the_o root_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v faith_n the_o chief_a branch_n be_v love_n to_o god_n charity_n to_o man_n purity_n and_o humility_n for_o as_o a_o excellent_a person_n have_v well_o observe_v however_o these_o name_n be_v common_a and_o vulgar_a and_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a sound_n yet_o do_v they_o carry_v such_o a_o mighty_a sense_n that_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v pronounce_v nothing_o more_o weighty_a or_o excellent_a faith_n have_v the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n which_o sense_n have_v in_o the_o natural_a be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o sense_n or_o feel_a persuasion_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o divine_a truth_n but_o in_o our_o lapse_v estate_n it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o reconcileableness_n to_o sinner_n through_o a_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o receive_v its_o denomination_n from_o that_o principal_a object_n be_v ordinary_o term_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o delightful_a and_o affectionate_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n resign_v and_o sacrifice_v itself_o whole_o unto_o he_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o delight_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o his_o pleasure_n though_o this_o affection_n may_v have_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o ourselves_o yet_o do_v it_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n transcend_v such_o particular_a consideration_n and_o ground_n itself_o on_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n manifest_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n a_o soul_n thus_o possess_v with_o divine_a love_n must_v needs_o be_v enlarge_v towards_o all_o mankind_n in_o a_o sincere_a and_o unbounded_a affection_n because_o of_o the_o relation_n they_o carry_v unto_o god_n be_v his_o creature_n and_o have_v something_o of_o his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o charity_n i_o name_v as_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o religion_n and_o under_o which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o justice_n all_o the_o duty_n be_v we_o owe_v to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v eminent_o comprehend_v for_o he_o who_o do_v true_o love_v all_o the_o world_n will_v be_v near_o concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o and_o so_o far_o from_o wrong_v or_o injure_v any_o person_n that_o he_o will_v resent_v any_o evil_n that_o befall_v to_o other_o as_o if_o it_o happen_v to_o himself_o by_o purity_n i_o understand_v a_o due_a abstractedness_n from_o the_o body_n and_o mastery_n over_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n or_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o make_v a_o man_n despise_v &_o abstain_v from_o all_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o sense_n or_o fancy_n which_o be_v sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v or_o lessen_v our_o relish_n of_o more_o divine_a and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n which_o do_v also_o infer_v a_o resoluteness_n to_o undergo_v all_o those_o hardship_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o not_o only_a chastity_n and_o temperance_n but_o also_o christian_a courage_n and_o magnanimity_n may_v come_v under_o this_o head_n humility_n import_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o meanness_n with_o a_o hearty_a and_o affectionate_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o owe_v all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o the_o divine_a bounty_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o profound_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o great_a deadness_n towards_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n and_o applause_n of_o man_n these_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n that_o either_o man_n or_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o heaven_n lay_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v they_o needs_o not_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o hide_a roll_n of_o god_n decree_n or_o search_v the_o volume_n of_o heaven_n to_o know_v what_o be_v determine_v about_o his_o everlasting_a condition_n but_o he_o may_v find_v a_o copy_n of_o god_n thought_n concern_v he_o write_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n his_o love_n to_o god_n may_v give_v he_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o and_o those_o beginning_n of_o happiness_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n be_v a_o sure_a pledge_n that_o his_o felicity_n shall_v be_v perfect_v and_o continue_v unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o one_o say_v i_o have_v rather_o see_v the_o real_a impression_n of_o a_o godlike_a nature_n upon_o my_o own_o soul_n then_o have_v a_o vision_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o angel_n send_v to_o tell_v i_o that_o my_o name_n be_v enrol_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o that_o we_o can_v word_n the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o express_v language_n and_o word_n can_v reach_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v true_o understand_v but_o by_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v enkindle_v within_o and_o awaken_v unto_o the_o sense_n and_o relish_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v this_o understanding_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v better_o express_v in_o action_n than_o in_o word_n because_o action_n be_v more_o lively_a thing_n and_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o inward_a principle_n whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v take_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o those_o gracious_a endowment_n from_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o in_o who_o they_o reside_v especial_o as_o they_o be_v perfect_o exemplify_v in_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o main_a part_n of_o who_o business_n in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o teach_v by_o his_o practice_n what_o he_o do_v require_v of_o other_o and_o to_o make_v his_o own_o conversation_n a_o exact_a resemblance_n of_o those_o unparalleled_a rule_n which_o he_o prescribe_v so_o that_o if_o ever_o true_a goodness_n be_v visible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n it_o be_v then_o when_o his_o presence_n do_v beautify_v and_o illustrate_v this_o low_a world_n that_o sincere_a and_o devout_a affection_n saviour_n wherewith_o his_o bless_a soul_n do_v constant_o burn_v towards_o his_o heavenly_a father_n do_v express_v itself_o in_o a_o entire_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n it_o be_v this_o be_v his_o very_a meat_n to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o childhood_n and_o the_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o ripe_a age_n he_o spare_v no_o travail_n or_o pain_n while_o he_o be_v about_o his_o father_n business_n but_o take_v will._n such_o infinite_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o that_o when_o be_v faint_a and_o weary_a with_o his_o journey_n he_o rest_v he_o on_o jacob_n well_o and_o entreat_v a_o drink_n of_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n the_o success_n of_o his_o conference_n with_o she_o and_o the_o accession_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o delight_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v redound_v to_o his_o very_a body_n refresh_v his_o spirit_n and_o make_v he_o forget_v the_o thirst_n whereof_o he_o complain_v before_o and_o refuse_v the_o meat_n which_o he_o have_v send_v the_o disciple_n to_o buy_v nor_o be_v he_o less_o patient_a and_o submissive_a it_o in_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n then_o diligent_a in_o do_v of_o it_o he_o endure_v the_o sharp_a affliction_n and_o extreme_a misery_n that_o ever_o be_v inflict_v on_o any_o mortal_a without_o a-repining_a thought_n or_o discontent_a word_n for_o though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o a_o stupid_a insensibility_n or_o a_o fantastic_a or_o stoical_a obstinacy_n and_o have_v as_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o pain_n as_o other_o man_n and_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v in_o his_o soul_n as_o his_o bloody_a sweat_n and_o the_o sore_a amazement_n and_o sorrow_n which_o he_o profess_v do_v abundant_o declare_v yet_o do_v he_o entire_o submit_v to_o that_o severe_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o willing_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o as_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n have_v if_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o cup_n may_v be_v remove_v yet_o he_o gentle_o add_v nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o what_o strange_a importance_n be_v the_o expression_n joh._n 12._o 27._o where_o he_o first_o
acknowledge_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o spirit_n now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v which_o will_v seem_v to_o produce_v a_o kind_n of_o demur_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v and_o then_o he_o go_v to_o deprecate_v his_o suffering_n father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n which_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o utter_v but_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v on_o second_o thought_n recall_v it_o in_o these_o word_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n and_o conclude_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n now_o we_o must_v not_o look_v on_o this_o as_o any_o levity_n or_o unblamable_a weakness_n in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n he_o know_v all_o along_o what_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v and_o do_v most_o resolute_o undergo_v it_o but_o it_o show_v n_v the_o unconceivable_a weight_n and_o pressure_n that_o he_o be_v to_o bear_v which_o be_v so_o afflict_v and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o think_v of_o without_o terror_n yet_o consider_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o redound_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o he_o be_v not_o only_o content_v but_o desirous_a to_o suffer_v it_o another_o instance_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n devotion_n be_v his_o delight_n in_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o prayer_n which_o make_v he_o frequent_o retire_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o great_a devotion_n and_o pleasure_n spend_v whole_a night_n in_o that_o heavenly_a exercise_n though_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o confess_v and_o but_o few_o secular_a interest_n to_o pray_v for_o which_o alas_o be_v almost_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o drive_v we_o to_o our_o devotion_n nay_o we_o may_v say_v his_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n a_o constant_a course_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n if_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o always_o offer_v yet_o be_v the_o fire_n still_o keep_v alive_a nor_o be_v ever_o the_o bless_a jesus_n surprise_v with_o that_o dulness_n or_o tepidity_n of_o spirit_n which_o we_o must_v many_o time_n wrestle_v with_o before_o we_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v man_n of_o his_o love_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n but_o he_o who_o will_v express_v it_o must_v transcribe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o comment_n upon_o it_o for_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v or_o speak_v by_o he_o which_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o all_o his_o miraculous_a work_n be_v instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o power_n and_o they_o benefit_v those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v as_o well_o as_o they_o amaze_v the_o beholder_n his_o charity_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o his_o kindred_n or_o relation_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o kindness_n swallow_v up_o in_o the_o endearment_n of_o that_o peculiar_a friendship_n which_o he_o carry_v towards_o the_o belove_a disciple_n but_o every_o one_o be_v his_o friend_n who_o obey_v his_o holy_a command_n joh._n 15._o 4._o and_o whosoever_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n the_o same_o be_v to_o he_o as_o his_o brother_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n never_o be_v any_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o come_v with_o a_o honest_a intention_n nor_o do_v he_o deny_v any_o request_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o so_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o roman_a emperor_n who_o for_o his_o goodness_n they_o call_v the_o darling_n of_o mankind_n be_v real_o perform_v by_o he_o that_o never_o any_o depart_v from_o he_o with_o a_o heavy_a countenance_n except_o that_o rich_a youth_n mark_v 10._o who_o be_v sorry_a to_o hear_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n stand_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o his_o money_n too_o and_o certain_o it_o trouble_v our_o saviour_n to_o see_v that_o when_o a_o price_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n to_o get_v wisdom_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o the_o ingenuity_n that_o appear_v in_o his_o first_o address_n have_v already_o procure_v some_o kindness_n for_o he_o for_o it_o be_v say_v and_o jesus_n behold_v he_o love_v he_o but_o must_v he_o for_o his_o sake_n cut_v out_o a_o new_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o a_o covetous_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o what_o shall_v i_o speak_v of_o his_o meekness_n who_o can_v encounter_v the_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o that_o miscreant_n who_o betray_v he_o in_o no_o harsh_a term_n than_o these_o judas_n betray_v thou_o the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o a_o kiss_n what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o his_o fervent_a and_o unbounded_a charity_n then_o that_o he_o willing_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n even_o for_o his_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n and_o mingle_v his_o prayer_n with_o his_o blood_n beseech_v the_o father_n that_o his_o death_n may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o may_v become_v the_o mean_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o very_a person_n who_o procure_v it_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o divine_a purity_n life_n be_v purity_n which_o as_o i_o say_v consist_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o accommodation_n and_o a_o resolute_a endure_v of_o all_o such_o trouble_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n now_o sure_o if_o ever_o any_o person_n be_v whole_o dead_a to_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n it_o be_v the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o seldom_o taste_v they_o when_o they_o come_v in_o his_o way_n but_o never_o step_v out_o of_o his_o road_n to_o seek_v they_o though_o he_o allow_v other_o the_o comfort_n of_o wedlock_n and_o honour_a marriage_n with_o his_o presence_n yet_o he_o choose_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o virgin_n life_n and_o never_o know_v the_o nuptial_a bed_n and_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o wine_n with_o a_o miracle_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o work_v one_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o his_o own_o hunger_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o gracious_a and_o divine_a be_v the_o temper_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o allow_v to_o other_o such_o lawful_a gratification_n as_o himself_o think_v good_a to_o abstain_v from_o and_o supply_v not_o only_a their_o more_o extreme_a and_o press_a necessity_n but_o also_o their_o small_a and_o less_o considerable_a want_n we_o many_o time_n hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o tear_n but_o never_o that_o he_o laugh_v and_o but_o once_o that_o he_o rejoice_v in_o spirit_n so_o that_o through_o his_o whole_a life_n he_o do_v exact_o answer_v that_o character_n give_v of_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n nor_o be_v the_o trouble_n and_o disaccommodation_n of_o his_o life_n rather_o his_o fate_n than_o choice_n for_o never_o do_v there_o any_o appear_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o great_a advantage_n to_o have_v raise_v himself_o to_o the_o high_a secular_a felicity_n he_o who_o can_v convene_v such_o a_o prodigious_a number_n of_o fish_n into_o his_o disciple_n net_n and_o at_o another_o time_n receive_v that_o tribute_n from_o a_o fish_n which_o he_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o temple_n may_v easy_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o rich_a person_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o without_o any_o money_n he_o can_v have_v maintain_v a_o army_n powerful_a enough_o to_o have_v justle_v caesar_n out_o of_o his_o throne_n have_v often_o than_o once_o feed_v seven_o thousand_o with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o small_a fish_n but_o to_o show_v how_o small_a esteem_n he_o have_v of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n in_o the_o world_n he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o so_o poor_a and_o mean_a a_o condition_n that_o though_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n yet_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n he_o do_v not_o frequent_v the_o court_n of_o prince_n nor_o affect_v the_o acquaintance_n and_o converse_n of_o great_a one_o but_o be_v repute_v the_o son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n he_o have_v fisherman_n and_o such_o other_o poor_a people_n for_o his_o companion_n and_o live_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o suit_v with_o the_o meanness_n of_o that_o quality_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o bring_v unaware_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o humility_n the_o last_o branch_n humility_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o most_o eminent_a pattern_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o that_o infinite_a condescension_n
and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o assent_n which_o be_v ordinary_o give_v to_o divine_a truth_n be_v very_o faint_a and_o languid_a very_o weak_a and_o uneffectual_a flow_v only_o from_o a_o blind_a inclination_n to_o follow_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o fashion_n or_o a_o lazy_a indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o since_o all_o their_o neighbour_n be_v christian_n they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o they_o be_v seldom_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o those_o truth_n or_o to_o ponder_v the_o importance_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a influence_n on_o their_o affection_n and_o practice_v those_o spriteless_a and_o paralytic_a thought_n as_o one_o do_v right_o term_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o move_v the_o will_n and_o direct_v the_o hand_n we_o must_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o work_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o a_o serious_a belief_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n unto_o a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n our_o thought_n must_v dwell_v upon_o they_o till_o we_o be_v both_o convince_v of_o they_o and_o deep_o affect_v with_o they_o let_v we_o urge_v forward_o our_o spirit_n and_o make_v they_o approach_v the_o invisible_a world_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o immaterial_a thing_n till_o we_o clear_o perceive_v that_o these_o be_v no_o dream_n nay_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v dream_n and_o shadow_n beside_o they_o when_o we_o look_v about_o we_o and_o behold_v the_o beauty_n and_o magnificence_n of_o this_o goodly_a frame_n the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n let_v our_o thought_n from_o thence_o take_v their_o flight_n towards_o that_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o do_v at_o first_o produce_v and_o do_v ftill_o establish_v and_o uphold_v the_o same_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o organise_v matter_n a_o curious_a and_o well-contrived_a engine_n that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o we_o then_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o bone_n even_o a_o divine_a sparkle_n capable_a to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o enjoy_v our_o maker_n and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o exceed_o clog_v with_o its_o dull_a and_o lumpish_a companion_n yet_o ere_o long_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v and_o can_v subsist_v without_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o that_o can_v do_v without_o the_o clothes_n which_o we_o throw_v off_o at_o our_o pleasure_n let_v we_o often_o withdraw_v our_o thought_n from_o this_o earth_n this_o scene_n of_o misery_n and_o folly_n and_o sin_n and_o raise_v they_o towards_o that_o more_o vast_a and_o glorious_a world_n who_o innocent_a and_o bless_a inhabitant_n solace_v themselves_o eternal_o in_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o know_v no_o other_o passion_n but_o a_o unmixed_a joy_n and_o a_o unbounded_a love_n and_o then_o consider_v how_o the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o to_o this_o low_a world_n to_o live_v among_o we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o same_o felicity_n and_o think_v how_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n and_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o majesty_n on_o high_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o 3._o the_o less_o mindful_a of_o we_o but_o receive_v our_o prayer_n and_o present_v they_o unto_o his_o father_n and_o be_v daily_o visit_v his_o church_n with_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o sun_n reach_v we_o with_o his_o beam_n the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a considerarion_n of_o these_o and_o such_o other_o divine_a nature_n truth_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n to_o beget_v that_o lively_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o spring_n and_o root_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n let_v i_o further_o suggest_v some_o particular_a subject_n of_o meditation_n for_o produce_v the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o first_o to_o inflame_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v little_a we_o know_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o yet_o that_o little_a may_v suffice_v to_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o admiration_n and_o love_n to_o ravish_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n for_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o creature_n of_o sense_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o other_o affection_n but_o that_o which_o enter_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o character_n of_o any_o excellent_a person_n who_o we_o have_v never_o see_v will_v many_o time_n engage_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o huge_o concerue_v in_o all_o his_o adventure_n and_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o engage_v we_o so_o much_o to_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o face_n or_o their_o comely_a proportion_n else_o we_o shall_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o statue_n and_o picture_n and_o flower_n these_o outward_a accomplishment_n may_v a_o little_a delight_n the_o eye_n but_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v so_o much_o on_o the_o heart_n if_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v some_o vital_a perfection_n we_o either_o see_v or_o apprehend_v some_o greatness_n of_o mind_n or_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n or_o sweetness_n of_o disposition_n some_o sprightliness_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n which_o charm_v our_o spirit_n and_o command_n our_o love_n now_o these_o perfection_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o the_o sight_n the_o eye_n can_v only_o discern_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o understanding_n that_o direct_v the_o affection_n and_o vital_a perfection_n prevail_v with_o it_o certain_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o trace_n whereof_o we_o can_v but_o discover_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o behold_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o engage_v our_o heart_n if_o we_o do_v serious_o view_v and_o regard_v they_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v infinite_o more_o transport_v with_o that_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o fill_v the_o universe_n and_o display_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o establish_v the_o frame_n of_o nature_n and_o turn_v the_o mighty_a wheel_n of_o providence_n and_o keep_v the_o world_n from_o disorder_n and_o ruin_n then_o with_o the_o faint_a ray_n of_o the_o same_o perfection_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o fellow-creature_n shall_v we_o dote_v on_o the_o scatter_a piece_n of_o a_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a picture_n and_o never_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o original_a beauty_n this_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a stupidity_n and_o blindness_n whatever_o we_o find_v lovely_a in_o a_o friend_n or_o in_o a_o saint_n ought_v not_o to_o engross_v but_o to_o elevate_v our_o affection_n we_o shall_v conclude_v with_o ourselves_o that_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o a_o drop_n there_o must_v be_v infinite_o more_o in_o the_o fountain_n if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o splendour_n in_o a_o ray_n what_o must_v the_o sun_n be_v in_o its_o glory_n nor_o can_v we_o pretend_v the_o remoteness_n of_o the_o object_n as_o if_o god_n be_v at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n for_o our_o converse_n or_o our_o love_n he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o 27._o have_v our_o be_v we_o can_v open_v our_o eye_n but_o we_o must_v behold_v some_o vestige_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o we_o can_v turn_v they_o towards_o he_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v his_o intent_n upon_o we_o wait_v as_o it_o be_v to_o catch_v a_o look_v ready_a to_o entertain_v the_o most_o intimate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o clear_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n let_v we_o consider_v all_o that_o his_o work_n do_v declare_v or_o his_o word_n do_v discover_v of_o he_o unto_o we_o and_o let_v we_o especial_o contemplate_v that_o visible_a representation_n of_o he_o which_o be_v make_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n by_o his_o son_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a 3._o image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o who_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o discover_v at_o once_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v we_o represent_v he_o unto_o our_o mind_n as_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n
in_o private_a and_o another_o wherein_n though_o we_o utter_v no_o sound_n prayer_n yet_o we_o conceive_v the_o expression_n and_o form_n the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n which_o i_o presume_v be_v most_o common_o use_v in_o private_a devotion_n so_o there_o be_v a_o three_o and_o more_o sublime_a kind_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o the_o soul_n take_v a_o high_a flight_n and_o have_v collect_v all_o its_o force_n by_o long_a and_o serious_a meditation_n it_o dart_v itself_o so_o to_o speak_v towards_o god_n in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o thought_n too_o big_a for_o expression_n as_o when_o after_o a_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n it_o address_v itself_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n or_o when_o after_o sad_a reflection_n on_o its_o vileness_n and_o miscarriage_n it_o prostrate_v itself_o before_o he_o with_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o sorrow_n not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o its_o eye_n or_o utter_v one_o word_n in_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a felicity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o good_a it_o pant_v after_o god_n and_o send_v up_o such_o vigorous_a and_o ardent_a desire_n as_o no_o word_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v continue_v and_o repeat_v each_o of_o these_o act_n as_o long_o as_o it_o find_v itself_o uphold_v by_o the_o force_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o previous_a meditation_n this_o mental_a prayer_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o effectual_a to_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o dispose_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a temper_n and_o may_v be_v term_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o devotion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v bear_v that_o can_v be_v word_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o so_o recommend_v this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n as_o to_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o the_o other_o for_o we_o have_v so_o many_o several_a thing_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o every_o petition_n of_o this_o nature_n require_v so_o much_o time_n and_o so_o great_a a_o intention_n of_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a therein_o to_o overtake_v they_o all_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o the_o deep_a sigh_n and_o heave_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o accompany_v it_o be_v something_o oppressive_a to_o nature_n and_o make_v it_o hard_o to_o continue_v long_o in_o they_o but_o certain_o a_o few_o of_o those_o inward_a aspiration_n will_v do_v more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o fluent_a and_o melt_a expression_n thus_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o have_v brief_o propose_v the_o method_n which_o i_o judge_v proper_a for_o mould_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o sacrament_n holy_a frame_n and_o the_o same_o mean_n which_o serve_v to_o beget_v this_o divine_a temper_n must_v still_o be_v practise_v for_o strengthen_v and_o advance_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v recommend_v but_o one_o more_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v the_o frequent_a and_o conscientious_a use_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v peculiar_o appoint_v to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a life_n when_o once_o it_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o instrument_n of_o religion_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o while_o we_o address_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o we_o be_v put_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v mention_v before_o then_o it_o be_v that_o we_o make_v the_o severe_a survey_n of_o our_o action_n and_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n on_o ourselves_o then_o be_v our_o mind_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o grace_n do_v exercise_v itself_o with_o the_o great_a activity_n and_o vigour_n all_o the_o subject_n of_o contemplation_n do_v there_o present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o do_v the_o soul_n make_v its_o most_o powerful_a sally_n towards_o heaven_n and_o assault_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a force_n and_o certain_o the_o neglect_n or_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n that_o bedwarf_n our_o religion_n and_o make_v we_o continue_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n but_o it_o be_v time_n i_o shall_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o tedious_a letter_n which_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o far_o great_a bulk_n then_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v if_o these_o poor_a paper_n can_v do_v you_o the_o small_a service_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o very_o happy_a in_o this_o undertake_n at_o least_o i_o be_o hopeful_a you_o will_v kind_o accept_v the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o person_n who_o will_v fain_o acquit_v himself_o of_o some_o part_n of_o that_o which_o he_o owe_v you_o a_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o most_o gracious_a god_n father_n and_o fountain_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o it_o excite_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o ardent_a desire_n after_o the_o one_o as_o may_v put_v we_o forth_o to_o the_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o neither_o presume_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n nor_o distrust_v thy_o divine_a assistance_n but_o while_o we_o be_v do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n teach_v we_o still_o to_o depend_v on_o thou_o for_o the_o success_n open_v our_o eye_n o_o god_n and_o teach_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n bless_v we_o with_o a_o exact_a and_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o taste_n to_o discern_v perverse_a thing_n o_o that_o our_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n possess_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o holy_a disdain_n of_o all_o those_o poor_a enjoyment_n which_o this_o world_n hold_v out_o to_o allure_v we_o that_o they_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o inveigle_v our_o affection_n or_o betray_v we_o unto_o any_o sin_n turn_v away_o our_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o quicken_v thou_o we_o in_o thy_o law_n fill_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o those_o great_a truth_n which_o thou_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v influence_n and_o regulate_v our_o whole_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o life_n which_o we_o henceforth_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o may_v live_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o that_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o thy_o bless_a nature_n and_o the_o astonish_a expression_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o love_n may_v conquer_v and_o overpower_v our_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_o arise_v towards_o thou_o in_o flame_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o enlarge_n themselves_o in_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a love_n towards_o all_o the_o world_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o that_o we_o may_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o thy_o fear_n without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v thou_o final_o o_o god_n grant_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ourselves_o be_v may_v both_o humble_a and_o lay_v we_o low_o before_o thou_o and_o also_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o ardent_a aspiration_n towards_o thou_o we_o desire_v to_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v we_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v we_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o unto_o glory_n for_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o thy_o bless_a son_n our_o saviour_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o account_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o advances_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n write_a at_o the_o desire_n of_o m._n l._n v._o r._n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n mistake_v about_o religion_n what_o religion_n be_v it_o be_v permanency_n and_o stability_n it_o be_v freedom_n and_o unconstrainedness_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 4._o 34._o religion_n a_o divine_a principle_n what_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v the_o different_a tendency_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n wherein_o the_o divine_a life_n do_v consist_v religion_n better_o understand_v by_o action_n than_o by_o word_n divine_a love_n exemplify_v in_o our_o saviour_n his_o diligence_n in_o do_v god_n will._n his_o patience_n in_o bear_v it_o his_o constant_a devotion_n his_o charity_n to_o man_n his_o purity_n his_o humility_n the_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n the_o certainty_n to_o be_v belove_v again_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o belove_a person_n that_o divine_a love_n make_v we_o partake_v in_o a_o infinite_a happiness_n he_o that_o love_v god_n find_v sweetness_n in_o every_o dispensation_n the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o psal._n 63._o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o charity_n the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o purity_n the_o delight_n it_o afford_v the_o excellency_n of_o humility_n the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o a_o humble_a temper_n the_o despondent_a thought_n of_o some_o new_o awaken_v to_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n act._n 8._o 20._o cant_n 8._o 7._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o these_o fear_n deut._n 33._o 27._o psal._n 89._o 19_o isaiah_n 26._o ver_n 19_o isaiah_n 53._o ver_n 11._o heb._n 7._o 24_o 25._o matth._n 12._o 20._o cant._n 8_o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o prov._n 4._o 18._o psal_n 84_o 7._o heb._n 11._o 34._o 2_o king_n 6._o 16_o 17._o we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a assistance_n i_o chron._n 22._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o psal._n 104._o 14._o jer._n 4._o 3._o we_o must_v shun_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v sinful_a psal._n 119._o 9_o heb._n 4._o 12._o psal._n 17._o 4._o we_o must_v resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n by_o consider_v the_o evil_n they_o will_v draw_v on_o we_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o isa._n 33._o 14._o we_o must_v keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o ourselves_o we_o must_v often_o examine_v our_o action_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o restrain_v ourselves_o in_o many_o lawful_a thing_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o world_n we_o must_v do_v those_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v command_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o form_v internal_a act_n of_o devotion_n charity_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n a_o great_a instrument_n of_o religion_n heb._n 1._o 3._o to_o beget_v divine_a love_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n act._n 17._o 27._o heb._n 1._o 3._o lam._n 3._o 31._o psal._n 39_o 3._o we_o shall_v meditate_v on_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n eph._n 3._o 17_o 18_o 19_o to_o beget_v charity_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o all_o man_n be_v near_o relate_v unto_o god_n that_o they_o carry_v his_o image_n upon_o they_o to_o beget_v purity_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o shall_v meditate_v oft_o on_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o humility_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o fail_n thought_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o prayer_n another_o instrument_n of_o religion_n the_o advantage_n of_o mental_a prayer_n religion_n be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v begin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n