a_o gracious_a master_n and_o thus_o the_o child_n do_v with_o respectful_a love_n meet_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o sometime_o raise_v some_o one_o happy_a mortal_a above_o the_o common_a size_n and_o height_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sure_o diminish_v but_o increase_v the_o affection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o enjoy_v he_o again_o the_o nature_n of_o enjoyment_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n one_o way_n we_o enjoy_v truth_n and_o another_o goodness_n one_o way_n beauty_n and_o another_o harmony_n and_o so_o on_o these_o thing_n consider_v i_o see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o fruition_n either_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o to_o any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o exalt_v our_o self_n to_o a_o height_n we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o i_o easy_o see_v that_o we_o who_o love_n and_o adore_v god_n here_o shall_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o his_o presence_n admire_v and_o love_v he_o infinite_o more_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o discern_v his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n the_o more_o must_v our_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o passion_n for_o he_o and_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o the_o most_o gracious_a return_v of_o our_o love_n and_o express_v his_o affection_n for_o we_o in_o such_o condescension_n in_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o as_o will_v transport_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o create_v being_n be_v capable_a of_o will_v not_o god_n that_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n here_o full_o satisfy_v it_o hereafter_o will_v not_o god_n who_o fill_v we_o here_o with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o inconceivable_a way_n communicate_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o ravish_a and_o ecstatick_a manner_n to_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o encircle_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o love_n and_o glory_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o beatific_a vision_n will_v be_v the_o supreme_a pleasure_n of_o heaven_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v to_o exclude_v those_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n god_n will_v be_v there_o not_o only_o all_o but_o in_o all_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o reflect_v in_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n nay_o in_o all_o the_o various_a treasure_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n but_o in_o far_o more_o bright_a and_o lovely_a charcter_n than_o in_o his_o work_n here_o below_o this_o be_v a_o state_n now_o that_o answer_v all_o end_n and_o satisfy_v all_o appetite_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o various_a never_o so_o boundless_a temporal_a good_a nay_o a_o state_n accumulate_v with_o all_o temporal_a good_n have_v still_o something_o defective_a something_o empty_a in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o labour_n man_n can_v utter_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o temporal_a thing_n yet_o that_o one_o think_v of_o solomon_n that_o he_o must_v leave_v they_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o complete_v heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a be_v heaven_n to_o have_v a_o end_n that_o end_n will_v make_v it_o none_o that_o death_n will_v be_v as_o much_o more_o intolerable_a than_o this_o here_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o those_o of_o earth_n for_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o happiness_n which_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o to_o die_v in_o paradise_n amid_o a_o crowd_n of_o satisfaction_n how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a be_v this_o than_o to_o die_v in_o those_o accurse_a region_n that_o breed_v continual_o briar_n and_o bramble_n care_n and_o sorrow_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o heaven_n be_v it_o believe_v be_v such_o a_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n such_o a_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o none_o can_v resist_v do_v i_o believe_v this_o have_v i_o hear_v one_o say_v i_o will_v quit_v my_o trade_n and_o all_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whole_o apply_v myself_o to_o get_v that_o other_o you_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o go_v thus_o far_o but_o this_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v general_o owe_v to_o infidelity_n where_o it_o be_v frustrate_v and_o defeat_v what_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v do_v what_o proof_n what_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o he_o who_o reject_v christianity_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n he_o that_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o the_o gentile_a world_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o much_o obscure_v but_o never_o extinguish_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o many_o fabulous_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n so_o strong_a be_v the_o tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o rather_o both_o on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v the_o jew_n universal_o embrace_v it_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o several_a shadow_n and_o type_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n do_v confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o even_o from_o enoch_n noah_n and_o all_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n nor_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sadducee_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v found_v in_o tradition_n and_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o inconsiderable_a compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a world_n but_o also_o desertor_n and_o apostate_n from_o the_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n receive_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o proceed_v from_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n to_o the_o christian_a be_v christianity_n entertain_v as_o it_o ought_v the_o very_a supposal_n of_o any_o doubt_n concern_v a_o life_n to_o come_v will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o we_o have_v numerous_a demonstratition_n of_o it_o not_o only_o the_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v often_o very_o calamitous_a but_o even_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o it_o do_v plain_o evince_v a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n by_o abstraction_n and_o meditation_n be_v enjoin_v if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o life_n to_o come_v one_o will_v think_v '_o the_o common_a end_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o secure_v upon_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o human_a law_n what_o shall_v i_o here_o add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n from_o both_o which_o we_o may_v derive_v many_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o though_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v as_o much_o above_o our_o merit_n as_o it_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n what_o less_o than_o a_o heaven_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o a_o infinite_a merit_n and_o almighty_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v be_v perfect_a as_o himself_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n must_v be_v estimate_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o suffering_n he_o that_o can_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a gospel-argument_n will_v be_v find_v i_o doubt_v impenetrable_a to_o all_o other_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v with_o such_o a_o one_o from_o natural_a topic_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o i_o shall_v now_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n the_o attainment_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o
be_v keep_v awake_a and_o in_o its_o vigour_n how_o convictive_a how_o move_v be_v the_o discourse_n of_o a_o devout_a and_o pious_a friend_n when_o he_o complain_v or_o when_o he_o rejoice_v when_o he_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n when_o he_o let_v we_o see_v the_o design_n he_o have_v form_v and_o the_o excellent_a end_v his_o soul_n thirst_v after_o how_o do_v our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o what_o variety_n of_o affection_n do_v it_o raise_v in_o we_o when_o he_o make_v his_o remark_n on_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o world_n when_o he_o bewail_v the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o when_o he_o relate_v the_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n of_o sinner_n and_o observe_v the_o particular_a sin_n and_o folly_n that_o occasion_v it_o how_o often_o do_v he_o hereby_o provoke_v we_o to_o wise_a reflection_n on_o ourselves_o how_o many_o new_a beauty_n do_v he_o discover_v to_o we_o in_o virtue_n how_o many_o deformity_n in_o sin_n which_o have_v escape_v our_o observation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o conversation_n only_o of_o my_o friend_n but_o his_o life_n also_o from_o which_o i_o derive_v or_o may_v do_v so_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n the_o perfection_n of_o my_o friend_n be_v the_o gentle_a and_o the_o mild_a and_o yet_o the_o most_o awaken_n reproof_n too_o of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o by_o the_o freshness_n and_o lustre_n of_o his_o virtue_n i_o discern_v best_a the_o weakness_n and_o the_o dimness_n of_o my_o own_o how_o often_o have_v i_o be_v move_v to_o turn_v my_o thought_n with_o some_o indignation_n on_o my_o own_o heat_n and_o commotion_n while_o i_o have_v admire_v and_o blessed_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o gentleness_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o calm_a very_o conspicuous_a in_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v another_o mention_n his_o nightly_o praise_n and_o those_o divine_a thought_n which_o fill_v the_o interval_n of_o his_o sleep_n and_o make_v those_o hour_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a to_o some_o the_o most_o entertain_v and_o delightful_a part_n of_o his_o rest_n how_o have_v i_o be_v inward_o fill_v with_o confusion_n and_o shame_n how_o have_v i_o upbraid_v and_o reproach_v myself_o condemn_v the_o sluggishness_n of_o my_o day_n the_o dulness_n and_o the_o wander_n of_o my_o soul_n by_o night_n and_o i_o believe_v every_o sincere_a man_n must_v find_v himself_o thus_o affect_v on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o reproof_n which_o i_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v something_o more_o of_o force_n and_o authority_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o for_o the_o example_n of_o friend_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v but_o demonstrate_v also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v nor_o do_v virtue_n any_o where_n appear_v with_o so_o lovely_a and_o charm_a a_o air_n as_o in_o a_o friend_n but_o after_o all_o among_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o gain_v by_o excellent_a friendship_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o reckon_v this_o as_o the_o least_o that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o that_o a_o indispensable_a office_n of_o friendship_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v for_o the_o reproof_n of_o instruction_n be_v the_o path_n of_o life_n prov._n 6.23_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o this_o blessing_n we_o must_v dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o expect_v and_o bear_v reproof_n we_o must_v strive_v after_o a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n and_o we_o must_v invite_v and_o encourage_v our_o friend_n to_o this_o kind_a office_n not_o only_o by_o unaffected_a request_n but_o also_o by_o obey_v their_o advice_n pardon_v whatever_o infirmity_n may_v be_v intersperse_v with_o it_o and_o love_v they_o the_o better_a as_o indeed_o they_o deserve_v for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o affection_n prudence_n and_o courage_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v we_o 2_o a_o second_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n now_o spiritual_a strength_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n we_o have_v over_o our_o affection_n and_o action_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o two_o base_n the_o reduction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n whatever_o do_v weaken_v and_o reduce_v our_o propension_n to_o sin_n whatever_o promote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n add_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o render_v virtue_n more_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o because_o virtue_n have_v a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o therefore_o whatever_o promote_v any_o one_o promote_v all_o but_o especial_o whatever_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n or_o quicken_v our_o fear_n or_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o increase_v our_o faith_n this_o do_v confirm_v and_o establish_v our_o resolution_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n fear_v the_o guard_n and_o hope_v the_o spur_n of_o all_o our_o virtue_n faith_n convince_v we_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n fear_n make_v we_o impartial_a diligent_a and_o watchful_a hope_v resolve_v and_o active_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v thus_o clear_a what_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n consist_v in_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v by_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o gain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v here_o only_o suggest_v those_o hint_n and_o intimation_n which_o the_o reader_n must_v upon_o occasion_n as_o he_o need_v enlarge_v and_o improve_v 1._o meditation_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a we_o must_v often_o survey_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o scripture_n topic_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v such_o be_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o must_v diligent_o observe_v the_o wiles_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n and_o mark_v the_o progress_n of_o sin_n from_o its_o very_a beginning_n to_o maturity_n and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o must_v often_o ponder_v upon_o the_o beauty_n and_o peace_n of_o holiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n the_o virtue_n suffering_n and_o crown_n of_o martyr_n and_o final_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o strength_n we_o must_v practice_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n often_o and_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o or_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o intermit_v it_o on_o any_o slight_a and_o trivial_a pretence_n and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o always_o master_n of_o our_o own_o affair_n nor_o consequent_o of_o our_o time_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v ever_o ready_a at_o hand_n a_o good_a collection_n of_o text_n which_o contain_v in_o few_o word_n the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o gospel_n motive_n the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o to_o fix_v these_o so_o in_o our_o memory_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o shield_n for_o we_o to_o oppose_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v against_o the_o dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o as_o a_o supply_n of_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thought_n upon_o a_o sudden_a so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o little_a interruption_n of_o business_n and_o the_o many_o little_a vacancy_n of_o the_o day_n the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a spirit_n may_v never_o want_v a_o proper_a subject_n to_o work_v upon_o much_o less_o loose_v itself_o in_o wild_a and_o lazy_a amusement_n or_o defile_v itself_o by_o vain_a or_o vicious_a thought_n but_o we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o meditation_n be_v frequent_a but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o loose_a and_o rove_a to_o which_o end_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o study_v our_o self_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o our_o constitution_n and_o our_o state_n that_o so_o in_o our_o meditation_n on_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v more_o particular_o have_v a_o eye_n on_o those_o vice_n we_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o and_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v either_o more_o necessary_a or_o more_o feeble_a and_o under-grown_a next_o after_o meditation_n must_v follow_v prayer_n great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n in_o promote_a christian_a strength_n and_o fortitude_n whether_o we_o consider_v its_o prevalence_n upon_o god_n or_o its_o natural_a influence_n upon_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o latter_a what_o divine_a force_n and_o energy_n be_v there_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n the_o joy_n of_o hope_n the_o earnest_a long_n and_o desire_n of_o love_n
so_o direct_o suit_v to_o a_o devout_a mind_n that_o it_o present_o enter_v it_o moves_z and_o actuate_v it_o inspire_v and_o inform_v it_o with_o the_o very_a passion_n it_o describe_v and_o though_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o move_v in_o this_o duty_n yet_o all_o i_o believe_v be_v more_o or_o less_o move_v it_o be_v very_o much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o of_o prophetic_a education_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n practise_v it_o frequent_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a joy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o pious_a retirement_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o our_o day_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o warmth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n it_o will_v contribute_v to_o introduce_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v into_o our_o very_a recreation_n and_o friendship_n and_o this_o mind_n i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v under_o every_o forego_n head_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o forget_v it_o here_o this_o have_v a_o lively_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o gentle_a heat_n and_o do_v we_o but_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n about_o another_o world_n do_v we_o mingle_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o feast_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n do_v we_o retire_v to_o our_o country-house_n to_o contemplate_v the_o variety_n and_o riches_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o bounty_n in_o those_o natural_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o country_n afford_v and_o do_v we_o now_o and_o then_o invite_v our_o friend_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o offer_v up_o halelujah_n to_o god_n on_o this_o account_n what_o brightness_n and_o serenity_n what_o calm_a and_o pleasure_n will_v this_o diffuse_v through_o all_o our_o soul_n through_o all_o our_o day_n to_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v touch_v the_o exciting_a holy_a passion_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n form_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n that_o religion_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o nature_n and_o that_o devout_a passion_n will_v soon_o shoot_v up_o when_o they_o be_v engraft_v upon_o a_o natural_a stock_n with_o which_o i_o will_v join_v this_o other_o that_o since_o we_o be_v most_o affect_v by_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v most_o particular_a circumstantiate_v and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o imprint_v themselves_o more_o easy_o and_o deep_o on_o our_o imagination_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v recommend_v the_o read_n the_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o excellent_a person_n be_v they_o not_o general_o write_v so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o 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body_n be_v the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a end_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a have_v ever_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n this_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 131._o lord_n i_o be_o not_o high_a mind_v i_o have_v no_o proud_a look_n i_o do_v not_o exercise_v myself_o in_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o but_o i_o refrain_v my_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o low_o like_a as_o a_o child_n that_o be_v wean_v from_o his_o mother_n yea_o my_o soul_n be_v even_o as_o a_o wean_a child_n and_o from_o that_o other_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n whoever_o thus_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n whoever_o thus_o bring_v under_o the_o body_n will_v soon_o find_v himself_o true_o set_v free_a and_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o fortune_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o advance_v on_o swift_o towards_o perfection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o to_o attain_v these_o bless_a end_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o need_v ensnare_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o perpetual_a bond_n of_o monastic_a vow_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o expose_v ourselves_o by_o any_o ridiculous_a or_o fantastic_a observance_n there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o we_o may_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v fit_a retrench_v our_o pleasure_n abate_v of_o the_o show_n and_o figure_n of_o life_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o can_v so_o well_o pretend_v either_o to_o authority_n or_o discretion_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o become_a fool_n for_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o that_o tameness_n that_o condescension_n that_o diminution_n of_o ourselves_o which_o will_n never_o comport_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v still_o the_o more_o room_n for_o mortification_n and_o for_o a_o near_o and_o more_o eminent_a imitation_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n provide_v still_o we_o decline_v all_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o when_o we_o practice_v any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o justify_v it_o to_o religious_a and_o judicious_a person_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o excellent_a end_n fast_v indeed_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o frequency_n and_o measure_n be_v not_o the_o same_o on_o all_o yet_o all_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o practice_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v permit_v and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o fast_v shall_v general_o consist_v rather_o in_o abstinence_n from_o please_a meat_n than_o from_o all_o not_o the_o food_n which_o nourish_v our_o strength_n but_o that_o which_o gratify_v the_o palate_n minister_a most_o direct_o to_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o voluntary_a discipline_n i_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n three_o thing_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o any_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a tie_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o self-denial_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o renounce_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o excellence_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v as_o how_o to_o suffer_v want_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o all_o voluntary_a austerity_n be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o ourselves_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o prosperous_a life_n and_o last_o i_o very_o much_o doubt_n when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v long_a and_o constant_o accustom_v himself_o to_o any_o rigour_n whether_o it_o continue_v to_o have_v much_o of_o mortification_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o so_o effectual_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a liberty_n as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o do_v return_v to_o it_o but_o now_o and_o then_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v not_o multiply_v unnecessary_a severity_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v
of_o man_n who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o character_n and_o condemnation_n not_o because_o they_o perform_v no_o duty_n but_o because_o their_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v depretiate_v by_o coldness_n and_o formality_n man_n who_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o inward_a spiritual_a life_n man_n who_o do_v general_o observe_v the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o so_o little_a gust_n with_o such_o indifference_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o useful_a to_o themselves_o this_o state_n of_o deadness_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n or_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o or_o that_o instance_n of_o religion_n 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o bend_v and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v for_o want_v of_o relish_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n pervert_v and_o deprave_v when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n drive_v on_o no_o end_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o great_a and_o manifest_a obligation_n of_o god_n when_o we_o have_v no_o joy_n or_o pleasure_n no_o thirst_v or_o appetite_n that_o do_v true_o become_v a_o christian_a when_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n no_o advance_n towards_o our_o great_a end_n when_o our_o discourse_n and_o employment_n have_v no_o tincture_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o tendency_n to_o edification_n i_o think_v we_o may_v then_o bold_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o carnality_n and_o death_n and_o that_o this_o want_n of_o relish_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n proceed_v from_o a_o real_a want_n of_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o true_a illumination_n for_o be_v the_o mind_n once_o true_o enlighten_v be_v it_o once_o clear_o convince_v firm_o and_o habitual_o persuade_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v notion_n different_a from_o those_o of_o worldly_a carnal_a man_n so_o will_v there_o consequent_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n and_o as_o necessary_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o of_o our_o conversation_n whoever_o therefore_o find_v this_o general_a stupidity_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v he_o not_o flatter_v himself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v a_o corrupt_a carnal_a and_o blind_a heart_n his_o performance_n proceed_v not_o from_o true_a principle_n and_o have_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v as_o different_a from_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_a as_o the_o civility_n and_o compliment_n of_o a_o well-bred_a acquaintance_n from_o the_o substantial_a office_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o will_v take_v the_o least_o pain_n to_o examine_v himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v it_o for_o whoever_o will_v act_v honest_o and_o impartial_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n on_o himself_o upon_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o relative_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o inquire_v first_o what_o virtue_n he_o practice_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n hazard_n or_o travel_v what_o work_v of_o piety_n or_o charity_n he_o perform_v and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o ability_n next_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o religious_a performance_n whether_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o man_n and_o his_o own_o improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o goodness_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v this_o mere_o to_o acquit_v himself_o of_o a_o task_n and_o discharge_v himself_o of_o what_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o duty_n though_o he_o find_v no_o pleasure_n no_o advantage_n in_o it_o three_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n what_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n he_o have_v for_o righteousness_n what_o warmth_n ardour_n elevation_n or_o earnestness_n of_o mind_n accompany_v his_o performance_n what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o whether_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o or_o something_o to_o which_o custom_n only_o reconcile_v he_o last_o he_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o operation_n what_o influence_n his_o religious_a performance_n have_v upon_o he_o prayer_n hear_v read_v and_o suchlike_a duty_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n increase_v our_o love_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o confirm_v our_o hope_n and_o therefore_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o discharge_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o that_o sincerity_n they_o ought_v he_o therefore_o that_o will_v examine_v himself_o aright_o must_v not_o ask_v himself_o how_o often_o he_o read_v how_o often_o he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o rest_v there_o but_o must_v ask_v himself_o what_o effect_v these_o performance_n have_v have_v upon_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o will_v soon_o discern_v if_o he_o demand_v of_o himself_o what_o the_o bent_n and_o scope_n of_o his_o life_n be_v how_o much_o he_o advance_v and_o improve_v in_o the_o conquest_n of_o any_o vice_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o any_o virtue_n what_o he_o love_v or_o what_o he_o hate_v what_o esteem_v he_o have_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o men._n and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o he_o follow_v after_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o how_o he_o increase_v in_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n 2._o lukewarmness_n or_o coldness_n may_v be_v consider_v more_o particular_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n in_o hear_v read_v prayer_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o deadness_n in_o these_o duty_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o be_v a_o plain_a symptom_n of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o common_a that_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o make_v little_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v little_o concern_v for_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o complain_n of_o lifelessness_n in_o duty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a evil_n to_o such_o for_o it_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o their_o service_n and_o clog_n and_o encumber_n their_o religion_n with_o needless_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n some_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n right_o very_o unskilful_o and_o whilst_o they_o have_v as_o they_o think_v shun_v enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o irregular_a heat_n have_v real_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o talk_v of_o prayer_n and_o such_o other_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o can_v but_o reflect_v disadvantagious_o on_o themselves_o among_o such_o as_o be_v moderate_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n but_o what_o surprise_v i_o most_o be_v that_o some_o of_o very_a deserve_a repute_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o seek_v spiritual_a pleasure_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o perfection_n that_o heat_n and_o ardour_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o very_o seldom_o to_o the_o perfect_a but_o my_o business_n not_o be_v to_o combat_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n but_o to_o advance_v truth_n in_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n that_o i_o can_v therefore_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v any_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o proposition_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v clear_v this_o matter_n and_o promote_v the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o carry_v on_o 1._o then_o lifelessness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o these_o duty_n must_v never_o be_v constant_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o habitual_a and_o accidental_a coldness_n in_o duty_n the_o former_a be_v the_o symptom_n of_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o latter_a many_o be_v the_o accident_n which_o