the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o appetite_n too_o many_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v live_v irregular_o in_o their_o call_n christian_n and_o ecclesiastical_a unmindful_a of_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bless_a order_n they_o be_v enter_v in_o their_o indevotion_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o piety_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v for_o pleasure_n abroad_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o find_v it_o not_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o do_v of_o their_o duty_n many_o they_o be_v that_o go_v a_o stray_n and_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v best_a which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o most_o and_o follow_v the_o broad_a way_n in_o a_o crowd_n but_o few_o they_o be_v that_o with_o sincerity_n follow_v christ_n in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o be_v careless_a and_o secure_a in_o that_o way_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a wariness_n have_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o go_v right_a chap._n xli_o that_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o and_o what_o disposition_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a 1._o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o approve_a saying_n that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o can_v obey_v the_o divine_a call_n leave_v all_o and_o follow_v i_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o who_o can_v obtain_v it_o without_o beg_v for_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o holy_a scripture_n luke_n 18.1_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a because_o that_o always_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o want_v the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n now_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o who_o every_o day_n have_v his_o set_a hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o as_o they_o return_v be_v observe_v due_o he_o pray_v always_o who_o in_o all_o thing_n walk_v upright_o and_o with_o a_o holy_a intention_n design_n god_n glory_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n he_o pray_v always_o who_o in_o his_o heart_n preserve_v a_o habitual_a devotion_n and_o always_o desire_v to_o pray_v that_o very_a desire_n be_v a_o good_a prayer_n last_o he_o pray_v always_o who_o always_o live_v well_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a prayer_n 2._o no_o man_n ever_o become_v wicked_a profane_a or_o heretic_n who_o do_v not_o first_o neglect_n and_o cast_v off_o this_o holy_a duty_n prayer_n be_v the_o pipe_n or_o conduit_n which_o bring_v divine_a grace_n into_o our_o soul_n take_v it_o away_o and_o grace_n have_v no_o passage_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v parch_v and_o wither_v and_o at_o last_o by_o degree_n must_v die_v neither_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o mumble_v over_o a_o few_o orison_n and_o recite_v they_o only_o with_o the_o voice_n as_o too_o many_o do_v without_o attention_n without_o reverence_n and_o without_o devout_a affection_n of_o they_o god_n complain_v by_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o son_n isa_n 29.13_o mat._n 15.8_o this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o on_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 109.6_o let_v his_o prayer_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n their_o word_n be_v lie_v that_o work_n wickedness_n and_o yet_o sing_v with_o holy_a david_n that_o they_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o yet_o profess_v with_o he_o psal_n 102.4_o my_o heart_n be_v smite_v and_o wither_v like_o grass_n so_o that_o i_o forget_v to_o eat_v my_o bread_n and_o they_o that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n and_o yet_o say_v with_o that_o penitent_a prophet_n psal_n 42.3_o my_o tear_n have_v be_v my_o meat_n day_n and_o night_n and_o they_o that_o neither_o regard_v nor_o obey_v divine_a precept_n and_o yet_o pronounce_v with_o david_n curse_a be_v they_o that_o depart_v from_o thy_o commandment_n and_o be_v far_o from_o thy_o law_n such_o prayer_n be_v mere_a mockery_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n and_o they_o provoke_v his_o wrath_n rather_o than_o appease_v he_o 3._o no_o man_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a except_o at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n morning_n and_o evening_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o devout_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n spend_v as_o much_o time_n therein_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n as_o he_o common_o do_v for_o the_o feed_n of_o his_o mortal_a body_n and_o let_v none_o intermit_v or_o lessen_v the_o duty_n because_o he_o find_v himself_o dry_a and_o dull_a and_o want_v that_o holy_a relish_n and_o liveliness_n of_o holy_a affection_n which_o sometime_o he_o have_v feel_v for_o true_a devotion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o tear_n and_o tender_a passion_n and_o overflowing_n of_o sensible_a joy_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v by_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o image_n and_o false_a deity_n but_o true_a devotion_n consist_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o well_o dispose_v will_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n god_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n 4._o i_o do_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o pray_v which_o be_v give_v by_o pious_a man_n they_o may_v be_v useful_a but_o alone_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v as_o a_o trade_n by_o imitation_n of_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o we_o no_o the_o art_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o careful_a watch_n over_o it_o and_o over_o our_o sense_n for_o how_o can_v he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o spirit_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o vanity_n how_o can_v he_o approach_v god_n due_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o soul_n be_v all_o day_n take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n with_o idle_a talk_n and_o idle_a business_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o think_v that_o of_o a_o sudden_a a_o man_n of_o clay_n can_v raise_v himself_o up_o to_o heaven_n can_v do_v that_o work_n which_o be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o difficult_a without_o serious_a attention_n and_o preparation_n nay_o with_o the_o obstacle_n and_o distraction_n of_o a_o whole_a day_n employment_n about_o earthly_a thing_n no_o prayer_n do_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o well_o compose_v heart_n free_a from_o the_o image_n of_o worldly_a concern_v fit_v and_o desirous_a to_o entertain_v itself_o with_o god_n and_o the_o best_a preparation_n to_o this_o bless_a duty_n be_v a_o good_a and_o upright_a life_n with_o a_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n he_o that_o will_v daily_o pray_v better_a shall_v so_o value_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o therein_o may_v be_v his_o comfort_n and_o he_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o prayer_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o humility_n be_v ever_o accept_v chap._n xlii_o why_o many_o be_v not_o profit_v by_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o pray_v well_o and_o frequent_o 1._o many_o receive_v little_a or_o no_o advantage_n from_o their_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n because_o they_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v affection_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o they_o make_v reservation_n and_o do_v not_o whole_o devote_v and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o his_o good_a pleasure_n they_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n to_o neglect_v and_o to_o oppose_v it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o double_a heart_n one_o they_o offer_v to_o god_n when_o they_o pray_v the_o other_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o and_o can_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n i_o have_v seek_v thou_o other_o act_v by_o curiosity_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o pride_n seek_v after_o high_a speculation_n and_o abstruse_a learning_n which_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o know_v themselves_o and_o the_o master_v of_o their_o sinful_a passion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n their_o spirit_n be_v soften_v and_o they_o find_v some_o delight_n in_o sigh_n and_o tear_n yet_o soon_o after_o that_o delight_n be_v go_v they_o remain_v impatient_a of_o their_o humiliation_n they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a way_n and_o still_o remain_v tangle_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o their_o vicious_a habit_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o sudden_a change_n or_o conversion_n be_v not_o durable_a which_o proceed_v from_o sudden_a and_o strong_a commotion_n for_o the_o violence_n of_o
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
account_n they_o make_v their_o glory_n their_o felicity_n their_o wisdom_n to_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v shame_n misery_n and_o folly_n they_o detest_v the_o false_a principle_n on_o which_o proceed_v carnal_a prudence_n as_o that_o we_o must_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a honour_v by_o the_o world_n and_o above_o other_o and_o they_o love_v and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a verity_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v riches_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glory_n in_o nothing_o save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o word_n their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o so_o live_v that_o all_o their_o action_n seem_v to_o speak_v aloud_o that_o their_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v high_a and_o difficult_a but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v take_v by_o force_n and_o withal_o it_o well_o deserve_v all_o our_o labour_n and_o noble_a contention_n chap._n xxii_o several_a useful_a caution_n how_o a_o christian_a shall_v undertake_v and_o perfect_v his_o work_n 1._o all_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v do_v in_o peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o end_n of_o that_o he_o be_v about_o but_o withal_o let_v he_o take_v care_n of_o be_v rash_a and_o hasty_a of_o follow_v sudden_a motion_n of_o nature_n rather_o than_o reason_n grace_n and_o religion_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v light_n and_o inconstant_a easy_o wander_v after_o vain_a project_n but_o let_v he_o attend_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o begin_v any_o work_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v too_o busy_a and_o distract_v with_o other_o thought_n for_o than_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o want_v his_o wit_n and_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n which_o afterward_o will_v grieve_v he_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o any_o design_n let_v he_o humble_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v guide_v and_o assist_v he_o and_o let_v he_o serious_o consider_v what_o share_n god_n have_v in_o the_o business_n and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v on_o his_o own_o account_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o work_n let_v not_o self-complacency_a turn_v he_o from_o the_o good_a end_n he_o propose_v and_o in_o the_o finish_n thereof_o let_v he_o be_v cautious_a that_o all_o he_o have_v do_v be_v not_o mar_v and_o spoil_v by_o self-applause_n and_o vainglory_n above_o all_o let_v he_o be_v serious_o intent_n upon_o this_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n keep_v down_o proud_a thought_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o being_n nothing_o 2._o he_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o business_n except_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o cheerful_o and_o diligent_o and_o with_o noble_a design_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n special_o to_o their_o soul_n consider_v that_o the_o bliss_n or_o perfection_n of_o this_o present_a life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o he_o in_o the_o do_n and_o suffer_v his_o pleasure_n except_o necessity_n compel_v he_o let_v he_o not_o undertake_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o his_o strength_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v lose_v nothing_o of_o his_o peace_n nor_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o to_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o too_o much_o take_v up_o with_o thing_n without_o we_o common_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o tranquillity_n rather_o as_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v accompany_v tobit_n though_o it_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o serve_v he_o yet_o nevertheless_o attend_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o so_o shall_v a_o good_a christian_a mind_n the_o necessary_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v outward_o trouble_v and_o employ_v about_o they_o when_o yet_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n in_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o distraction_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n xxiii_o that_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v 1._o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n require_v of_o we_o here_o and_o that_o which_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n more_o certain_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n than_o he_o that_o honest_o and_o diligent_o work_v in_o his_o proper_a sphere_n therefore_o the_o devil_n common_o lay_v this_o snare_n in_o our_o way_n to_o christian_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v after_o the_o do_v of_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o office_n thereby_o to_o busy_a and_o distract_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o attend_v to_o our_o proper_a duty_n which_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o the_o do_v whereof_o be_v our_o great_a virtue_n 2._o he_o therefore_o great_o deceive_v himself_o that_o will_v fain_o change_v his_o condition_n imagine_v he_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o there_o or_o so_o or_o so_o after_o providence_n or_o a_o prudent_a choice_n have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o it_o do_v but_o make_v he_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a in_o do_v what_o he_o shall_v while_o he_o think_v of_o what_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o it_o make_v he_o to_o sit_v idle_a and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v while_o he_o project_n to_o do_v great_a feat_n where_o he_o be_v not_o whereas_o the_o unblameable_a integrity_n or_o perfection_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a shall_v aim_v depend_v upon_o particular_a action_n they_o that_o be_v negligent_a and_o incurious_a to_o do_v they_o well_o set_v themselves_o backward_o and_o make_v no_o progress_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v absent_a and_o their_o thought_n employ_v somewhere_o else_o they_o do_v but_o little_a where_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v do_v after_o a_o dream_v careless_a way_n such_o man_n be_v always_o beginning_n or_o about_o to_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o they_o contrive_v many_o thing_n but_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n they_o be_v all_o leaf_n and_o no_o fruit_n like_a tree_n that_o be_v often_o remove_v they_o no_o where_n take_v firm_a root_n and_o so_o remain_v every_o where_o useless_a chap._n xxiv_o how_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v sincere_a 1._o christians_n shall_v not_o indulge_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o low_a belly_n or_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o nice_a or_o gluttonous_a palate_n they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o vanity_n and_o undecency_n in_o their_o apparel_n and_o from_o all_o idle_a sport_n that_o be_v too_o expensive_a of_o time_n and_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n from_o ambition_n and_o pride_n and_o from_o covetousness_n and_o desire_n of_o riches_n anger_n ought_v not_o to_o lodge_v in_o their_o breast_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o careless_o nor_o yet_o rash_o least_o of_o all_o deceitful_o and_o hypocritical_o christian_n duty_n and_o act_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o do_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o attention_n and_o a_o good_a intention_n be_v mere_a dissemble_a and_o pageantry_n in_o some_o place_n where_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o theatrical_a representation_n you_o shall_v often_o find_v man_n of_o wicked_a life_n act_v the_o high_a virtue_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n one_o the_o constancy_n of_o martyr_n another_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o perhaps_o the_o heroic_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o end_n of_o the_o play_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o fine_a dissemble_n they_o no_o long_o appear_v those_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v but_o present_o return_v to_o their_o nature_n to_o their_o profaneness_n and_o impurity_n just_o so_o be_v they_o that_o have_v a_o fair_a specious_a outside_n appear_v precise_a and_o godly_a to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v or_o drive_v a_o interest_n they_o be_v mere_a juggler_n and_o stage-player_n they_o put_v a_o fair_a vizard_n over_o a_o ugly_a face_n holiness_n outward_o inward_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o perverse_a passion_n their_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o comedy_n that_o will_v have_v a_o tragical_a end_n 2._o for_o indeed_o this_o be_v
with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v all_o satisfaction_n and_o amends_o possible_a for_o past_a offence_n to_o restrain_v and_o mortify_v all_o sinful_a appetite_n careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o way_n and_o allurement_n to_o sin_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o willing_o to_o bear_v contempt_n frequent_o to_o examine_v our_o conscience_n and_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o root_v out_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o vicious_a desire_n and_o inclination_n and_o to_o set_v in_o their_o stead_n all_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a affection_n 2._o they_o that_o make_v this_o their_o serious_a and_o constant_a employment_n have_v their_o own_o sin_n before_o their_o eye_n but_o have_v no_o eye_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o they_o grieve_v for_o their_o own_o offence_n and_o punish_v their_o own_o folly_n but_o they_o pass_v by_o or_o excuse_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o they_o see_v their_o own_o danger_n and_o be_v always_o afraid_a of_o fall_v and_o always_o watchful_a not_o to_o fall_v for_o our_o necessary_a converse_n with_o the_o world_n our_o ill_a custom_n and_o our_o dwell_n with_o bait_n and_o temptation_n expose_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o yet_o take_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o we_o especial_o our_o evil_a inclination_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o have_v a_o strong_a party_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o begin_v by_o time_n to_o deprave_v or_o harden_v conscience_n that_o it_o shall_v hardly_o have_v any_o feel_n of_o sin_n daily_o commit_v and_o then_o this_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o contract_v ill_a habit_n that_o the_o often_o we_o act_v by_o they_o the_o more_o we_o confirm_v they_o and_o the_o less_o we_o observe_v our_o fault_n and_o error_n chap._n thirty-nine_o remedy_n against_o ordinary_a fail_n and_o great_a sin_n 1._o to_o fall_v into_o those_o sin_n which_o some_o call_v venial_a or_o sin_n of_o daily_a incursion_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o yet_o even_o those_o sin_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v little_a that_o be_v commit_v against_o a_o great_a god_n and_o for_o which_o we_o must_v suffer_v eternal_a torment_n if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v to_o make_v expiation_n for_o they_o but_o though_o there_o be_v pardon_n for_o those_o unavoidable_a error_n which_o without_o a_o special_a grace_n we_o can_v but_o commit_v at_o some_o time_n yet_o ought_v we_o to_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o power_n daily_o to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o to_o prevent_v they_o by_o act_n of_o contrary_a virtue_n one_o by_o one_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a as_o man_n be_v in_o contagious_a time_n who_o not_o only_o avoid_v infect_v person_n but_o also_o all_o that_o have_v touch_v and_o be_v about_o they_o so_o shall_v we_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o be_v count_v light_n avoid_v and_o stop_v all_o the_o way_n and_o avenue_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o lest_o we_o fall_v frequent_o at_o last_o fall_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o death_n 2._o every_o moment_n almost_o we_o have_v some_o temptation_n to_o vain_a talk_n or_o vain_a inquisitiveness_n to_o anger_n or_o unseemly_a jest_n to_o contention_n or_o impatience_n to_o idle_a thought_n and_o distraction_n or_o to_o such_o like_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v avoid_v that_o be_v mix_v with_o all_o our_o worldly_a affair_n they_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v therefore_o we_o must_v at_o least_o secure_a this_o that_o however_o our_o nature_n stand_v affect_v to_o any_o of_o those_o lesser_a sin_n yet_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o entertain_v any_o love_n for_o they_o lest_o our_o own_o affection_n hinder_v we_o careful_o to_o watch_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o without_o this_o our_o after-repentance_n and_o our_o sacramental_a vow_n will_v signify_v little_a to_o obtain_v remission_n of_o they_o or_o victory_n against_o they_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v say_v of_o these_o fail_n that_o the_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n but_o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o just_a man_n endeavour_n against_o it_o and_o that_o he_o never_o fall_v but_o by_o frailty_n or_o by_o sudden_a surprise_n 3._o likewise_o for_o vice_n or_o great_a sin_n to_o conquer_v they_o you_o must_v stifle_v they_o in_o the_o birth_n suppress_v the_o first_o motion_n to_o they_o and_o meet_v the_o temptation_n with_o a_o act_n of_o virtue_n contrary_n to_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o you_o be_v abuse_v and_o provoke_v refrain_v the_o first_o stir_v of_o anger_n and_o then_o busy_a your_o mind_n with_o some_o act_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n consider_v that_o you_o suffer_v that_o and_o less_o than_o that_o you_o deserve_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o do_v you_o wrong_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v he_o any_o kindness_n you_o can_v for_o thus_o we_o best_o avoid_v evil_a by_o study_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o last_o be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o the_o first_o and_o that_o servant_n deserve_v no_o great_a reward_n who_o do_v not_o strike_v and_o revile_v his_o master_n if_o he_o do_v not_o withal_o faithful_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o this_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o think_v to_o have_v make_v sure_a work_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v wicked_a when_o yet_o they_o have_v neglect_v positive_a duty_n and_o have_v not_o do_v those_o good_a work_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v good_a both_o be_v equal_o command_v not_o to_o transgress_v by_o omission_n no_o more_o than_o commission_n chap._n xl._n clergyman_n have_v some_o especial_a obligation_n though_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v after_o perfection_n 1._o though_o the_o same_o institute_n of_o christian_a perfection_n be_v deliver_v to_o all_o and_o all_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 7._o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o clergyman_n obligation_n to_o a_o strict_a devout_a life_n be_v much_o enforce_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o particular_a call_n for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v to_o be_v holy_a themselves_o but_o also_o by_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o set_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a so_o to_o follow_v after_o virtue_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o of_o good_a report_n so_o to_o live_v and_o so_o to_o converse_v with_o man_n that_o their_o word_n and_o action_n may_v speak_v they_o and_o other_o may_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o this_o the_o least_o neglect_n and_o remissness_n will_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a because_o they_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o and_o man_n general_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o worst_a 2._o they_o must_v remember_v that_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v but_o steward_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o and_o must_v use_v the_o world_n as_o not_o possess_v it_o and_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o it_o so_o they_o more_o especial_o be_v to_o count_v nothing_o their_o own_o and_o that_o little_a they_o have_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o must_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o their_o function_n they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o as_o other_o oblige_v to_o live_v by_o the_o gospel-rule_n but_o that_o beside_o they_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o its_o constitution_n and_o so_o far_o be_v bar_v from_o their_o own_o will_n which_o must_v comply_v with_o that_o order_n and_o commission_n they_o have_v take_v and_o most_o of_o all_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o christ_n himself_o who_o servant_n they_o be_v humble_v himself_o come_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n become_v of_o no_o reputation_n become_v poor_a for_o we_o though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n profess_v he_o be_v not_o come_v do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o 3._o what_o will_v it_o avail_v to_o read_v the_o instruction_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n if_o we_o follow_v they_o not_o those_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v set_v before_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o no_o christian_a come_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o a_o martyr_n we_o must_v all_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o and_o indeed_o that_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n which_o all_o christian_n especial_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v oblige_v to_o use_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n without_o blood_n be_v