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
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
assault_v second_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v three_o i_o will_v remove_v those_o objection_n with_o which_o this_o advice_n be_v encounter_v either_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n happen_v alike_o to_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o from_o the_o early_a and_o immature_n death_n of_o some_o righteous_a person_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o it_o have_v be_v too_o general_o teach_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o date_n of_o (null)_o life_n can_v be_v protract_v that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a period_n decree_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v go_v but_o this_o opinion_n direct_o defeat_v the_o force_n of_o all_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o virtue_n derive_v from_o temporal_a consideration_n and_o undermine_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o redicules_a our_o address_n to_o he_o as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o life_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o how_o plain_a a_o step_n be_v this_o to_o the_o refutation_n and_o overthrow_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n depend_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n upon_o that_o of_o the_o old_a i_o will_v leave_v every_o one_o to_o guess_v and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o opinion_n beside_o these_o alone_a these_o i_o shall_v think_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v consonant_a to_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o interest_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o more_o that_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o crowd_n they_o together_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v tediousness_n and_o redundancy_n this_o persuasion_n than_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o instinct_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o love_n of_o life_n implant_v in_o we_o by_o our_o great_a creator_n why_o be_v self-preservation_n the_o first_o dictate_v and_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o all_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o it_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a be_v that_o law_n who_o observation_n can_v procure_v we_o no_o good_a nor_o its_o violation_n any_o evil._n this_o be_v a_o persuasion_n that_o flat_o contradict_v the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_a how_o can_v the_o period_n of_o life_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a which_o we_o see_v every_o day_n either_o lengthen_v out_o by_o care_n and_o moderation_n or_o shorten_v by_o excess_n and_o negligence_n unless_o we_o can_v resolve_v to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o religion_n not_o only_o that_o life_n and_o death_n but_o also_o that_o vice_n and_o virtue_n wisdom_n and_o folly_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o predetermine_v necessary_a and_o fatal_a nor_o be_v this_o opinion_n less_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a than_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o multitude_n self_n preservation_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o (null)_o law_n but_o how_o foppish_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o the_o grave_a and_o sagacious_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o enter_v into_o deep_a consultation_n to_o frame_v solemn_a law_n and_o devise_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o fence_n and_o secure_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v invade_v one_o minute_n before_o its_o fatal_a hour_n nor_o prolong_v one_o minute_n beyond_o it_o nor_o have_v man_n only_o but_o god_n himself_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v this_o temporal_a life_n by_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o solemn_a law_n nor_o this_o only_a but_o he_o have_v make_v life_n and_o death_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n this_o opinion_n therefore_o be_v a_o manifest_a calumny_n against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n against_o his_o wisdom_n if_o he_o raise_v up_o the_o pallizado_n and_o bulwark_n of_o law_n to_o guard_n and_o defend_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v violate_v before_o nor_o extend_v beyond_o its_o minute_n his_o sincerity_n for_o his_o promise_n will_v be_v ludicrous_a and_o insignificant_a and_o so_o will_v his_o threat_n too_o if_o neither_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o virtuous_a can_v lengthen_v nor_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o sinner_n can_v shorten_v life_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.10_o 11._o invite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o religion_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o prosperity_n if_o in_o the_o bottom_n and_o truth_n life_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o behaviour_n but_o our_o fate_n and_o be_v not_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o open_a proposal_n but_o the_o secret_a and_o unconditional_a the_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a decree_n of_o the_o almighty_a i_o will_v not_o stop_v here_o but_o heap_v together_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o argument_n against_o this_o error_n do_v i_o not_o remark_n that_o as_o it_o have_v prevail_v too_o much_o to_o be_v despise_v so_o have_v it_o too_o little_a to_o be_v laborious_o refute_v and_o that_o it_o have_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n that_o few_o of_o those_o that_o defend_v it_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o at_o leastwise_o so_o hearty_o as_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o counsel_n or_o action_n turk_n astrologer_n and_o the_o most_o superstitious_a assertor_n of_o fate_n be_v no_o more_o free_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o a_o concern_v for_o life_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mortal_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v thus_o make_v out_o by_o unanswerable_a reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o superstitious_a imagination_n by_o any_o obscure_a or_o subtle_a objection_n or_o by_o any_o mere_a colour_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o be_v once_o clear_a and_o evident_a aught_o to_o remain_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a tho'_o we_o can_v unravel_v every_o objection_n against_o it_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v this_o doctrine_n with_o some_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o certainty_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o with_o some_o particular_a prediction_n of_o man_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o read_v the_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n in_o the_o scheme_n of_o heaven_n yet_o ought_v its_o authority_n to_o be_v preserve_v as_o build_v upon_o plain_a text_n and_o solid_a reason_n and_o attest_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o daily_a observation_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o object_v here_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a easy_a answer_n the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v a_o appoint_a time_n for_o man_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a personal_a fate_n but_o of_o a_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o nature_n not_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n life_n but_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o man_n in_o general_n or_o of_o the_o mortality_n of_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n residence_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o that_o man_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o species_n of_o animal_n and_o indeed_o of_o vegetable_n for_o so_o far_o job_n extend_v the_o comparison_n have_v his_o time_n appoint_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o life_n or_o abide_v here_o set_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v pass_v psalm_n 90.10_o the_o day_n of_o our_o age_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o tho'_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o come_v to_o fourscore_o year_n yet_o be_v their_o strength_n then_o but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n so_o soon_o pass_v it_o away_o and_o we_o be_v go_v as_o to_o astrological_a prediction_n if_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o unquestionable_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o prophecy_n of_o poet_n make_v of_o mend_v after_o the_o event_n yet_o methinks_v be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n very_o prone_a to_o superstition_n a_o thousand_o error_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discredit_v and_o disparage_v one_o good_a guest_n and_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v have_v a_o value_n for_o a_o pretend_a science_n who_o ground_n and_o principle_n be_v evident_o uncertain_a and_o precarious_a no_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o that_o which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v condemn_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n for_o tho'_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o idolatry_n which_o be_v ever_o blend_v with_o it_o seem_v especial_o to_o have_v draw_v down_o
day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n sect._n 1_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n just_a as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v do_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o that_o of_o hear_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o ear_n so_o much_o and_o much_o more_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o (null)_o action_n and_o the_o gust_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n depend_v upon_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o render_v this_o argument_n yet_o more_o visible_a and_o palpable_a let_v we_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o thing_n man_n be_v and_o how_o contemptible_a life_n without_o cultivation_n or_o improvement_n the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n something_o there_o needs_o to_o stamp_v a_o value_n upon_o it_o something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o give_v sweetness_n to_o the_o eye_n charm_v to_o the_o tongue_n and_o grace_n to_o motion_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n alike_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n or_o mercy_n of_o lust_n or_o chastity_n of_o avarice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v religion_n must_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v it_o it_o be_v wisdom_n must_v conduct_v and_o guide_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a action_n the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o volatile_a mutable_a unsteady_a thing_n capable_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o impression_n suspend_v as_o it_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n float_v between_o the_o different_a shore_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n form_n it_o into_o angel_n stamp_v a_o sort_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v great_a it_o be_v wisdom_n that_o imprint_n it_o with_o bright_a idea_n that_o impregnate_v it_o with_o noble_a passion_n and_o determine_v its_o tendency_n towards_o its_o true_a good_a and_o supreme_a felicity_n our_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dull_a intercourse_n of_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o civility_n a_o nauseous_a circulation_n of_o the_o same_o tasteless_a and_o superficial_a entertainment_n a_o tedious_a and_o repeat_v pursuit_n of_o vain_a mistake_v end_n and_o often_o baffle_v design_n it_o be_v virtue_n and_o knowledge_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o our_o action_n that_o lead_v we_o on_o towards_o excellent_a end_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a hope_n our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o a_o fluctuate_a unstable_a agitation_n make_v up_o of_o a_o confuse_a and_o motley_n variety_n of_o event_n knowledge_n and_o virtue_n fix_v the_o float_a island_n and_o give_v light_a and_o beauty_n to_o the_o chaos_n i_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o argument_n too_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particulary_a consider_v what_o accession_n or_o increase_n of_o life_n we_o derive_v from_o perfect_v our_o nature_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n true_a life_n than_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o active_a and_o industrious_a the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a motion_n of_o the_o sluggard_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a imitation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a languish_a thing_n a_o compound_n or_o mixture_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o of_o death_n than_o life_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o fruition_n how_o dark_a and_o dismal_a be_v those_o of_o the_o wicked_a compare_v to_o the_o calm_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o the_o good_a for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v like_o enjoyment_n to_o that_o man_n who_o dare_v make_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o past_a nor_o can_v entertain_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v