shake_v off_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n presence_n because_o it_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o our_o appetite_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n spiritual_a joy_n be_v deny_v we_o we_o present_o seek_v for_o earthly_a pleasure_n because_o we_o open_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o see_v god_n present_a and_o we_o embrace_v he_o not_o with_o devout_a affection_n and_o we_o care_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n which_o god_n himself_o show_v to_o abraham_n to_o have_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a holy_a david_n likewise_o make_v a_o great_a use_n of_o this_o to_o be_v always_o mindful_a that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o psal_n 16.8_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v he_o can_v never_o but_o be_v happy_a that_o dwell_v with_o the_o author_n of_o all_o happiness_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n saint_n appear_v difficult_a 1._o we_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o christian_a worthy_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o because_o we_o represent_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o be_v now_o of_o another_o nature_n free_v from_o the_o body_n inhabitant_n of_o the_o mansion_n of_o bliss_n whence_o anger_n lust_n and_o all_o temptation_n be_v for_o ever_o banish_v and_o where_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o if_o we_o real_o desire_v to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o they_o then_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o as_o we_o be_v so_o be_v they_o mortal_a man_n cumber_v with_o the_o uneasy_a burden_n of_o the_o flesh_n infect_v with_o sin_n tempt_v by_o sinful_a affection_n and_o expose_v to_o misery_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o by_o faith_n they_o overcome_v all_o these_o subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n and_o by_o fight_v obtain_v the_o crown_n 2._o elias_n say_v st._n james_n 5.17_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o the_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o again_o he_o pray_v and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_n and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o her_o fruit_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o saint_n that_o have_v do_v the_o great_a wonder_n they_o be_v like_o we_o make_v of_o the_o same_o clay_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o temptation_n while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v only_o above_o we_o in_o this_o that_o with_o great_a and_o assiduous_a pain_n they_o conquer_v pride_n and_o lust_n and_o escape_v the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o diligent_a care_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n why_o then_o do_v we_o draw_v back_o and_o make_v delay_n to_o they_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o become_v saint_n by_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o if_o shake_v off_o our_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n we_o will_v serious_o endeavour_v we_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n arrive_v to_o the_o same_o height_n of_o sanctification_n and_o bliss_n as_o they_o have_v for_o he_o have_v proceed_v far_o towards_o holiness_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v holy_a chap._n xxix_o how_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o again_o col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o a_o good_a work_n which_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o god_n account_n do_v become_v evil_a it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n to_o receive_v its_o form_n from_o the_o end_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o act_n and_o if_o we_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n without_o reference_n to_o god_n this_o be_v that_o lust_n or_o sinful_a love_n which_o saint_n john_n condemn_v 1_o ep._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n love_v they_o not_o so_o as_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o for_o here_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n traveller_n go_v home_o to_o our_o father_n house_n to_o our_o god_n and_o so_o what_o creature_n we_o meet_v in_o our_o way_n we_o may_v use_v they_o as_o convenience_n to_o carry_v we_o forward_o towards_o he_o but_o we_o may_v not_o dwell_v with_o they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v at_o our_o journey_n end_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v love_v for_o himself_o he_o alone_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o last_o and_o best_a end_n we_o can_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o he_o alone_o our_o appetite_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v our_o enjoyment_n shall_v be_v secure_a and_o our_o joy_n undisturbed_a for_o ever_o whosoever_o know_v not_o and_o pursue_v not_o this_o end_n know_v not_o why_o he_o live_v nor_o how_o to_o live_v well_o but_o he_o that_o know_v it_o know_v whither_o to_o direct_v his_o intention_n and_o whither_o to_o tend_v in_o all_o his_o action_n 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o natural_a action_n as_o to_o walk_v to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v and_o such_o like_a be_v of_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a yet_o all_o divine_n teach_v that_o they_o become_v sin_n if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o to_o some_o further_a and_o better_a end_n that_o be_v to_o live_v to_o serve_v god_n who_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o all_o man_n action_n because_o as_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 6.22_o if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n this_o eye_n be_v the_o intention_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o action_n if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a they_o become_v work_n of_o darkness_n and_o good_a it_o can_v be_v except_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n the_o supreme_a goodness_n every_o good_a thing_n come_v from_o god_n and_o whatever_o return_v not_o to_o he_o be_v evil_a chap._n xxx_o self-love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1._o after_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o prefer_v himself_o to_o god_n commit_v that_o grievous_a transgression_n whereby_o all_o mankind_n become_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n lust_n and_o ignorance_n darkness_n and_o evil_a propensity_n seize_v upon_o our_o nature_n man_n forsake_v god_n and_o turn_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n run_v dissolute_o after_o carnal_a pleasure_n hence_o self-love_n the_o great_a enemy_n to_o virtue_n come_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o man_n who_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o seek_v nothing_o now_o but_o wealth_n honour_n and_o sensual_a delight_n and_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.7_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v for_o all_o its_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o sin_n only_o 2._o and_o yet_o self-love_n which_o seek_v so_o much_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v indeed_o its_o chief_a hindrance_n for_o god_n have_v create_v we_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o enjoin_v we_o to_o design_n it_o always_o when_o by_o self-love_n we_o seek_v only_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o advantage_n we_o do_v nothing_o whereby_o to_o obtain_v god_n favour_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o rather_o fall_v into_o a_o wretched_a state_n of_o damnation_n we_o be_v debtor_n not_o to_o the_o flesh_n to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v now_o to_o this_o mortification_n we_o be_v strong_o oblige_v by_o christian_a religion_n its_o great_a design_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n that_o as_o we_o yield_v our_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n even_o so_o now_o we_o shall_v yield_v they_o servant_n
in_o we_o our_o labour_n be_v but_o short_a but_o our_o promise_a reward_n be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a chap._n viii_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o they_o that_o neglect_v their_o last_o end_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o serious_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v nor_o express_v how_o ignorant_a and_o careless_a many_o christian_n remain_v about_o their_o great_a and_o last_o end_n if_o there_o be_v no_o eternity_n and_o if_o nothing_o after_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v or_o hope_v for_o they_o can_v not_o live_v more_o loose_o than_o they_o do_v few_o they_o be_v that_o serious_o consider_v that_o their_o great_a interest_n and_o their_o chief_a business_n which_o shall_v take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o be_v to_o attain_v their_o proper_a end_n that_o end_n which_o be_v desire_v for_o itself_o and_o beyond_o which_o we_o shall_v wish_v for_o nothing_o of_o which_o s._n philip_n say_v joh._n 14.8_o lord_n show_v we_o the_o father_n and_o it_o suffice_v we_o for_o this_o end_n which_o be_v god_n the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o he_o will_v be_v al-sufficient_a because_o that_o it_o will_v have_v no_o end_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v mere_a trifle_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n 2._o the_o very_a shape_n of_o our_o body_n do_v admonish_v we_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o god_n make_v we_o with_o our_o face_n upward_o that_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o may_v know_v that_o thence_o be_v our_o origine_fw-la and_o that_o there_o be_v our_o rest_n and_o country_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o many_o like_a brute_n look_v down_o and_o grovel_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o can_v relish_v nothing_o nor_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v earthly_a nay_o more_o like_a man_n in_o a_o deep_a lethargy_n they_o can_v hardly_o be_v wake_v by_o the_o loud_a clamour_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o rage_a approach_a fire_n and_o what_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o if_o they_o somewhat_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n and_o speak_v imperfect_o two_o or_o three_o word_n of_o sense_n they_o soon_o fall_v again_o into_o their_o slumber_n and_o no_o long_o will_v hear_v or_o mind_n what_o concern_v their_o life_n and_o safety_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 6.33_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o but_o we_o slight_v and_o neglect_v that_o bless_a kingdom_n seek_v for_o money_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n and_o mind_n nothing_o else_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v necessary_a luke_n 10.42_o but_o we_o cumber_v ourselves_o about_o many_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_a hindrance_n to_o our_o salvation_n he_o command_v we_o mat._n 7.12_o to_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o but_o we_o general_o do_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o we_o will_v think_v most_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v ourselves_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o judge_v mat._n 7.1_o but_o we_o love_v to_o censure_v other_o and_o to_o condemn_v they_o very_o severe_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o mote_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o perceive_v not_o beam_n in_o our_o own_o and_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o in_o this_o he_o require_v we_o will_v love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n mat._n 22.37_o but_o we_o dote_v on_o pelf_n and_o riches_n we_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n to_o he_o we_o prefer_v any_o thing_n that_o gratify_v our_o lust_n and_o our_o sinful_a affection_n thus_o in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o make_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a because_o we_o will_v live_v as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n no_o thought_n of_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n no_o remembrance_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n the_o life_n of_o every_o creature_n consist_v in_o act_v suitable_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n now_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o do_v as_o man_n wherein_o proper_o consist_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o dignity_n be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a work_n our_o life_n and_o happiness_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a be_v infinite_o pernicious_a chap._n ix_o the_o reason_n why_o all_o man_n be_v not_o happy_a be_v they_o all_o desire_v it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o constant_a sense_n and_o design_n of_o all_o man_n that_o can_v use_v their_o reason_n to_o aspire_v after_o happiness_n but_o what_o that_o be_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o opinion_n and_o dispute_n and_o philosopher_n have_v spend_v much_o time_n and_o industry_n to_o find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o blessedness_n the_o desire_n whereof_o be_v natural_a and_o common_a to_o all_o of_o what_o part_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o yet_o christian_n alone_o know_v it_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o felicity_n the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o rational_a desire_n that_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la or_o last_v end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o love_v and_o seek_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n as_o that_o wherein_o alone_o we_o can_v find_v perfect_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v and_o sad_o bewail_v that_o multitude_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o wilful_o blind_a and_o perverse_a that_o though_o they_o passionate_o wish_v for_o happiness_n yet_o they_o do_v nothing_o whereby_o to_o obtain_v it_o they_o be_v so_o gross_o cheat_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o bliss_n the_o deceit_n and_o illusion_n of_o thing_n present_a that_o they_o aspire_v to_o nothing_o above_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v and_o yet_o can_v be_v happy_a because_o they_o aim_v not_o at_o the_o right_a end_n their_o action_n and_o pursuit_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o misery_n and_o thither_o necessary_o lead_v they_o though_o it_o be_v much_o against_o their_o will_n 2._o as_o in_o a_o circle_n though_o never_o so_o ample_a there_o be_v but_o one_o centre_n which_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o middle_n seem_v to_o have_v dominion_n over_o all_o the_o line_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o circumference_n and_o to_o be_v their_o proper_a place_n of_o rest_n thus_o be_v god_n the_o one_o only_a centre_n and_o rest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o he_o they_o may_v wander_v eternal_o other_o object_n be_v finite_a and_o altogether_o unsatisfy_v therefore_o god_n require_v only_o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v after_o he_o because_o that_o alone_o be_v absolute_o require_v to_o our_o well-being_n whatever_o else_o be_v want_v we_o may_v be_v well_o without_o it_o life_n itself_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o if_o not_o life_n much_o less_o lesser_a enjoyment_n and_o so_o he_o that_o live_v as_o he_o shall_v aim_v at_o his_o right_a end_n must_v live_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o serve_v and_o to_o glorify_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o law_n appoint_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v change_v that_o he_o that_o desire_v and_o pursue_v after_o that_o supreme_a eternal_a uncreated_a good_a thereby_o become_v happy_a whereas_o he_o that_o any_o way_n turn_v from_o it_o become_v necessary_o miserable_a chap._n x._o that_o with_o a_o upright_a intention_n we_o must_v use_v all_o thing_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o god_n 1._o in_o that_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o traveller_n go_v to_o our_o country_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a we_o shall_v always_o advance_v thitherward_o and_o serious_o inquire_v whether_o we_o follow_v the_o right_a way_n whither_o we_o be_v go_v what_o end_n we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o labour_n and_o what_o it_o be_v we_o now_o aim_v at_o by_o our_o present_a study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o man_n undertake_v nothing_o but_o to_o a_o certain_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o the_o better_a it_o be_v the_o better_a also_o be_v the_o undertake_n it_o be_v a_o good_a intention_n that_o make_v a_o good_a work_n and_o that_o good_a intention_n be_v that_o which_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o wicked_a wisd_v 2.6_o come_v on_o therefore_o let_v we_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a whereas_o the_o best_a of_o creature_n be_v only_o for_o use_n and_o god_n alone_o for_o enjoyment_n the_o creature_n be_v as_o so_o many_o step_n or_o round_n of_o a_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o may_v ascend_v
rough_a and_o bitter_a and_o in_o sin_n a_o mixture_n of_o sweetness_n that_o offend_v and_o this_o gratify_v their_o distemper_a palate_n and_o they_o brutish_o follow_v the_o bait_n run_v into_o all_o dissolution_n and_o so_o reject_v truth_n to_o embrace_v a_o lie_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o give_v ear_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o plain_a monitor_n who_o lay_v the_o truth_n open_a before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o work_v upon_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o have_v some_o desire_n after_o light_n yet_o like_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o awake_v but_o be_v oppress_v by_o a_o heavy_a slumber_n and_o so_o present_o fall_v to_o sleep_v again_o they_o soon_o after_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o exclude_v the_o light_n to_o return_v to_o their_o belove_a darkness_n 3._o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o we_o propound_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o effect_v nothing_o for_o we_o not_o foresee_v the_o difficulty_n which_o common_o occur_v in_o well-doing_n when_o we_o come_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o we_o present_o draw_v back_o and_o our_o courage_n fail_v again_o we_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n more_o than_o in_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n and_o when_o temptation_n grow_v strong_a we_o lose_v heart_n and_o be_v soon_o worsted_n and_o learn_v by_o a_o sad_a experience_n that_o when_o we_o overcome_v it_o be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n last_o we_o give_v much_o to_o notion_n and_o speculation_n and_o take_v little_a care_n to_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o christian_a law_n of_o well-living_a we_o learn_v as_o a_o science_n rather_o than_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o study_v divinity_n not_o to_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_n but_o to_o vain_a glory_n and_o ostentation_n now_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o learn_v wisdom_n and_o yet_o live_v foolish_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v intend_v for_o all_o christian_n 1._o many_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pretend_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o but_o only_o to_o clergyman_n or_o such_o as_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o recluse_n from_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o excuse_n and_o their_o plea_n but_o as_o i_o shall_v soon_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o vain_a for_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o by_o new_a vow_n and_o engagement_n be_v more_o particular_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o live_v religious_o and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o christian_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o their_o way_n may_v differ_v in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o as_o to_o what_o regard_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o love_a and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n they_o be_v all_o equal_o concern_v they_o have_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n alike_o and_o lust_n or_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a be_v likewise_o general_o forbid_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n no_o difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o any_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v injon_v we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v be_v render_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n nor_o covet_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n or_o person_n of_o any_o rank_n or_o call_n nor_o yet_o when_o he_o say_v woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v and_o bless_a be_v you_o that_o mourn_n nor_o when_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v always_o pray_v that_o we_o must_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o that_o we_o must_v hate_v our_o own_o life_n deny_v ourselves_o suffer_v injury_n patient_o and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n in_o these_o consist_v christian_a perfection_n and_o yet_o from_o these_o he_o exclude_v no_o man_n 2._o saint_n paul_n likewise_o write_v to_o all_o christian_n such_o as_o be_v cumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o large_a family_n give_v they_o this_o strict_a ascetic_a rule_n to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n 1_o tim._n 6.8_o than_o which_o nothing_o more_o be_v ever_o require_v of_o any_o hermit_n saint_n peter_n also_o exhort_v all_o believer_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a 1_o ep._n 1.15_o so_o do_v saint_n james_n 1.4_o to_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n before_o they_o all_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o thereby_o recommend_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v repute_v child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n may_v live_v according_o endeavour_v after_o the_o example_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o have_v our_o bless_a lord_n lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n infinite_a obligation_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n to_o be_v strict_a and_o virtuous_a to_o the_o high_a measure_n and_o possibility_n which_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v without_o forfeit_v his_o favour_n and_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o book_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o follow_v after_o perfection_n 1._o now_o then_o let_v we_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o worlding_n place_v their_o felicity_n and_o make_v it_o our_o only_a study_n to_o pursue_v after_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_n the_o height_n of_o christian_a perfection_n in_o follow_v the_o bless_a step_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o this_o little_a volume_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v design_v all_o the_o instruction_n here_o lay_v down_o that_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o return_v in_o some_o manner_n to_o our_o primitive_a station_n that_o paradise_n wherein_o we_o be_v create_v to_o triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o at_o last_o reign_n to_o eternity_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o that_o perfection_n or_o sincerity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o come_v by_o and_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n live_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o make_v christian_n faint_v and_o remiss_a loath_a to_o venture_v upon_o a_o attempt_n which_o they_o will_v have_v they_o think_v be_v whole_o impossible_a whereas_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o he_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a and_o whatever_o be_v hard_a in_o itself_o be_v make_v easy_a by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o 2._o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o delicious_a beauty_n in_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n so_o ravish_v a_o joy_n in_o a_o glimpse_n of_o heavenly_a light_n so_o glorious_a a_o brightness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n eternal_a truth_n that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o for_o one_o day_n may_v just_o be_v prefer_v to_o many_o age_n of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 84.10_o 3._o now_o here_o will_v i_o caution_n my_o reader_n not_o to_o wonder_v if_o perchance_o he_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o little_a book_n for_o that_o can_v be_v avoid_v there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o connexion_n and_o affinity_n betwixt_o the_o precept_n of_o several_a virtue_n and_o withal_o it_o may_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o near_o we_o view_v it_o the_o often_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o review_v it_o likewise_o if_o something_o herein_o seem_v too_o angelical_a and_o high_a or_o more_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a than_o the_o frail_a nature_n of_o man_n can_v well_o bear_v let_v he_o remember_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v