their_o crime_n and_o to_o blush_v when_o we_o transgress_v their_o rule_n in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o duty_n maxim_n xl._n that_o a_o faint_a and_o languish_a piety_n be_v a_o miserable_a state._n what_o do_v we_o pretend_v by_o our_o remissness_n and_o faint_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o god_n worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v and_o serve_v with_o our_o best_a zeal_n or_o what_o comfort_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o reap_v from_o cold_a devotion_n to_o eat_v at_o christ_n table_n be_v in_o his_o service_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hide_v the_o talon_n he_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o a_o provocation_n for_o his_o with_o draw_v it_o tho_o god_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v with_o those_o who_o be_v without_o any_o impression_n at_o all_o of_o his_o grace_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o he_o can_v endure_v the_o lukewarm_a the_o unconcern'dness_n these_o have_v for_o he_o forcible_o provoke_v his_o aversion_n he_o that_o love_v true_o look_v upon_o indifference_n and_o lukewarmness_n as_o high_a treason_n against_o love._n maxim_n xli_o that_o we_o must_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n judas_n have_v be_v save_v if_o nothing_o be_v require_v to_o godliness_n but_o noble_a and_o dare_a beginning_n we_o must_v continue_v in_o well-doing_n he_o that_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v without_o this_o perseverance_n no_o grace_n no_o glory_n no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o let_v we_o not_o persist_v in_o god_n service_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prosperity_n only_o or_o while_o we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o follow_v our_o passion_n or_o so_o long_a as_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o find_v aught_o in_o our_o duty_n that_o thwart_v its_o inclination_n let_v we_o with_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o damn_a never_o to_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o be_v once_o enter_v to_o depart_v from_o it_o maxim_n xlii_o that_o we_o must_v make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o subject_a of_o our_o continual_a meditation_n in_o prayer_n we_o speak_v to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n speak_v to_o we_o do_v we_o think_v god_n will_v hear_v we_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o he_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o careful_o meditate_v upon_o what_o he_o tell_v we_o concern_v his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o most_o important_a truth_n we_o can_v know_v the_o wise_a maxim_n we_o can_v follow_v in_o our_o conversation_n the_o great_a promise_n we_o can_v conceive_v and_o yet_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o we_o be_v we_o neglect_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o what_o if_o this_o privilege_n be_v forbid_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o look_v upon_o such_o prohibition_n as_o the_o great_a of_o our_o misfortune_n and_o while_o we_o enjoy_v that_o liberty_n of_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o contemplation_n day_n and_o night_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o read_v it_o perfunctory_o and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o most_o important_a precept_n maxim_n xliii_o that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n we_o can_v live_v well_o unless_o we_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v well_o and_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o good_a life_n holiness_n be_v that_o which_o please_v god_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n obtain_v we_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love._n prayer_n be_v the_o most_o easy_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o needs_o teach_v it_o we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o august_n and_o honourable_a in_o that_o it_o procure_v we_o a_o familiar_a converse_n with_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v also_o the_o most_o blissful_a for_o it_o open_v we_o the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o every_o divine_a blessing_n shall_v we_o be_v debar_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v hold_v it_o for_o tyranny_n as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o impediment_n to_o our_o felicity_n and_o glory_n how_o then_o can_v we_o undervalue_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o a_o unprofitable_a thing_n maxim_n xliv_o that_o we_o must_v always_o have_v our_o holy_a baptism_n before_o our_o eye_n baptism_n be_v the_o token_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god._n in_o it_o god_n have_v offer_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o guidance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o we_o on_o our_o part_n have_v promise_v to_o forsake_v our_o iniquity_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o unto_o death_n do_v we_o think_v it_o just_a god_n shall_v remember_v his_o promise_n when_o we_o forget_v those_o we_o have_v make_v he_o in_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v not_o this_o forgetfulness_n favour_n of_o contempt_n unbelief_n nay_o and_o rebellion_n itself_o let_v we_o therefore_o always_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n our_o own_o engagement_n as_o well_o as_o our_o hope_n our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grace_n god_n free_o offer_v our_o obligation_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o glory_n god_n have_v annex_v to_o it_o maxim_n xlv_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v the_o promise_n we_o make_v to_o god_n at_o our_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v from_o our_o infancy_n entertain_v in_o god_n service_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v before_o we_o know_v the_o reward_n but_o we_o do_v make_v a_o solemn_a choice_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o person_n when_o we_o present_v ourselves_o at_o the_o holy_a table_n common_a sense_n alone_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n of_o such_o importance_n without_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o lay_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v better_o never_o to_o participate_v of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n than_o to_o do_v it_o unprepared_a and_o unprofitable_o the_o sacred_a eucharist_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o crime_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o they_o the_o ineffable_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o infinite_a obligation_n and_o tie_v we_o have_v to_o christ_n to_o approach_v his_o table_n without_o bewail_v and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n without_o love_v and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v our_o own_o damnation_n maxim_n xlvi_o that_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o valuable_a with_o god_n than_o charity_n he_o become_v man_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o suffer_v death_n to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o engage_v example_n of_o this_o divine_a virtue_n he_o begin_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o call_v two_o brother_n and_o why_o so_o but_o to_o intimate_v that_o brotherly_a love_n must_v unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n and_o concord_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n what_o can_v we_o with_o justice_n prefer_v before_o love_n yea_o what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o care_n shall_v not_o we_o take_v rather_o than_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n maxim_n xlvii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o prevent_v the_o petition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o poor_a wretch_n be_v our_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n our_o brother_n god_n have_v make_v and_o jesus_n christ_n redeem_v he_o how_o careful_a therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v to_o relieve_v his_o necessity_n god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o become_v accountable_a to_o we_o for_o our_o liberality_n and_o christ_n will_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n our_o brethren_n misery_n shall_v the_o more_o recommend_v they_o to_o we_o but_o if_o that_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o move_v our_o pity_n at_o least_o let_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ_n engage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o duty_n so_o reasonable_a and_o full_a of_o bliss_n must_v the_o money_n we_o so_o unjust_o hoard_v up_o prove_v our_o own_o accuser_n jesus_n christ_n have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v take_v the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v run_v to_o prevent_v their_o ask_n be_v this_o our_o love_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n maxim_n xlviii_o that_o we_o must_v be_v meek_a in_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n god_n assure_v we_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a effect_n of_o love_n be_v to_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n when_o he_o sin_n and_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o true_a love_n for_o he_o if_o we_o do_v endeavour_v to_o divert_v he_o from_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o death_n beside_o this_o good_a office_n also_o engage_v we_o the_o more_o forcible_o to_o our_o own_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v either_o mild_a or_o severe_a expression_n according_a as_o it_o may_v best_a suit_n with_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n yet_o sweetness_n and_o sincerity_n must_v always_o be_v predominant_a in_o our_o heart_n towards_o he_o remember_v that_o god_n cause_n be_v the_o dispute_n and_o he_o be_v love_n itself_o let_v we_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o if_o we_o do_v it_o more_o earnest_o at_o least_o let_v nothing_o of_o bitterness_n or_o passion_n appear_v in_o our_o word_n as_o charity_n put_v we_o upon_o this_o duty_n so_o let_v we_o by_o our_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o persuade_v he_o it_o be_v our_o love_n for_o he_o and_o not_o a_o design_n of_o insult_a over_o he_o that_o be_v the_o motive_n maxim_n xlix_o that_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o knowledge_n or_o word_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o earnestness_n to_o meditate_v upon_o and_o labour_n to_o make_v ourselves_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god._n we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v frequent_a in_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o edify_v our_o neighbour_n with_o our_o good_a discourse_n and_o instruct_v he_o in_o piety_n what_o great_a joy_n than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o impart_v our_o knowledge_n to_o he_o which_o still_o increase_v as_o it_o be_v communicate_v and_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n to_o advance_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o child_n after_o all_o what_o fruit_n can_v we_o pretend_v to_o reap_v from_o all_o our_o learning_n and_o rhetoric_n if_o the_o act_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v not_o exert_v by_o we_o what_o a_o horrible_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v enlight'n_v and_o speak_v like_o angel_n and_o yet_o live_v like_o devil_n knowledge_n separate_a from_o a_o good_a conscience_n do_v but_o serve_v to_o aggravate_v our_o crime_n maxim_n l._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o impute_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god._n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o devil_n can_v make_v we_o attribute_v aught_o to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n we_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o shall_v die_v in_o sin_n do_v not_o god_n grace_n prevent_v we_o our_o call_n to_o faith_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n our_o conversion_n the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o overcome_v our_o aversion_n our_o perseverance_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o end_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v derive_v from_o him._n let_v we_o confess_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o can_v assume_v aught_o to_o ourselves_o but_o misery_n corruption_n love_n to_o sin_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n law_n we_o must_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o according_o ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o him._n the_o end_n
foundation_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o god_n will_v in_o his_o due_a time_n full_o display_v but_o withal_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n it_o cry_v aloud_o that_o we_o must_v enter_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n even_o to_o death_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o appear_v with_o full_a assurance_n before_o his_o throne_n who_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o man_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o end_n epictetus_n christianus_n or_o maxim_n of_o true_a christianity_n london_n print_v for_o brab_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n 1688._o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o maxim_n but_o what_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o though_o they_o be_v all_o so_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o dispute_n yet_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o collection_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a it_o be_v true_a no_o body_n will_v argue_v against_o they_o when_o propose_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o mind_n and_o few_o that_o practise_v they_o there_o be_v many_o who_o fancy_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n because_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n other_o think_v they_o go_v much_o further_o because_o they_o study_v those_o disputable_a point_n which_o divide_v christian_n among_o themselves_o this_o customary_a devotion_n or_o controversial_a divinity_n be_v not_o chief_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o there_o be_v something_o more_o sublime_a and_o satisfactory_a in_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o maxim_n a_o essay_n be_v make_v to_o give_v a_o idea_n of_o christian_a duty_n to_o such_o as_o never_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o object_n that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o some_o very_a common_a reflection_n which_o be_v frequent_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v the_o less_o excusable_a for_o their_o ignorance_n of_o or_o not_o practise_v maxim_n which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v be_v they_o not_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o gospel-precept_n the_o only_a aim_n in_o the_o method_n observe_v and_o brevity_n affect_v here_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reader_n more_o easy_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o reflection_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o god_n grant_v that_o as_o the_o design_n in_o write_v of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n so_o they_o may_v stir_v up_o in_o some_o a_o desire_n of_o employ_v themselves_o with_o more_o care_n and_o fervency_n about_o the_o duty_n they_o point_v at_o epictetus_n christianus_n or_o maxim_n of_o true_a christianity_n maxim_n i._o that_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o have_v maxim_n of_o piety_n the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o man_n be_v piety_n it_o be_v no_o very_o great_a matter_n whether_o we_o be_v successful_a or_o not_o in_o all_o other_o employment_n of_o this_o life_n provide_v we_o discharge_v well_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o approve_v ourselves_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o such_o case_n we_o can_v miss_v of_o be_v happy_a how_o great_a a_o error_n be_v it_o to_o frame_v maxim_n to_o ourselves_o whereby_o to_o attain_v skill_n in_o art_n and_o science_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o neglect_v to_o use_v the_o like_a method_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o godliness_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o so_o little_a progress_n be_v make_v in_o it_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o advance_v in_o his_o way_n who_o keep_v no_o certain_a path_n we_o must_v cure_v ourselves_o of_o that_o rashness_n and_o inadvertency_n which_o common_o attend_v our_o action_n certain_o the_o thing_n upon_o which_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n depend_v be_v well_o worth_a our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o must_v furnish_v our_o heart_n with_o maxim_n of_o piety_n and_o pursue_v they_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n maxim_n ii_o that_o it_o import_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o examine_v what_o our_o chief_a and_o last_o end_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o examine_v how_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n whether_o by_o a_o effect_n of_o chance_n or_o that_o we_o owe_v our_o be_v to_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o create_v we_o the_o second_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o rule_n or_o without_o any_o the_o least_o reflection_n or_o restraint_n may_v give_v way_n to_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n and_o last_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o last_a end._n god_n have_v of_o his_o goodness_n create_v we_o we_o must_v be_v entire_o subject_a to_o him._n let_v we_o therefore_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o make_v for_o he_o and_o consequent_o so_o direct_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o his_o glory_n maxim_n iii_o that_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o our_o last_a end._n it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o deplorable_a to_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n depart_v this_o life_n without_o a_o just_a consideration_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o this_o arise_v either_o from_o their_o never_o entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o neglect_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o thorough_o and_o yet_o a_o more_o sad_a thing_n it_o be_v when_o after_o this_o examination_n and_o knowledge_n have_v of_o our_o last_o end_n we_o do_v not_o act_v conformable_a to_o our_o information_n and_o reflection_n thereupon_o this_o can_v but_o render_v our_o disorder_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o cry_v the_o loud_a for_o vengeance_n we_o must_v have_v a_o continual_a regard_n to_o our_o last_o end_n that_o so_o it_o may_v regulate_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o true_o wise_a but_o how_o can_v we_o think_v of_o it_o as_o we_o ought_v without_o tell_v ourselves_o that_o our_o not_o mind_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o ruin_n maxim_n iu._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v we_o be_v god_n creature_n some_z few_o year_n since_o i_o have_v no_o existence_n and_o now_o i_o find_v i_o have_v a_o be_v life_n motion_n a_o rational_a soul_n enlighten_v mind_n and_o a_o body_n more_o perfect_a than_o that_o of_o any_o other_o animal_n all_o creature_n administer_v continual_a supply_n to_o my_o want_n the_o heaven_n afford_v i_o their_o light_n and_o influence_n the_o earth_n yield_v i_o her_o fruit_n water_n and_o remedy_n the_o creature_n she_o abound_v with_o serve_v for_o my_o food_n necessity_n and_o delight_n shall_v i_o be_v excusable_a then_o if_o i_o forget_v he_o who_o make_v i_o no_o i_o must_v love_v he_o with_o all_o my_o soul_n obey_v he_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o these_o his_o benefit_n heap_v upon_o i_o bless_v and_o magnify_v his_o great_a name_n these_o be_v duty_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v absolute_o indispensable_a if_o we_o do_v but_o serious_o consider_v we_o be_v his_o creature_n maxim_n v._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o god_n favour_n in_o our_o preservation_n we_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o atheist_n to_o attribute_v their_o subsistence_n as_o they_o do_v their_o be_v to_o chance_n as_o for_o our_o part_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o our_o preservation_n as_o a_o continual_a creation_n since_o god_n by_o his_o power_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n communicate_v life_n to_o we_o every_o moment_n there_o be_v not_o one_o instant_n of_o our_o life_n but_o god_n deliver_v we_o from_o infinite_a evil_n which_o but_o for_o his_o prevent_v han_n dwould_v most_o certain_o destroy_v we_o who_o to_o this_o be_v please_v to_o superadd_a such_o plenty_n of_o blessing_n as_o to_o make_v our_o life_n most_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a how_o thankful_a therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v how_o great_a acknowledgement_n ought_v we_o to_o return_v to_o god_n for_o these_o signal_n favour_n to_o we_o shall_v not_o we_o therefore_o as_o often_o as_o we_o respire_v meditate_v on_o he_o who_o so_o constant_o think_v of_o we_o maxim_n vi_o that_o we_o shall_v continual_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n he_o who_o make_v and_o do_v still_o
we_o believe_v god_n decision_n concern_v these_o rather_o than_o the_o suggestion_n of_o sensuality_n maxim_n xxiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o resist_v our_o passion_n this_o life_n be_v a_o scene_n of_o combat_n where_o though_o we_o be_v not_o always_o fight_v with_o our_o enemy_n or_o wild_a beast_n yet_o must_v ever_o be_v contend_v against_o our_o passion_n that_o endeavour_n to_o usurp_v the_o dominion_n of_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o suffer_v any_o one_o of_o these_o to_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o our_o soul_n then_o farewell_n reason_n and_o tranquillity_n then_o will_v both_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o inevitable_a danger_n a_o eternal_a death_n to_o both_o must_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o this_o tyranny_n but_o while_o we_o courageous_o oppose_v their_o assault_n we_o secure_v our_o quiet_n and_o be_v in_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o glory_n whereof_o we_o have_v foreta_v even_o in_o this_o life_n at_o least_o a_o certain_a hope_n shall_v crown_v the_o conflict_n maxim_n xxiv_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o bridle_v that_o pride_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o reign_v in_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a than_o the_o free_n ourselves_o from_o pride_n man_n be_v natural_o in_o love_n with_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o proud_a of_o what_o they_o possess_v they_o love_v to_o be_v esteem_v of_o other_o delight_v to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o their_o perfection_n in_o a_o word_n their_o ambition_n be_v to_o be_v think_v and_o consider_v as_o wise_a skilful_a and_o honest_a men._n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o oppose_v a_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o boast_v vainglory_n obstinacy_n presumption_n and_o hypocrisy_n what_o safety_n can_v these_o hope_n for_o when_o god_n have_v declare_v he_o resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a let_v we_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o passion_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o child_n of_o pride_n have_v infuse_v it_o into_o we_o its_o effect_n here_o below_o fill_v human_a society_n with_o trouble_n and_o debate_n and_o its_o eternal_a effect_n hereafter_o be_v the_o unite_n we_o to_o he_o and_o separate_v we_o from_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v humility_n itself_o maxim_n xxv_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o suppress_v all_o desire_n of_o become_v great_a every_o condition_n have_v its_o comfort_n and_o distaste_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o desire_v to_o rise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v because_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o know_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o no_o state_n be_v happy_a but_o that_o of_o the_o virtuous_a be_v their_o condition_n what_o it_o will._n let_v we_o not_o think_v so_o much_o of_o rise_v and_o become_v great_a as_o of_o collect_v comfort_n from_o a_o troublesome_a life_n and_o extract_a pleasure_n from_o calamity_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o disquiet_n the_o place_n we_o may_v aim_v at_o be_v no_o better_a than_o that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n have_v appoint_v every_o one_o of_o we_o his_o place_n and_o bound_n these_o he_o have_v determine_v for_o we_o by_o our_o birth_n wealth_n and_o capacity_n let_v we_o not_o presume_v to_o quit_v or_o go_v beyond_o they_o since_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o violate_v the_o decree_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o manifold_a temptation_n maxim_n xxvi_o that_o humility_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o true_a christianity_n without_o humility_n it_o be_v this_o christ_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n how_o dare_v we_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n while_o we_o neglect_v to_o practice_v his_o precept_n we_o ought_v therefore_o ingenuous_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o weakness_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v a_o show_n of_o our_o part_n or_o other_o advantage_n and_o seek_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n embrace_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v abate_v and_o mortify_v our_o pride_n to_o do_v this_o we_o need_v no_o more_o than_o reflect_v on_o what_o we_o be_v we_o come_v from_o nothing_o and_o be_v sinner_n into_o the_o bargain_n the_o advantage_n we_o possess_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o we_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n for_o they_o maxim_n xxvii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n how_o proper_o be_v covetousness_n call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a love_n of_o riches_n make_v we_o deal_v unjust_o with_o our_o neighbour_n it_o stifle_v all_o sense_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o change_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o soul_n that_o be_v eager_o incline_v to_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n expose_v itself_o to_o a_o certain_a danger_n for_o a_o uncertain_a gain_n it_o fear_v not_o eternal_a destruction_n so_o it_o may_v but_o satisfy_v its_o greediness_n behold_v here_o the_o quintessence_n of_o blindness_n and_o folly._n let_v we_o dread_a to_o be_v possess_v of_o so_o vile_a a_o passion_n which_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o prompt_v we_o to_o betray_v our_o lord_n himself_o judas_n do_v not_o betray_v he_o for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n but_o through_o love_n of_o money_n and_o the_o same_o will_v make_v christ_n to_o destroy_v we_o without_o remedy_n for_o have_v so_o sottish_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o little_a shine_a dust_n maxim_n xxviii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o restrain_v the_o motion_n of_o anger_n anger_n disfigure_v a_o man_n by_o dethrone_v his_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o quarrel_n curse_n and_o blasphemy_n it_o beget_v hatred_n and_o revenge_n without_o consider_v reason_n justice_n or_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o dangerous_a be_v it_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o this_o passion_n and_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o what_o a_o horrible_a thing_n to_o be_v transport_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n or_o charge_n god_n with_o our_o disaster_n and_o murmur_v against_o he_o or_o brandish_v our_o fury_n against_o our_o neighbour_n let_v we_o betimes_o resist_v the_o motion_n of_o anger_n let_v we_o learn_v to_o look_v upon_o our_o misery_n as_o chastisement_n and_o upon_o injury_n as_o trial_n god_n lay_v upon_o we_o if_o our_o heart_n at_o any_o time_n rise_v in_o spite_n of_o we_o let_v we_o present_o recall_v ourselves_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o sun_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o go_v down_o upon_o our_o wrath._n maxim_n xxix_o that_o we_o must_v root_v envy_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n what_o great_a madness_n than_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o our_o neighbour_n welfare_n as_o if_o his_o happiness_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o miserable_a what_o injustice_n to_o rejoice_v at_o his_o misfortune_n and_o insult_v over_o he_o or_o take_v delight_n in_o his_o be_v cast_v down_o this_o passion_n can_v possess_v a_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o give_v up_o to_o the_o devil_n if_o we_o will_v not_o abhor_v envy_n because_o it_o consume_v the_o envious_a and_o tear_n he_o inward_o or_o for_o its_o delight_v in_o and_o feed_v itself_o with_o filth_n and_o ordure_n let_v we_o at_o least_o hate_v it_o as_o be_v the_o source_n of_o that_o detestable_a crime_n the_o jew_n commit_v in_o deliver_v up_o our_o lord_n to_o death_n o_o let_v we_o strangle_v this_o monster_n and_o acquiesce_v in_o god_n way_n of_o dispense_n his_o favour_n let_v we_o free_o impart_v the_o prosperity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o or_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o supply_v our_o want_n of_o power_n by_o grant_v our_o desire_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n maxim_n xxx_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v injury_n with_o patience_n socrates_n be_v strike_v will_v not_o revenge_v himself_o this_o example_n of_o patience_n several_a heathen_n have_v imitate_v yea_o they_o have_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o conquer_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n with_o kindness_n alas_o how_o many_o christian_n may_v just_o fear_v that_o the_o benignity_n of_o a_o heathen_a will_v aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o as_o such_o shall_v own_o this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o he_o who_o do_v the_o injury_n be_v the_o wretch_n not_o he_o who_o suffer_v by_o it_o we_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o god_n who_o forbid_v we_o all_o self-revenge_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v ready_a every_o minute_n to_o thunder_v out_o our_o resentment_n against_o other_o let_v we_o in_o a_o word_n wise_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v criminal_n who_o sue_v for_o pardon_n that_o we_o be_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o god_n who_o have_v proclaim_v to_o we_o that_o vengeance_n be_v he_o let_v we_o not_o set_v light_n by_o his_o presence_n his_o voice_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n maxim_n xxxi_o that_o we_o must_v abhor_v all_o impurity_n we_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o