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 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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 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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
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
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
on_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v sect._n 3_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n which_o regard_v either_o first_o the_o time_n second_o the_o place_n or_o three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o retirement_n first_o as_o to_o time_n tho'_o contemplation_n more_o or_o less_o aught_o to_o enter_v into_o every_o part_n of_o our_o life_n yet_o the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n of_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o it_o be_v the_o evening_n of_o life_n the_o declension_n of_o our_o age_n we_o have_v then_o have_v our_o fill_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v like_a to_o hanker_v after_o it_o we_o have_v see_v the_o emptiness_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o like_a to_o fix_v upon_o solid_a good_a we_o shall_v value_v our_o peace_n and_o calm_a the_o more_o after_o we_o have_v be_v long_o toss_v by_o storm_n beside_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o more_o serious_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n when_o we_o be_v come_v within_o ken_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o examine_v the_o intrinsic_a good_a and_o evil_n of_o thing_n with_o more_o impartiality_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o boiling_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v cool_v and_o slack_v and_o final_o this_o be_v a_o seasonable_a time_n to_o correct_v and_o repair_v the_o error_n of_o the_o past_a life_n and_o to_o state_n our_o account_n for_o the_o last_o audit_n but_o tho'_o i_o thus_o prefer_v age_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o retire_a life_n i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v the_o young_a from_o it_o provide_v it_o be_v virtue_n not_o softness_n the_o love_n of_o another_o world_n not_o a_o cowardly_a decline_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o which_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v sure_o much_o better_a that_o the_o young_a sort_n through_o the_o vigorous_a season_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v engage_v and_o take_v up_o by_o business_n nay_o shall_v contend_v even_o with_o the_o care_n trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o make_v choice_n of_o retirement_n to_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o a_o voluptuous_a lazy_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n something_o be_v every_o day_n learn_v something_o do_v in_o the_o other_o nothing_o in_o the_o one_o the_o man_n live_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o himself_o nor_o unuseful_a to_o his_o country_n but_o in_o the_o other_o herot_n and_o consume_v away_o inglorious_o and_o unprofitable_o second_o as_o to_o place_n solitude_n have_v ever_o be_v deem_v a_o friend_n to_o meditation_n and_o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n very_o serviceable_a to_o a_o conversation_n with_o heaven_n and_o this_o opinion_n be_v much_o strengthen_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o nazerite_n prophet_n and_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o best_a time_n it_o be_v remark_v of_o isaac_n that_o when_o he_o will_v meditate_v he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n and_o when_o moses_n meet_v god_n it_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n without_o question_n a_o private_a retreat_n afford_v we_o many_o convenience_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n leisure_n and_o silence_n settle_v and_o compose_v the_o thought_n and_o the_o mind_n augment_v its_o strength_n and_o vigour_n by_o rest_n complacency_n and_o collection_n within_o itself_o and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o serenity_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o or_o enter_v into_o a_o survey_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o peace_n of_o glorify_a spirit_n and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o own_o hope_n by_o retirement_n we_o at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n free_a and_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o soften_v or_o disturb_v we_o and_o to_o breed_v in_o we_o either_o vanity_n or_o vexation_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o the_o fineness_n of_o air_n the_o openness_n of_o prospect_n the_o regularity_n and_o moderation_n of_o diet_n rest_v and_o exercise_n may_v have_v that_o influence_n upon_o our_o body_n as_o to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v they_o to_o be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o variety_n beauty_n and_o use_v of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n do_v insensible_o and_o almost_o unaware_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o invite_v we_o to_o adore_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v remember_v that_o retirement_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o solitude_n of_o place_n as_o in_o freedom_n from_o secular_a business_n and_o trouble_n from_o the_o allurement_n distraction_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o if_o we_o put_v these_o off_o we_o may_v find_v retirement_n enough_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n but_o if_o we_o carry_v these_o with_o we_o into_o the_o country_n we_o shall_v reap_v little_a benefit_n from_o change_n of_o place_n or_o air_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o retirement_n we_o shall_v be_v persecute_v with_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n with_o which_o vanity_n disorder_n and_o distraction_n be_v wont_a to_o disquiet_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a life_n this_o be_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o circumstance_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o in_o choose_v the_o place_n of_o our_o retreat_n but_o especial_o a_o regard_n to_o such_o duty_n wherein_o we_o propose_v to_o spend_v the_o big_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o these_o several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o my_o thought_n business_n diversion_n friendship_n meditation_n as_o comprise_v all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n and_o measure_v out_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o ascetick_n time_n first_o of_o business_n i_o have_v before_o say_v that_o a_o life_n of_o mere_a contemplation_n be_v above_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o man_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o long_a or_o regular_a contemplation_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o wise_a way_n for_o most_o be_v not_o to_o discharge_v and_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o temporal_a engagement_n but_o only_o from_o such_o as_o will_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o their_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o main_a business_n and_o employment_n so_o many_o indeed_o be_v our_o error_n and_o sin_n so_o frail_a tender_a and_o weak_a our_o virtue_n that_o to_o correct_v the_o one_o and_o confirm_v the_o other_o be_v business_n enough_o and_o may_v of_o itself_o easy_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o life_n if_o we_o pursue_v diligent_o all_o the_o method_n of_o the_o improvement_n and_o advancement_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o art_n or_o employment_n to_o spend_v or_o divert_v our_o time_n he_o that_o beside_o a_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o public_a devotion_n sacrament_n and_o sermon_n bestow_v some_o time_n each_o day_n on_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o blessing_n god_n for_o his_o mercy_n on_o examine_v his_o present_a state_n and_o establish_v his_o future_a hope_n he_o that_o spend_v each_o day_n but_o a_o few_o thought_n on_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o redeemer_n on_o the_o vanity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o final_o on_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o withal_o on_o the_o various_a art_n by_o which_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v wont_a to_o cheat_v or_o surprise_v he_o to_o tempt_v or_o deceive_v he_o will_n i_o believe_v find_v but_o few_o hour_n to_o waste_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o much_o time_n the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o some_o relative_n or_o other_o take_v up_o and_o this_o call_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o own_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o office_n of_o charity_n to_o which_o humanity_n and_o our_o christian_a profession_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o church-membership_n do_v oblige_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n the_o preservation_n of_o law_n the_o promote_a public_a piety_n the_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a the_o relief_n of_o the_o needy_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o injure_v these_o and_o such_o like_a occasion_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o rouse_v our_o zeal_n and_o employ_v our_o charity_n and_o these_o be_v work_n which_o will_v turn_v to_o as_o good_a if_o not_o a_o better_a account_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v than_o solitary_a virtue_n and_o certain_o they_o turn_v to_o