the_o part_n we_o be_v to_o act_v upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o fit_a mean_n of_o represent_v that_o part_n allot_v to_o we_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o it_o especial_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o who_o will_v we_o daily_o pray_v may_v be_v do_v 2._o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a in_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n consider_v as_o a_o allwise_o be_v as_o god_n almighty_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o great_a dispenser_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o event_n in_o the_o world_n so_o likewise_o be_v he_o a_o most_o just_a and_o allwise_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o necessity_n which_o we_o can_v control_v or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o choice_n and_o of_o prudence_n because_o our_o maker_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o ourselves_o and_o perfect_o to_o be_v folfow_v and_o obey_v for_o what_o be_v choose_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n must_v be_v infinite_o better_a than_o what_o we_o choose_v it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o prudent_o do_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o council_n guidance_n and_o direction_n than_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o headiness_n and_o blindness_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o eat_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o our_o own_o rashness_n and_o folly_n for_o we_o may_v especial_o in_o some_o late_a horrid_a instance_n easy_o observe_v what_o small_a occurrency_n quite_o shatter_v and_o disorder_v and_o overturn_v the_o most_o politic_a subtle_a secret_a and_o well-laid_a design_n in_o the_o world_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o long_a deliberation_n &_o forecast_n the_o huge_a prospect_n and_o foresight_n of_o difficulty_n the_o great_a reserve_v and_o preparation_n against_o all_o imaginable_a obstacle_n in_o a_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o power_n secrecy_n combination_n of_o party_n etc._n etc._n one_o poor_a unthought_a of_o accident_n crak_n in_o sunder_o and_o disjoynt_n the_o whole_a elaborate_v project_n destroy_v and_o ruin_v the_o great_a design_n god_n almighty_a thereby_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o their_o success_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n in_o contrive_v and_o cut_v out_o our_o own_o fortune_n but_o to_o cast_v our_o care_n opon_n he_o who_o know_v better_a than_o we_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o now_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v ourselves_o wise_a than_o god_n it_o will_v always_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o resolve_v our_o poor_a narrow_a improvident_a will_n into_o the_o will_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o hurt_n or_o evil_a to_o befall_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o some_o great_a good_a upon_o another_o account_n for_o though_o some_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n may_v seem_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v difficult_a and_o obscure_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v most_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o all_o of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v special_a reason_n and_o end_n whereby_o the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o dispensation_n may_v be_v justify_v as_o to_o quicken_v our_o relish_n of_o and_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o those_o mercy_n we_o enjoy_v to_o teach_v we_o resignation_n to_o his_o divine_a will_n to_o enlarge_v our_o experience_n to_o prevent_v the_o surfeit_n of_o prosperity_n and_o awaken_v as_o it_o be_v with_o thunder_n our_o drowsy_a soul_n that_o have_v long_o sleep_v too_o secure_o in_o sin_n etc._n etc._n nay_o we_o may_v consider_v affliction_n as_o oft_o time_n the_o occasion_n of_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n and_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o sit_v heavy_a upon_o we_o but_o as_o they_o serve_v some_o of_o god_n end_n and_o the_o purpose_n of_o universal_a providence_n thus_o once_o a_o noble_a heathen_a after_o he_o have_v experience_v the_o great_a advantage_n his_o banishment_n give_v he_o as_o to_o his_o temporal_a preferment_n cry_v out_o periissem_fw-la ni_fw-fr periissem_fw-la thus_o if_o a_o man_n can_v have_v open_v one_o of_o the_o page_n of_o the_o divine_a council_n and_o there_o read_v the_o event_n of_o joseph_n be_v sell_v to_o the_o merchant_n of_o midian_a he_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n have_v dry_v up_o the_o youngman_n tear_n and_o we_o may_v from_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o instance_n safe_o conclude_v that_o god_n esteem_v it_o one_o of_o his_o peculiar_a glory_n to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n so_o that_o whatever_o it_o be_v god_n appoint_v for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o submit_v to_o but_o to_o choose_v and_o cheerful_o and_o thankful_o as_o well_o as_o patient_o and_o quiet_o to_o follow_v and_o embrace_v and_o however_o troublesome_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v patient_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o wait_v upon_o god_n all-sufficiency_n and_o goodness_n either_o to_o remove_v they_o in_o his_o good_a time_n or_o to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o 3._o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o afflict_v we_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o this_o in_o point_n of_o common_a gratitude_n for_o if_o affliction_n be_v certain_o send_v as_o a_o real_a favour_n and_o kindness_n if_o according_a to_o the_o royal_a prophet_n god_n do_v indeed_o love_v those_o who_o he_o chastize_n then_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o gratitude_n and_o acknowledgement_n not_o murmur_v and_o repine_v for_o the_o return_n of_o thanks_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a requital_n be_v indispensible_o due_a to_o kindness_n receive_v and_o you_o will_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o man_n so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o civility_n as_o not_o grateful_o to_o resent_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o favour_n do_v he_o or_o so_o void_a of_o humanity_n as_o to_o be_v angry_a or_o vex_v with_o any_o person_n for_o be_v too_o much_o his_o friend_n affliction_n therefore_o send_v out_o of_o love_n aught_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o thankfulness_n now_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o affliction_n come_v from_o god_n love_n for_o its_o end_n be_v to_o amend_v and_o better_v the_o man_n and_o we_o may_v undeniable_o conclude_v that_o god_n love_v he_o who_o he_o do_v good_a to_o who_o he_o labour_v and_o endeavour_n to_o save_v and_o make_v happy_a with_o his_o own_o eternity_n affliction_n say_v a_o fame_a moralist_n be_v like_o a_o friend_n reproof_n or_o a_o father_n correction_n trouble_v the_o man_n into_o amendment_n pinch_v the_o soul_n into_o great_a purity_n they_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a watchful_a and_o careful_a draw_v we_o of_o from_o too_o much_o rest_v on_o the_o world_n make_v we_o bethink_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o return_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n thus_o so_o long_o as_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o afflict_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v under_o his_o discipline_n under_o his_o care_n no_o man_n condition_n be_v desperate_a so_o long_o as_o the_o physician_n continue_v his_o administration_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n whole_o forsake_v of_o god_n nor_o past_o his_o care_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v under_o affliction_n for_o this_o be_v a_o medicine_n that_o without_o our_o own_o default_n will_v certain_o recover_v or_o better_v we_o if_o a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o blessed_v with_o success_n and_o prosperity_n yet_o even_o his_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n as_o make_v he_o more_o humble_a and_o less_o esteem_v this_o present_a world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o late_a martyr_a sovereign_n his_o imprisonment_n be_v the_o happy_a time_n of_o his_o life_n to_o he_o there_o it_o be_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o prison_n he_o begin_v to_o find_v a_o passage_n into_o liberty_n and_o true_a freedom_n and_o those_o better_a thought_n which_o the_o crowd_n of_o business_n and_o the_o entanglement_n of_o interest_n have_v bar_v from_o his_o mind_n his_o meeting_n now_o with_o no_o such_o resistance_n but_o be_v quicken_v from_o his_o present_a misfortune_n wrought_v resolution_n in_o he_o worthy_a a_o christian_n and_o a_o martyr_n there_o do_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o folly_n of_o humane_a greatness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v splendid_a on_o this_o side_n immortality_n discover_v itself_o free_a
moral_a consideration_n touch_v the_o duty_n of_o contentedness_n under_o affliction_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o most_o affectionate_a and_o best_a of_o father_n mr._n james_n simpson_n by_o r._n s._n oxford_z print_v by_o l._n lichfield_n 1685._o moral_a consideration_n touch_v the_o duty_n of_o contentedness_n under_o affliction_n dear_a sir_n a_o midst_n all_o my_o affliction_n nothing_o trouble_v i_o so_o much_o as_o that_o by_o the_o disappointment_n of_o my_o hope_n in_o this_o place_n i_o be_o like_a to_o continue_v still_o incapable_a of_o pay_v some_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o owe_v you_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o my_o education_n i_o mean_v of_o give_v you_o some_o handsome_a evidence_n of_o my_o improvement_n in_o my_o study_n a_o thing_n i_o have_v always_o infinite_o desire_v have_v perhaps_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o you_o that_o ever_o any_o son_n in_o the_o world_n have_v to_o a_o father_n but_o in_o the_o circumstance_n i_o be_o now_o in_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o foundation_n i_o must_v despair_v of_o do_v any_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o scholar_n all_o my_o concern_n be_v what_o i_o shall_v want_v in_o intellectual_n to_o make_v up_o in_o moral_n and_o though_o i_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a clerk_n yet_o to_o approve_v myself_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o life_n and_o action_n as_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v hitherto_o do_v a_o dutiful_a son_n a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian_n sir_n in_o your_o last_o you_o be_v please_v to_o order_v i_o to_o send_v you_o some_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o pen_n touch_v contentedness_n under_o affliction_n i_o have_v very_o ready_o obey_v your_o command_n and_o such_o poor_a indegested_a collection_n as_o i_o can_v make_v upon_o this_o subject_a in_o the_o great_a trouble_n i_o be_o under_o i_o now_o send_v you_o wish_v they_o may_v contribute_v something_o to_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n though_o i_o be_o sensible_a in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v fall_v far_o short_a of_o my_o wish_n yet_o i_o have_v do_v as_o under_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o gratitude_n i_o be_o bind_v what_o i_o can_v to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v you_o be_v still_o desirous_a though_o unable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o you_o and_o to_o contribute_v something_o to_o the_o content_a and_o happiness_n of_o your_o life_n i_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o deserve_v a_o check_n for_o my_o bad_a performance_n than_o for_o my_o neglect_n and_o have_v rather_o you_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o my_o weakness_n than_o my_o disobedience_n though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o candour_n and_o kindness_n from_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v you_o pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n &_o look_v for_o no_o worse_a censure_n from_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o parent_n than_o they_o usual_o have_v that_o be_v make_v their_o first_o essay_n under_o a_o writing-master_n who_o first_o copy_n though_o the_o letter_n be_v awkward_o make_v and_o crooked_a be_v smile_v upon_o not_o blame_v rather_o pity_v than_o reprove_v now_o as_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v favourable_o look_v upon_o this_o ruffle_a undress_a piece_n and_o so_o lie_v it_o by_o so_o i_o must_v earnest_o entreat_v you_o not_o to_o show_v it_o to_o any_o curious_a eye_n not_o to_o expose_v your_o son_n imperfection_n to_o any_o critical_a or_o censorious_a person_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v huddle_v up_o in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o want_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o method_n and_o language_n my_o retiredness_n and_o solitude_n which_o i_o take_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o have_v give_v i_o time_n and_o leisure_n for_o the_o thought_n i_o here_o set_v down_o and_o my_o late_a misfortune_n abundant_o supply_v i_o with_o subject-matter_n for_o they_o so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o consideration_n i_o here_o present_v you_o with_o be_v what_o every_o assault_n of_o grief_n every_o sad_a reflection_n upon_o my_o late_a disappointment_n here_o in_o the_o college_n put_v i_o upon_o whereby_o i_o endeavour_v to_o settle_v and_o compose_v my_o mind_n to_o fit_v myself_o as_o well_o for_o the_o sincerity_n of_o chamber_n and_o chappel-devotion_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o you_o know_v consist_v in_o hearty_a thanksgiving_n as_o for_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o my_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n these_o may_v prevail_v more_o at_o least_o as_o much_o upon_o you_o as_o they_o have_v upon_o i_o you_o desire_v a_o letter_n of_o advice_n and_o comfort_n under_o your_o present_a pressure_n and_o trouble_v or_o some_o consideration_n touch_v the_o duty_n of_o contentedness_n under_o affliction_n i_o have_v here_o i_o say_v venture_v upon_o something_o in_o order_n to_o your_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v not_o dare_v not_o yet_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o divinity_n but_o design_n only_o to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o strong_a and_o forcible_o persuasive_a bare_a morality_n be_v in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o more_o than_o i_o ought_v nor_o be_v just_o condemn_v for_o a_o plagiary_n i_o hold_v myself_o bind_v here_o ingenious_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o much_o of_o what_o be_v here_o deliver_v have_v be_v borrow_v from_o the_o elaborate_v work_n of_o the_o more_o learned_a heathen-moralist_n latin_a and_o greek_a author_n who_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o small_a pain_n in_o this_o business_n have_v be_v to_o collect_v translate_v and_o methodize_v their_o morality_n the_o ancient_a moralist_n do_v usual_o teach_v and_o enforce_v the_o duty_n of_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o affliction_n 1._o by_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o subdue_a and_o regulate_v the_o passion_n those_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o quiet_a &_o serenity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o of_o acquire_v a_o constant_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o live_v comfortable_o and_o content_o under_o all_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n for_o if_o the_o irregularity_n of_o passion_n be_v the_o grand_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o if_o which_o be_v certain_a the_o removal_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v at_o all_o time_n the_o removal_n of_o the_o effect_n too_o then_o the_o inference_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a that_o a_o due_a government_n &_o regulation_n of_o our_o passion_n as_o it_o take_v away_o all_o struggle_a disturbance_n and_o discomposure_n of_o spirit_n so_o it_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o internal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n 2._o they_o enforce_v this_o duty_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o all_o the_o several_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n for_o all_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n allow_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n a_o natural_a principle_n and_o know_v to_o all_o man_n they_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a good_a and_o powerful_a and_o from_o every_o one_o of_o these_o attribute_n they_o deduce_v a_o necessity_n of_o submission_n to_o and_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o pleasure_n as_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n out_o of_o plain_a and_o absolute_a duty_n and_o necessity_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a and_o necessay_n duty_n of_o every_o rational_a creature_n to_o subdue_v and_o regulate_v the_o passion_n those_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v patient_n and_o content_a in_o all_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o if_o the_o due_a order_n and_o government_n of_o passion_n remove_v all_o trouble_n and_o tumult_n and_o disquietness_n of_o mind_n from_o a_o man_n than_o it_o leave_v he_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o peace_n tranquilty_a and_o serenity_n imaginable_a i._n e._n give_v he_o patience_n and_o content_a for_o what_o be_v quietness_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o cross_n and_o suffering_n but_o patience_n what_o be_v peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o soul_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n estate_n credit_n etc._n etc._n but_o contentedness_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o let_v you_o see_v distinct_o 1._o that_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o passion_n do_v real_o create_v allthese_n trouble_n and_o disquiet_v under_o cross_n and_o
from_o that_o false_a varnish_n that_o have_v former_o wrought_v too_o much_o upon_o humane_a infirmity_n this_o raise_v in_o he_o a_o just_a undervalue_a and_o loathe_v of_o the_o bewitch_a but_o deceive_a charm_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o make_v he_o acknowledge_v god_n great_a goodness_n to_o he_o in_o that_o restraint_n thus_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a truth_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v god_n thus_o affliction_n you_o see_v come_v for_o the_o good_a and_o amendment_n even_o of_o good_a man_n be_v always_o send_v for_o our_o instruction_n or_o prevention_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v our_o fault_n and_o weakness_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o bless_a effect_n now_o since_o there_o be_v few_o or_o no_o person_n who_o have_v be_v observant_a of_o god_n deal_v towards_o they_o but_o be_v able_a to_o say_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n '_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o at_o least_o to_o receive_v they_o with_o submission_n patience_n and_o content_a especial_o consider_v that_o god_n owe_v we_o nothing_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n no_o law_n of_o confer_v benefit_n upon_o we_o but_o all_o that_o we_o have_v we_o have_v of_o free_a gift_n and_o bounty_n and_o morality_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o receive_v a_o alm_n from_o another_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o other_o please_v to_o give_v without_o prescribe_v to_o his_o liberality_n the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v far_o worse_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n than_o the_o worst_a affliction_n that_o do_v or_o can_v befall_v any_o man_n in_o this_o life_n if_o we_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o we_o desire_v it_o be_v well_o we_o be_v not_o so_o miserable_a as_o we_o deserve_v if_o thing_n go_v not_o so_o well_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ill_a as_o they_o may_v just_o have_v be_v and_o the_o worst_a we_o here_o suffer_v be_v less_o than_o we_o deserve_v and_o the_o least_o we_o enjoy_v more_o than_o we_o can_v in_o justice_n expect_v we_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v content_a and_o thankful_a for_o the_o least_o mercy_n and_o to_o be_v patient_a and_o humble_a under_o the_o great_a evil._n there_o have_v be_v example_n of_o great_a affliction_n that_o have_v befall_v better_a man_n than_o we_o be_v and_o when_o our_o condition_n be_v at_o the_o worst_a it_o be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o deserve_v or_o what_o many_o other_o better_o than_o we_o enjoy_v the_o evil_n than_o we_o suffer_v be_v much_o short_a of_o our_o demerit_n the_o good_a we_o enjoy_v much_o beyond_o what_o we_o deserve_v what_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v content_a with_o our_o condition_n though_o afflict_a or_o poor_a for_o though_o we_o want_v something_o that_o other_o have_v yet_o we_o have_v somewhat_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n that_o many_o as_o good_a if_o not_o better_o want_n we_o shall_v learn_v contentment_n by_o consider_v other_o want_n and_o our_o own_o enjoyment_n and_o not_o learn_v discontent_a from_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o our_o own_o want_n man_n will_v questionless_a be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n of_o any_o kind_n if_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o upon_o a_o judicious_a account_n look_v upon_o their_o mean_a low_a worst_a condition_n as_o better_a than_o they_o deserve_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o best_a of_o mankind_n may_v easy_o find_v that_o all_o that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v a_o pitiful_a slender_a scantlet_n and_o will_v be_v infinite_o outweighed_a by_o his_o sin_n omission_n and_o defect_n and_o the_o due_a comparison_n and_o prospect_n of_o this_o will_v quick_o give_v he_o a_o seasonable_a lecture_n of_o humility_n and_o patience_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o upon_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a search_n of_o himself_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o deserve_v affliction_n somewhat_o amiss_o that_o require_v amendment_n some_o evil_n grow_v into_o exorbitancy_n in_o a_o word_n corruption_n enouth_n to_o grow_v into_o great_a enormity_n which_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n know_v and_o in_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n prevent_v by_o the_o corrosive_n and_o cathartic_o of_o affliction_n so_o great_a and_o constant_a be_v his_o love_n to_o we_o even_o in_o his_o punish_v we_o how_o many_o daily_a sin_n and_o offence_n do_v we_o continual_o stand_v guilty_a of_o how_o many_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n of_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n have_v we_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v these_o with_o a_o utter_a deprivation_n of_o they_o nay_o corruption_n and_o vice_n be_v con-genial_a with_o our_o very_a be_v in_o every_o year_n you_o will_v find_v the_o iniquity_n incident_a to_o that_o age_n and_o as_o we_o improve_v in_o stature_n age_n and_o knowledge_n our_o sin_n be_v rather_o vary_v and_o change_v then_o forsake_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o as_o most_o just_o he_o may_v cut_v we_o off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o iniquity_n but_o spare_v and_o give_v we_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o repentance_n now_o if_o he_o be_v thus_o patient_a towards_o we_o in_o our_o sin_v against_o he_o when_o we_o oppose_v and_o provoke_v he_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v patient_a in_o our_o suffering_n from_o he_o when_o he_o endeavour_v to_o heal_v and_o reclaim_v we_o to_o conclude_v god_n love_n and_o goodness_n still_o continue_v even_o in_o affliction_n for_o he_o have_v ordain_v after_o a_o few_o year_n or_o day_n thus_o spend_v after_o a_o few_o affliction_n undergo_v with_o christian_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n a_o eternal_a state_n of_o unchangeable_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o death_n the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a evil_n will_v cure_v all_o these_o malady_n and_o deliver_v up_o the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a comfort_n and_o felicity_n i_o promise_v sir_n in_o this_o short_a discourse_n to_o confine_v myself_o within_o the_o rule_n of_o mere_a morality_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v be_v just_a to_o my_o resolution_n as_o to_o the_o first_o prosition_n about_o regulation_n of_o passion_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o moral_a theme_n and_o that_o nothing_o almost_o can_v be_v write_v upon_o that_o subject_n which_o will_n nor_o fall_v within_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a province_n of_o a_o moralist_n as_o to_o the_o second_o proposition_n touch_v submission_n to_o god_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o pleasure_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o will_v upon_o your_o desire_n give_v you_o the_o name_n of_o those_o heathen_a moralist_n who_o writeting_n do_v authorize_v most_o of_o what_o i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o and_o how_o far_o bare_a morality_n have_v go_v in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v in_o conclusion_n of_o all_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet._n juvenal_n satyr_n 10._o permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la no_o pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la etc._n etc._n boyle_n seraphic_a love_n pag._n 31._o unto_o the_o wise_a god_n be_v the_o care_n permit_v of_o what_o be_v for_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n most_o sit_v they_o will_v for_o pleasant_a thing_n the_o best_a confer_v to_o who_o man_n be_v than_o to_o himself_o more_o dear_a we_o by_o our_o blind_a passion_n lead_v astray_o do_v for_o a_o wife_n perhaps_o or_o child_n pray_v which_o they_o may_v chance_v refuse_v we_o our_o of_o love_n know_v what_o both_o the_o wife_n and_o boy_n will_v prove_v i_o pray_v god_n grant_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v work_v the_o better_a because_o they_o come_v from_o your_o son_n may_v be_v effectual_a to_o create_v holy_a resolution_n in_o you_o contented_o to_o bear_v what_o ever_o god_n please_v to_o lay_v on_o you_o and_o may_v heaven_n bestow_v on_o you_o such_o a_o entire_a and_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o yourself_o to_o providence_n such_o a_o cheerful_a acquiescence_n in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n god_n have_v place_v you_o in_o such_o true_o christian_a patience_n under_o affliction_n that_o be_v in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o receive_v whatever_o come_v from_o his_o will_n and_o always_o acknowledge_v his_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o all_o his_o deal_n towards_o you_o your_o life_n may_v be_v as_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o most_o excellent_o dispose_v for_o a_o better_a in_o glory_n i_o be_o with_o all_o imaginable_a duty_n and_o observance_n dear_a sir_n your_o most_o entire_o affectionate_a and_o obedient_a son_n &_o servant_n r._n s._n qu._n coll._n oâ—on_n dec._n 20._o 1682._o a_o prayer_n for_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n bless_a lord_n who_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o better_o than_o ourselves_o and_o love_v we_o more_o true_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o resign_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o i_o be_o and_o have_v in_o the_o world_n deal_v with_o i_o and_o i_o as_o shall_v seem_v expedient_a to_o thy_o godly_a wisdom_n leave_v i_o not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o own_o counsel_n my_o own_o hurtful_a device_n and_o fancy_n as_o a_o sore_a punishment_n for_o my_o sin_n but_o take_v i_o whole_o to_o thyself_o dispose_n and_o order_v i_o after_o thy_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o make_v i_o not_o only_o sensible_a of_o thy_o love_n in_o all_o thy_o deal_n with_o i_o but_o also_o thankful_a to_o thou_o for_o the_o same_o through_o christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o a_o prayer_n for_o contentment_n almighty_a god_n who_o be_v kind_a even_o to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_a i_o humble_v myself_o in_o the_o dust_n before_o thou_o bewail_v earnest_o the_o secret_a rise_n of_o my_o heart_n against_o thou_o my_o vile_a misconstruction_n and_o hard_a thought_n of_o thy_o providence_n thou_o know_v the_o anguish_n of_o my_o soul_n o_o lord_n pardon_n o_o lord_n forgive_v suffer_v i_o not_o o_o my_o god_n to_o be_v lose_v in_o my_o own_o wild_a murmur_n and_o repine_n but_o draw_v i_o gracious_o to_o thyself_o open_v my_o eye_n that_o in_o all_o these_o cross_n of_o i_o i_o may_v discern_v thy_o love_n and_o enable_v i_o by_o thy_o grace_n to_o welcome_v they_o as_o so_o many_o special_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o thy_o favour_n it_o be_v of_o very_a faithfulness_n thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v trouble_v o_o make_v i_o sensible_a of_o thy_o mercy_n send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o thy_o truth_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonderful_a blessing_n i_o enjoy_v and_o continual_o praise_v thou_o for_o they_o reconcile_v i_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o to_o my_o present_a condition_n it_o be_v the_o condition_n thou_o have_v place_v i_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a for_o i_o thou_o who_o art_n infinite_o wise_a haste_n allot_v it_o and_o thou_o be_v ever_o gracious_a in_o thy_o alotment_n it_o be_v the_o very_a best_a condition_n i_o be_o capable_a of_o lord_n make_v i_o thankful_a amen_n finis_fw-la