a dedication_n of_o one_o self_n to_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n 1._o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n 2._o a_o peaceable_a and_o humble_a disposition_n 3._o a_o good_a understanding_n sect._n 3_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n with_o respect_n 1._o to_o time_n 2._o to_o place_n 3._o to_o the_o exercise_n or_o employment_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n p._n 125_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o right_n husband_v life_n 166_o chap._n i._o the_o usual_a art_n of_o prevent_v or_o retard_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o lessen_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n explode_v and_o better_o substitute_v in_o their_o room_n physic_n instead_o of_o which_o courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n paint_v etc._n etc._n instead_o of_o which_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n child_n instead_o of_o which_o good_a work_n and_o so_o forth_o survive_v honour_n not_o whole_o reject_v but_o a_o true_a immortality_n prefer_v 168_o chap._n ii_o of_o lengthen_v life_n sect._n 1_o the_o fatality_n of_o the_o period_n of_o life_n refute_v and_o objection_n from_o scripture_n from_o astrological_a prediction_n from_o divine_a prescience_n answer_v a_o sort_n of_o fate_n admit_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n first_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n second_o health_n of_o body_n three_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o man._n sect._n 3_o objection_n against_o this_o last_o assertion_n from_o such_o text_n as_o assert_v the_o promiscuous_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o early_a death_n sometime_o of_o the_o righteous_a answer_v p._n 178_o chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v first_o to_z the_o young_a second_o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n 214_o (null)_o life_n or_o a_o second_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n introduction_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o dedication_n and_o preface_n if_o they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o genius_n of_o eloquence_n if_o they_o sparkle_v with_o wit_n and_o fancy_n if_o they_o be_v enrich_v with_o sense_n and_o animate_v by_o move_v and_o vital_a language_n be_v like_o graceful_a access_n and_o beautiful_a front_n to_o building_n which_o while_o they_o raise_v in_o the_o beholder_n a_o secret_a delight_n do_v prepossess_v he_o with_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o continuation_n of_o a_o former_a treatise_n and_o have_v little_a encouragement_n either_o from_o my_o humour_n or_o talent_n to_o any_o attempt_n of_o that_o kind_n i_o never_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v unnecessary_o engage_v in_o it_o i_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n only_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o what_o i_o have_v perform_v in_o the_o first_o volume_n and_o design_n in_o this_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n i_o show_v that_o happiness_n be_v neither_o so_o great_a and_o divine_a a_o possession_n as_o to_o be_v above_o the_o ambition_n of_o man_n nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a as_o not_o to_o deserve_v it_o and_o next_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o time_n or_o chance_n fancy_n or_o inclination_n but_o from_o reason_n and_o industry_n virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o second_o having_z first_o brief_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o happiness_n i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o possibility_n of_o obtain_v it_o and_o to_o rescue_v so_o important_a a_o opinion_n from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n that_o may_v stifle_v and_o oppress_v it_o in_o the_o three_o i_o just_o point_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o (null)_o misery_n or_o of_o unsuccessfulness_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o remove_v whatever_o may_v discourage_v or_o frustrate_v our_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n i_o be_o now_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o way_n and_o method_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o in_o which_o i_o be_o oblige_v according_a to_o the_o general_n design_n or_o scheme_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a volume_n to_o treat_v of_o life_n perfection_n indolence_n and_o fruition_n according_o
i_o here_o begin_v with_o life_n and_o divide_v this_o book_n into_o three_o section_n i_o will_v in_o the_o first_o discourse_n of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o (null)_o life_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o right_a conduct_n or_o regulation_n of_o the_o two_o different_a kind_n of_o life_n active_a and_o contemplative_a in_o the_o three_o of_o the_o right_n husband_v (null)_o life_n by_o prolong_v and_o improve_n it_o sect_n i._o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n chap._n i._n life_n a_o great_a blessing_n in_o itself_o prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o some_o and_o why_o happiness_n perfect_a only_o in_o heaven_n tho'_o life_n render_v we_o capable_a of_o pain_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n yet_o have_v it_o ever_o be_v value_v as_o the_o rich_a blessing_n the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v the_o early_a and_o the_o strong_a principle_n in_o we_o it_o move_v the_o infant_n before_o he_o know_v how_o to_o rate_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n or_o can_v apprehend_v any_o evil_n in_o death_n it_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n in_o man_n and_o be_v the_o sovereign_a passion_n in_o he_o to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n pay_v homage_n skin_n for_o skin_n and_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n age_n do_v very_o little_o diminish_v it_o and_o misery_n itself_o can_v extinguish_v it_o nor_o do_v this_o passion_n want_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o great_a man_n or_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n for_o one_o chief_a design_n of_o society_n and_o government_n of_o law_n and_o arm_n be_v the_o protection_n of_o life_n and_o god_n who_o best_o understand_v the_o bent_n of_o (null)_o nature_n have_v propose_v as_o the_o big_a blessing_n and_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n a_o long_a life_n i_o examine_v not_o now_o what_o it_o far_o prefigure_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o a_o eternal_a one_o under_o the_o new_a and_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v plain_a reason_n for_o life_n if_o it_o be_v not_o when_o right_o understand_v happiness_n itself_o yet_o be_v it_o sure_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o foundation_n in_o a_o building_n if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o beautiful_a as_o upper_a story_n yet_o be_v it_o ever_o as_o necessary_a i_o wonder_v not_o therefore_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n shake_v the_o piety_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o the_o courage_n of_o saul_n so_o that_o the_o one_o weep_v sore_o and_o the_o other_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o to_o all_o this_o will_v it_o not_o be_v object_v alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o all_o their_o day_n be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o good_a of_o life_n than_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o repast_n of_o a_o dream_n who_o be_v come_v to_o threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o that_o be_v to_o die_v do_v not_o yet_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v ah_o how_o many_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o to_o who_o life_n be_v a_o burden_n and_o yet_o death_n a_o terror_n who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o give_v back_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o curse_v the_o day_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o do_v not_o elijah_n job_n solomon_n jeremy_n esdras_n and_o many_o other_o great_a and_o good_a man_n talk_v of_o life_n at_o a_o different_a rate_n from_o what_o i_o here_o do_v and_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o under_o another_o notion_n and_o quite_o contrary_a character_n better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n let_v the_o day_n perish_v wherein_o i_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o night_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o manchild_n conceive_v the_o reflection_n of_o esdras_n on_o the_o common_a misery_n of_o mankind_n have_v as_o much_o weight_n and_o sense_n as_o job_n on_o his_o own_o have_v passion_n for_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o for_o man_n now_o in_o this_o present_a time_n to_o live_v in_o heaviness_n and_o after_o death_n to_o look_v for_o punishment_n these_o and_o such_o like_a passage_n we_o meet_v with_o every_o where_o which_o seem_v to_o give_v we_o no_o very_a take_v idea_n of_o life_n to_o all_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v with_o life_n as_o with_o all_o other_o blessing_n the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n the_o abuse_n of_o it_o our_o misery_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o imply_v evil_a or_o trouble_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a tendency_n to_o it_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o estimate_v a_o blessing_n by_o the_o mischief_n it_o occasion_n such_o as_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v it_o nor_o by_o the_o complaint_n which_o (null)_o frailty_n sometime_o force_v from_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o a_o melancholy_n fit_a or_o final_o by_o the_o reflection_n they_o sometime_o make_v not_o on_o the_o intrinsic_a worth_n or_o natural_a tendency_n of_o life_n but_o on_o the_o evil_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o corruption_n or_o deprivation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a when_o all_o be_v say_v heaven_n be_v the_o proper_a region_n of_o happiness_n there_o it_o dwell_v in_o its_o glory_n and_o majesty_n in_o all_o its_o fullness_n and_o excellence_n but_o what_o then_o because_o perfection_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o heaven_n be_v there_o no_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o their_o maturity_n and_o consummation_n there_o shall_v we_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o sweetness_n or_o beauty_n here_o just_o so_o must_v we_o think_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o of_o another_o world_n it_o be_v here_o in_o its_o infancy_n we_o do_v slumber_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o full_o awake_a we_o see_v little_a penetrate_v and_o comprehend_v less_o and_o we_o move_v very_o feeble_o and_o unsteady_o but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n we_o advance_v towards_o perfection_n our_o joint_n grow_v firm_a our_o stature_n increase_v our_o understanding_n dawn_v towards_o day_n and_o our_o affection_n be_v gradual_o animate_v with_o a_o more_o generous_a and_o last_a heat_n so_o that_o all_o this_o while_n this_o infant_n state_n of_o happiness_n be_v pleasant_a and_o promise_a and_o every_o step_n in_o the_o whole_a progress_n towards_o perfection_n present_v we_o with_o fresh_a beauty_n and_o delight_n but_o i_o know_v no_o body_n so_o fantastic_a as_o to_o despise_v the_o present_a life_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o that_o above_o and_o he_o that_o think_v there_o be_v none_o above_o set_v the_o more_o value_n on_o this_o because_o he_o have_v nothing_o more_o or_o further_o to_o expect_v i_o will_v not_o therefore_o spend_v any_o more_o time_n in_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v life_n a_o valuable_a blessing_n but_o rather_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o every_o man_n may_v real_o make_v it_o such_o to_o himself_o which_o i_o think_v i_o can_v more_o compendious_o do_v than_o by_o state_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o (null)_o life_n for_o as_o our_o misery_n flow_v from_o the_o abuse_n and_o our_o happiness_n from_o the_o right_a use_n of_o life_n so_o do_v the_o abuse_n from_o false_a and_o the_o right_a use_n from_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o chap._n ii_o life_n what_o in_o a_o natural_a sense_n what_o in_o a_o moral_n life_n perfection_n and_o enjoyment_n inseparable_o unite_v more_o particular_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o sloth_n sensuality_n worldliness_n devilishness_n but_o in_o the_o regulation_n of_o all_o our_o action_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n life_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a sense_n in_o the_o former_a acceptation_n what_o it_o be_v be_v a_o enquiry_n very_o abstruse_a and_o intricate_a like_o the_o egyptian_a nile_n tho'_o its_o stream_n be_v visible_a to_o every_o eye_n its_o source_n or_o fountain_n be_v conceal_v or_o like_o grace_n tho'_o we_o feel_v its_o energy_n and_o taste_v its_o fruit_n yet_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o define_v its_o essence_n but_o to_o carry_v our_o discovery_n thus_o far_o be_v accuracy_n enough_o in_o moral_a discourse_n who_o end_n be_v not_o speculation_n but_o happiness_n life_n then_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fountain_n and_o essence_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o force_n and_o vigour_n which_o move_v and_o act_v the_o man_n and_o to_o live_v speak_v in_o a_o natural_a sense_n be_v to_o exert_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o account_n of_o life_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o many_o notion_n as_o be_v the_o different_a office_n it_o perform_v it_o be_v sense_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o body_n it_o be_v perception_n and_o fancy_n in_o the_o imagination_n it_o be_v knowledge_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o love_n and_o hate_n with_o
fortune_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v to_o (null)_o nature_n these_o be_v the_o ability_n that_o constitute_v gentleman_n true_o great_a that_o make_v they_o the_o prop_n of_o a_o sink_a state_n or_o the_o star_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o flourish_a one_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o safety_n and_o glory_n of_o your_o country_n and_o your_o own_o happiness_n and_o posterity_n demand_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o if_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n as_o once_o those_o of_o the_o best_a constitute_v kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v exact_a virtue_n and_o industry_n with_o the_o great_a rigour_n and_o punish_v idleness_n and_o riot_n with_o infamy_n banishment_n and_o death_n nor_o have_v any_o one_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o to_o oblige_v the_o gentleman_n to_o a_o active_a and_o industrious_a life_n be_v to_o debase_v his_o quality_n or_o to_o invade_v his_o liberty_n much_o less_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v bear_v to_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a a_o active_a virtue_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o gentleman_n this_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a foundation_n the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o country_n can_v be_v build_v on_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o fortune_n do_v but_o adorn_v he_o as_o a_o pageant_n to_o be_v the_o sport_n and_o gaze_v of_o the_o crowd_n and_o all_o that_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v between_o merit_n and_o fortune_n will_v inward_o despise_v the_o fool_n and_o sluggard_n whatever_o courtship_n and_o compliment_n they_o may_v make_v to_o the_o esquire_n and_o landlord_n and_o as_o business_n can_v be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o honour_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v of_o his_o liberty_n for_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o service_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o only_a freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o man_n not_o to_o mind_v you_o that_o the_o business_n of_o man_n of_o wealth_n and_o birth_n be_v always_o a_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n they_o be_v ever_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o retire_v when_o they_o shall_v judge_v their_o privacy_n and_o leisure_n more_o valuable_a than_o their_o employment_n this_o one_o single_a consideration_n can_v but_o silence_v this_o suggestion_n that_o no_o man_n be_v less_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o time_n than_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o ample_a fortune_n and_o no_o business_n for_o he_o be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o form_n and_o impertinence_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o sottishness_n of_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o idle_a and_o ignorant_a as_o himself_o and_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o servitude_n so_o wretched_a as_o that_o to_o luxury_n and_o vanity_n nor_o any_o confinement_n or_o attendance_n so_o tedious_a as_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o folly_n with_o the_o trifle_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o business_n be_v at_o all_o time_n a_o comely_a excuse_n and_o never_o fail_v of_o put_v a_o man_n handsome_o in_o possession_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o own_o time_n and_o action_n but_o of_o all_o the_o aspersion_n with_o which_o address_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v assault_v there_o be_v none_o more_o palpable_o injurious_a than_o this_o that_o to_o condemn_v a_o gentleman_n to_o business_n be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o pleasure_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v business_n and_o employment_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o pleasure_n it_o be_v this_o that_o prevent_v the_o disease_n of_o pleasure_n surfeit_n and_o satiety_n and_o make_v diversion_n always_o new_a and_o nature_n always_o vigorous_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o rational_a and_o manly_a employment_n so_o raise_v and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v above_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o so_o entertain_v it_o that_o it_o need_v not_o make_v vicious_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n a_o refuge_n against_o the_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n of_o life_n but_o after_o all_o tho'_o all_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o consideration_n more_o important_a still_o which_o be_v that_o the_o business_n of_o a_o gentleman_n if_o dischare_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v always_o attend_v with_o pleasure_n and_o that_o a_o more_o brisk_a and_o sensible_a one_o than_o he_o can_v find_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o whether_o he_o protect_v the_o oppress_a or_o oppose_v the_o violent_a and_o the_o unjust_a by_o his_o power_n whether_o he_o steer_v the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o simple_a to_o their_o harbour_n by_o his_o wisdom_n or_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o his_o wealth_n whether_o he_o support_v a_o sink_a friend_n or_o raise_v a_o deserve_a creature_n whether_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o maintain_v the_o right_n of_o his_o country_n in_o a_o word_n whether_o he_o assist_v the_o public_a or_o the_o private_a by_o his_o fortune_n his_o ability_n or_o virtue_n all_o these_o work_n have_v something_o in_o they_o so_o great_a so_o generous_a that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n of_o these_o the_o high_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o a_o fortunate_a birth_n it_o be_v the_o sabbath_n the_o rest_n of_o god_n when_o he_o behold_v all_o his_o work_n that_o they_o be_v exceed_o good_a nor_o can_v i_o believe_v god_n take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o creation_n than_o he_o do_v in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n how_o please_v then_o must_v be_v the_o reflection_n upon_o these_o godlike_a work_n for_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o create_v a_o new_a world_n it_o be_v certain_o to_o embellish_v govern_v and_o support_v the_o old_a there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v why_o the_o work_n of_o virtue_n shall_v procure_v their_o author_n less_o pleasure_n than_o those_o of_o fancy_n wit_n and_o learning_n do_v they_o why_o the_o poet_n shall_v feel_v a_o big_a joy_n rise_v from_o a_o witty_a poem_n the_o painter_n from_o a_o well_o finish_v piece_n the_o architect_n from_o a_o well_o contrive_v building_n the_o scholar_n from_o a_o just_a and_o regular_a discourse_n than_o a_o gentleman_n shall_v from_o the_o happy_a and_o honourable_a effect_n of_o wisdom_n courage_n bounty_n and_o magnanimity_n these_o sure_a be_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o as_o the_o original_a be_v more_o noble_a so_o be_v the_o issue_n too_o for_o certain_o to_o preserve_v the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o man_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o make_v they_o seem_v to_o live_v in_o imagery_n to_o raise_v a_o family_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o contrive_v and_o build_v a_o house_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o actual_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o afflict_a by_o a_o present_a and_o vigorous_a remedy_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o treat_v the_o fancy_n of_o the_o soft_a and_o vain_a and_o in_o one_o word_n actual_o to_o compose_v the_o division_n allay_v the_o heat_n govern_v the_o impetuosity_n and_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o man_n by_o the_o force_n of_o law_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o example_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o ascendant_n which_o the_o fortune_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o great_a one_o give_v they_o over_o their_o inferior_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n a_o much_o more_o signal_n service_n to_o god_n and_o man_n than_o it_o can_v ever_o be_v to_o debate_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o most_o distinguish_a judgement_n or_o write_v a_o exhortation_n with_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n have_v thus_o demonstrate_v that_o person_n of_o rank_n and_o fortune_n lie_v under_o many_o and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o activity_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o confute_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o oppose_v against_o it_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o lay_v before_o they_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n such_o rule_n as_o may_v guard_v they_o against_o that_o envy_n and_o danger_n that_o toil_n and_o discontent_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o great_a as_o dirt_n or_o dust_n or_o heat_v that_o of_o their_o chariot_n and_o which_o on_o the_o other_o side_n may_v render_v their_o activity_n a_o great_a instrument_n of_o their_o felicity_n for_o i_o will_v not_o that_o such_o as_o be_v the_o common_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n shall_v meet_v with_o no_o other_o recompense_n but_o trouble_n and_o hazard_n as_o if_o like_o cloud_n they_o can_v not_o refresh_v and_o impregnate_n the_o earth_n unless_o they_o be_v themselves_o dissolve_v and_o waste_v into_o shower_n i_o will_v have_v every_o worthy_a action_n be_v a_o accession_n to_o their_o greatness_n and_o every_o honourable_a performance_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o reward_n which_o shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o levity_n of_o the_o people_n sect._n 2._o
god_n a_o common_a reward_n of_o christian_a virtue_n for_o christianity_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v wealth_n then_o may_v be_v receive_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v design_v as_o your_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n thus_o fame_n honour_n and_o power_n be_v great_a blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o heaven_n but_o whoever_o immoderate_o thirst_v after_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v ambitious_a and_o vain_a glorious_a you_o may_v receive_v temporal_a good_a thing_n with_o gratitude_n and_o enjoy_v they_o with_o moderation_n but_o if_o you_o dote_v upon_o they_o you_o violate_v the_o vow_n of_o your_o baptism_n and_o virtual_o renounce_v your_o faith_n for_o will_v not_o this_o be_v to_o forget_v that_o heaven_n be_v your_o kingdom_n and_o country_n and_o earth_n the_o place_n of_o your_o exile_n or_o at_o best_a pilgrimage_n this_o be_v a_o lesson_n can_v never_o be_v too_o often_o inculcate_v not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o violent_a opposition_n it_o be_v almost_o every_o where_o encounter_v with_o but_o also_o the_o vast_a importance_n it_o be_v of_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o contentment_n of_o a_o trade_n life_n this_o one_o thing_n be_v the_o philosophy_n the_o trader_n shall_v be_v ever_o study_v the_o wisdom_n he_o shall_v be_v daily_o pursue_v that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o just_a moderation_n of_o his_o desire_n of_o wealth_n do_v man_n know_v how_o to_o bound_v his_o desire_n by_o the_o necessity_n or_o convenience_n of_o (null)_o life_n can_v he_o regulate_v his_o appetite_n by_o the_o modesty_n and_o moderation_n of_o christianity_n not_o by_o custom_n and_o fancy_n i_o be_o confident_a this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v rescue_v he_o from_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o evil_n and_o encumbrance_n which_o infest_a (null)_o life_n vanity_n and_o ambition_n envy_n and_o emulation_n wantonness_n and_o fancy_n create_v most_o of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o necessity_n which_o stain_v the_o beauty_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o destroy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n when_o man_n desire_v and_o aim_n be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o calling_n they_o be_v unavoidable_o plunge_v into_o discontent_n and_o doubtful_a project_n and_o if_o they_o sink_v not_o final_o into_o ruin_n they_o can_v be_v hold_v up_o but_o by_o such_o a_o anxious_a and_o restless_a prosecution_n of_o the_o world_n as_o look_v rather_o like_o hurry_n or_o distraction_n than_o trade_n or_o employment_n i_o can_v therefore_o never_o think_v a_o tradesman_n happy_a till_o he_o have_v modesty_n enough_o to_o find_v content_a in_o the_o revenue_n of_o a_o moderate_a and_o easy_a trade_n till_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o bound_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o station_n set_v he_o and_o tho'_o he_o know_v how_o to_o enjoy_v a_o great_a fortune_n do_v never_o want_v one_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o use_v it_o and_o virtue_n enough_o not_o to_o let_v his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o second_o a_o charitable_a succour_n and_o relief_n of_o other_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v not_o for_o themselves_o only_o but_o for_o other_o too_o and_o god_n the_o dispenser_n of_o temporal_a wealth_n command_v such_o as_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n too_o but_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v provide_v that_o justice_n do_v first_o take_v place_n and_o then_o charity_n this_o direction_n therefore_o suppose_v the_o trader_n account_n to_o stand_v fair_a it_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o relative_n and_o dependent_n or_o else_o to_o have_v none_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o obligation_n or_o pleasure_n of_o charity_n i_o will_v not_o press_v you_o to_o it_o by_o the_o interest_n of_o your_o present_a or_o future_a happiness_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o do_v right_a to_o the_o trade_n world_n there_o be_v no_o rank_n or_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n or_o more_o incline_v and_o dispose_v to_o it_o none_o that_o give_v more_o eminent_a proof_n of_o it_o while_o live_v or_o leave_v more_o glorious_a monument_n of_o it_o behind_o they_o one_o thing_n only_o i_o will_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o recommend_v to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o solomon_n whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_a whether_o thou_o go_v that_o be_v what_o ever_o good_a you_o design_v to_o do_v do_v it_o speedy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v be_v your_o own_o executor_n how_o often_o be_v excellent_a purpose_n strangle_v in_o the_o birth_n by_o a_o unexpected_a death_n how_o frequent_o be_v they_o pervert_v by_o the_o corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o those_o to_o who_o inspection_n they_o be_v commit_v beside_o this_o way_n you_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o own_o plantation_n you_o will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n result_v from_o the_o perfection_n beauty_n and_o good_a contrivance_n of_o the_o foundation_n you_o have_v lay_v or_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n or_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o your_o model_n and_o prevent_v those_o future_a miscarriage_n which_o such_o design_n be_v liable_a to_o tho'_o all_o this_o be_v very_o much_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o least_o part_n of_o what_o you_o will_v reap_v from_o be_v yourselves_o the_o executor_n of_o your_o own_o bounty_n you_o will_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o dedicate_v it_o to_o charity_n not_o to_o vanity_n that_o you_o be_v build_n almshouse_n for_o the_o live_n not_o tomb_n and_o pyramid_n for_o the_o dead_a you_o will_v escape_v that_o common_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n the_o rich_a put_v upon_o themselves_o while_o they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o covetousness_n all_o their_o life_n under_o pretence_n of_o design_v mighty_a thing_n after_o death_n three_o the_o tradesman_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o timely_a retreat_n i._n e._n if_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o indigent_a state_n will_v give_v way_n to_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o natural_a to_o finish_v business_n ere_o we_o finish_v life_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o burden_n ere_o we_o tire_v and_o fall_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o and_o quit_v troublesome_a employment_n before_o our_o bungle_a discharge_n of_o they_o proclaim_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o part_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n nay_o the_o very_a continuance_n of_o the_o same_o care_n for_o the_o world_n which_o look_v before_o like_o prudence_n will_v in_o old_a age_n be_v reckon_v sin_n and_o folly_n to_o trade_n be_v but_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o life_n and_o therefore_o since_o common_a sense_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o be_v always_o provide_v for_o life_n and_o never_o live_v it_o be_v plain_a man_n ought_v if_o they_o may_v at_o length_n break_v off_o their_o trade_n or_o at_o least_o so_o contract_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v rather_o diversion_n than_o travel_n as_o solomon_n send_v we_o to_o the_o aunt_n to_o learn_v industry_n so_o may_v he_o learn_v wisdom_n too_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o treasure_n in_o the_o winter_n be_v no_o less_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o one_o than_o their_o labour_n in_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o the_o summer_n of_o the_o other_o beside_o in_o ripe_a year_n the_o advice_n of_o the_o prophet_n seem_v to_o be_v address_v to_o every_o man_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o not_o live_v i._n e._n state_n your_o account_n settle_v your_o fortune_n compose_v the_o difference_n of_o your_o family_n and_o fix_v your_o child_n so_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o course_n they_o will_v steer_v when_o you_o be_v go_v and_o to_o correct_v any_o error_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o while_o you_o live_v which_o may_v otherwise_o when_o you_o be_v dead_a prove_v incorrigible_a and_o destructive_a if_o these_o motive_n take_v from_o decency_n prudence_n and_o mortality_n seem_v too_o light_a there_o be_v another_o of_o more_o weight_n and_o moment_n behind_o that_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o your_o eternal_a interest_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n before_o you_o be_v tear_v from_o it_o and_o to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o more_o familiar_o with_o another_o world_n before_o you_o pass_v into_o it_o to_o make_v your_o abode_n in_o it_o for_o ever_o certain_o it_o require_v some_o time_n to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o man_n will_v be_v very_o unfit_a for_o either_o who_o be_v carry_v from_o the_o counter_a to_o the_o
alm_n which_o very_o often_o be_v as_o solid_a and_o substantial_a a_o benefit_n and_o he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o can_v yet_o never_o be_v excuse_v from_o offer_v up_o daily_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o country_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n nay_o he_o may_v proceed_v to_o what_o particularity_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_a or_o necessary_a both_o in_o his_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o from_o these_o intercession_n both_o the_o public_a and_o private_a may_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v reap_v more_o true_a and_o valuable_a benefit_n than_o from_o the_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o learned_a or_o from_o the_o alm_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o rich._n to_o conclude_v he_o that_o lead_v the_o most_o private_a and_o sequester_a life_n and_o be_v too_o of_o the_o poor_a endowment_n can_v yet_o never_o be_v suppose_v utter_o incapable_a of_o render_v any_o the_o least_o service_n to_o other_o since_o the_o single_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o warmth_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o edify_a conversation_n be_v of_o the_o great_a use_n some_o way_n or_o other_o therefore_o the_o most_o solitary_a life_n ought_v to_o serve_v the_o public_a that_o so_o retirement_n may_v not_o minister_v to_o wantonness_n and_o sloth_n but_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o world_n may_v not_o lose_v a_o member_n but_o enjoy_v its_o service_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o most_o effectual_a manner_n four_o the_o main_a end_n of_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v i_o think_v to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o to_o god_n the_o philosopher_n think_v indeed_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o most_o happy_a one_o but_o think_v it_o too_o a_o blessing_n too_o great_a for_o mortal_a man_n too_o high_a for_o this_o frail_a nature_n and_o above_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o world_n he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n yet_o must_v we_o press_v on_o towards_o that_o perfection_n which_o we_o can_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o do_v so_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o approach_v near_o to_o it_o tho'_o therefore_o what_o some_o monkish_a author_n have_v write_v of_o a_o solitary_a life_n equal_v almost_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o those_o of_o a_o angelical_a one_o tho'_o this_o i_o say_v may_v seem_v rather_o holy_a romance_n and_o enthusiasm_n than_o grave_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o prophet_n the_o nazarite_n and_o the_o essen_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o many_o devout_a and_o excellent_a person_n among_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o the_o pure_a as_o corrupte_v age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v and_o covet_v solitude_n and_o desert_n i_o mean_v not_o uninhabited_a place_n for_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v a_o excess_n and_o extravigance_n but_o calm_a and_o silent_a retreat_n from_o the_o noise_n and_o impertinance_n from_o the_o hurry_n and_o distraction_n of_o much_o business_n and_o much_o acquaintance_n and_o since_o they_o do_v so_o their_o example_n seem_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o this_o state_n may_v be_v make_v eminent_o useful_a to_o our_o own_o good_a and_o god_n glory_n here_o a_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o praise_n god_n and_o improve_v himself_o to_o expiate_v the_o error_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o subdue_v whatever_o he_o feel_v amiss_o in_o himself_o at_o present_a to_o perfect_a and_o augment_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o dress_v and_o adorn_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o festival_n solemnity_n and_o triumph_n of_o another_o world_n now_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o begin_v his_o halelujah_n to_o advance_v into_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n of_o heaven_n by_o faith_n and_o devotion_n and_o from_o the_o height_n of_o meditation_n to_o survey_v as_o from_o the_o next_o advantageous_a hill_n the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o moment_n enter_v into_o and_o by_o this_o method_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o as_o he_o shall_v enlarge_v his_o appetite_n and_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n so_o shall_v he_o enlarge_v his_o share_n in_o it_o by_o this_o method_n he_o shall_v adorn_v religion_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o most_o lovely_a and_o most_o useful_a he_o shall_v experiment_n it_o to_o be_v unspeakable_o delightful_a in_o itself_o he_o shall_v render_v the_o world_n more_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o heaven_n more_o desirable_a and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n that_o be_v of_o death_n which_o part_v this_o world_n from_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o stream_n of_o it_o divide_v to_o make_v he_o way_n that_o be_v the_o trouble_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o dissipate_v and_o he_o shall_v pass_v through_o it_o full_a of_o humble_a gratitude_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o past_a life_n and_o ravish_a hope_n and_o desire_v of_o those_o of_o the_o future_a these_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o rational_a end_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o world_n tho'_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o inducement_n to_o it_o such_o be_v the_o digest_v a_o discontent_n or_o disgrace_n the_o cure_v some_o passion_n which_o will_v be_v otherwise_o nourish_v by_o converse_v with_o its_o object_n and_o the_o mere_a escape_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o some_o man_n be_v force_v out_o of_o their_o retreat_n into_o the_o world_n not_o without_o great_a service_n to_o the_o public_a so_o be_v there_o other_o who_o if_o they_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o know_v themselves_o or_o modesty_n enough_o to_o hear_v the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n shall_v betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o private_a life_n to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n in_o which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o involve_v themselves_o and_o other_o in_o a_o public_a one_o such_o be_v man_n of_o bold_a and_o enterprize_v temper_n without_o sufficiency_n man_n of_o zeal_n and_o activity_n without_o understanding_n but_o i_o design_v not_o here_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v induce_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o quiet_a silent_a life_n as_o what_o end_v they_o be_v to_o propose_v to_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o which_o have_v do_v i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n sect._n 2._o the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o these_o be_v i_o think_v three_o first_o a_o plentiful_a or_o at_o least_o competent_a fortune_n second_o a_o mild_a and_o humble_a dispoposition_n or_o at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_a mind_n three_o a_o good_a understanding_n first_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o competency_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v a_o retire_a life_n easy_a and_o when_o any_o one_o betake_v himself_o to_o it_o as_o a_o refuge_n or_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o hostility_n and_o persecution_n of_o temptation_n this_o be_v abundant_o enough_o but_o where_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n a_o plentiful_a fortune_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o great_a ornament_n it_o will_v make_v the_o example_n of_o a_o man_n virtue_n shine_v with_o a_o clear_a lustre_n and_o great_a authority_n it_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v many_o work_n of_o charity_n which_o shall_v have_v much_o delight_n in_o they_o without_o toil_n or_o disturbance_n it_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o all_o useful_a mean_n of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n and_o with_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o pass_v his_o time_n both_o delightful_o and_o rational_o i_o think_v i_o have_v express_v my_o thought_n clear_o but_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n i_o will_v add_v by_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o great_a one_o this_o be_v more_o common_o burdensome_a than_o useful_a to_o a_o private_a life_n and_o more_o apt_a to_o encumber_v it_o than_o promote_v the_o true_a end_n of_o it_o in_o my_o retirement_n i_o will_v have_v decency_n and_o order_n but_o not_o state_n and_o show_n i_o will_v have_v comely_a plenty_n but_o not_o a_o toilsome_a affluence_n for_o the_o business_n of_o solitude_n be_v to_o raise_v the_o mind_n not_o to_o entangle_v and_o enslave_v it_o but_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o wealth_n must_v final_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o man_n be_v own_o bosom_n for_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o genius_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n who_o retire_v and_o to_o the_o more_o immediate_a design_n and_o end_n of_o his_o retirement_n and_o after_o all_o there_o be_v no_o great_a stress_n to_o
let_v other_o final_o depend_v on_o fortune_n i_o only_o on_o myself_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o right_a husband_n or_o prolong_v life_n have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a section_n first_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o solid_a good_a a_o considerable_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o next_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n and_o mischief_n to_o which_o it_o be_v liable_a by_o state_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n and_o by_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a conduct_n of_o the_o active_a trading_n and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n be_v the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o blessing_n this_o be_v that_o that_o pussle_v the_o wit_n and_o baffle_v the_o courage_n of_o man_n the_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o attempt_v of_o (null)_o philosophy_n have_v dash_v and_o split_v themselves_o for_o to_o say_v truth_n whatever_o complaint_n man_n make_v against_o the_o trouble_n yet_o have_v they_o ever_o make_v more_o and_o sharp_a against_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n it_o be_v true_a no_o cure_n have_v ever_o yet_o be_v find_v of_o our_o mortality_n yet_o as_o wise_a man_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o a_o enjoyment_n tho'_o it_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v or_o fancy_n so_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n it_o will_v behoove_v we_o to_o do_v with_o this_o to_o nourish_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o flame_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v tho'_o we_o know_v it_o must_v go_v out_o at_o last_o now_o life_n like_o enjoyment_n be_v capable_a of_o accession_n or_o increase_v two_o way_n that_o be_v either_o in_o its_o continuance_n or_o perfection_n either_o by_o lengthen_v its_o duration_n or_o by_o raise_v improve_n or_o as_o it_o be_v ripen_v the_o joy_n and_o fruit_n of_o life_n or_o life_n itself_o i_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o prolong_v life_n and_o here_o i_o will_v first_o demonstrate_v that_o life_n may_v be_v prolong_v second_o i_o will_v treat_v of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v it_o but_o before_o i_o do_v either_o it_o may_v be_v no_o very_o wide_a digression_n from_o my_o purpose_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o little_a artifices_fw-la and_o imposture_n by_o which_o many_o endeavour_n to_o evade_v the_o stroke_n of_o time_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o imaginary_a immortality_n chap._n i._n the_o usual_a art_n of_o prevent_v or_o retard_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o lessenin_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n explode_v and_o better_o substitute_v in_o their_o room_n physic_n instead_o of_o which_o courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n paint_v etc._n etc._n instead_o of_o which_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n child_n instead_o of_o which_o good_a work_n and_o so_o forth_o survive_v honour_n not_o whole_o reject_v but_o a_o true_a immortality_n prefer_v some_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o physic_n for_o which_o they_o expect_v at_o least_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o nature_n if_o not_o the_o lengthen_v the_o date_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v whether_o this_o art_n have_v deserve_v so_o well_o of_o mankind_n as_o to_o justify_v the_o gentile_n in_o enrol_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o among_o the_o god_n or_o some_o christian_n in_o attribute_v its_o original_a to_o guardian-angel_n i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o possibility_n of_o that_o elixir_n by_o which_o artefius_n be_v report_v by_o the_o adept_n to_o have_v live_v a_o thousand_o year_n nor_o what_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n who_o have_v live_v long_a whether_o they_o who_o have_v make_v most_o or_o they_o who_o have_v make_v least_o use_n of_o physic_n or_o however_o these_o question_n be_v resolve_v i_o be_o sure_a our_o time_n be_v better_a spend_v in_o labour_v to_o contemn_v than_o to_o prevent_v death_n and_o that_o those_o excellent_a principle_n which_o fortify_v the_o mind_n contribute_v more_o to_o the_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n than_o the_o most_o sovereign_a cordial_n that_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n some_o be_v willing_a to_o conceal_v those_o decay_n which_o they_o can_v not_o prevent_v and_o can_v remedy_v have_v devise_v many_o way_n to_o counterfeit_v and_o supply_v that_o youth_n and_o beauty_n which_o time_n and_o various_a accident_n have_v wash_v and_o wear_v away_o but_o alas_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o deck_v and_o varnish_v wither_a nature_n and_o paint_v the_o spring_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o winter_n what_o purpose_n be_v it_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v incurable_a to_o suffer_v one_o self_n to_o be_v flatter_v and_o impose_v upon_o and_o try_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v a_o break_a fortune_n not_o only_o from_o the_o world_n but_o from_o one_o self_n alas_o we_o must_v feel_v what_o we_o will_v not_o see_v nature_n droop_v and_o decay_v as_o fast_v within_o as_o it_o do_v without_o and_o we_o lose_v the_o life_n and_o briskness_n of_o our_o blood_n as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v the_o elegancy_n of_o feature_n or_o the_o floridness_n of_o complexion_n in_o a_o word_n as_o to_o this_o perish_a body_n physic_n washes_n and_o fucosis_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o but_o paint_v and_o patch_v a_o ruinous_a fabric_n which_o can_v never_o be_v make_v strong_a and_o beautiful_a till_o death_n have_v take_v it_o quite_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o a_o resurrection_n build_v it_o up_o quite_o a_o new_a if_o therefore_o you_o will_v take_v my_o advice_n you_o shall_v lay_v in_o a_o stock_n of_o sprightly_a generous_a pleasure_n which_o may_v be_v ever_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o entertain_v you_o when_o youth_n and_o strentgth_n be_v past_a you_o shall_v take_v pain_n to_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v the_o mind_n who_o beauty_n will_v more_o than_o supply_v the_o loss_n of_o those_o of_o the_o body_n wisdom_n magnanimity_n bounty_n modesty_n sweetness_n humility_n be_v charm_n able_a to_o recommend_v a_o deform_a or_o a_o decrepit_a body_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a may_v be_v purchase_v at_o a_o much_o cheap_a rate_n than_o false_a or_o counterfeit_a beauty_n be_v by_o those_o who_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o let_v then_o the_o morning_n and_o noon_n of_o your_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o acquire_v virtue_n honour_n knowledge_n and_o good_a humour_n and_o in_o your_o evening_n you_o will_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o youth_n and_o beauty_n these_o will_v be_v solid_a riches_n and_o most_o amiable_a charm_n that_o will_v provide_v you_o both_o delight_n and_o support_v at_o home_n and_o command_v both_o love_n and_o reverence_n abroad_o and_o time_n will_v do_v you_o no_o other_o injury_n than_o it_o do_v a_o tree_n when_o it_o change_v its_o blossom_n into_o fruit_n or_o than_o it_o do_v statue_n medal_n and_o picture_n who_o price_n and_o value_n be_v enhance_v by_o their_o antiquity_n convince_v that_o the_o decay_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v long_o conceal_v or_o prop_v up_o some_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o survive_v in_o their_o posterity_n as_o if_o man_n by_o generation_n do_v but_o multiply_v himself_o and_o life_n do_v not_o like_o a_o flame_n end_n with_o its_o fuel_n but_o be_v convey_v and_o transmit_v from_o father_n to_o son_n grandchild_n and_o so_o on_o like_o a_o stream_n that_o be_v still_o the_o same_o tho'_o it_o pass_v through_o numerous_a pipe_n well_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v fool_v myself_o with_o a_o vain_a jingle_n of_o word_n i_o can_v flatter_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v live_v in_o he_o who_o probable_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n forget_v i_o however_o he_o owe_v his_o be_v and_o fortune_n to_o i_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v proud_a and_o ungrateful_a will_v wish_v that_o other_o do_v forget_v i_o too_o like_o a_o stream_n run_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o enlarge_v itself_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v from_o its_o little_a fountain_n and_o labour_v as_o it_o be_v by_o its_o circling_n and_o wander_n to_o conceal_v the_o meanness_n of_o its_o rise_n i_o can_v flatter_v myself_o that_o i_o can_v live_v in_o they_o who_o hope_n and_o fear_n desire_n and_o joy_n will_v differ_v it_o may_v be_v no_o less_o from_o i_o whatever_o they_o now_o be_v than_o the_o dead_a do_v from_o the_o live_n fool_n that_o we_o be_v to_o talk_v so_o wild_o as_o if_o when_o dead_a we_o live_v in_o our_o child_n do_v we_o when_o live_v share_n in_o their_o distant_a joy_n or_o do_v our_o pulse_n beat_v by_o their_o passion_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o design_v to_o oppose_v or_o extinguish_v nature_n i_o know_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o for_o wise_a and_o excellent_a purpose_n have_v implant_v in_o we_o kind_a inclination_n towards_o posterity_n but_o then_o these_o
be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o not_o myself_o they_o ripen_v into_o action_n that_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o other_o not_o my_o own_o i_o only_o bear_v the_o fruit_n which_o other_o must_v gather_v and_o whatever_o pleasure_n i_o may_v now_o feel_v in_o a_o promise_a porspect_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o virtue_n of_o my_o posterity_n it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n behold_v canaan_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o such_o a_o distance_n that_o he_o must_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o to_o conclude_v whatever_o man_n promise_v themselves_o i_o think_v they_o tolerable_o fortunate_a if_o instead_o of_o reap_v any_o benefit_n when_o dead_a from_o their_o child_n their_o life_n be_v not_o stain_v and_o disturb_v by_o they_o extreme_o fortunate_a if_o they_o can_v make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o favourite_n worthy_a to_o share_v their_o pleasure_n and_o able_a to_o give_v they_o some_o ease_n in_o their_o trouble_n tho'_o after_o all_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v infinite_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o good_a work_n than_o many_o child_n to_o have_v a_o philosophical_a friend_n or_o two_o than_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n and_o to_o spend_v my_o time_n noble_o in_o cultivate_v my_o mind_n than_o in_o entangle_v my_o life_n with_o care_n for_o those_o who_o often_o will_v take_v none_o for_o themselves_o some_o have_v entertain_v vain_a project_n of_o a_o imaginary_a immortality_n a_o immortality_n which_o they_o must_v owe_v neither_o to_o god_n nor_o nature_n but_o to_o historian_n and_o poet_n painter_n and_o statuary_n and_o to_o the_o die_a echo_n of_o a_o survive_a memory_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o man_n seek_v in_o posthumus_n fame_n in_o picture_n and_o statue_n and_o tomb_n and_o embalm_v carcase_n all_o these_o seem_v to_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o fade_a shadow_n of_o be_v and_o existence_n but_o ah_o how_o imaginary_a a_o life_n be_v this_o something_o that_o do_v infinite_o less_o resemble_v life_n and_o be_v than_o a_o dream_n do_v enjoyment_n ah_o vain_a support_n of_o (null)_o frailty_n ah_o vain_a relief_n of_o death_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o honour_n if_o it_o be_v body_n or_o substance_n enough_o to_o be_v see_v or_o feel_v or_o taste_v if_o it_o be_v reality_n enough_o to_o be_v any_o way_n enjoy_v let_v i_o possess_v it_o while_o i_o live_v it_o come_v too_o late_o if_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o increase_v the_o pomp_n of_o my_o funeral_n or_o to_o dress_v and_o set_v off_o my_o sepulchre_n or_o to_o silence_v the_o groan_n or_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o tear_n of_o my_o orphan_n or_o my_o friend_n tho'_o this_o be_v something_o i_o can_v feel_v any_o pleasure_n in_o the_o foresight_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o while_o i_o strain_v to_o gaze_v upon_o at_o distance_n the_o fog_n and_o mist_n of_o death_n thicken_v the_o sky_n the_o voice_n that_o will_v speak_v i_o great_a will_v speak_v i_o too_o go_v and_o vanish_v the_o statue_n and_o marble_n which_o adorn_v my_o memory_n will_v adorn_v my_o grave_n too_o and_o while_o they_o express_v my_o image_n or_o my_o action_n will_v proclaim_v that_o all_o that_o be_v now_o leave_v of_o i_o be_v rottenness_n and_o ash_n all_o this_o i_o talk_v abstract_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a life_n for_o how_o far_o the_o reputation_n i_o leave_v behind_o may_v concern_v my_o soul_n in_o its_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o echo_n of_o those_o praise_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o my_o memory_n here_o will_v reach_v and_o please_v my_o ear_n in_o another_o world_n i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v i_o much_o desire_n to_o know_v for_o suppose_v such_o a_o life_n my_o soul_n must_v needs_o have_v noble_a employment_n and_o noble_a pleasure_n than_o this_o can_v ever_o give_v it_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o the_o reflection_n of_o my_o light_n when_o i_o be_o set_v and_o go_v will_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o direct_v or_o inflame_v posterity_n i_o shall_v now_o take_v some_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o persuade_v i_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o in_o hereafter_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v a_o trifle_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o while_o i_o live_v if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o my_o relation_n or_o my_o friend_n can_v receive_v any_o honour_n or_o patronage_n from_o i_o when_o dead_a and_o since_o some_o sort_n of_o character_n i_o must_v leave_v behind_o since_o i_o must_v in_o this_o manner_n among_o some_o at_o least_o and_o for_o a_o little_a time_n survive_v i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v behind_o i_o perfume_v than_o stench_n i_o have_v rather_o live_v in_o panegyric_n and_o commendation_n than_o in_o satyr_n and_o invective_n but_o after_o all_o how_o lean_a and_o miserable_a a_o comfort_n be_v this_o that_o when_o i_o be_o dead_a it_o will_v be_v say_v i_o once_o live_v and_o a_o promiscuous_a crowd_n will_v talk_v of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o action_n what_o they_o please_v some_o thing_n good_a some_o thing_n bad_a some_o thing_n true_a some_o thing_n false_a and_o what_o be_v worse_o yet_o i_o must_v suffer_v all_o the_o revolution_n of_o humour_n and_o party_n in_o follow_a age_n these_o must_v give_v my_o ability_n and_o performance_n their_o character_n and_o the_o prevail_a faction_n must_v stamp_v what_o estimate_n they_o please_v upon_o my_o memory_n but_o by_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v utter_o to_o condemn_v the_o love_n of_o honour_n nay_o it_o be_v real_o to_o be_v cherish_v when_o it_o operate_v right_o and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o generous_a and_o handsome_a action_n i_o love_v a_o charity_n that_o be_v universal_a and_o boundless_a and_o extend_v itself_o to_o follw_v age_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o a_o noble_a charity_n than_o to_o furnish_v the_o world_n with_o a_o example_n that_o may_v adorn_v its_o own_o time_n and_o enkindle_v the_o emulation_n of_o posterity_n nay_o further_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o gracious_a god_n will_v sum_v up_o among_o the_o account_n of_o my_o life_n the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o world_n when_o i_o be_o dead_a and_o to_o raise_v the_o estimate_n of_o my_o virtue_n will_v consider_v it_o not_o simple_o in_o itself_o but_o with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n which_o it_o may_v any_o way_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o in_o successive_a age_n let_v i_o then_o do_v good_a and_o if_o i_o can_v great_a action_n upon_o any_o motive_n provide_v it_o be_v just_a and_o allowable_a since_o this_o will_v be_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o my_o own_o immortality_n if_o that_o of_o my_o name_n will_v follow_v let_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n to_o gain_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o if_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o low_a world_n join_v their_o harmony_n and_o consent_n with_o that_o above_o this_o can_v disoblige_v i_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o power_n make_v sure_a of_o my_o salvation_n and_o not_o despise_v fame_n great_a and_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o feel_v some_o natural_a desire_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o immortality_n since_o then_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o inclination_n of_o god_n own_o plant_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o rather_o careful_o cherish_v and_o cultivate_v and_o due_o prune_v and_o regulate_v have_v explode_v those_o mistake_a fancy_n by_o which_o man_n support_v themselves_o against_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o only_a two_o way_n by_o which_o this_o evil_n may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n remedy_v that_o be_v by_o prolong_v the_o date_n and_o by_o improve_n and_o perfect_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o life_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n chap._n ii_o of_o lengthen_v life_n sect._n 1_o the_o fatality_n of_o the_o period_n of_o life_n refute_v and_o objection_n from_o scripture_n from_o astrological_a prediction_n from_o divine_a prescience_n answer_v a_o sort_n of_o fate_n admit_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n first_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n second_o health_n of_o body_n three_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o man._n sect._n 3_o objection_n against_o this_o last_o assertion_n from_o such_o text_n as_o assert_v the_o promiscuous_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o early_a death_n sometime_o of_o the_o righteous_a answer_v under_o this_o article_n i_o design_v to_o prosecute_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n a_o fancy_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o multitude_n and_o with_o which_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o such_o as_o will_v seem_v above_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o
seek_n and_o of_o these_o it_o can_v give_v we_o no_o assurance_n whether_o we_o respect_v their_o acquisition_n or_o possession_n and_o the_o way_n it_o prescribe_v to_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o result_v from_o these_o thing_n have_v something_o in_o they_o so_o mean_v so_o laborious_a so_o uncertain_a so_o vexatious_a that_o no_o success_n can_v compensate_a that_o trouble_n and_o shame_n which_o the_o canvas_n for_o they_o put_v we_o to_o atheism_n pretend_v indeed_o to_o extinguish_v our_o gild_n and_o fear_n but_o it_o do_v also_o deface_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o (null)_o action_n it_o pretend_v indeed_o to_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o pleasure_n but_o withal_o it_o leave_v we_o no_o support_n under_o evil_a it_o take_v off_o indeed_o many_o restraint_n but_o withal_o it_o unchain_v and_o let_v loose_v our_o passion_n in_o a_o word_n it_o leave_v we_o nothing_o true_o great_a or_o lovely_a to_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n or_o hope_v for_o in_o another_o and_o if_o its_o tenet_n be_v useful_a to_o we_o yet_o have_v they_o no_o certainty_n no_o foundation_n it_o derive_v all_o its_o credit_n from_o the_o confidence_n not_o reason_n of_o man_n who_o under_o colour_n of_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a philosophy_n advance_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o lust_n to_o which_o they_o be_v entire_o enslave_v religion_n then_o only_o remain_v to_o be_v follow_v this_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n and_o dispel_v our_o error_n and_o rout_v those_o army_n of_o imaginary_a evil_n which_o terrify_v and_o torment_v the_o world_n much_o more_o than_o spirit_n and_o ghost_n do_v this_o discover_v to_o we_o object_n worthy_a of_o all_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o expiate_v our_o gild_n and_o extinguish_v our_o fear_n this_o show_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o open_v we_o a_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o our_o future_a one_o this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a tendancy_n of_o temporal_a evil_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o in_o one_o word_n teach_v we_o both_o to_o enjoy_v and_o suffer_v it_o moderate_v our_o desire_n of_o thing_n uncertain_a and_o out_o of_o our_o power_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o can_v be_v responsible_a it_o raise_v the_o mind_n clear_v the_o reason_n and_o final_o form_v we_o into_o such_o a_o unite_a settle_a and_o compact_a state_n of_o strength_n that_o neither_o the_o judgement_n be_v easy_o shake_v nor_o the_o affection_n hurry_v by_o any_o violent_a transport_n or_o emotion_n but_o do_v i_o not_o here_o imitate_v physician_n who_o attend_v only_o to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a symptom_n and_o neglect_v other_o whether_o i_o do_v or_o no_o they_o who_o read_v such_o general_a direction_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v so_o in_o their_o application_n of_o they_o and_o most_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o design_v only_o to_o redress_v substantial_a and_o formidable_a evil_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o the_o mind_n as_o with_o the_o body_n tho'_o fevors_n imposthume_n defluxion_n etc._n etc._n kill_v the_o anger_n of_o a_o pustle_n the_o pain_n of_o a_o tooth_n do_v strange_o disorder_v and_o disturb_v and_o thus_o tho'_o pain_n and_o death_n and_o such_o like_a evil_n overthrow_n and_o overwhelm_v the_o mind_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o crowd_n of_o slight_a and_o trifle_a evil_n which_v disquiet_n and_o discompose_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o to_o be_v contemn_v especial_o by_o i_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o design_n i_o be_o here_o upon_o since_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o great_a and_o formidable_a evil_n gild_n pain_n poverty_n sickness_n death_n or_o the_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o do_v but_o very_o rare_o afflict_v the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o there_o be_v other_o evil_n of_o a_o slight_a nature_n which_o like_a pirate_n be_v perpetual_o cruise_v on_o our_o coast_n and_o tho'_o they_o can_v invade_v and_o destroy_v do_v much_o disturb_v and_o annoy_v we_o nay_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a to_o see_v man_n acquit_v themselves_o very_o honourable_o under_o true_a and_o substantial_a evil_n who_o come_v off_o very_o poor_o from_o the_o encounter_n of_o slight_a and_o despicable_a one_o how_o common_a be_v it_o for_o one_o who_o maintain_v brave_o his_o courage_n and_o judgement_n amid_o sword_n and_o bullet_n to_o lose_v all_o patience_n prudence_n and_o government_n when_o attack_v by_o a_o rude_a jest_n a_o brisk_a or_o it_o may_v be_v a_o bold_a and_o senseless_a reflection_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o hear_v very_o calm_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o ship_n or_o a_o considerable_a sum_n of_o money_n transport_v into_o strange_a indecency_n upon_o the_o break_n of_o a_o glass_n or_o the_o spoil_n of_o a_o dish_n of_o meat_n and_o he_o who_o sit_v very_o tame_o and_o unconcerned_o down_o under_o a_o disgraceful_a character_n sweat_n and_o rave_v if_o rob_v but_o of_o a_o cabbage_n or_o a_o apricock_n these_o and_o such_o like_a remark_n one_o may_v make_v every_o day_n and_o almost_o in_o every_o company_n and_o what_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n our_o hate_n and_o anger_n be_v as_o violent_a and_o uneasy_a when_o they_o spring_v from_o cause_n of_o the_o least_o as_o of_o the_o high_a moment_n we_o bewail_v fantastic_a and_o true_a misfortune_n with_o the_o same_o sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o resent_v imaginary_a and_o substantial_a injury_n with_o the_o same_o disorder_a pulse_n and_o deform_a look_n when_o i_o have_v reflect_v on_o all_o this_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o (null)_o life_n to_o guard_v myself_o against_o dust_n and_o fly_n as_o against_o storm_n and_o tempest_n to_o arm_v myself_o against_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o swarm_n of_o vexatious_a accident_n as_o against_o pestilence_n and_o war_n and_o poverty_n and_o blindness_n or_o deafness_n and_o to_o this_o end_n these_o three_o or_o four_o follow_a rule_n have_v often_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o i_o first_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n i_o never_o take_v more_o to_o my_o share_n than_o be_v real_o my_o own_o i_o never_o travel_v abroad_o to_o find_v out_o foreign_a mischief_n to_o torment_v myself_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o the_o native_a growth_n of_o my_o country_n my_o own_o mind_n my_o own_o body_n my_o own_o house_n be_v province_n wide_a enough_o for_o i_o and_o a_o little_a too_o fruitful_a too_o nay_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v i_o decline_v if_o i_o can_v a_o evil_a even_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o do_v a_o bustle_n or_o a_o fray_n by_o pass_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o street_n i_o will_v never_o split_v upon_o a_o shelf_n or_o rock_n if_o i_o have_v sea-room_n enough_o and_o as_o a_o little_a distance_n of_o place_n so_o a_o little_a distance_n of_o time_n serve_v my_o turn_n to_o make_v i_o reckon_v such_o evil_n as_o none_o of_o i_o i_o will_v no_o more_o distract_v or_o disturb_v myself_o with_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v fancy_v teem_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o time_n than_o with_o those_o that_o be_v now_o in_o be_v in_o peru_n or_o mexico_n this_o be_v the_o very_a lecture_n religion_n read_v i_o for_o sure_a to_o incorporate_v distant_a evil_n or_o to_o anticipate_v future_a one_o be_v far_o from_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o do_v once_o own_o business_n or_o from_o think_v with_o our_o saviour_n sufficient_a for_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o and_o be_v indeed_o to_o suffer_v as_o busy_a body_n fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n if_o any_o man_n will_v impute_v this_o to_o i_o as_o brutality_n and_o uncharitableness_n i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o thank_v god_n that_o i_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o practise_v caution_n without_o fear_n care_v without_o anxiety_n and_o charity_n without_o distress_n or_o agony_n of_o mind_n second_o as_o to_o those_o evil_n i_o speak_v still_o of_o slight_a and_o daily_a one_o which_o do_v real_o fall_v to_o my_o share_n and_o i_o can_v avoid_v my_o next_o care_n be_v to_o weaken_v their_o force_n to_o disarm_v they_o of_o their_o sting_n their_o tooth_n and_o venom_n if_o they_o have_v any_o i_o take_v from_o they_o all_o the_o terror_n that_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n have_v give_v they_o and_o will_v no_o more_o if_o i_o can_v help_v it_o suffer_v my_o imagination_n than_o my_o taste_n or_o feel_v to_o be_v abuse_v or_o impose_v upon_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o careful_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v myself_o see_v that_o my_o state_n be_v healthy_a and_o my_o nature_n firm_a lest_o i_o shall_v complain_v of_o the_o meat_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o my_o stomach_n or_o think_v
the_o bed_n ill_o make_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o uneasiness_n be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o last_o when_o i_o have_v reduce_v the_o evil_a to_o its_o own_o natural_a size_n general_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o pigmy_n dwarfish_a growth_n that_o i_o can_v secure_o slight_v it_o i_o can_v master_v it_o with_o very_o little_a trouble_n and_o industry_n or_o at_o worst_a with_o a_o very_a little_a patience_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v here_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o task_n i_o be_o bear_v to_o as_o a_o inconvenience_n that_o i_o can_v no_o more_o shun_v than_o any_o natural_a defect_n in_o my_o body_n or_o my_o mind_n or_o than_o i_o can_v the_o care_n and_o fatigue_n of_o my_o call_v three_o i_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o ravish_a pleasure_n to_o inflame_v it_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o possess_v it_o with_o that_o habitual_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n meekness_n purity_n charity_n commend_v to_o his_o disciple_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o i_o be_o general_o above_o the_o buzz_n and_o flutter_v of_o these_o rather_o impertinence_n than_o evil_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o do_v often_o suffer_v they_o without_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o but_o i_o can_v never_o often_o enough_o put_v the_o world_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o fit_n and_o habit_n of_o these_o virtue_n what_o we_o can_v do_v in_o a_o pious_a humour_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o do_v be_v but_o the_o weak_a impression_n once_o convert_v into_o nature_n the_o short-lived_a passion_n change_v into_o steady_a habit_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o pursue_v my_o design_n i_o be_o almost_o afraid_a i_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o a_o head_n that_o the_o most_o pertinent_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n may_v now_o and_o then_o look_v like_o digression_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v after_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v second_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n life_n do_v so_o apparent_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o in_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n it_o signify_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v notorious_a life_n decay_v and_o expire_v with_o the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n and_o when_o it_o be_v protract_v after_o these_o be_v go_v it_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n any_o more_o than_o the_o noise_n of_o a_o ill-strung_a and_o ill-tuned_a instrument_n do_v that_o of_o music_n but_o i_o need_v not_o teach_v any_o body_n the_o value_n of_o health_n or_o press_v they_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n i_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o oblige_v to_o the_o world_n if_o i_o can_v teach_v it_o any_o art_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o that_o blessing_n which_o it_o enjoy_v before_o the_o flood_n a_o long_a life_n of_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n but_o i_o know_v no_o art_n that_o can_v raise_v nature_n above_o its_o own_o law_n or_o retrieve_v its_o youth_n if_o it_o be_v now_o in_o its_o decrepitude_n one_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o we_o too_o common_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_a nature_n first_o and_o then_o load_v she_o with_o our_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n we_o shall_v undoubted_o live_v much_o long_o and_o this_o life_n will_v be_v more_o healthy_a and_o verdant_a that_o be_v more_o vital_a than_o it_o be_v do_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o dictate_v of_o religion_n the_o law_n of_o virtue_n and_o not_o prefer_v before_o they_o those_o of_o lust_n and_o fancy_n how_o much_o soever_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v little_a to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o most_o man_n do_v notwithstanding_o shorten_v it_o themselves_o by_o some_o crime_n or_o error_n or_o other_o if_o we_o can_v consult_v the_o sickly_a crazy_a part_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o the_o middle_n or_o almost_o begin_v of_o their_o year_n and_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o blast_v their_o beauty_n and_o impair_v their_o strength_n what_o thus_o violate_v and_o contaminate_v their_o nature_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v resolve_v to_o what_o original_a their_o disease_n be_v owe_v if_o at_o least_o their_o shame_n and_o blush_n will_v give_v they_o leave_v to_o inform_v we_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o trace_v the_o death_n of_o most_o of_o those_o who_o be_v go_v hence_o before_o their_o time_n back_o to_o their_o first_o cause_n i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o our_o search_n will_v soon_o end_v in_o some_o vice_n or_o folly_n or_o other_o this_o man_n drink_v too_o much_o the_o other_o too_o much_o indulge_v his_o appetite_n one_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o lust_n and_o another_o putrify_a in_o his_o sloth_n all_o of_o they_o in_o our_o common_a phrase_n do_v live_v too_o fast_o but_o in_o truth_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n die_v too_o fast_o for_o since_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o act_v by_o reason_n every_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v a_o approach_n towards_o death_n but_o to_o proceed_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o see_v pride_n kill_v one_o passion_n another_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n a_o three_o while_o to_o gratify_v these_o affection_n the_o body_n be_v either_o expose_v to_o danger_n or_o wear_v out_o by_o labour_n now_o if_o we_o can_v general_o find_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o early_a death_n in_o man_n vice_n when_o so_o little_a of_o other_o man_n life_n come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n what_o think_v you_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v if_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o retirement_n and_o penetrate_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o mankind_n how_o many_o hide_a passion_n do_v gnaw_v the_o heart_n how_o many_o secret_a sin_n do_v waste_v and_o consume_v the_o strength_n where_o not_o only_a concealment_n exclude_v the_o eye_n but_o a_o show_n of_o probity_n nay_o a_o real_a and_o eminent_a practice_n of_o some_o particular_a virtue_n exclude_v even_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n if_o then_o immorality_n do_v often_o contract_v the_o term_n of_o life_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v for_o the_o prolong_n it_o religion_n or_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a physic_n it_o have_v often_o mend_v a_o ill_a constitution_n but_o never_o spoil_v a_o good_a one_o when_o do_v ever_o chastity_n impoverish_v the_o body_n or_o deflower_v the_o face_n when_o do_v ever_o temperance_n inflame_v the_o blood_n or_o oppress_v the_o spirit_n when_o do_v ever_o industry_n or_o vigilance_n four_o the_o humour_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o nerve_n no_o crudity_n no_o plethory_n no_o obstruction_n no_o assidity_n no_o stagnation_n extravasation_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a thing_n derive_v themselves_o from_o virtue_n or_o religion_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o he_o may_v entitle_v his_o folly_n his_o melancholy_n his_o particular_a fancy_n or_o his_o particular_a completion_n or_o constitution_n religion_n and_o this_o may_v prove_v mischievous_a to_o he_o to_o his_o health_n to_o his_o strength_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o man_n and_o to_o speak_v proper_o this_o be_v not_o righteousness_n nor_o religion_n tho'_o it_o be_v call_v so_o but_o it_o be_v fancy_n and_o folly_n or_o a_o ill_a constitution_n disguise_v under_o the_o garb_n and_o the_o mien_n of_o religion_n virtue_n then_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o a_o long_a life_n or_o if_o not_o so_o at_o least_o to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a and_o honourable_a death_n for_o where_o a_o early_a death_n be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o providence_n not_o a_o crime_n we_o must_v needs_o meet_v it_o with_o less_o amazement_n ourselves_o and_o our_o friend_n behold_v it_o with_o less_o regret_n and_o affliction_n three_o the_o three_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n be_v to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o its_o preservation_n if_o all_o the_o promise_v god_n have_v make_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o long_a life_n do_v real_o signify_v nothing_o i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o can_v put_v up_o any_o request_n to_o god_n relate_v to_o temporal_a protection_n with_o faith_n or_o fervour_n or_o as_o much_o as_o sincerity_n but_o if_o they_o signify_v any_o thing_n then_o sure_o they_o must_v signify_v that_o his_o providence_n be_v active_o employ_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o virtuous_a man_n and_o how_o great_a a_o security_n be_v this_o what_o can_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o disposal_n all_o create_a mean_n be_v and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v if_o these_o be_v unsufficient_a to_o create_v new_a one_o to_o he_o who_o unerring_a law_n can_v never_o miss_v of_o those_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o or_o if_o they_o can_v
sound_a in_o one_o who_o do_v begin_v to_o bow_v already_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o year_n hereafter_o how_o ill_n do_v this_o language_n become_v this_o decay_a moulder_a body_n but_o suppose_v the_o wheel_n of_o time_n will_v stop_v tho'_o run_v now_o down_o a_o headlong_a precipe_n suppose_v your_o sun_n will_v for_o a_o while_o stand_v still_o yet_o what_o a_o work_n have_v you_o to_o finish_v what_o gild_n to_o expiate_v what_o sin_n to_o vanquish_v and_o what_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o prepare_v for_o be_v these_o slight_a consideration_n will_v your_o sin_n think_v you_o be_v easy_o atone_v when_o their_o number_n be_v swell_v not_o only_o by_o length_n of_o time_n but_o also_o by_o a_o uncontrolled_a licentiousness_n for_o novice_n in_o sin_n be_v awe_v by_o modesty_n hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o discourage_v by_o regreat_a and_o remorse_n but_o the_o veteran_n sinner_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o a_o torrent_n of_o debauch_a affection_n and_o repeat_v his_o folly_n with_o a_o relentless_a confidence_n and_o unopposed_a authority_n will_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o subdue_v those_o sin_n which_o have_v maintain_v a_o long_a and_o undisturbed_a dominion_n and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o you_o what_o shall_v awaken_v that_o sinner_n who_o like_o solomon_n drunkard_n prov._n 23.35_o be_v insensible_a of_o stripe_n and_o wound_n and_o alas_o when_o rouse_v out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o dalilah_n his_o lock_n like_o sampson_n be_v cut_v off_o the_o spirit_n retire_v his_o strength_n impair_v and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o enemy_n augment_v and_o with_o what_o will_v he_o conquer_v be_v it_o last_o a_o trivial_a thing_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v think_v a_o moment_n will_v serve_v turn_n to_o prepare_v for_o it_o i_o will_v suppose_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o merciful_a as_o you_o can_v desire_v he_o if_o you_o will_v suppose_v he_o too_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v to_o have_v so_o much_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o so_o much_o integrity_n as_o to_o expect_v sincerity_n tho'_o not_o perfection_n and_o this_o alone_a will_v make_v that_o judgement_n formidable_a i_o very_o much_o fear_n that_o both_o young_a and_o old_a do_v entertain_v too_o mild_a and_o favourable_a a_o notion_n of_o that_o day_n and_o so_o elude_v and_o baffle_v the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o gospel_n have_v i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o wander_v far_o from_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paragraph_n if_o i_o close_o this_o exhortation_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o with_o a_o short_a reflection_n on_o that_o day_n we_o must_v first_o bid_v adieu_o to_o this_o world_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o die_v ere_o we_o can_v go_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n what_o a_o perfect_a mortification_n of_o all_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n be_v necessary_a ere_o we_o can_v calm_o part_v with_o all_o here_o below_o what_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o love_n and_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o its_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n what_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o dark_a passage_n into_o another_o world_n when_o we_o be_v get_v there_o what_o a_o strict_a trial_n be_v we_o to_o undergo_v there_o all_o disguise_n will_v be_v take_v off_o and_o every_o thing_n appear_v in_o its_o naked_a nature_n there_o all_o our_o superstructure_n of_o hay_n and_o stubble_n will_v be_v burn_v up_o only_o pure_a solid_a virtue_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n there_o darling_n vice_n will_v not_o pass_v under_o the_o disguise_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n there_o a_o honest_a sloth_n and_o harmless_a luxury_n will_v not_o be_v think_v innocence_n enough_o to_o entitle_v man_n to_o heaven_n there_o some_o few_o good_a fit_n will_v not_o pass_v for_o godly_a sorrow_n nor_o some_o feeble_a and_o short-lived_a attempt_n for_o repentance_n and_o a_o change_n there_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o lucky_a constitution_n will_v not_o be_v crown_v as_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n there_o in_o a_o word_n talk_n will_v not_o pass_v for_o action_n nor_o censure_n of_o other_o commute_v for_o mortification_n in_o ourselves_o final_o nothing_o shall_v be_v reward_v there_o but_o a_o conquer_a faith_n a_o active_a charity_n a_o humble_a constant_a zeal_n patient_a persevere_v hope_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o pious_a fear_n this_o need_v no_o application_n begin_v begin_v to_o live_v before_o you_o die_v begin_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v before_o you_o be_v judge_v sect._n 3_o a_o three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n be_v to_o avoid_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o it_o such_o be_v sloth_n that_o waste_v and_o impertinence_n that_o embroil_v it_o coldness_n or_o remissness_n in_o religion_n that_o dispirit_n and_o dilute_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n that_o disorder_n and_o confound_v it_o and_o final_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o sour_a and_o embitter_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o these_o head_n occur_v often_o and_o tho'_o it_o be_v under_o different_a aspect_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v sometime_o light_v upon_o the_o same_o thought_n nay_o peradventure_o the_o very_a same_o word_n it_o be_v against_o my_o will_n if_o i_o do_v but_o i_o want_v sight_n to_o revise_v my_o paper_n and_o be_o glad_a to_o disburden_v my_o memory_n as_o fast_o as_o i_o can_v and_o therefore_o charge_v it_o with_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v once_o entrust_v to_o writing_n and_o the_o toil_n of_o recollect_v my_o thought_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o like_o sybil_n oracle_n in_o disperse_a leave_n by_o a_o hand_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o direct_v or_o animate_v be_v most_o intolerable_a if_o therefore_o i_o slip_v into_o any_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o i_o shall_v very_o unwilling_o i_o can_v but_o presume_v of_o pardon_n have_v so_o just_a a_o excuse_n but_o i_o proceed_v first_o we_o must_v avoid_v idleness_n sloth_n be_v the_o rust_n of_o time_n sleep_n be_v a_o image_n of_o death_n and_o sloth_n of_o sleep_n the_o life_n of_o the_o sluggish_a be_v but_o a_o wake_a dream_n a_o vacation_n from_o all_o business_n and_o true_a enjoyment_n too_o a_o cessation_n and_o stop_v tho'_o not_o of_o time_n which_o still_o run_v on_o yet_o of_o the_o very_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o how_o remote_a then_o must_v idleness_n be_v from_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n it_o never_o plough_v nor_o sow_n and_o therefore_o never_o reap_v it_o never_o plant_v nor_o set_v and_o therefore_o never_o gather_v any_o fruit_n nothing_o great_a be_v ever_o perform_v by_o it_o nothing_o great_a ever_o enjoy_v by_o it_o and_o shall_v the_o rich_a fruit_n that_o ever_o grow_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o paradise_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n i._n e._n knowledge_n and_o life_n be_v gather_v by_o a_o sluggish_a hand_n no_o tho'_o no_o angel_n or_o flame_a sword_n do_v stop_v his_o way_n yet_o be_v there_o difficulty_n in_o it_o too_o many_o and_o too_o great_a for_o this_o heavy_a dastardly_a animal_n to_o conquer_v plato_n as_o i_o remember_v tell_v we_o some_o where_o that_o a_o god_n tie_v pain_n and_o pleasure_n by_o the_o tail_n together_o there_o be_v no_o come_n at_o the_o one_o by_o he_o who_o shun_v the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o world_n contrive_v that_o even_o temporal_a and_o seem_a good_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o the_o travel_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o toil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o what_o lean_a starve_a and_o beggarly_a blessing_n be_v these_o compare_v to_o those_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v starve_v for_o want_v of_o true_a pleasure_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o glitter_a heap_n sorrow_n may_v sit_v heavy_a on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o conqueror_n or_o the_o bride_n even_o on_o the_o day_n of_o solemn_a triumph_n and_o festival_n noise_n the_o prince_n may_v be_v a_o slave_n a_o egyptian_a slave_n even_o while_o he_o reign_v with_o absolute_a and_o uncontrolled_a power_n but_o life_n and_o pleasure_n content_a and_o happiness_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n who_o live_v idle_o and_o at_o his_o ease_n he_o must_v pray_v meditate_v watch_n and_o exercise_v himself_o in_o industry_n sobriety_n and_o purity_n who_o will_v overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o obtain_v the_o tranquillity_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a nor_o let_v this_o frighten_v any_o man_n for_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o
little_a troublesome_a in_o the_o beginning_n do_v soon_o grow_v easy_a and_o delightful_a too_o in_o this_o sense_n must_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 4.17_o 18._o tho'_o render_v a_o little_a harsh_o for_o at_o the_o first_o she_o that_o be_v wisdom_n will_v walk_v with_o he_o by_o crooked_a way_n and_o bring_v fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o he_o and_o torment_v he_o with_o her_o discipline_n until_o she_o may_v trust_v his_o soul_n and_o try_v he_o by_o her_o law_n then_o will_v she_o return_v the_o straight-way_n unto_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o show_v he_o her_o secret_n second_o impertinence_n or_o be_v busy_v and_o employ_v in_o trifle_n be_v indeed_o as_o different_a from_o sloth_n as_o motion_n from_o rest_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o wretched_a consumption_n of_o time_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n for_o this_o be_v not_o activity_n of_o soul_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a debase_v of_o it_o fancy_n and_o that_o a_o silly_a and_o extravigant_a one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o live_v but_o reason_n can_v that_o idleness_n which_o consist_v in_o heavy_a passive_a dulness_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o sleep_n without_o dream_n or_o fancy_n that_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o flutter_a and_o impertinent_a activity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o giddy_a ferment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o fancy_n the_o incoherent_a disjoint_v thought_n the_o confuse_a and_o fruitless_a project_n and_o attempt_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o we_o may_v almost_o as_o proper_o say_v of_o he_o that_o dream_n that_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v fight_v or_o travel_n or_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n himself_o to_o do_v as_o we_o can_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o sluggard_n that_o he_o live_v it_o be_v true_a can_v a_o man_n be_v for_o ever_o impertinent_a this_o sort_n of_o idleness_n will_v seem_v to_o some_o man_n to_o have_v no_o great_a evil_n in_o it_o but_o how_o can_v such_o a_o mind_n bear_v the_o shock_n of_o (null)_o misfortune_n how_o can_v such_o a_o soul_n discharge_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o (null)_o society_n how_o can_v it_o entertain_v itself_o with_o object_n agreeable_a to_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o miserable_a for_o tho'_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o creature_n to_o be_v so_o mere_a a_o trifle_n as_o never_o to_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o any_o change_n of_o fortune_n nor_o ever_o call_v upon_o by_o that_o community_n he_o belong_v to_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v almost_o say_v never_o to_o be_v regard_v or_o mind_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o still_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o way_n live_v up_o to_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o business_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v not_o manly_a and_o rational_a and_o his_o childish_a life_n be_v therefore_o only_o pretty_a and_o please_a to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v a_o childish_a and_o silly_a soul_n nor_o be_v the_o grave_a much_o better_a than_o the_o gay_a impertinent_a or_o the_o man_n of_o business_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o main_a the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o man_n of_o mode_n sensuality_n it_o be_v true_a soften_v and_o drudgery_n harden_v the_o mind_n but_o both_o alike_o intoxicate_a it_o both_o wed_v it_o to_o this_o and_o alienate_v it_o from_o the_o other_o world_n it_o import_v very_o little_a to_o what_o idol_n one_o do_v sacrifice_n whether_o ashtaroth_n molock_n or_o mammon_n if_o we_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o art_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o live_v to_o plod_v or_o drudge_n intriegue_n or_o trade_n canvas_n and_o court_n it_o be_v all_o but_o solemn_a impertinence_n if_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v neglect_v ah_o what_o phantom_n and_o cloud_n and_o dream_n do_v man_n pursue_v and_o hunt_v after_o instead_o of_o life_n and_o peace_n of_o rest_n and_o pleasure_n three_o remissness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o religion_n a_o sort_n of_o neutrality_n between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v we_o can_v never_o true_o live_v unless_o we_o be_v entire_o uniform_a unless_o we_o be_v whole_o give_v up_o and_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n in_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n in_o it_o it_o be_v love_n make_v the_o duty_n easy_a and_o the_o prospect_n delightful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o faith_n no_o life_n in_o devotion_n no_o spirit_n in_o duty_n â—o_o desire_v in_o hope_n this_o be_v religion_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o carcase_n of_o a_o unanimate_v virtue_n what_o peace_n what_o assurance_n what_o joy_n what_o transport_n can_v ever_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a four_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o will_v now_o mention_v and_o the_o most_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o life_n for_o this_o do_v not_o only_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o life_n or_o like_o sleep_n or_o sloth_n make_v a_o vast_a casm_n or_o gap_n in_o it_o but_o put_v we_o more_o back_n than_o we_o have_v advance_v forward_o a_o unhappy_a gust_n of_o wind_n that_o throw_v we_o off_o to_o sea_n again_o when_o we_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o shore_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o victory_n we_o must_v pursue_v it_o if_o we_o will_v find_v rest_n we_o must_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v virtue_n we_o must_v unite_v and_o incorporate_v it_o with_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o unconstant_a unstable_a proselyte_n of_o virtue_n shall_v either_o have_v a_o pleasant_a life_n or_o a_o comfortable_a death_n for_o if_o he_o build_v to_o day_n what_o he_o pull_v down_o yesterday_o if_o he_o practise_v one_o hour_n what_o he_o condemn_v another_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v please_v himself_o much_o less_o his_o god_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_n and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o the_o good_n of_o life_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o important_a rule_n conduce_v to_o happiness_n and_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v insist_v on_o here_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o tire_v and_o since_o this_o may_v better_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o head_n of_o indolence_n and_o fruition_n i_o will_v defer_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o till_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o which_o i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o do_v if_o i_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o not_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v impertinent_a if_o i_o can_v serve_v the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v it_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 13._o line_n 12._o read_v contemptible_a p._n 68_o l._n 21._o r._n single_a p._n 90._o l._n 6._o r._n ease_n p._n 134._o l._n 12._o r._n ripen_v p._n 134._o l._n 15._o r._n place_n a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n print_v for_o and_o and_o sell_v by_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n enquiry_n after_o happiness_n vol._n in_o octavo_n the_o duty_n of_o servant_n contain_v first_o their_o preparation_n for_o and_o choice_n of_o a_o service_n second_o their_o duty_n in_o service_n towards_o god_n their_o master_n and_o themselves_o together_o with_o suitable_a prayer_n to_o each_o duty_n and_o some_o direction_n peculiar_o to_o servant_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n both_o write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n octavo_fw-la a_o treatise_n of_o self-examination_n in_o order_n to_o the_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n twelve_o price_n 1_o s._n a_o sermon_n about_o frequent_a communion_n preach_v before_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n by_o tho._n smith_n d._n d._n quarto_fw-la of_o the_o high_a veneration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n peculiarly_a for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n octavo_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n tho._n lamb_n july_n 23._o 1686._o by_o rich._n lucas_n m._n a._n vicar_n of_o st._n stephen_n coleman-street_n 1686._o the_o history_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o the_o french_a king_n in_o the_o principality_n of_o orange_n from_o the_o year_n 1660._o to_o the_o year_n 1687._o write_a by_o mr._n p._n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n in_o quarto_n 1689._o price_n 1_o s._n a_o discourse_n about_o discern_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n mary_n magdalen_n de_fw-fr pazzi_n a_o carmelite_n nun._n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o nature_n cause_n concomitant_n and_o consequence_n of_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n octavo_fw-la 1688._o remark_n upon_o popery_n represent_v and_o