uncertainty_n every_o christian_n ought_v exceed_o to_o fear_v and_o with_o tremble_v and_o a_o assiduous_a care_n endeavour_v to_o make_v his_o election_n sure_a live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o declare_v by_o his_o good_a work_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o little_a but_o bless_a number_n to_o who_o god_n will_v give_v his_o kingdom_n 2._o now_o that_o that_o number_n be_v but_o little_a compare_v with_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o wicked_a unhappy_a world_n nay_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o choose_a be_v but_o small_a even_o of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o choose_v life_n or_o death_n we_o have_v too_o many_o reason_n to_o believe_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o come_v into_o that_o bless_a kingdom_n of_o which_o the_o entrance_n be_v narrow_a mat._n 7.13_o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o wide_a be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v in_o thereat_o then_o he_o add_v as_o wonder_v at_o this_o narrowness_n because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o be_v also_o ask_v another_o time_n lord_n be_v there_o but_o few_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13.23_o king_n david_n also_o inquire_v lord_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v this_o answer_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n psal_n 15._o and_o in_o the_o twenty_o four_o psalm_n he_o question_v again_o who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o the_o hill_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v likewise_o answer_v he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o have_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n unto_o vanity_n now_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n prov._n 20.9_o who_o can_v say_v to_o david_n i_o shall_v for_o i_o work_v righteousness_n and_o i_o be_o innocent_a 3._o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v mat._n 10.38_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o where_o be_v they_o that_o thus_o willing_o take_v their_o cross_n and_o suffer_v with_o christ_n or_o rather_o how_o sad_o do_v st._n paul_n say_v fit_a our_o age_n all_o seek_v their_o own_o not_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n phil._n 2.21_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o know_v how_o we_o must_v be_v qualify_v before_o we_o come_v thither_o affirm_v mat._n 18.3_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o say_v if_o compare_v with_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o but_o a_o few_o by_o meekness_n and_o humility_n seek_v to_o become_v child_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.29_o that_o those_o who_o god_n foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n but_o who_o be_v the_o man_n can_v boast_v that_o his_o life_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o suffer_v with_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o glorify_v it_o be_v a_o say_n that_o belong_v to_o all_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n mat._n 19.17_o but_o they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v altogether_o become_v abominable_a there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o psal_n 14.3_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n say_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 11.12_o and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n now_o this_o violence_n be_v against_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o forego_v any_o present_a sensual_a satisfaction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n not_o now_o to_o be_v enjoy_v but_o expect_v only_o by_o faith_n if_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v isa_n 64.6_o what_o be_v then_o our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v 1_o pet._n 4.18_o 4._o none_o but_o eight_o person_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v save_v with_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n perish_v in_o the_o flood_n lot_z alone_o with_o his_o wife_n and_o two_o daughter_n escape_v the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o infamous_a city_n all_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n be_v consume_v by_o the_o revenge_a flame_n and_o of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o jew_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n two_o only_a caleb_n and_o joshua_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n now_o those_o thing_n be_v example_n representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v denor_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o life_n be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o such_o as_o go_v to_o perdition_n which_o be_v yet_o further_o but_o too_o evident_a by_o confider_v how_o most_o man_n live_v and_o die_v how_o few_o give_v any_o certain_a mark_n of_o true_a contrition_n fear_v and_o sorrow_n extort_v groan_n and_o good_a word_n and_o death_n force_v man_n to_o recant_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v seldom_o any_o sincerity_n in_o a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n for_o how_o can_v he_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o that_o be_v now_o die_v how_o can_v he_o hearty_o detest_v those_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o he_o love_v and_o enjoy_v as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v how_o hardly_o will_v he_o now_o he_o a_o true_a penitent_a who_o before_o abhor_v all_o the_o mortification_n of_o true_a penitence_n how_o will_v his_o resolution_n be_v prove_v effectual_a if_o he_o shall_v escape_v for_o the_o forsake_v those_o sin_n which_o custom_n have_v make_v habitual_a and_o almost_o a_o second_o nature_n how_o shall_v now_o his_o sensual_a mind_n lift_v up_o itself_o to_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a thing_n which_o he_o before_o seldom_o or_o never_o regard_v and_o how_o shall_v he_o straighten_a by_o time_n and_o sad_a circumstance_n exercise_v those_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o the_o sin_n he_o repent_v of_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o life_n that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n in_o his_o heart_n 5._o it_o be_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o very_o few_o when_o the_o pain_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o stand_v to_o those_o resolve_n and_o promise_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o day_n of_o sorrow_n general_o man_n forget_v and_o be_v ashamed_a afterward_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v and_o resolve_v and_o they_o soon_o return_v to_o their_o customary_a vice_n and_o belove_a vanity_n especial_o because_o there_o be_v still_o a_o secret_a reserve_n in_o those_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n make_v in_o their_o distress_n there_o be_v still_o some_o hope_n of_o a_o escape_n till_o they_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a and_o then_o they_o be_v altogether_o passive_a and_o can_v act_v no_o long_o or_o at_o the_o best_a their_o strength_n and_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o weaken_v there_o be_v such_o anxious_a fear_n and_o trepidation_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v nigh_o to_o depart_v that_o man_n be_v almost_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v we_o may_v hope_v well_o of_o they_o who_o though_o they_o live_v ill_a yet_o give_v sign_n of_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v die_v but_o this_o be_v a_o desperate_a venture_n there_o be_v much_o of_o uncertainty_n and_o nothing_o of_o safety_n in_o their_o condition_n we_o have_v a_o sad_a example_n of_o this_o in_o king_n antiochus_n read_v maccab._n 9_o what_o vow_v he_o make_v while_o he_o be_v under_o his_o grievous_a sickness_n he_o think_v himself_o in_o earnest_n no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v the_o unsincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o his_o repentance_n proceed_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o will_v therefore_o no_o more_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o text_n affirm_v and_o who_o can_v consider_v all_o this_o and_o not_o tremble_v who_o will_v dare_v to_o presume_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v sure_a who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a danger_n will_v dwell_v as_o in_o safety_n and_o not_o watch_v and_o call_v upon_o god_n therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o few_o perhaps_o than_o we_o think_v let_v we_o not_o go_v with_o the_o many_o nor_o follow_v the_o crowd_n but_o let_v we_o live_v with_o the_o small_a select_a number_n of_o true_o good_a and_o religious_a christian_n that_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n and_o confidence_n when_o our_o life_n be_v end_v that_o we_o may_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o well-grounded_n hope_v look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o expect_v that_o gracious_a reward_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o henry_n brome_n mr._n comber_n on_o the_o common-prayer_n in_o three_o volume_n dr._n spark_n primitive_a devotion_n on_o the_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bishop_n wilkins_n natural_a religion_n the_o father_n legacy_n or_o counsel_n to_o his_o child_n be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o three_o part_n very_o useful_a for_o family_n christian_n education_n of_o child_n cardinal_n bona_n guide_n to_o eternity_n extract_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o ancient_a philosopher_n the_o reform_a monastery_n or_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n a_o sure_a and_o short_a but_o a_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n in_o two_o part_n write_a original_o in_o latin_a by_o the_o same_o author_n a_o guide_n to_o heaven_n from_o the_o world_n or_o good_a counsel_n how_o to_o close_v save_o with_o christ_n holy_a anthem_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brief_a rule_n of_o life_n the_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n mr._n farindon's_a sermon_n several_a sermon_n at_o court_n and_o at_o other_o place_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o a_o confutation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o dr._n owen_n book_n upon_o that_o subject_a a_o discourse_n concern_v god_n judgement_n resolve_v many_o weighty_a question_n and_o case_n relate_v to_o they_o preach_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o at_o old_a swinford_n in_o worcester-shire_n and_o now_o publish_v to_o accompany_v the_o annex_v narrative_n concern_v the_o man_n who_o hand_n and_o leg_n late_o rot_v off_o in_o the_o neighbour_a parish_n of_o kings-swinford_n in_o stafford-shire_n pen_v by_o another_o author_n by_o simon_n ford_n d._n d._n and_o rector_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n christianity_n no_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o by_o the_o quaker_n try_v and_o find_v destructive_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o answer_n to_o thomas_n ellwood_n defence_n thereof_o in_o his_o tract_n miscall_v truth_n prevail_v etc._n etc._n a_o narrative_n of_o the_o principal_a action_n occur_v in_o the_o war_n betwixt_o sueden_n and_o denmark_n before_o and_o after_o the_o roschild_n treaty_n
without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o except_v our_o conversation_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o profession_n the_o most_o glorious_a name_n and_o title_n shall_v avail_v nothing_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o believer_n by_o work_v the_o distinction_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o false_a for_o what_o manner_n of_o faith_n be_v they_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o they_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o command_n be_v they_o not_o like_o the_o devil_n who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o be_v no_o worse_o for_o his_o faith_n beget_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n but_o these_o boast_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o fear_v god_n chap._n iii_o that_o original_a sin_n be_v the_o spring_n whence_o all_o evil_a proceed_v 1._o now_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o wickedness_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o have_v but_o hear_v of_o the_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o by_o their_o fall_n original_a righteousness_n be_v lose_v human_a nature_n utter_o deprave_v and_o shut_v up_o under_o condemnation_n their_o offspring_n fall_v into_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o that_o they_o can_v be_v neither_o express_v nor_o number_v hence_o that_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a ignorance_n which_o like_o a_o black_a cloud_n darken_v the_o mind_n and_o lie_v upon_o it_o hence_o that_o brutish_a and_o untamable_a lust_n which_o like_o a_o heavy_a weight_n sink_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o keep_v it_o fast_o hence_o that_o aversion_n from_o god_n and_o conversion_n to_o thing_n perish_v hence_o those_o anxious_a care_n and_o foolish_a joy_n those_o dissension_n quarrel_n and_o enmity_n those_o perverse_a heresy_n greedy_a sacrilege_n and_o unsatiable_a lust_n and_o hence_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o this_o be_v the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o man_n impious_a disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n that_o god_n shall_v forsake_v he_o who_o by_o pride_n lift_v up_o himself_o against_o god_n that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o when_o he_o can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o his_o free_a will_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o become_v uncapable_a of_o do_v what_o be_v infinite_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n to_o perform_v except_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o mercy_n 2._o thus_o man_n leave_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o self-love_n draw_v to_o himself_o seek_v himself_o only_o and_o in_o his_o wretched_a self_n alone_o set_v his_o rest_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a truth_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v all_o christian_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n how_o uncapable_a they_o be_v of_o themselves_o to_o do_v any_o good_a then_o it_o be_v like_a they_o will_v daily_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n beg_v his_o gracious_a help_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v from_o who_o come_v all_o our_o light_n our_o strength_n and_o our_o sufficiency_n but_o alas_o too_o many_o in_o a_o deep_a deathlike_a sleep_n rest_n in_o carnal_a security_n and_o unhappy_o abuse_v by_o vain_a delusion_n love_v their_o blindness_n and_o their_o disease_n too_o dream_v that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o sound_a because_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o distemper_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o book_n 1._o while_o i_o often_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o lose_a year_n of_o my_o life_n i_o be_v grieve_v and_o perplex_v both_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v past_a and_o of_o that_o which_o shall_v follow_v hereafter_o look_v backward_o on_o those_o day_n which_o be_v go_v and_o examine_v serious_o how_o i_o have_v spend_v they_o i_o be_v seize_v upon_o with_o horror_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o many_o soul_n prevarication_n against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o gracious_a god_n and_o my_o great_a unfaithulness_n to_o christ_n my_o saviour_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o sacred_a vow_n i_o make_v when_o i_o give_v up_o my_o name_n to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n i_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v to_o have_v thus_o requite_v my_o god_n and_o abuse_v his_o grace_n and_o when_o i_o turn_v myself_o to_o the_o future_a to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o i_o i_o can_v not_o but_o dread_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o my_o offend_a god_n and_o tremble_v exceed_o at_o the_o greatness_n of_o my_o danger_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o pardon_n i_o want_v and_o be_o so_o much_o unworthy_a of_o in_o these_o strait_n i_o resolve_v by_o god_n help_n first_o to_o help_v myself_o and_o then_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n to_o prescribe_v what_o may_v easy_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v effectual_a thing_n ready_a at_o hand_n which_o be_v often_o read_v and_o consider_v may_v be_v remember_v and_o follow_v that_o they_o that_o serious_o design_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n may_v find_v it_o here_o without_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o long_a and_o laborious_a search_n 2._o now_o because_o physician_n have_v their_o aphorism_n and_o philosopher_n their_o axiom_n or_o sentence_n and_o in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o must_v begin_v at_o certain_a principle_n which_o be_v short_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o marrow_n of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n therefore_o i_o purpose_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o lay_v down_o brief_o and_o clear_o those_o chief_a rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o religious_a life_n which_o more_o at_o large_a be_v scatter_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o divine_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o other_o good_a author_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v our_o first_o and_o our_o great_a concern_n that_o one_o necessary_a thing_n on_o which_o all_o depend_v to_o know_v how_o to_o live_v well_o to_o live_v like_o christian_n for_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n mat._n 16.26_o nothing_o more_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a can_v be_v imagine_v than_o to_o own_v ourselves_o christ_n disciple_n and_o live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v avail_v nothing_o where_o the_o life_n be_v antichristian_a chap._n v._o the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o learn_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o follow_v they_o not_o 1._o many_o without_o difficulty_n can_v read_v and_o learn_v the_o gospel-precept_n and_o even_o often_o think_v of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o few_o understand_v well_o their_o force_n and_o their_o full_a importance_n we_o easy_o grant_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v through_o self-denial_n fast_v watch_v and_o pray_v keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o go_v patient_o through_o many_o tribulation_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n we_o can_v ready_o say_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n cheerful_o to_o endure_v reproach_n and_o persecution_n torment_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o but_o when_o these_o evil_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o our_o life_n come_v to_o be_v in_o danger_n than_o thing_n appear_v not_o as_o they_o do_v before_o we_o can_v see_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o resignation_n and_o sufferance_n what_o before_o be_v a_o very_a clear_a case_n be_v now_o at_o the_o best_a but_o very_o doubtful_a we_o can_v be_v humble_a when_o no_o body_n revile_v we_o and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o vexation_n than_o we_o be_v patient_a we_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o severe_a injunction_n when_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o regard_v we_o and_o press_v upon_o we_o a_o present_a duty_n than_o the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n alter_v our_o resolution_n and_o disturb_v our_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o corrupt_a gloss_n or_o lazy_a interpretation_n we_o elude_v the_o unpleasing_a precept_n 2._o truth_n be_v as_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o man_n hate_v it_o because_o it_o reprove_v they_o their_o sinful_a deprave_a nature_n can_v abide_v its_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n they_o find_v in_o virtue_n something_o
up_o to_o god_n thus_o at_o least_o he_o intend_v it_o but_o by_o our_o depravation_n and_o folly_n they_o become_v obstacle_n in_o our_o way_n to_o he_o they_o turn_v we_o from_o the_o path_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n say_v wisd_v 14.11_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n become_v stumble_a block_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o unwise_a of_o the_o unwise_a he_o say_v such_o as_o will_v not_o take_v god_n for_o their_o guide_n such_o as_o turn_v their_o eye_n from_o his_o glorious_a light_n to_o enjoy_v the_o shade_n and_o obscurity_n of_o creature_n thereby_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n and_o so_o become_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o abide_v the_o divine_a save_a light_n 2._o now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v create_v for_o this_o to_o be_v as_o help_v and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v our_o end_n then_o be_v we_o to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v love_v and_o desire_v without_o end_n and_o without_o competitor_n in_o goodness_n be_v independent_a supreme_a and_o alone_o satisfactory_a whereas_o mean_n have_v no_o far_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o help_v to_o obtain_v the_o end_n a_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o refer_v to_o god_n all_o his_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o not_o lazy_o or_o verbal_o only_a but_o with_o a_o strong_a affection_n and_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n avoid_v thereby_o the_o cheat_n man_n often_o put_v upon_o themselves_o in_o be_v deceive_v with_o their_o own_o formality_n and_o specious_a pretence_n when_o even_o in_o religion_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o often_o seek_v and_o please_v themselves_o rather_o than_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o scripture_n call_v the_o way_n to_o life_n straight_o and_o narrow_a because_o deprave_a man_n refer_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o can_v hardly_o follow_v the_o pure_a and_o direct_a way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v be_v natural_o averse_a to_o a_o upright_a intention_n but_o when_o this_o aversion_n be_v once_o overcome_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o divine_a commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v wide_a and_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v light_a and_o pleasant_a chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v earnest_a about_o the_o world_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o attain_v not_o their_o main_a end_n 1._o that_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n be_v past_a number_n be_v right_o affirm_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o indeed_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n trifle_v away_o their_o day_n so_o simple_o act_n so_o childish_o or_o rather_o so_o much_o like_o mad_a man_n that_o their_o intolerable_a folly_n can_v be_v sufficient_o deplore_v they_o set_v the_o flesh_n above_o the_o spirit_n they_o prefer_v time_n to_o eternity_n and_o earth_n to_o heaven_n till_o the_o unhappy_a comedy_n of_o their_o sinful_a lifâ—_n end_v in_o a_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o death_n and_o they_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n in_o a_o moment_n if_o a_o suit_n at_o law_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v or_o a_o estate_n gain_v or_o a_o place_n of_o honour_n obtain_v than_o they_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o labour_n no_o search_n no_o diligence_n no_o study_n but_o if_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v purchase_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n make_v sure_a than_o no_o man_n stir_v they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o unactive_a no_o regard_n no_o care_n be_v have_v of_o it_o 2._o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v and_o afflict_v the_o body_n as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n heat_n and_o cold_a pain_n and_o infirmity_n our_o sense_n be_v quick_a and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o industry_n we_o present_o occur_v to_o those_o evil_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o but_o if_o our_o soul_n suffer_v under_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a spiritual_a evil_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o we_o care_v no_o more_o than_o if_o that_o noble_a part_n of_o we_o whereby_o we_o live_v and_o be_v rational_a and_o like_a to_o angel_n have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o and_o this_o because_o the_o flesh_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o we_o value_v this_o sport_n uncertain_a life_n more_o than_o life_n eternal_a and_o we_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o sole_a employment_n to_o rescue_v that_o carcase_n from_o death_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o certain_o must_v soon_o become_v its_o prey_n 3._o one_o cause_n of_o these_o preposterous_a do_n be_v the_o gross_a and_o brutish_a ignorance_n or_o rather_o inconsideration_n of_o too_o too_o many_o who_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v to_o what_o end_n man_n be_v create_v what_o it_o be_v he_o shall_v seek_v and_o design_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o way_n he_o shall_v take_v that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o his_o great_a aim_n jer._n 12.11_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolate_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n consider_v wise_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o power_n of_o those_o enemy_n that_o perpetual_o assault_v we_o who_o snare_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o avoid_v without_o god_n break_v they_o and_o deliver_v he_o for_o we_o be_v continual_o besiege_v by_o a_o frail_a flesh_n a_o flatter_a world_n and_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o 4._o last_o our_o folly_n and_o misery_n proceed_v partly_o from_o our_o blindness_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o darkness_n we_o want_v light_a to_o guide_v we_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n and_o pray_v he_o devout_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o aright_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o sloth_n and_o inconstancy_n for_o we_o be_v virtuous_a in_o wish_n and_o not_o in_o effect_n because_o we_o be_v lazy_a to_o work_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o practice_n we_o find_v difficulty_n and_o be_v soon_o tire_v and_o dishearten_v hasty_o give_v over_o before_o we_o have_v effect_v any_o thing_n all_o christian_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o come_v after_o he_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o care_v not_o to_o imitate_v he_o fain_o will_v they_o come_v to_o he_o but_o not_o follow_v he_o man_n will_v obtain_v riches_n without_o labour_n and_o crown_n without_o fight_v they_o like_v well_o of_o reward_n but_o they_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n ghap._n xii_o how_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o fair_a outside_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a 1._o this_o world_n felicity_n put_v all_o together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o whole_a be_v but_o like_o a_o coarse_a picture_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v something_o please_v and_o invite_v when_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o false_a light_n or_o in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o obscure_a or_o with_o a_o small_a blind_a candle_n such_o as_o be_v the_o dim_a and_o deceitful_a light_n of_o present_a time_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v forth_o the_o picture_n and_o view_v it_o before_o that_o glorious_a sun_n that_o shine_v for_o ever_o the_o radiant_a brightness_n of_o eternity_n there_o it_o will_v appear_v deform_v and_o unfinished_a a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a shadow_n which_o represent_v nothing_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stroke_n and_o line_n draw_v without_o order_n or_o design_n for_o though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o it_o remain_v in_o darkness_n man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a discovery_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o 3._o yet_o that_o light_n it_o be_v and_o none_o else_o that_o clear_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n btwixt_a vile_a and_o precious_a betwixt_o truth_n and_o appearance_n how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o christianity_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o instruct_v it_o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o by_o it_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n because_o of_o their_o attractive_a beauty_n but_o so_o to_o consider_v their_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v by_o they_o lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o glorious_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o divine_a light_n it_o be_v make_v i_o see_v
that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o hold_v i_o fast_o by_o my_o god_n and_o to_o put_v in_o he_o alone_o my_o whole_a confidence_n and_o not_o in_o prince_n or_o friend_n or_o even_a brother_n who_o as_o they_o have_v all_o a_o distinct_a be_v have_v also_o different_a end_n and_o seek_v from_o we_o every_o one_o his_o own_o advantage_n be_v ever_o ready_a to_o forsake_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v we_o be_v become_v useless_a to_o they_o this_o light_n therefore_o we_o ought_v glad_o to_o receive_v and_o follow_v that_o appearance_n and_o please_a illusion_n put_v not_o a_o cheat_n upon_o we_o and_o make_v we_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o and_o have_v no_o value_n but_o what_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a attribute_n to_o they_o and_o make_v we_o forsake_v god_n who_o remain_v for_o ever_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o be_v and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o rest_n no_o peace_n no_o felicity_n to_o be_v have_v he_o that_o depart_v from_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n thereby_o become_v miserable_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n chap._n xiii_o how_o man_n spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n and_o abuse_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n 1._o the_o life_n of_o man_n run_v round_a and_o spend_v itself_o within_o this_o circle_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v they_o sleep_v and_o wake_v that_o they_o may_v return_v to_o the_o same_o again_o they_o scrape_v together_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o acquist_n they_o will_v live_v as_o merry_o as_o they_o can_v and_o die_v as_o late_o as_o possible_a may_v be_v betwixt_o their_o baptism_n and_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n there_o lie_v a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o act_n of_o religion_n of_o penitent_a confession_n and_o wilful_a relapse_n of_o sacramental_a vow_n and_o breach_n of_o they_o no_o day_n pass_v over_o without_o they_o add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o transgression_n and_o they_o all_o go_v on_o heedless_o without_o consider_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o course_n of_o life_n and_o they_o all_o run_v when_o but_o a_o few_o care_n how_o they_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n because_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o reward_n and_o glory_n be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n to_o they_o that_o remain_v faithful_a to_o their_o christian_a engagement_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n for_o to_o follow_v christ_n 2._o god_n create_v the_o whole_a universe_n and_o in_o it_o man_n to_o his_o image_n give_v he_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v his_o maker_n a_o will_n to_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o a_o memory_n to_o think_v of_o his_o law_n faculty_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o a_o tongue_n to_o praise_v he_o but_o then_o as_o he_o make_v man_n for_o himself_o so_o he_o create_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o man_n that_o he_o may_v use_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o but_o ungrateful_a man_n unmindful_a of_o his_o duty_n draw_v by_o the_o deceit_n of_o voluptuousness_n mind_v only_o his_o sensual_a pleasure_n use_v or_o rather_o abuse_v his_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n his_o riches_n and_o honour_n his_o health_n and_o life_n and_o all_o other_o enjoyment_n to_o the_o displeasure_n and_o dishonour_n of_o god_n his_o gracious_a benefactor_n who_o free_o grant_v he_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v instrument_n of_o his_o present_a ease_n and_o well_o be_v and_o of_o his_o future_a eternal_a happiness_n so_o great_a be_v the_o folly_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n that_o he_o abuse_v that_o to_o his_o own_o ruin_n which_o god_n intend_v and_o give_v he_o for_o his_o great_a good_a chap._n fourteen_o that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v every_o one_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o station_n providence_n have_v appoint_v he_o and_o therein_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o he_o meet_v withal_o 1._o every_o man_n that_o aim_v at_o the_o right_a end_n must_v guide_v his_o course_n thither_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o eternity_n and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n this_o necessary_a rule_n be_v not_o observe_v by_o all_o for_o many_o follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n unadvised_o forsake_v that_o way_n wherein_o divine_a providence_n have_v bring_v they_o and_o take_v some_o other_o of_o their_o own_o choose_n like_a naaman_n the_o syrian_a who_o though_o he_o much_o long_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o leprosy_n yet_o refuse_v to_o use_v the_o easy_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o prefer_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v fancy_v have_v go_v away_o in_o anger_n disease_a as_o he_o come_v have_v not_o his_o wise_a servant_n hinder_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n many_o follow_v their_o own_o head_n undertake_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v perform_v but_o which_o only_o vex_v and_o distract_v they_o be_v above_o their_o ability_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o necessary_a occupation_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o so_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_v nor_o advance_v towards_o the_o desire_a end_n but_o spend_v themselves_o in_o unprofitable_o wish_v that_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v 2._o but_o the_o short_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o bliss_n be_v that_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v show_v we_o say_v let_v he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o i_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o his_o cross_n he_o say_v not_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v another_o man_n burden_n the_o cross_n which_o god_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v fit_v for_o he_o and_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o bear_v not_o that_o which_o he_o foolish_o shall_v take_v up_o and_o soon_o after_o poor_o sink_v under_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v therefore_o careful_o be_v heed_v first_o that_o a_o man_n understand_v perfect_o what_o be_v the_o right_a end_n at_o which_o he_o shall_v aim_v without_o this_o all_o deliberation_n concern_v the_o mean_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o second_o that_o know_v that_o good_a end_n he_o keep_v his_o mind_n intent_n upon_o it_o and_o take_v that_o plain_a path_n towards_o it_o which_o lie_v before_o he_o and_o agree_v with_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n therein_o bear_v his_o cross_n cheerful_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v now_o this_o be_v every_o man_n cross_n to_o discharge_v well_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n and_o of_o his_o several_a relation_n to_o bear_v patient_o those_o affliction_n which_o he_o daily_o meet_v in_o his_o way_n and_o constant_o by_o do_v better_a and_o better_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o his_o province_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a perfection_n attainable_a therein_o every_o man_n in_o his_o proper_a station_n in_o that_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v may_v best_o become_v a_o good_a christian_a perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o at_o last_o obtain_v happiness_n chap._n xv._o how_o man_n be_v last_o end_n or_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v qualify_v and_o how_o so_o many_o mistake_n and_o miss_v it_o 1._o these_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o the_o last_o and_o high_a end_n at_o which_o man_n shall_v aim_v that_o it_o be_v perfect_o good_a and_o perfect_o satisfactory_a so_o that_o be_v once_o obtain_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o nothing_o else_o desire_v for_o whoever_o want_v any_o thing_n desire_v it_o also_o and_o he_o that_o desire_v be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o that_o last_o end_n beyond_o which_o his_o wish_n can_v go_v no_o further_o that_o be_v be_v not_o possess_v of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o can_v alone_o replenish_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o capacity_n i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v when_o thy_o glory_n appear_v say_v the_o psalmist_n or_o i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o likeness_n psal_n 17.15_o that_o and_o nothing_o else_o can_v perfect_o do_v it_o 2._o yet_o such_o be_v the_o perverse_a and_o incurable_a folly_n of_o man_n that_o he_o will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v best_a which_o he_o love_v best_a though_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o and_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o many_o either_o ignorant_o or_o perverse_o pursue_v after_o that_o which_o be_v good_a only_a in_o appearance_n and_o forsake_v that_o which_o be_v good_a indeed_o and_o they_o thereby_o become_v disorderly_a wretched_a and_o criminal_a enemy_n to_o god_n lover_n of_o the_o thorny_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o lover_n of_o that_o fatal_a darkness_n which_o hide_v their_o sorrow_n the_o snare_n among_o which_o
to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v the_o lord_n leu._n 11.45_o 3._o now_o as_o christianity_n check_v and_o restrain_v self-love_n so_o do_v self-love_n keep_v man_n from_o understanding_n and_o approve_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o seek_v and_o love_v himself_o right_o apprehend_v that_o whatever_o the_o world_n dote_v upon_o be_v mere_a vanity_n that_o estate_n and_o honour_n bring_v great_a vexation_n and_o great_a slavery_n that_o to_o forgive_v enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o despise_v than_o to_o possess_v riches_n that_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v subject_a where_o god_n command_v than_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o domineer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o conquer_v himself_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o win_v battle_n and_o take_v fence_v city_n these_o be_v paradox_n hard_a and_o incredible_a say_n to_o the_o self-lover_n who_o fondness_n of_o himself_o tie_v he_o fast_o to_o this_o earth_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v useful_a and_o any_o way_n pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n live_v to_o god_n be_v not_o lead_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n some_o of_o their_o action_n be_v natural_a while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n and_o be_v design_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n for_o they_o continual_o deny_v themselves_o and_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a unruly_a desire_n self-lover_n hold_v a_o great_a regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o otherwise_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o self-love_n be_v that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o 1._o god_n at_o first_o place_v man_n in_o paradise_n but_o adam_n in_o who_o we_o all_o sin_v transport_v we_o into_o this_o world_n out_o of_o paradise_n out_o of_o jerusalem_n into_o babylon_n out_o of_o our_o freedom_n into_o slavery_n out_o of_o integrity_n into_o corruption_n out_o of_o our_o country_n into_o banishment_n and_o out_o of_o life_n into_o death_n thus_o from_o truth_n and_o perfection_n we_o fall_v into_o vanity_n we_o be_v now_o like_a unto_o vanity_n nay_o every_o man_n be_v but_o vanity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 39.6_o man_n be_v vain_a in_o his_o body_n which_o end_v in_o death_n and_o corruption_n vain_a in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n eternal_a and_o vain_a in_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n which_o all_o perish_v or_o must_v be_v forsake_v when_o he_o die_v yet_o man_n strange_o dote_v on_o this_o vanity_n he_o passionate_o run_v after_o these_o transitory_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o cheat_n and_o lie_v whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o thousand_o of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n into_o a_o hellish_a babylon_n 2._o now_o these_o two_o city_n be_v build_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o love_n god_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v ourselves_o make_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o to_o love_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o despise_v god_n make_v the_o devil_n babylon_n the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n the_o way_n to_o this_o be_v broad_a and_o short_a to_o that_o be_v straight_o difficult_a and_o long_a because_o dull_a and_o earthly_a as_o now_o we_o be_v we_o more_o easy_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o descend_v down_o to_o hell_n than_o we_o can_v raise_v up_o ourselves_o and_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o examine_v himself_o and_o find_v out_o what_o he_o chief_o love_v for_o if_o he_o love_v god_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v himself_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o citizen_n of_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o if_o he_o love_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v his_o own_o desire_n to_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o belong_v to_o that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v his_o child_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n cry_v aloud_o go_v you_o forth_o of_o babylon_n and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o isa_n 48.20_o jer._n 50.8_o and_o again_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 137.8_o o_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n we_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n when_o we_o leave_v the_o confusion_n of_o sin_n forsake_v our_o disorderly_a course_n of_o life_n and_o we_o dash_v the_o child_n of_o babylon_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n overcome_v our_o ill_a desire_n and_o ill_a inclination_n self-love_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o life_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o true_o love_v himself_o who_o by_o self-love_n destroy_v himself_o chap._n xxxii_o how_o man_n natural_o seek_v themselves_o even_o in_o their_o best_a work_n 1._o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o man_n opinion_n and_o inclination_n be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a yet_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o none_o appear_v vile_a to_o himself_o none_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o other_o none_o though_o never_o so_o mean_v but_o think_v himself_o somebody_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o one_o seek_v to_o be_v high_a than_o other_o every_o one_o be_v indulgent_a to_o himself_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o all_o man_n will_v have_v their_o will_n and_o their_o say_n all_o applaud_v to_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o conceit_n and_o censure_v other_o they_o count_v their_o own_o folly_n wisdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a ignorance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o think_v to_o know_v they_o careful_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n they_o know_v they_o have_v not_o and_o what_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o even_o good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n even_o they_o sometime_o in_o their_o best_a action_n by_o a_o secret_a and_o natural_a instinct_n almost_o unknown_a to_o themselves_o seek_v their_o own_o comfort_n and_o complacency_n most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o work_n the_o more_o subtle_a and_o undiscernible_a be_v this_o snare_n which_o self-love_n set_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a 2._o what_o better_a than_o to_o obey_v god_n to_o read_v his_o sacred_a word_n and_o preach_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o these_o duty_n be_v common_o stain_v with_o some_o secret_a desire_n of_o praise_n and_o except_o the_o christian_a be_v very_o watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o may_v easy_o lose_v his_o better_a reward_n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o even_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o without_o charity_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v purify_v his_o heart_n it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n 1.6_o you_o eat_v but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o drink_v but_o you_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n and_o he_o that_o yearn_v wage_n earn_v wage_n to_o put_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n for_o thus_o good_a work_n avail_v nothing_o if_o do_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o please_v god_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o search_v the_o hide_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o there_o lurk_v not_o in_o they_o some_o ill_a purpose_n of_o vainglory_n or_o self-interest_n to_o mix_v with_o our_o best_a action_n either_o first_o or_o last_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n always_o to_o seek_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o never_o his_o own_o chap._n xxxiii_o thing_n which_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o obedience_n 1._o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o know_v those_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n under_o which_o he_o live_v and_o the_o which_o he_o be_v
audible_a voice_n to_o the_o ear_n the_o pleasure_n which_o those_o sense_n receive_v from_o a_o beautiful_a sight_n or_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n may_v be_v call_v their_o life_n and_o their_o death_n or_o mortification_n in_o proportion_n to_o this_o be_v their_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o object_n whereon_o they_o act_v with_o delight_n which_o deprivation_n be_v very_o useful_a if_o not_o altogether_o requisite_a to_o arrive_v to_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n and_o sanctification_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o destructive_a of_o a_o christian_a life_n than_o a_o life_n of_o sense_n the_o imagination_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n when_o these_o work_n upon_o she_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o outward_a object_n she_o likewise_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o low_a faculty_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o we_o bar_v our_o sense_n by_o a_o strict_a restraint_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o with_o sinful_a delight_n 3._o in_o this_o consist_v the_o death_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o twofold_a the_o first_o natural_a when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o real_a separation_n betwixt_o sense_n and_o its_o object_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o meet_v the_o second_o moral_a when_o sense_n perceive_v but_o enjoy_v not_o its_o object_n be_v restrain_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o the_o first_o some_o judge_n to_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o more_o safe_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n than_o to_o keep_v a_o due_a moderation_n when_o we_o engage_v in_o they_o but_o in_o this_o discretion_n and_o due_a measure_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o second_o be_v according_o think_v to_o be_v more_o dangerous_a because_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v very_a entice_a and_o insinuate_v and_o be_v know_v by_o sad_a experience_n to_o have_v a_o great_a prevalency_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o noble_a affection_n 4._o and_o then_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o suck_v the_o poison_n of_o voluptuousness_n together_o with_o our_o milk_n from_o our_o very_a infancy_n we_o learn_v to_o indulge_v sense_n and_o though_o we_o have_v often_o experiment_v that_o its_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v short_a and_o vain_a and_o unsatisfy_v and_o withal_o pernicious_a and_o high_o afflictive_a to_o the_o soul_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o they_o they_o stick_v close_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o those_o please_v though_o false_a apprehension_n which_o first_o enter_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v rectify_v nor_o be_v go_v till_o we_o have_v a_o long_a time_n use_v serious_a reflection_n and_o consideration_n till_o by_o many_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o contrary_a virtue_n we_o have_v imprint_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v the_o way_n to_o he_o to_o chastise_v and_o restrain_v the_o fancy_n to_o keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o divine_a precept_n be_v the_o way_n to_o spiritualise_v ourselves_o and_o to_o come_v to_o god_n chap._n vii_o of_o deny_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n especial_o intemperance_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n who_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o study_n to_o please_v he_o to_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o food_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o by_o it_o our_o body_n be_v rescue_v from_o death_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o return_v upon_o we_o daily_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o of_o delight_n in_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o need_n there_o be_v danger_n also_o lest_o luxury_n mingle_v with_o it_o and_o pleasure_n which_o may_v follow_v after_o be_v the_o lead_a cause_n to_o our_o refection_n therefore_o though_o we_o can_v whole_o forbear_v eat_v and_o drink_v yet_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n of_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o it_o that_o necessity_n be_v not_o the_o pretence_n and_o pleasure_v the_o design_n of_o eat_v nature_n be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o greediness_n or_o daintiness_n be_v always_o crave_v and_o sometime_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o want_n or_o wantonness_n call_v for_o food_n and_o we_o be_v glad_a and_o willing_a to_o mistake_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o occasion_n to_o gratify_v the_o unruly_a appetite_n in_o these_o we_o must_v daily_o watch_v ourselves_o because_o these_o temptation_n do_v daily_o return_v and_o we_o must_v diet_v ourselves_o with_o such_o moderation_n that_o we_o may_v nourish_v our_o body_n and_o not_o feed_v our_o lust_n plain_o abstemious_a and_o frugal_a food_n be_v the_o health_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o that_o pamper_v not_o his_o flesh_n by_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n of_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n may_v easy_o master_v all_o carnal_a desire_n 2._o to_o seek_v after_o feast_n and_o dainty_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n and_o our_o meditation_n be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o epicure_n of_o one_o who_o god_n be_v his_o belly_n and_o who_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n but_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v indeed_o and_o also_o live_v as_o a_o penitent_a press_v necessity_n shall_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o table_n and_o thither_o he_o shall_v come_v as_o if_o bread_n and_o water_n be_v his_o only_a allowance_n that_o whatever_o be_v superad_v may_v relish_v better_o and_o he_o may_v be_v more_o content_a and_o thankful_a and_o also_o moderate_a this_o we_o may_v easy_o do_v if_o we_o will_v due_o consider_v how_o abstemious_a primitive_a christian_n be_v how_o much_o our_o bless_a lord_n fast_v and_o how_o for_o we_o he_o taste_v vinegar_n and_o gall_n this_o if_o we_o will_v often_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o serious_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o bless_a example_n our_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o our_o thought_n will_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o dwell_v in_o cave_n and_o kitchen_n as_o for_o the_o other_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o also_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n all_o occasion_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o idleness_n also_o a_o strict_a watch_n over_o our_o sense_n must_v be_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a modesty_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o especial_o we_o must_v shun_v all_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o other_o sex_n for_o this_o without_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o will_n kindle_v a_o dangerous_a and_o secret_a fire_n and_o last_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o confident_a of_o ourselves_o for_o in_o such_o a_o slippery_a way_n he_o be_v in_o some_o manner_n already_o fall_v that_o fear_v not_o to_o fall_v chap._n viii_o of_o talkativeness_n and_o silence_n 1._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v past_a number_n therefore_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 10.19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n there_o want_v not_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o restrain_v his_o lip_n be_v wise_a indeed_o talkativeness_n be_v a_o fountain_n and_o a_o torrent_n of_o iniquity_n it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o ignorance_n it_o betray_v much_o folly_n and_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o serious_a thought_n and_o recollection_n man_n word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o something_o of_o pride_n for_o they_o common_o speak_v to_o teach_v other_o and_o to_o show_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o great_a part_n every_o one_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o be_v think_v somebody_o he_o common_o out_v with_o more_o than_o he_o know_v as_o bad_a air_n draw_v in_o do_v in_o time_n affect_v infect_v the_o body_n so_o do_v the_o breath_n of_o many_o word_n much_o prejudice_n the_o soul_n it_o dissolve_v the_o spirit_n and_o breed_v quarrel_n and_o contention_n and_o utter_v lie_n and_o detraction_n and_o bring_v forth_o loose_a unseemly_a jest_n and_o jeer_v and_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o be_v devout_a and_o to_o have_v peace_n within_o who_o do_v not_o refrain_v his_o tongue_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n before_o his_o lip_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o amend_v himself_o that_o censure_n and_o speak_v ill_a of_o other_o this_o be_v a_o snare_n wherein_o many_o be_v catch_v to_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o to_o boast_v and_o magnify_v what_o be_v they_o and_o slight_a as_o much_o what_o relate_v to_o other_o few_o there_o be_v that_o whole_o renounce_v to_o this_o vice_n few_o that_o lead_v so_o uncorrupt_a a_o life_n as_o not_o willing_o to_o tax_v other_o corruption_n the_o propensity_n to_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o many_o count_v good_a christian_n
who_o have_v overcome_v divers_a temptation_n and_o mortify_v their_o other_o lust_n yet_o fall_v here_o and_o can_v bridle_v their_o unruly_a tongue_n the_o last_o gin_n the_o devil_n set_v to_o catch_v soul_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o man_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o great_a experience_n that_o a_o great_a talker_n be_v never_o very_o good_a or_o never_o persevere_v to_o be_v so_o 2._o silence_z therefore_o which_o sequester_v we_o from_o man_n vain_a converse_n that_o we_o may_v entertain_v ourselves_o with_o god_n silence_n which_o sanctify_v all_o our_o persecution_n sorrow_n and_o infirmity_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o every_o one_o that_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o for_o when_o in_o any_o case_n we_o suffer_v wrongful_o and_o yet_o hold_v our_o tongue_n we_o then_o offer_v to_o god_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n good_n and_o good_a name_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n but_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o we_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o free_v ourselves_o from_o clamour_n and_o perturbation_n sometime_o indeed_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v requisite_a but_o we_o must_v be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o exceed_v not_o the_o due_a bound_n of_o christian_a meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v happen_v but_o seldom_o as_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o answer_v by_o the_o magistrate_n when_o the_o slander_n will_v make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o exercise_v or_o useless_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o public_a office_n or_o when_o it_o will_v be_v other_o detriment_n in_o these_o case_n we_o may_v speak_v with_o truth_n and_o meekness_n in_o other_o we_o have_v best_o hold_v our_o tongue_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o purpose_n we_o must_v also_o refrain_v and_o quell_v our_o inward_a passion_n that_o the_o tumult_n within_o make_v not_o the_o outward_a peace_n insignificant_a i_o keep_v silence_n even_o from_o good_a word_n say_v the_o psalmist_n if_o from_o good_a word_n sometime_o we_o must_v refrain_v much_o more_o always_o from_o vain_a and_o ill_a language_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o can_v hold_v his_o tongue_n for_o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a to_o knâ—â—_n how_o to_o speak_v well_o than_o how_o to_o be_v silent_a chap._n ix_o of_o true_a and_o false_a delight_n and_o of_o self-complacency_a in_o virtue_n 1._o virtue_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o last_a pleasure_n of_o rational_a creature_n other_o thing_n be_v pleasant_a but_o in_o appearance_n and_o for_o a_o short_a uncertain_a time_n and_o according_a to_o man_n various_a opinion_n for_o worldly_a pleasure_n proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n which_o be_v constant_a and_o common_a to_o all_o but_o from_o corrupt_a appetite_n which_o always_o do_v change_n and_o differ_v as_o a_o sick_a palate_n can_v right_o discern_v of_o the_o relish_n of_o meat_n no_o more_o can_v a_o vicious_a man_n feel_v and_o understand_v what_o be_v true_a pleasure_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o virtue_n to_o which_o he_o be_v too_o much_o a_o stranger_n sensible_n delight_n indeed_o by_o nature_n instinct_n be_v please_v to_o all_o and_o few_o just_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o when_o to_o refuse_v they_o but_o man_n be_v create_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n than_o only_o to_o gratify_v sense_n he_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sight_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n the_o last_o and_o sovereign_a good_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o can_v contemplate_v truth_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o idea_n and_o representation_n which_o we_o have_v from_o sense_n and_o our_o rational_a faculty_n can_v well_o discharge_v their_o function_n when_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n be_v discompose_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o care_n of_o our_o body_n as_o may_v render_v they_o fit_a instrument_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o preserve_v they_o so_o 2._o but_o we_o sin_v grievous_o and_o pervert_v the_o order_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v appoint_v if_o we_o make_v bodily_a pleasure_n the_o end_n of_o our_o natural_a action_n whereas_o we_o shall_v design_v they_o and_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o those_o noble_a office_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v after_o god_n image_n i_o confess_v we_o can_v long_o subsist_v without_o some_o pleasure_n corporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o we_o can_v divide_v our_o soul_n equal_o betwixt_o both_o but_o then_o this_o oblige_v we_o to_o aspire_v the_o more_o after_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o to_o delight_v ourselves_o so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o disrelish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o vanity_n 3._o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v also_o that_o some_o love_n virtue_n more_o for_o its_o glory_n than_o its_o goodness_n sake_n they_o aspire_v after_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_a and_o transcendent_a they_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a life_n because_o it_o denote_v a_o brave_a and_o generous_a spirit_n they_o preserve_v inward_a peace_n because_o it_o be_v pleasant_a they_o inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n consult_v many_o book_n that_o they_o may_v enlarge_v their_o knowledge_n and_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o perfection_n that_o they_o may_v delight_v in_o themselves_o and_o admire_v their_o own_o excellency_n all_o this_o these_o man_n do_v for_o to_o please_v and_o magnify_v themselves_o when_o they_o think_v most_o of_o all_o to_o serve_v god_n they_o only_o serve_v to_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o when_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v expect_v great_a reward_n they_o shall_v find_v their_o hand_n empty_a of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o heart_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o self-love_n god_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v with_o humility_n with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o sincere_a spirit_n he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n this_o life_n be_v the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n a_o state_n of_o warfare_n a_o place_n of_o perpetual_a labour_n rest_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n eternal_a be_v reserve_v for_o a_o better_a life_n chap._n x._o that_o we_o be_v lead_v too_o much_o by_o opinion_n 1._o that_o we_o general_o live_v by_o opinion_n be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o how_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o well_o understand_v opinion_n in_o many_o case_n and_o after_o a_o strange_a way_n do_v exercise_v a_o great_a power_n or_o rather_o tyranny_n over_o man_n it_o make_v they_o as_o it_o please_v healthy_a or_o sickly_a poor_a or_o rich_a miserable_a or_o happy_a for_o no_o man_n be_v either_o of_o these_o but_o as_o he_o think_v himself_o opinion_n bring_v joy_n or_o sorrow_n not_o so_o much_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n for_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o we_o wish_v or_o fear_v be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a or_o grievous_a as_o we_o imagine_v more_o than_o that_o opinion_n not_o only_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o present_a be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v future_a but_o also_o unite_v together_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o distant_a and_o make_v we_o feel_v in_o one_o moment_n the_o good_n or_o evil_n of_o many_o year_n to_o come_v and_o which_o perhaps_o shall_v never_o be_v opinion_n alone_a for_o the_o most_o part_n bring_v credit_n and_o praise_n to_o man_n and_o their_o action_n and_o if_o all_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v together_o they_o can_v not_o content_v one_o single_a man_n except_o his_o opinion_n be_v also_o satisfy_v hamans_n wealth_n be_v exceed_v great_a and_o he_o be_v first_o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n ahasuerus_n and_o yet_o he_o think_v himself_o the_o unhappy_a of_o man_n because_o mordecai_n a_o poor_a captive_n will_v not_o stand_v up_o and_o honour_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o palace_n 2._o another_o great_a mischief_n of_o opinion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lengthen_v the_o present_a time_n and_o make_v its_o duration_n in_o some_o manner_n interminable_a as_o if_o our_o life_n and_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v to_o have_v no_o end_n and_o that_o contrariwise_o it_o contract_v eternity_n and_o lessen_v to_o almost_o nothing_o those_o incomprehensible_a amaze_a everlasting_a age_n that_o follow_v this_o uncertain_a life_n man_n also_o common_o take_v a_o account_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o opinion_n and_o whilst_o they_o seek_v to_o avoid_v one_o extreme_a they_o too_o often_o fall_v into_o another_o as_o some_o from_o a_o dull_a lazy_a life_n become_v
too_o restless_a and_o busy_a from_o prodigality_n many_o fall_n to_o covetousness_n and_o from_o superstition_n to_o profaneness_n and_o irreverence_n the_o last_o cheat_n of_o opinion_n i_o shall_v now_o reckon_v be_v that_o it_o general_o make_v we_o judge_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o consciousness_n but_o according_a to_o the_o vain_a thought_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o man_n we_o defer_v so_o much_o not_o only_o to_o our_o own_o but_o also_o to_o other_o opinion_n that_o except_o they_o will_v count_v we_o happy_a we_o can_v be_v so_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v also_o entertain_v a_o troublesome_a imaginary_a life_n to_o please_v we_o know_v not_o who_o people_n that_o perhaps_o know_v we_o not_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a care_v not_o for_o we_o who_o judgement_n we_o ourselves_o slight_a in_o other_o thing_n thus_o neglect_v that_o true_a and_o real_a life_n which_o we_o ourselves_o enjoy_v we_o make_v it_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v that_o life_n which_o depend_v on_o other_o and_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o in_o we_o and_o other_o man_n fancy_n and_o so_o far_o do_v this_o delusion_n prevail_v that_o what_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v nothing_o to_o we_o except_o other_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o from_o all_o these_o mischievous_a error_n and_o deception_n of_o opinion_n we_o can_v be_v free_v by_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n enlighten_v our_o mind_n for_o our_o opinion_n become_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o be_v the_o light_n that_o guide_v we_o chap._n xi_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v much_o slight_v even_o by_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o 1._o all_o knowledge_n be_v good_a that_o agree_v with_o truth_n but_o he_o that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a have_v need_n learn_v first_o what_o concern_v it_o because_o our_o time_n be_v short_a and_o great_a learning_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v great_a trouble_n and_o great_a vanity_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o s._n james_n that_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n 4.17_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v ill_o to_o eat_v and_o not_o digest_v for_o as_o indigested_a meat_n nourish_v not_o but_o rather_o hurt_v so_o much_o knowledge_n not_o concoct_v and_o convert_v to_o use_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o holy_a charity_n fill_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o such_o peccant_a humour_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o death_n these_o two_o thing_n man_n be_v to_o care_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n first_o to_o keep_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o second_o to_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a life_n but_o for_o the_o first_o many_o be_v unconcern_v let_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o soul_n their_o study_n and_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o the_o body_n and_o so_o they_o run_v blindfold_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n be_v wise_a indeed_o as_o child_n of_o this_o world_n but_o have_v none_o of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o they_o that_o speak_v doubtful_o and_o deceitful_o be_v odious_a to_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n much_o more_o be_v they_o odious_a to_o god_n that_o live_v so_o who_o very_a life_n be_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o their_o word_n they_o pretend_v to_o know_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o vain_o boast_v to_o follow_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o go_v quite_o contrary_a they_o reprove_v and_o tutor_v other_o not_o themselves_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v their_o vice_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o those_o virtue_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o but_o they_o can_v deceive_v god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o their_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o who_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v bring_v all_o to_o light_n and_o o_o that_o man_n will_v view_v their_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a light_n of_o that_o terrible_a day_n for_o than_o they_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o as_o easy_o cleanse_v and_o amend_v they_o we_o have_v but_o these_o two_o way_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o defect_n and_o deformity_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n compare_v they_o to_o ourselves_o or_o in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n bring_v they_o forth_o before_o the_o bright_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o first_o be_v like_o a_o winter_n day_n light_a dim_a and_o cold_a but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o sunshine_n of_o a_o summer-day_n so_o clear_a as_o to_o make_v the_o least_o mote_n visible_a and_o hot_a enough_o to_o burn_v and_o consume_v all_o our_o dross_n but_o to_o see_v this_o save_a divine_a light_n a_o man_n must_v come_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o go_v to_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n and_o out_o of_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o folly_n chap._n xii_o that_o selfwill_a be_v a_o great_a evil_a and_o must_v be_v renounce_v 1._o all_o our_o action_n contrary_a to_o god_n will_n and_o in_o compliance_n to_o our_o own_o be_v the_o fuel_n for_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v unquenchable_a for_o self-will_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o leader_n to_o it_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o eternal_o afflict_v all_o the_o wicked_a that_o rebel_v against_o god_n as_o likewise_o even_o in_o time_n the_o less_o a_o man_n follow_v his_o own_o will_n the_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v miserable_a the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o true_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v whole_o renounce_v to_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o inclination_n have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v here_o of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v follow_v i_o for_o he_o himself_o as_o he_o testify_v come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o so_o that_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v follow_v his_o obedience_n forsake_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o he_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v take_v up_o and_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o his_o cross_n which_o to_o the_o flesh_n be_v indeed_o hard_a and_o afflictive_a but_o to_o the_o spirit_n be_v comfortable_a and_o delicious_a 2._o this_o our_o christian_a profession_n do_v require_v from_o we_o that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n and_o undertake_n we_o may_v hearty_o say_v not_o my_o will_n but_o god_n will_v be_v do_v this_o also_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o supreme_a eternal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o preserve_v man_n will_n that_o they_o may_v free_o serve_v he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n fulfil_v his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a freedom_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o be_v able_a from_o our_o heart_n to_o say_v in_o all_o event_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a before_o thou_o my_o only_a will_n be_v god_n will_v may_v be_v do_v he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a i_o free_o resign_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o desire_v evermore_o to_o have_v a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o to_o be_v content_v with_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o bless_a name_n may_v be_v glorify_v all_o man_n trouble_n and_o vexation_n proceed_v from_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pain_n or_o grief_n than_o to_o be_v what_o we_o will_v not_o be_v chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o solitariness_n and_o retirement_n 1._o to_o be_v much_o alone_a in_o quiet_a silence_n and_o there_o to_o examine_v and_o instruct_v one_o self_n be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o sense_n and_o our_o thought_n well_o compose_v therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n hate_v much_o talk_n and_o much_o company_n keep_v his_o eye_n close_o to_o curiosity_n and_o his_o ear_n to_o fly_a report_n and_o cumber_v not_o himself_o with_o too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o wise_a ben-sirach_a that_o he_o shall_v become_v wise_a that_o have_v little_a business_n ecclus._n 38.24_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o can_v best_o commune_v with_o god_n that_o dwell_v by_o himself_o and_o if_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v call_v
he_o know_v the_o more_o that_o desire_n increase_v and_o then_o he_o rejoice_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o his_o great_a learning_n when_o he_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o the_o profound_a of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o love_v his_o knowledge_n more_o than_o god_n the_o object_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o philosopher_n as_o st._n paul_n reprove_v they_o when_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n much_o admire_v themselves_o and_o their_o discovery_n and_o thus_o also_o many_o christian_n value_v more_o what_o they_o know_v and_o what_o they_o can_v discourse_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o value_v both_o he_o and_o it_o they_o speak_v great_a thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o love_v themselves_o for_o so_o speak_v in_o that_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o mirror_n they_o view_v themselves_o especial_o and_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o the_o glass_n they_o admire_v the_o vision_n their_o own_o act_n more_o than_o the_o object_n which_o be_v see_v but_o god_n must_v be_v love_v and_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n in_o singleness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o a_o countryman_n plain_a and_o unlearned_a who_o daily_o see_v the_o sun_n be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o a_o blind_a philosopher_n who_o can_v talk_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o light_n so_o a_o honest_a pious_a man_n without_o scholarship_n by_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n show_v more_o love_n to_o god_n than_o the_o profound_a divine_a by_o his_o subtlety_n and_o high_a speculation_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n in_o northern_a country_n where_o no_o vine_n can_v grow_v may_v learned_o discourse_v of_o their_o fruit_n and_o the_o property_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v such_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o wine_n as_o the_o plain_a vine-dresser_n that_o drink_v it_o daily_o so_o may_v a_o religious_a illiterate_a man_n have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o a_o more_o relish_v apprehension_n of_o they_o than_o many_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fame_n and_o learning_n for_o experience_n go_v beyond_o all_o theory_n and_o love_n pass_v knowledge_n and_o we_o much_o soon_o come_v to_o god_n by_o affection_n than_o by_o studious_a inquiry_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o only_o therefore_o inform_v our_o understanding_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o love_n god_n fervent_o we_o must_v engage_v our_o affection_n and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n proficiency_n in_o goodness_n will_v make_v we_o know_v more_o of_o god_n and_o to_o better_a purpose_n than_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n goodness_n will_v make_v we_o love_v and_o love_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o god_n secret_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o and_o with_o more_o delight_n than_o all_o notional_a learning_n can_v show_v we_o what_o we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o exile_n be_v but_o little_a but_o we_o may_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v he_o grant_v we_o that_o power_n and_o as_o our_o love_n increase_v our_o labour_n will_v grow_v less_o and_o our_o obedience_n more_o perfect_a but_o many_o have_v rather_o seek_v god_n who_o they_o never_o find_v than_o love_n and_o thereby_o enjoy_v he_o chap._n xlii_o that_o by_o love_n holiness_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o without_o the_o unclean_a mixture_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o as_o lead_v in_o silver_n and_o dirt_n upon_o white_a robe_n will_v debase_v and_o stain_v so_o if_o we_o engage_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n to_o thing_n beneath_o they_o we_o make_v they_o vile_a and_o unclean_a whereas_o if_o we_o listen_v they_o up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o hearty_a love_n we_o make_v they_o pure_a and_o beautiful_a a_o heart_n whence_o all_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a thing_n be_v exclude_v and_o who_o affection_n cleave_v to_o god_n by_o the_o union_n of_o love_n may_v with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n rom._n 8.35_o 2._o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o corporal_a austerity_n the_o use_n of_o sacrament_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n be_v great_a help_n towards_o sanctity_n but_o they_o all_o profit_n nothing_o without_o charity_n no_o not_o martyrdom_n itself_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o other_o virtue_n may_v be_v sometime_o dispense_v withal_o as_o the_o poor_a from_o almsgiving_n and_o weak_a and_o sickly_a people_n from_o fast_v and_o rigorous_a discipline_n but_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n every_o one_o be_v always_o oblige_v no_o man_n at_o no_o time_n can_v be_v any_o way_n hinder_v or_o excuse_v obstacle_n and_o difficulty_n may_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o other_o virtue_n but_o they_o increase_v love_n love_n be_v within_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n there_o god_n have_v place_v it_o there_o god_n look_v for_o it_o and_o there_o nothing_o can_v obstruct_v or_o stifle_v it_o except_o we_o will_v ourselves_o love_v alone_o be_v necessary_a and_o alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o holy_a it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n pleasant_a and_o easy_a beyond_o all_o other_o for_o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o love_v and_o who_o dare_v say_v i_o can_v love_v 3._o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n who_o be_v one_o love_v all_o thing_n in_o one_o and_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o love_v not_o god_n true_o that_o love_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o love_v not_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o above_o there_o be_v nothing_o equal_a to_o god_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o turn_v our_o affection_n from_o he_o they_o fall_v upon_o inferior_a object_n upon_o earthly_a thing_n who_o weight_n do_v sink_v and_o press_v they_o down_o and_o our_o heart_n be_v never_o at_o rest_n and_o liberty_n till_o they_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o they_o ungrateful_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o sanctify_v we_o must_v forsake_v ourselves_o and_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o return_v as_o high_a as_o to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o sanctity_n that_o god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o origin_n and_o then_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o he_o by_o a_o devout_a love_n we_o shall_v become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n chap._n xliii_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o wary_a and_o diligent_a 1._o nothing_o can_v soon_o startle_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o slumber_n and_o security_n and_o â—edge_v he_o on_o to_o amend_v and_o order_v his_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n rule_v than_o the_o due_a ponder_v of_o the_o dreadful_a say_n of_o christ_n mat._n 20.16_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v for_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v call_v by_o that_o secret_a election_n which_o entitle_v he_o to_o glory_n and_o justification_n no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o promise_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v conditional_a nothing_o but_o our_o sincerity_n in_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n can_v give_v we_o any_o ground_n of_o assurance_n and_o yet_o how_o defective_a be_v we_o in_o this_o how_o uncertain_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v persevere_v and_o who_o can_v search_v and_o see_v into_o the_o deep_a secret_a of_o his_o election_n here_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o paradise_n cry_v out_o and_o wonder_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11.33_o in_o this_o great_a danger_n and_o