that_o no_o man_n without_o a_o special_a revelation_n can_v have_v a_o special_a assurance_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v as_o good_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o despair_n and_o to_o ground_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o devote_v to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n and_o that_o god_n be_v our_o confidence_n and_o refuge_n always_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o forgive_v they_o that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n with_o tear_n and_o contrition_n and_o a_o serious_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o many_o more_o great_a and_o precious_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o all_o his_o providence_n be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o frustrate_v all_o his_o save_a method_n and_o purpose_n only_o he_o will_v have_v our_o election_n to_o be_v hide_v and_o secret_a that_o security_n may_v not_o breed_v in_o we_o pride_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 2._o now_o therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o let_v every_o true_a christian_a live_v a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o few_o that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o be_v count_v worthy_a at_o last_o to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n with_o the_o few_o straight_o be_v the_o way_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 7.13_o therefore_o we_o must_v walk_v in_o that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o always_o with_o care_n and_o fear_n even_o when_o we_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o most_o speed_n because_o no_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o perseverance_n yet_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v we_o faint_a but_o only_o to_o make_v we_o wary_a and_o make_v we_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o with_o a_o cheerful_a submission_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o both_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n if_o any_o one_o object_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o god_n will_v be_v affect_v towards_o he_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n promise_n be_v sincere_a and_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o they_o be_v general_o set_v forth_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o all_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n reveal_v will_n and_o moreover_o that_o his_o own_o will_n be_v much_o more_o uncertain_a so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a to_o trust_v god_n for_o god_n we_o be_v certain_a be_v infinite_o good_a he_o be_v extreme_o proud_a and_o unhappy_a withal_o that_o rely_v on_o himself_o more_o than_o upon_o god_n but_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o confide_v in_o that_o gracious_a lord_n who_o mercy_n and_o promise_n be_v sure_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o who_o whosoever_o trust_v be_v never_o confound_v chap._n xxxiii_o that_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o be_v and_o be_v call_v christian_n yet_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v godly_a as_o become_v christian_n for_o as_o god_n by_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o send_v his_o dear_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o so_o be_v we_o to_o love_n god_n most_o affectionate_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o strength_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n in_o this_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n love_v therefore_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n love_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n love_n be_v that_o fire_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n come_v to_o send_v in_o the_o earth_n luke_n 12.49_o which_o cost_v he_o much_o to_o kindle_v and_o which_o burn_v up_o man_n dross_n and_o impurity_n and_o can_v be_v put_v out_o but_o where_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v even_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o it_o be_v unite_v and_o life_n 2._o christ_n leave_v and_o appoint_v love_n as_o the_o mark_n whereby_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v know_v joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n now_o perfection_n be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v beg_v of_o god_n daily_o and_o devout_o that_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n he_o will_v kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o fire_n of_o a_o holy_a charity_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guide_v quicken_v and_o at_o last_o perfect_v neither_o yet_o must_v we_o lose_v heart_n if_o we_o sometime_o fall_v as_o if_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o rise_v quick_o and_o pray_v more_o fervent_o and_o afterward_o fight_v more_o courageous_o still_o pursue_v after_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o word_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o in_o hearty_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n manifest_v our_o love_n by_o daily_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o attain_v to_o new_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v most_o perfect_a and_o happy_a when_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v empty_a of_o himself_o and_o free_a from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n but_o purify_v and_o burn_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n chap._n xxxiv_o of_o the_o right_n place_v and_o order_v of_o love_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o right_o value_v thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n and_o also_o love_v they_o proportionable_o for_o sin_n be_v due_o by_o wise_a man_n define_v to_o be_v a_o disorderly_a love_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o well_o place_v love_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o natural_a affection_n yet_o they_o all_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o place_v and_o govern_v as_o it_o shall_v the_o rest_n can_v be_v unruly_a it_o be_v virtue_n to_o love_v what_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v and_o wisdom_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o and_o constancy_n to_o pursue_v it_o through_o all_o danger_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o no_o enticement_n be_v temperance_n and_o to_o prefer_v nothing_o to_o it_o be_v justice_n and_o the_o order_n of_o love_n must_v follow_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v infinite_o more_o than_o any_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_o better_a more_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a we_o become_v good_a and_o pure_a by_o love_v he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o purity_n for_o our_o manner_n follow_v our_o affection_n we_o become_v either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o most_o love_n 2._o the_o true_a object_n of_o love_n be_v god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o who_o all_o love_n be_v due_a and_o from_o who_o it_o must_v pass_v to_o other_o creature_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o he_o by_o this_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n because_o he_o be_v or_o that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o we_o must_v love_v ourselves_o in_o that_o we_o be_v or_o else_o that_o we_o may_v be_v holy_a take_v from_o god_n the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o our_o love_n may_v be_v regular_a and_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a let_v no_o man_n therefore_o love_v sin_n for_o thereby_o he_o hate_v and_o destroy_v his_o soul_n and_o let_v no_o man_n love_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o upon_o god_n account_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v be_v entire_o happy_a for_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v
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
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
they_o walk_v and_o cover_v their_o misery_n and_o danger_n so_o that_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o fear_v the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o that_o just_a judge_n who_o will_v condemn_v all_o apostate_n that_o turn_v from_o the_o right_a way_n they_o walk_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v the_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v past_o feeling_n they_o have_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n ephes_n 4.17_o they_o count_v their_o life_n a_o market_n for_o gain_v and_o say_v we_o must_v be_v get_v every_o way_n though_o it_o be_v by_o evil_a mean_n wisd_v 15.12_o and_o then_o it_o often_o happen_v by_o a_o just_a judgement_n that_o their_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v as_o debauch_v as_o their_o life_n that_o have_v long_o say_v it_o by_o their_o wicked_a deed_n they_o at_o last_o say_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 3._o i_o have_v already_o and_o can_v too_o often_o note_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a that_o be_v adam_n who_o by_o his_o sin_n not_o only_o lose_v the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o will_n but_o also_o the_o true_a light_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o stock_n and_o root_n whence_o all_o man_n grow_v we_o be_v deprive_v of_o both_o and_o now_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n incline_v man_n to_o self-love_n vain_a glory_n and_o a_o imperious_a pride_n to_o covetousness_n sloth_n sensuality_n and_o looseness_n and_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o understanding_n expose_v he_o to_o ignorance_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o doubt_n error_n and_o lie_n and_o make_v he_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o good_a and_o serious_a thought_n thus_o man_n be_v become_v earthly_a weak_a and_o distemper_v unable_a to_o resist_v the_o sinful_a motion_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o unable_a to_o know_v or_o to_o attain_v true_a felicity_n but_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v write_v his_o way_n be_v always_o grievous_a and_o god_n judgement_n be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n psal_n 10.5_o and_o he_o now_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v refer_v be_v also_o a_o stranger_n to_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o intention_n in_o be_v design_v to_o please_v god_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o act_n but_o that_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a jesus_n be_v redeem_v from_o this_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o slavery_n to_o sin_n be_v also_o enable_v to_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o god_n in_o who_o it_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n all_o that_o can_v make_v he_o entire_o happy_a for_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o too_o unsatiable_a to_o who_o god_n be_v not_o sufficient_a chap._n xvi_o another_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o miss_n of_o their_o end_n their_o live_n too_o much_o by_o sense_n 1._o whereas_o reason_n itself_o teach_v and_o all_o man_n free_o confess_v that_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o thing_n present_a heavenly_a thing_n to_o thing_n earthly_a and_o thing_n eternal_a to_o thing_n that_o last_v but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o so_o many_o who_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v this_o yet_o by_o their_o action_n strong_o deny_v it_o in_o worldly_a matter_n and_o such_o as_o concern_v this_o present_a life_n they_o be_v very_o active_a very_o wise_a and_o very_a laborious_a in_o other_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n if_o you_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o god_n of_o holy-living_a and_o life_n eternal_a they_o understand_v you_o not_o or_o they_o present_o forget_v what_o you_o say_v thing_n material_a and_o perish_a be_v sensible_a and_o therefore_o more_o regard_v and_o set_v by_o though_o oftentimes_o experience_n will_v force_v they_o to_o know_v that_o all_o human_a concern_v be_v flit_a uncertain_a and_o very_o deceitful_a yet_o man_n follow_v sense_n and_o they_o soon_o return_v to_o embrace_v those_o thing_n which_o custom_n and_o a_o familiar_a converse_n have_v make_v dear_a to_o they_o 2._o the_o fall_n as_o i_o say_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v the_o head-spring_n whence_o all_o this_o mischief_n flow_v from_o it_o proceed_v all_o temptation_n as_o also_o the_o darkness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o more_o immediate_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o i_o now_o consider_v be_v the_o imbecility_n depravation_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o have_v no_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o but_o a_o imperfect_a confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o amaze_a concern_v of_o eternity_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o great_a deformity_n of_o sin_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n the_o joy_n of_o saint_n above_o and_o the_o grievous_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n these_o be_v but_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v we_o have_v dark_a and_o narrow_a conception_n of_o they_o we_o understand_v not_o of_o how_o great_a a_o importance_n they_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o so_o affect_v with_o they_o as_o to_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n we_o only_o mind_v that_o least_o outward_a part_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n but_o we_o attend_v not_o to_o that_o which_o be_v less_o sensible_a though_o more_o considerable_a and_o apt_a effectual_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n thus_o in_o sin_n we_o look_v most_o of_o all_o to_o what_o be_v temporal_a we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o impair_n of_o our_o same_o and_o the_o diminution_n of_o our_o worth_n or_o self-complacency_a than_o for_o have_v offend_v god_n and_o make_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o infinite_a pain_n likewise_o in_o a_o die_a man_n we_o most_o observe_v what_o be_v in_o view_n outward_a symptom_n and_o accident_n little_o regard_v the_o more_o essential_a adjunct_n which_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v of_o far_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o unquenchable_a flame_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v imperceptible_a to_o sense_n as_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o and_o which_o we_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o mind_n 3._o the_o same_o deception_n also_o extend_v itself_o to_o thing_n present_v which_o gratify_v our_o appetite_n we_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o that_o outside_n which_o please_v we_o and_o so_o deplorable_a be_v our_o sottish_a mistake_n that_o we_o count_v ourselves_o very_o happy_a to_o enjoy_v that_o for_o a_o moment_n which_o must_v make_v we_o eternal_o miserable_a every_o man_n know_v his_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o many_o philosopher_n have_v write_v great_a thing_n upon_o that_o subject_n but_o where_o be_v they_o that_o be_v solicitous_a for_o its_o well-being_n after_o death_n do_v not_o most_v man_n neglect_v their_o soul_n and_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o die_v with_o the_o body_n the_o mischief_n be_v that_o general_o man_n live_v neither_o by_o faith_n nor_o by_o reason_n they_o follow_v blindfold_a and_o brutish_o just_a as_o sense_n lead_v they_o avoid_v careful_o what_o be_v now_o troublesome_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v do_v here_o and_o nothing_o else_o fear_v hereafter_o chap._n xvii_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n 1._o if_o a_o man_n shall_v right_o understand_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n by_o a_o gracious_a adoption_n own_v he_o for_o his_o son_n that_o he_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o bear_v again_o by_o holy_a baptism_n into_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o will_v doubtless_o esteem_v it_o his_o noble_a title_n and_o his_o great_a honour_n he_o will_v despise_v all_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o mind_n and_o value_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_a and_o eternal_a and_o passionate_o desire_v to_o come_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o he_o as_o he_o that_o act_v the_o king_n on_o the_o stage_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a show_n to_o delight_v vain_a people_n yet_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v and_o to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o befit_v a_o king_n so_o and_o much_o more_o careful_a shall_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o do_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o that_o honourable_a name_n which_o make_v he_o a_o brother_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o as_o a_o picture-drawer_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o a_o great_a design_n fix_v his_o
oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o divine_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o precept_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n faith_n oblige_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n by_o hope_n we_o trust_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v and_o use_v all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n at_o last_o all_o which_o in_o this_o assurance_n we_o hearty_o beg_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o charity_n require_v of_o we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o a_o christian_a by_o these_o three_o virtue_n be_v make_v a_o new_a and_o holy_a creature_n faith_n inlighten_v and_o direct_v his_o understanding_n hope_n raise_v he_o up_o and_o set_v his_o will_n at_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o god_n charity_n unite_v he_o whole_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v all_o divine_a institution_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v for_o except_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o except_o we_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o we_o joh._n 6.53_o and_o as_o for_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n we_o have_v for_o the_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v make_v clean_o again_o 2._o last_o there_o be_v also_o human_a law_n enact_v by_o the_o church_n or_o the_o state_n we_o live_v in_o and_o they_o we_o be_v also_o to_o know_v and_o to_o observe_v with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v all_o these_o law_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v upon_o we_o none_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o the_o true_a light_n from_o above_o enlighten_v and_o guide_v he_o as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 94.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastne_v o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o in_o thy_o law_n for_o ever_o since_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n man_n without_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o deprave_a passion_n we_o must_v therefore_o earnest_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n that_o he_o that_o command_v what_o he_o will_v will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v heal_v our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n destroy_v self-love_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o devout_a love_n to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n and_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n without_o hypocrisy_n or_o reservation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n 1._o our_o christian_a hope_n be_v not_o for_o this_o world_n nor_o for_o this_o present_a time_n and_o we_o be_v not_o create_v to_o enjoy_v that_o earthly_a happiness_n which_o the_o world_n only_o seek_v but_o god_n make_v we_o for_o that_o eternal_a bliss_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o who_o excellency_n we_o can_v as_o yet_o understand_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o be_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o we_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o only_o by_o human_a reason_n and_o live_v by_o natural_a instinct_n after_o the_o common_a manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a grace_n but_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o wise_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n who_o live_v to_o god_n and_o common_a with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o range_v and_o dwell_v abroad_o 2._o these_o man_n live_v a_o inward_a life_n they_o be_v recollect_v and_o dwell_v at_o home_n always_o dispose_v to_o hear_v god_n voice_n within_o they_o and_o to_o understand_v his_o secret_n whereas_o they_o live_v a_o outward_a life_n that_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o outward_a thing_n have_v fair_a pretence_n for_o their_o worldly-mindedness_a be_v greedy_a of_o news_n and_o curious_a sight_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n walk_v say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 4.17_o in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n profit_v in_o carnal_a wisdom_n the_o more_o ignorant_a he_o become_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o we_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o much_o we_o lessen_v our_o love_n to_o the_o creator_n chap._n xxxv_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o opinion_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o weigh_v thing_n just_o and_o then_o esteem_v they_o according_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a value_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o twofold_a aspect_n or_o a_o double_a face_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o real_a and_o the_o other_o disguise_v and_o fallacious_a the_o first_o be_v what_o god_n judge_v and_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o second_o depend_v on_o man_n passion_n and_o false_a opinion_n thus_o for_o example_n the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v in_o effect_n and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n a_o high_a and_o angelic_a office_n of_o such_o a_o weight_n as_o shall_v make_v human_a strength_n tremble_v and_o shrink_v under_o it_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n but_o also_o it_o require_v the_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n entrust_v with_o the_o dignify_a prelate_n who_o shall_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n for_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o world_n account_n a_o bishopric_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n which_o promote_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o to_o riches_n and_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a advantage_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o right_o apprehend_v what_o the_o office_n be_v fear_v and_o avoid_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v that_o they_o refuse_v it_o when_o offer_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o follow_v the_o world_n judgement_n and_o seek_v themselves_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o the_o object_n of_o their_o passionate_a desire_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o dignity_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n in_o church_n and_o state_n generally_n man_n have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o understand_v not_o their_o definition_n and_o hence_o the_o confusion_n and_o malvorsation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n mistake_v thing_n and_o hate_v truth_n and_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o follow_v divine_a light_n but_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a heart_n 2._o such_o name_n be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n as_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a virtue_n of_o his_o great_a saint_n as_o that_o some_o be_v call_v bishop_n priest_n deacon_n monk_n or_o hermit_n some_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o all_o together_o christian_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o due_o consider_v the_o great_a worth_n the_o strength_n and_o true_a signification_n of_o those_o name_n what_o virtue_n what_o perpetual_a care_n what_o duty_n they_o require_v from_o such_o as_o bear_v they_o the_o bare_a title_n with_o a_o vain_a shadow_n of_o the_o thing_n remain_v but_o the_o reality_n and_o significancy_n of_o they_o be_v vanish_v few_o man_n be_v in_o truth_n what_o they_o call_v themselves_o few_o live_v according_a to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a because_o few_o make_v it_o their_o first_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n this_o unhappy_a deceit_n be_v also_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o and_o worst_a of_o evil_n self-love_n the_o most_o crafty_a deceiver_n hardly_o find_v out_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o seldom_o quite_o conquer_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v so_o mix_v and_o confuse_a that_o if_o we_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v hardly_o discern_v the_o one_o
that_o passion_n which_o carry_v away_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o abate_v it_o return_v to_o its_o former_a and_o more_o please_a affection_n and_o soon_o repent_v of_o its_o repentance_n some_o seek_v themselves_o more_o than_o god_n in_o their_o prayer_n because_o therein_o they_o find_v some_o refreshment_n and_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o some_o seek_v after_o abstraction_n and_o extatick_a rapture_n to_o be_v therein_o raise_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o know_v great_a mystery_n but_o all_o these_o will_v signify_v nothing_o without_o contrition_n and_o humility_n the_o great_a benefit_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o find_v the_o world_n lose_v its_o power_n and_o its_o repute_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o find_v our_o will_n more_o resign_v to_o god_n to_o patience_n and_o to_o obedience_n he_o pray_v best_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o and_o to_o obtain_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o common_a error_n to_o think_v that_o meditation_n be_v a_o thing_n exceed_v difficult_a when_o indeed_o every_o man_n be_v daily_o occupy_v about_o it_o for_o to_o meditate_v be_v to_o revolve_v and_o view_v thing_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o we_o always_o do_v vain_a and_o worldly_a and_o often_o sinful_a thing_n why_o can_v we_o then_o as_o well_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n sure_o we_o can_v easy_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o expel_v the_o world_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n than_o there_o will_v be_v room_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o want_v of_o this_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o reproach_n of_o christ_n we_o pretend_v indeed_o that_o our_o occupation_n be_v necessary_a and_o perhaps_o good_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n to_o dispense_v with_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o however_o the_o business_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v our_o chief_a concern_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o neglect_v it_o upon_o any_o account_n 4._o the_o body_n without_o nourishment_n soon_o decay_v into_o weakness_n and_o death_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n without_o its_o proper_a food_n which_o be_v prayer_n and_o it_o want_v it_o the_o more_o frequent_o in_o that_o it_o have_v many_o more_o and_o great_a necessity_n than_o the_o body_n have_v for_o heat_n and_o cold_a hunger_n thirst_n and_o sickness_n and_o whatever_o afflict_v the_o body_n do_v also_o vex_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v compatible_a with_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n itself_o be_v all_o enemy_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o daily_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n and_o it_o have_v no_o strength_n nor_o defence_n nor_o comfort_n but_o from_o prayer_n only_o we_o ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o devout_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o innerman_n in_o the_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v we_o need_v not_o always_o word_n in_o our_o private_a closet_n god_n see_v our_o thought_n and_o hear_v our_o secret_a desire_n yet_o they_o may_v use_v book_n to_o good_a purpose_n that_o be_v not_o use_v to_o mental_a prayer_n and_o however_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v say_v and_o sing_v aloud_o and_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o unalterable_a that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v agree_v in_o they_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o by_o join_v their_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o mind_n to_o send_v up_o their_o praise_n and_o petition_n to_o god_n yet_o still_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xliii_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o avoid_v distraction_n and_o fix_v the_o intention_n 1._o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v true_o good_a and_o acceptable_a we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o ask_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n for_o though_o a_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o yet_o the_o sure_a and_o better_a way_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v and_o demand_v it_o upon_o god_n account_n because_o it_o will_v please_v he_o that_o self-love_n may_v not_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o petition_n the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o prayer_n must_v rest_v be_v a_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o we_o must_v approach_v with_o a_o humble_a simplicity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v like_o a_o infant_n bring_v to_o his_o mother_n breast_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o intent_n to_o his_o devotion_n that_o consider_v himself_o pray_v for_o while_o he_o reflect_v on_o his_o prayer_n his_o mind_n be_v divert_v from_o god_n to_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o sometime_o he_o be_v distract_v endeavour_v to_o avoid_v distraction_n therefore_o i_o say_v simplicity_n be_v best_a in_o prayer_n to_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o god_n to_o look_v to_o none_o but_o he_o who_o we_o worship_v 2._o for_o his_o mind_n shall_v hardly_o be_v draw_v to_o other_o object_n that_o shall_v consider_v god_n as_o present_v the_o immensity_n of_o divine_a perfection_n will_v absorb_v his_o thought_n they_o shall_v sail_v in_o that_o boundless_a ocean_n and_o find_v no_o limit_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o god_n will_v be_v out_o of_o sight_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o better_a state_n here_o we_o must_v expect_v distraction_n and_o if_o we_o due_o strive_v against_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o god_n will_v hear_v they_o and_o assist_v we_o while_o we_o contend_v with_o our_o infirmity_n yet_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v free_v from_o ill_a and_o idle_a thought_n by_o slight_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o attend_v to_o they_o than_o by_o fence_v and_o fight_v against_o they_o for_o sometime_o while_o we_o stand_v to_o confute_v they_o they_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o perplex_a and_o timorous_a heart_n a_o prayer_n dry_a without_o relish_n and_o comfort_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o that_o it_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o nature_n 3._o as_o traveller_n always_o bear_v in_o mind_n the_o place_n whither_o they_o will_v go_v so_o they_o that_o pray_v shall_v always_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o design_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o life_n to_o have_v our_o will_n make_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o labour_n now_o prayer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o common_a and_o ordinary_a perform_v by_o our_o endeavour_n and_o diligent_a application_n together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n for_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o extraordinary_a and_o infuse_v more_o secret_a and_o mysterious_a with_o sigh_n unutterable_a we_o may_v beg_v the_o gift_n of_o both_o for_o god_n be_v free_a and_o very_o gracious_a yet_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o common_a and_o wherein_o we_o have_v a_o part_n to_o act_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o bless_a disposition_n to_o lift_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o entertain_v holy_a affection_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o this_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o grant_v to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v of_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a spirit_n for_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o begin_v our_o prayer_n with_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o being_n nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o impotency_n and_o wretched_a sinfulness_n and_o withal_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n aright_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v and_o we_o may_v cheerful_o fulfil_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n chap._n xliv_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n 1._o what_o be_v write_v concern_v wisdom_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v of_o prayer_n wisd_v 7._o i_o prefer_v she_o before_o sceptre_n and_o throne_n and_o esteem_v riches_n nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o she_o i_o love_v she_o above_o health_n and_o beauty_n and_o choose_v to_o have_v she_o instead_o of_o light_n for_o the_o light_n that_o come_v from_o she_o never_o go_v out_o all_o good_a thing_n together_o come_v to_o i_o with_o she_o and_o innumerable_a riches_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o
forth_o to_o some_o outward_a employment_n by_o necessity_n or_o by_o god_n glory_n yet_o his_o thought_n will_v always_o tend_v homeward_o to_o dwell_v in_o peace_n with_o the_o inner_a man_n in_o a_o humble_a and_o quiet_a heart_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o busy_a about_o the_o circumference_n of_o unsettled_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o his_o proper_a rest_n and_o centre_n which_o be_v god_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorant_a foolish_a world_n it_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v alone_o and_o converse_v with_o themselves_o but_o for_o a_o few_o hour_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o they_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v engage_v abroad_o and_o to_o avoid_v their_o own_o company_n they_o spend_v much_o of_o their_o time_n upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o yet_o what_o remain_v of_o it_o lie_v upon_o they_o like_o a_o heavy_a burden_n and_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v out_o occasion_n to_o throw_v it_o away_o they_o dread_v to_o look_v within_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o fearful_a apprehension_n vexation_n and_o tediousness_n of_o spirit_n they_o range_v abroad_o and_o go_v for_o comfort_n to_o other_o creature_n serious_n thought_n be_v a_o terror_n to_o they_o and_o consideration_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o death_n because_o their_o soul_n lie_v naked_a and_o deform_a load_v with_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o avoid_v the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n love_v to_o be_v private_a and_o to_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n when_o so_o many_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o a_o perpetual_a hurry_n and_o esteem_v themselves_o unhappy_a when_o they_o must_v be_v alone_o as_o indeed_o unhappy_a they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v until_o they_o rectify_v many_o thing_n and_o learn_v to_o confer_v and_o live_v with_o themselves_o and_o by_o inward_a purity_n invite_v god_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o they_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o but_o a_o few_o choose_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o forsake_v the_o many_o and_o live_v with_o the_o few_o and_o with_o fear_n and_o diligent_a care_n make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o riches_n and_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 1._o how_o apt_a riches_n be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o good_a life_n how_o pernicious_a be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o affirm_v with_o a_o asseveration_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o much_o to_o be_v note_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 19.23_o and_o that_o this_o terrible_a sentence_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n he_o exemplify_v rich_a man_n danger_n by_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camet_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v narrow_a and_o can_v give_v no_o entrance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v load_v and_o cumber_v with_o fardel_n of_o wealth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o love_v and_o desire_v riches_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n do_v a_o bitter_a potion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o recover_v health_n but_o it_o be_v unpleasant_a and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o he_o will_v let_v it_o alone_o and_o however_o he_o take_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v so_o shall_v every_o christian_a be_v affect_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o our_o necessity_n require_v the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v vexatious_a and_o dangerous_a too_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v wish_v we_o can_v live_v without_o they_o and_o we_o must_v take_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o be_v requisite_a to_o supply_v our_o want_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 6.6_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n and_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o good_a man_n fear_v not_o my_o son_n though_o we_o be_v make_v poor_a for_o thou_o have_v much_o wealth_n if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o all_o sin_n tob._n 4.21_o 2._o he_o be_v true_o rich_a that_o be_v rich_a to_o eternity_n and_o have_v a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o store_n but_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v innocent_a that_o will_v be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n man_n care_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o commit_v so_o they_o may_v get_v wealth_n and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o its_o great_a use_n be_v to_o purchase_v therewith_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o that_o play_v with_o pebble_n and_o pin_n be_v very_a intent_n to_o their_o game_n when_o yet_o they_o value_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o care_v for_o our_o necessity_n and_o yet_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o supply_v they_o we_o may_v use_v money_n to_o that_o end_n but_o we_o may_v not_o enslave_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o except_o we_o will_v become_v most_o base_a and_o miserable_a we_o see_v when_o nut_n be_v throw_v among_o child_n they_o will_v greedy_o scrape_v and_o fight_v for_o they_o and_o man_n will_v stand_v unconcern_v and_o despise_v such_o trash_n so_o shall_v we_o as_o many_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o be_v true_a christian_n when_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v get_v and_o man_n that_o know_v and_o expect_v no_o better_o will_v crowd_n and_o strive_v and_o sweat_v for_o they_o let_v we_o laugh_v and_o pity_v their_o folly_n those_o thing_n be_v but_o nut_n not_o worth_a our_o stoop_n if_o any_o fall_n into_o our_o bosom_n we_o may_v break_v it_o and_o eat_v it_o but_o it_o be_v below_o we_o to_o scramble_v for_o they_o all_o worldly_a thing_n be_v mere_a deceit_n and_o vanity_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n he_o will_v have_v no_o riches_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v despise_v they_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n like_v not_o of_o this_o they_o rather_o despise_v christ_n and_o his_o divine_a doctrine_n because_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_n mammon_n but_o the_o child_n of_o light_n gather_v their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n corrupt_v and_o where_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o nor_o steal_v he_o be_v rich_a enough_o in_o this_o world_n that_o want_v not_o daily_a bread_n chap._n xv._o of_o the_o use_n of_o riches_n and_o how_o to_o know_v we_o love_v they_o not_o 1._o few_o understand_v or_o consider_v how_o to_o use_v their_o estate_n aright_o that_o they_o be_v the_o provision_n for_o this_o present_a short_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n obtain_v without_o any_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o own_o without_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n and_o preserve_v without_o anxious_a fear_n and_o distribute_v without_o regret_n or_o nigardliness_n where_o charity_n and_o necessity_n call_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o by_o birth_n or_o by_o place_n be_v noble_a and_o dignify_a person_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o rank_n which_o shall_v be_v honourable_o maintain_v have_v great_a want_n than_o their_o inferior_n who_o may_v have_v sufficient_a with_o a_o lesser_a portion_n yet_o however_o we_o be_v all_o but_o steward_n of_o what_o we_o possess_v and_o we_o shall_v all_o study_v alm_n and_o moderation_n that_o god_n our_o great_a landlord_n may_v find_v we_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v the_o true_a owner_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v we_o be_v but_o servant_n under_o he_o who_o shall_v use_v all_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o plenty_n be_v voluntary_o poor_a as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o riches_n increase_v shall_v not_o be_v proud_a nor_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o 2._o nature_n have_v hide_v gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o covetous_a that_o seek_v for_o those_o belove_a metal_n be_v bow_v down_o and_o stoop_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o can_v hardly_o raise_v up_o himself_o to_o look_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o wise_a christian_a look_v