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
(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
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
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
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 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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
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 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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