forth_o to_o some_o outward_a employment_n by_o necessity_n or_o by_o god_n glory_n yet_o his_o thought_n will_v always_o tend_v homeward_o to_o dwell_v in_o peace_n with_o the_o inner_a man_n in_o a_o humble_a and_o quiet_a heart_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o busy_a about_o the_o circumference_n of_o unsettled_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o his_o proper_a rest_n and_o centre_n which_o be_v god_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorant_a foolish_a world_n it_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v alone_o and_o converse_v with_o themselves_o but_o for_o a_o few_o hour_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o they_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v engage_v abroad_o and_o to_o avoid_v their_o own_o company_n they_o spend_v much_o of_o their_o time_n upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o yet_o what_o remain_v of_o it_o lie_v upon_o they_o like_o a_o heavy_a burden_n and_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v out_o occasion_n to_o throw_v it_o away_o they_o dread_v to_o look_v within_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o fearful_a apprehension_n vexation_n and_o tediousness_n of_o spirit_n they_o range_v abroad_o and_o go_v for_o comfort_n to_o other_o creature_n serious_n thought_n be_v a_o terror_n to_o they_o and_o consideration_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o death_n because_o their_o soul_n lie_v naked_a and_o deform_a load_v with_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o avoid_v the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n love_v to_o be_v private_a and_o to_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n when_o so_o many_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o a_o perpetual_a hurry_n and_o esteem_v themselves_o unhappy_a when_o they_o must_v be_v alone_o as_o indeed_o unhappy_a they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v until_o they_o rectify_v many_o thing_n and_o learn_v to_o confer_v and_o live_v with_o themselves_o and_o by_o inward_a purity_n invite_v god_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o they_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o but_o a_o few_o choose_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o forsake_v the_o many_o and_o live_v with_o the_o few_o and_o with_o fear_n and_o diligent_a care_n make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o riches_n and_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 1._o how_o apt_a riches_n be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o good_a life_n how_o pernicious_a be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o affirm_v with_o a_o asseveration_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o much_o to_o be_v note_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 19.23_o and_o that_o this_o terrible_a sentence_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n he_o exemplify_v rich_a man_n danger_n by_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camet_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v narrow_a and_o can_v give_v no_o entrance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v load_v and_o cumber_v with_o fardel_n of_o wealth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o love_v and_o desire_v riches_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n do_v a_o bitter_a potion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o recover_v health_n but_o it_o be_v unpleasant_a and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o he_o will_v let_v it_o alone_o and_o however_o he_o take_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v so_o shall_v every_o christian_a be_v affect_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o our_o necessity_n require_v the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v vexatious_a and_o dangerous_a too_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v wish_v we_o can_v live_v without_o they_o and_o we_o must_v take_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o be_v requisite_a to_o supply_v our_o want_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 6.6_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n and_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o good_a man_n fear_v not_o my_o son_n though_o we_o be_v make_v poor_a for_o thou_o have_v much_o wealth_n if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o all_o sin_n tob._n 4.21_o 2._o he_o be_v true_o rich_a that_o be_v rich_a to_o eternity_n and_o have_v a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o store_n but_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v innocent_a that_o will_v be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n man_n care_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o commit_v so_o they_o may_v get_v wealth_n and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o its_o great_a use_n be_v to_o purchase_v therewith_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o that_o play_v with_o pebble_n and_o pin_n be_v very_a intent_n to_o their_o game_n when_o yet_o they_o value_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o care_v for_o our_o necessity_n and_o yet_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o supply_v they_o we_o may_v use_v money_n to_o that_o end_n but_o we_o may_v not_o enslave_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o except_o we_o will_v become_v most_o base_a and_o miserable_a we_o see_v when_o nut_n be_v throw_v among_o child_n they_o will_v greedy_o scrape_v and_o fight_v for_o they_o and_o man_n will_v stand_v unconcern_v and_o despise_v such_o trash_n so_o shall_v we_o as_o many_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o be_v true_a christian_n when_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v get_v and_o man_n that_o know_v and_o expect_v no_o better_o will_v crowd_n and_o strive_v and_o sweat_v for_o they_o let_v we_o laugh_v and_o pity_v their_o folly_n those_o thing_n be_v but_o nut_n not_o worth_a our_o stoop_n if_o any_o fall_n into_o our_o bosom_n we_o may_v break_v it_o and_o eat_v it_o but_o it_o be_v below_o we_o to_o scramble_v for_o they_o all_o worldly_a thing_n be_v mere_a deceit_n and_o vanity_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n he_o will_v have_v no_o riches_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v despise_v they_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n like_v not_o of_o this_o they_o rather_o despise_v christ_n and_o his_o divine_a doctrine_n because_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_n mammon_n but_o the_o child_n of_o light_n gather_v their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n corrupt_v and_o where_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o nor_o steal_v he_o be_v rich_a enough_o in_o this_o world_n that_o want_v not_o daily_a bread_n chap._n xv._o of_o the_o use_n of_o riches_n and_o how_o to_o know_v we_o love_v they_o not_o 1._o few_o understand_v or_o consider_v how_o to_o use_v their_o estate_n aright_o that_o they_o be_v the_o provision_n for_o this_o present_a short_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n obtain_v without_o any_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o own_o without_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n and_o preserve_v without_o anxious_a fear_n and_o distribute_v without_o regret_n or_o nigardliness_n where_o charity_n and_o necessity_n call_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o by_o birth_n or_o by_o place_n be_v noble_a and_o dignify_a person_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o rank_n which_o shall_v be_v honourable_o maintain_v have_v great_a want_n than_o their_o inferior_n who_o may_v have_v sufficient_a with_o a_o lesser_a portion_n yet_o however_o we_o be_v all_o but_o steward_n of_o what_o we_o possess_v and_o we_o shall_v all_o study_v alm_n and_o moderation_n that_o god_n our_o great_a landlord_n may_v find_v we_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v the_o true_a owner_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v we_o be_v but_o servant_n under_o he_o who_o shall_v use_v all_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o plenty_n be_v voluntary_o poor_a as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o riches_n increase_v shall_v not_o be_v proud_a nor_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o 2._o nature_n have_v hide_v gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o covetous_a that_o seek_v for_o those_o belove_a metal_n be_v bow_v down_o and_o stoop_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o can_v hardly_o raise_v up_o himself_o to_o look_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o wise_a christian_a look_v
up_o to_o god_n thus_o at_o least_o he_o intend_v it_o but_o by_o our_o depravation_n and_o folly_n they_o become_v obstacle_n in_o our_o way_n to_o he_o they_o turn_v we_o from_o the_o path_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n say_v wisd_v 14.11_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n become_v stumble_a block_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o unwise_a of_o the_o unwise_a he_o say_v such_o as_o will_v not_o take_v god_n for_o their_o guide_n such_o as_o turn_v their_o eye_n from_o his_o glorious_a light_n to_o enjoy_v the_o shade_n and_o obscurity_n of_o creature_n thereby_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n and_o so_o become_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o abide_v the_o divine_a save_a light_n 2._o now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v create_v for_o this_o to_o be_v as_o help_v and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v our_o end_n then_o be_v we_o to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v love_v and_o desire_v without_o end_n and_o without_o competitor_n in_o goodness_n be_v independent_a supreme_a and_o alone_o satisfactory_a whereas_o mean_n have_v no_o far_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o help_v to_o obtain_v the_o end_n a_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o refer_v to_o god_n all_o his_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o not_o lazy_o or_o verbal_o only_a but_o with_o a_o strong_a affection_n and_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n avoid_v thereby_o the_o cheat_n man_n often_o put_v upon_o themselves_o in_o be_v deceive_v with_o their_o own_o formality_n and_o specious_a pretence_n when_o even_o in_o religion_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o often_o seek_v and_o please_v themselves_o rather_o than_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o scripture_n call_v the_o way_n to_o life_n straight_o and_o narrow_a because_o deprave_a man_n refer_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o can_v hardly_o follow_v the_o pure_a and_o direct_a way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v be_v natural_o averse_a to_o a_o upright_a intention_n but_o when_o this_o aversion_n be_v once_o overcome_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o divine_a commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v wide_a and_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v light_a and_o pleasant_a chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v earnest_a about_o the_o world_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o attain_v not_o their_o main_a end_n 1._o that_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n be_v past_a number_n be_v right_o affirm_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o indeed_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n trifle_v away_o their_o day_n so_o simple_o act_n so_o childish_o or_o rather_o so_o much_o like_o mad_a man_n that_o their_o intolerable_a folly_n can_v be_v sufficient_o deplore_v they_o set_v the_o flesh_n above_o the_o spirit_n they_o prefer_v time_n to_o eternity_n and_o earth_n to_o heaven_n till_o the_o unhappy_a comedy_n of_o their_o sinful_a lifâ—_n end_v in_o a_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o death_n and_o they_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n in_o a_o moment_n if_o a_o suit_n at_o law_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v or_o a_o estate_n gain_v or_o a_o place_n of_o honour_n obtain_v than_o they_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o labour_n no_o search_n no_o diligence_n no_o study_n but_o if_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v purchase_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n make_v sure_a than_o no_o man_n stir_v they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o unactive_a no_o regard_n no_o care_n be_v have_v of_o it_o 2._o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v and_o afflict_v the_o body_n as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n heat_n and_o cold_a pain_n and_o infirmity_n our_o sense_n be_v quick_a and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o industry_n we_o present_o occur_v to_o those_o evil_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o but_o if_o our_o soul_n suffer_v under_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a spiritual_a evil_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o we_o care_v no_o more_o than_o if_o that_o noble_a part_n of_o we_o whereby_o we_o live_v and_o be_v rational_a and_o like_a to_o angel_n have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o and_o this_o because_o the_o flesh_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o we_o value_v this_o sport_n uncertain_a life_n more_o than_o life_n eternal_a and_o we_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o sole_a employment_n to_o rescue_v that_o carcase_n from_o death_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o certain_o must_v soon_o become_v its_o prey_n 3._o one_o cause_n of_o these_o preposterous_a do_n be_v the_o gross_a and_o brutish_a ignorance_n or_o rather_o inconsideration_n of_o too_o too_o many_o who_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v to_o what_o end_n man_n be_v create_v what_o it_o be_v he_o shall_v seek_v and_o design_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o way_n he_o shall_v take_v that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o his_o great_a aim_n jer._n 12.11_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolate_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n consider_v wise_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o power_n of_o those_o enemy_n that_o perpetual_o assault_v we_o who_o snare_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o avoid_v without_o god_n break_v they_o and_o deliver_v he_o for_o we_o be_v continual_o besiege_v by_o a_o frail_a flesh_n a_o flatter_a world_n and_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o 4._o last_o our_o folly_n and_o misery_n proceed_v partly_o from_o our_o blindness_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o darkness_n we_o want_v light_a to_o guide_v we_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n and_o pray_v he_o devout_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o aright_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o sloth_n and_o inconstancy_n for_o we_o be_v virtuous_a in_o wish_n and_o not_o in_o effect_n because_o we_o be_v lazy_a to_o work_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o practice_n we_o find_v difficulty_n and_o be_v soon_o tire_v and_o dishearten_v hasty_o give_v over_o before_o we_o have_v effect_v any_o thing_n all_o christian_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o come_v after_o he_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o care_v not_o to_o imitate_v he_o fain_o will_v they_o come_v to_o he_o but_o not_o follow_v he_o man_n will_v obtain_v riches_n without_o labour_n and_o crown_n without_o fight_v they_o like_v well_o of_o reward_n but_o they_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n ghap._n xii_o how_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o fair_a outside_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a 1._o this_o world_n felicity_n put_v all_o together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o whole_a be_v but_o like_o a_o coarse_a picture_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v something_o please_v and_o invite_v when_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o false_a light_n or_o in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o obscure_a or_o with_o a_o small_a blind_a candle_n such_o as_o be_v the_o dim_a and_o deceitful_a light_n of_o present_a time_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v forth_o the_o picture_n and_o view_v it_o before_o that_o glorious_a sun_n that_o shine_v for_o ever_o the_o radiant_a brightness_n of_o eternity_n there_o it_o will_v appear_v deform_v and_o unfinished_a a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a shadow_n which_o represent_v nothing_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stroke_n and_o line_n draw_v without_o order_n or_o design_n for_o though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o it_o remain_v in_o darkness_n man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a discovery_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o 3._o yet_o that_o light_n it_o be_v and_o none_o else_o that_o clear_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n btwixt_a vile_a and_o precious_a betwixt_o truth_n and_o appearance_n how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o christianity_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o instruct_v it_o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o by_o it_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n because_o of_o their_o attractive_a beauty_n but_o so_o to_o consider_v their_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v by_o they_o lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o glorious_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o divine_a light_n it_o be_v make_v i_o see_v
eye_n and_o mind_n on_o that_o original_a which_o he_o mean_v to_o copy_n so_o shall_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n set_v before_o himself_o his_o master_n life_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a exemplar_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o imitate_v and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o 2._o now_o he_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o remain_v in_o he_o shall_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v careful_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o his_o new_a and_o better_a lord_n for_o as_o while_o we_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v its_o instinct_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v slave_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n so_o now_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o unhappy_a slavery_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n we_o must_v careful_o follow_v he_o who_o member_n we_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15.47_o the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o second_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a make_v that_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o high_a call_n as_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o high_a title_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o 3._o now_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o outward_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o be_v who_o â—_z and_o affection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n bless_a example_n who_o endeavour_v always_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n be_v create_v anew_o in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v look_v unto_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v not_o live_v after_o the_o method_n of_o deprave_a man_n but_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o righteous_a god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v own_a to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o certain_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n chap._n xviii_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o faith_n be_v to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n and_o the_o spring_n to_o the_o fountain_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o we_o must_v first_o begin_v and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o commendation_n job_n give_v to_o wisdom_n chap._n 28._o be_v just_o due_a to_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o solomon_n high_a encomium_n of_o wisdom_n do_v but_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o faith_n wisd_v 7._o gold_n in_o respect_n of_o she_o be_v as_o little_a sand_n and_o silver_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o clay_n before_o she_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n she_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n teach_v we_o all_o truth_n inform_v our_o soul_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v what_o to_o shun_v and_o what_o to_o pursue_v it_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o the_o world_n count_v good_a be_v evil_a and_o that_o worldly_a calamity_n be_v good_a if_o endure_v patient_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a and_o all_o that_o which_o be_v for_o no_o use_n but_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n and_o the_o high_a of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o from_o its_o wretched_a slavery_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o set_v we_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o great_a contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o then_o christ_n who_o deliver_v the_o first_o be_v ever_o true_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v clear_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o follow_v the_o holy_a light_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n not_o the_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o deprave_v as_o we_o now_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o altogether_o destructive_a of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a dictate_v and_o endeavour_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a a_o well-being_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o present_a world_n without_o take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n this_o evil_a man_n have_v from_o adam_n and_o from_o those_o lust_n which_o reign_n in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v still_o some_o cause_n to_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o rom._n 7._o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n st._n paul_n answer_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v deliver_v we_o for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v from_o our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n and_o enable_v to_o see_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o new_a life_n from_o he_o chap._n xix_o that_o faith_n work_v in_o a_o christian_a self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o great_a be_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v the_o faithful_a christian_n to_o be_v as_o itself_o be_v unshaken_a and_o unmovable_a the_o true_a believer_n who_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a regard_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o find_v light_n and_o peace_n delight_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o find_v neither_o rest_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o in_o time_n of_o need_n there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o they_o be_v like_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n perish_v and_o unstable_a so_o that_o he_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o same_o destiny_n whereas_o he_o that_o trust_v on_o god_n who_o be_v unmoveable_a be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n express_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o belief_n our_o action_n shall_v be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o what_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v glory_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o to_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o offence_n 2._o the_o first_o man_n indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocence_n may_v have_v come_v to_o bliss_n by_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o those_o good_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n but_o after_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o infect_v his_o unborn_a posterity_n with_o sin_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n appoint_v another_o way_n to_o bliss_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o self-denial_n through_o which_o christ_n himself_o pass_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n say_v luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o 33._o
shake_v off_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n presence_n because_o it_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o our_o appetite_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n spiritual_a joy_n be_v deny_v we_o we_o present_o seek_v for_o earthly_a pleasure_n because_o we_o open_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o see_v god_n present_a and_o we_o embrace_v he_o not_o with_o devout_a affection_n and_o we_o care_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n which_o god_n himself_o show_v to_o abraham_n to_o have_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a holy_a david_n likewise_o make_v a_o great_a use_n of_o this_o to_o be_v always_o mindful_a that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o psal_n 16.8_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v he_o can_v never_o but_o be_v happy_a that_o dwell_v with_o the_o author_n of_o all_o happiness_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n saint_n appear_v difficult_a 1._o we_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o christian_a worthy_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o because_o we_o represent_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o be_v now_o of_o another_o nature_n free_v from_o the_o body_n inhabitant_n of_o the_o mansion_n of_o bliss_n whence_o anger_n lust_n and_o all_o temptation_n be_v for_o ever_o banish_v and_o where_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o if_o we_o real_o desire_v to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o they_o then_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o as_o we_o be_v so_o be_v they_o mortal_a man_n cumber_v with_o the_o uneasy_a burden_n of_o the_o flesh_n infect_v with_o sin_n tempt_v by_o sinful_a affection_n and_o expose_v to_o misery_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o by_o faith_n they_o overcome_v all_o these_o subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n and_o by_o fight_v obtain_v the_o crown_n 2._o elias_n say_v st._n james_n 5.17_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o the_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o again_o he_o pray_v and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_n and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o her_o fruit_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o saint_n that_o have_v do_v the_o great_a wonder_n they_o be_v like_o we_o make_v of_o the_o same_o clay_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o temptation_n while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v only_o above_o we_o in_o this_o that_o with_o great_a and_o assiduous_a pain_n they_o conquer_v pride_n and_o lust_n and_o escape_v the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o diligent_a care_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n why_o then_o do_v we_o draw_v back_o and_o make_v delay_n to_o they_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o become_v saint_n by_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o if_o shake_v off_o our_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n we_o will_v serious_o endeavour_v we_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n arrive_v to_o the_o same_o height_n of_o sanctification_n and_o bliss_n as_o they_o have_v for_o he_o have_v proceed_v far_o towards_o holiness_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v holy_a chap._n xxix_o how_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o again_o col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o a_o good_a work_n which_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o god_n account_n do_v become_v evil_a it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n to_o receive_v its_o form_n from_o the_o end_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o act_n and_o if_o we_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n without_o reference_n to_o god_n this_o be_v that_o lust_n or_o sinful_a love_n which_o saint_n john_n condemn_v 1_o ep._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n love_v they_o not_o so_o as_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o for_o here_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n traveller_n go_v home_o to_o our_o father_n house_n to_o our_o god_n and_o so_o what_o creature_n we_o meet_v in_o our_o way_n we_o may_v use_v they_o as_o convenience_n to_o carry_v we_o forward_o towards_o he_o but_o we_o may_v not_o dwell_v with_o they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v at_o our_o journey_n end_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v love_v for_o himself_o he_o alone_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o last_o and_o best_a end_n we_o can_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o he_o alone_o our_o appetite_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v our_o enjoyment_n shall_v be_v secure_a and_o our_o joy_n undisturbed_a for_o ever_o whosoever_o know_v not_o and_o pursue_v not_o this_o end_n know_v not_o why_o he_o live_v nor_o how_o to_o live_v well_o but_o he_o that_o know_v it_o know_v whither_o to_o direct_v his_o intention_n and_o whither_o to_o tend_v in_o all_o his_o action_n 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o natural_a action_n as_o to_o walk_v to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v and_o such_o like_a be_v of_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a yet_o all_o divine_n teach_v that_o they_o become_v sin_n if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o to_o some_o further_a and_o better_a end_n that_o be_v to_o live_v to_o serve_v god_n who_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o all_o man_n action_n because_o as_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 6.22_o if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n this_o eye_n be_v the_o intention_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o action_n if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a they_o become_v work_n of_o darkness_n and_o good_a it_o can_v be_v except_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n the_o supreme_a goodness_n every_o good_a thing_n come_v from_o god_n and_o whatever_o return_v not_o to_o he_o be_v evil_a chap._n xxx_o self-love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1._o after_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o prefer_v himself_o to_o god_n commit_v that_o grievous_a transgression_n whereby_o all_o mankind_n become_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n lust_n and_o ignorance_n darkness_n and_o evil_a propensity_n seize_v upon_o our_o nature_n man_n forsake_v god_n and_o turn_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n run_v dissolute_o after_o carnal_a pleasure_n hence_o self-love_n the_o great_a enemy_n to_o virtue_n come_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o man_n who_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o seek_v nothing_o now_o but_o wealth_n honour_n and_o sensual_a delight_n and_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.7_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v for_o all_o its_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o sin_n only_o 2._o and_o yet_o self-love_n which_o seek_v so_o much_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v indeed_o its_o chief_a hindrance_n for_o god_n have_v create_v we_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o enjoin_v we_o to_o design_n it_o always_o when_o by_o self-love_n we_o seek_v only_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o advantage_n we_o do_v nothing_o whereby_o to_o obtain_v god_n favour_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o rather_o fall_v into_o a_o wretched_a state_n of_o damnation_n we_o be_v debtor_n not_o to_o the_o flesh_n to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v now_o to_o this_o mortification_n we_o be_v strong_o oblige_v by_o christian_a religion_n its_o great_a design_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n that_o as_o we_o yield_v our_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n even_o so_o now_o we_o shall_v yield_v they_o servant_n
to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v the_o lord_n leu._n 11.45_o 3._o now_o as_o christianity_n check_v and_o restrain_v self-love_n so_o do_v self-love_n keep_v man_n from_o understanding_n and_o approve_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o seek_v and_o love_v himself_o right_o apprehend_v that_o whatever_o the_o world_n dote_v upon_o be_v mere_a vanity_n that_o estate_n and_o honour_n bring_v great_a vexation_n and_o great_a slavery_n that_o to_o forgive_v enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o despise_v than_o to_o possess_v riches_n that_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v subject_a where_o god_n command_v than_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o domineer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o conquer_v himself_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o win_v battle_n and_o take_v fence_v city_n these_o be_v paradox_n hard_a and_o incredible_a say_n to_o the_o self-lover_n who_o fondness_n of_o himself_o tie_v he_o fast_o to_o this_o earth_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v useful_a and_o any_o way_n pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n live_v to_o god_n be_v not_o lead_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n some_o of_o their_o action_n be_v natural_a while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n and_o be_v design_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n for_o they_o continual_o deny_v themselves_o and_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a unruly_a desire_n self-lover_n hold_v a_o great_a regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o otherwise_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o self-love_n be_v that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o 1._o god_n at_o first_o place_v man_n in_o paradise_n but_o adam_n in_o who_o we_o all_o sin_v transport_v we_o into_o this_o world_n out_o of_o paradise_n out_o of_o jerusalem_n into_o babylon_n out_o of_o our_o freedom_n into_o slavery_n out_o of_o integrity_n into_o corruption_n out_o of_o our_o country_n into_o banishment_n and_o out_o of_o life_n into_o death_n thus_o from_o truth_n and_o perfection_n we_o fall_v into_o vanity_n we_o be_v now_o like_a unto_o vanity_n nay_o every_o man_n be_v but_o vanity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 39.6_o man_n be_v vain_a in_o his_o body_n which_o end_v in_o death_n and_o corruption_n vain_a in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n eternal_a and_o vain_a in_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n which_o all_o perish_v or_o must_v be_v forsake_v when_o he_o die_v yet_o man_n strange_o dote_v on_o this_o vanity_n he_o passionate_o run_v after_o these_o transitory_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o cheat_n and_o lie_v whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o thousand_o of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n into_o a_o hellish_a babylon_n 2._o now_o these_o two_o city_n be_v build_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o love_n god_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v ourselves_o make_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o to_o love_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o despise_v god_n make_v the_o devil_n babylon_n the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n the_o way_n to_o this_o be_v broad_a and_o short_a to_o that_o be_v straight_o difficult_a and_o long_a because_o dull_a and_o earthly_a as_o now_o we_o be_v we_o more_o easy_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o descend_v down_o to_o hell_n than_o we_o can_v raise_v up_o ourselves_o and_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o examine_v himself_o and_o find_v out_o what_o he_o chief_o love_v for_o if_o he_o love_v god_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v himself_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o citizen_n of_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o if_o he_o love_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v his_o own_o desire_n to_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o belong_v to_o that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v his_o child_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n cry_v aloud_o go_v you_o forth_o of_o babylon_n and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o isa_n 48.20_o jer._n 50.8_o and_o again_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 137.8_o o_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n we_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n when_o we_o leave_v the_o confusion_n of_o sin_n forsake_v our_o disorderly_a course_n of_o life_n and_o we_o dash_v the_o child_n of_o babylon_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n overcome_v our_o ill_a desire_n and_o ill_a inclination_n self-love_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o life_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o true_o love_v himself_o who_o by_o self-love_n destroy_v himself_o chap._n xxxii_o how_o man_n natural_o seek_v themselves_o even_o in_o their_o best_a work_n 1._o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o man_n opinion_n and_o inclination_n be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a yet_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o none_o appear_v vile_a to_o himself_o none_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o other_o none_o though_o never_o so_o mean_v but_o think_v himself_o somebody_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o one_o seek_v to_o be_v high_a than_o other_o every_o one_o be_v indulgent_a to_o himself_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o all_o man_n will_v have_v their_o will_n and_o their_o say_n all_o applaud_v to_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o conceit_n and_o censure_v other_o they_o count_v their_o own_o folly_n wisdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a ignorance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o think_v to_o know_v they_o careful_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n they_o know_v they_o have_v not_o and_o what_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o even_o good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n even_o they_o sometime_o in_o their_o best_a action_n by_o a_o secret_a and_o natural_a instinct_n almost_o unknown_a to_o themselves_o seek_v their_o own_o comfort_n and_o complacency_n most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o work_n the_o more_o subtle_a and_o undiscernible_a be_v this_o snare_n which_o self-love_n set_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a 2._o what_o better_a than_o to_o obey_v god_n to_o read_v his_o sacred_a word_n and_o preach_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o these_o duty_n be_v common_o stain_v with_o some_o secret_a desire_n of_o praise_n and_o except_o the_o christian_a be_v very_o watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o may_v easy_o lose_v his_o better_a reward_n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o even_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o without_o charity_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v purify_v his_o heart_n it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n 1.6_o you_o eat_v but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o drink_v but_o you_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n and_o he_o that_o yearn_v wage_n earn_v wage_n to_o put_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n for_o thus_o good_a work_n avail_v nothing_o if_o do_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o please_v god_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o search_v the_o hide_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o there_o lurk_v not_o in_o they_o some_o ill_a purpose_n of_o vainglory_n or_o self-interest_n to_o mix_v with_o our_o best_a action_n either_o first_o or_o last_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n always_o to_o seek_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o never_o his_o own_o chap._n xxxiii_o thing_n which_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o obedience_n 1._o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o know_v those_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n under_o which_o he_o live_v and_o the_o which_o he_o be_v
here_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v not_o only_o regard_v what_o he_o suffer_v but_o what_o he_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o offence_n against_o god_n also_o let_v no_o man_n judge_v and_o condemn_v another_o remember_v the_o say_n of_o st._n paul_n ro._n 2.1_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n for_o wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v very_o unfitting_a he_o that_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n shall_v be_v a_o severe_a exacter_n of_o his_o brother_n mite_n and_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o think_v to_o cure_v other_o by_o his_o distemper_n that_o be_v by_o his_o pride_n and_o his_o impatience_n who_o be_v thou_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 14.4_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o how_o can_v thou_o say_v to_o thy_o brother_n let_v i_o pull_v out_o the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o eye_n when_o thou_o thyself_o behold_v not_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n luke_n 6.42_o god_n alone_o that_o can_v amend_v and_o forgive_v or_o else_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n have_v right_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o our_o part_n be_v to_o prevent_v they_o if_o we_o can_v or_o else_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n however_o to_o hide_v and_o bear_v with_o they_o endeavour_v first_o to_o amend_v our_o own_o fault_n before_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o correct_v other_o as_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o patient_a to_o we_o all_o so_o must_v we_o be_v to_o our_o brother_n chap._n xxiv_o remedy_n against_o impatience_n 1._o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o affair_n a_o man_n must_v go_v through_o in_o his_o life_n and_o very_o different_a be_v the_o humour_n and_o company_n he_o must_v converse_v withal_o so_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n and_o all_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n therefore_o he_o must_v resolve_v before_o hand_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o lose_v not_o his_o peace_n and_o his_o patience_n whatever_o happen_v to_o that_o end_n let_v he_o consider_v in_o all_o his_o concern_v and_o undertake_n what_o thing_n may_v come_v cross_a to_o his_o desire_n and_o above_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o they_o let_v he_o prepare_v himself_o to_o bear_v they_o if_o they_o come_v for_o this_o will_v avoid_v the_o surprise_n and_o lessen_v the_o grief_n and_o compose_v the_o mind_n this_o must_v be_v therefore_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a task_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o use_v they_o according_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o thousand_o of_o change_n and_o chance_n which_o we_o can_v hinder_v and_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v not_o to_o command_v we_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o be_v trouble_v if_o we_o can_v dispose_v of_o they_o as_o we_o will_v 2._o these_o consideration_n well_o weigh_v will_v make_v a_o wise_a man_n mind_n steadfast_a and_o even_a able_a to_o entertain_v all_o event_n with_o a_o generous_a indifferency_n be_v he_o deprive_v of_o his_o good_a name_n of_o his_o estate_n or_o liberty_n be_v he_o threaten_v with_o persecution_n or_o with_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v not_o move_v nor_o deject_v he_o have_v consider_v long_o before_o that_o such_o thing_n may_v happen_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o now_o he_o can_v bear_v and_o overcome_v they_o it_o be_v not_o outward_a thing_n that_o wound_v we_o but_o the_o wrong_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o they_o our_o own_o mistake_a conceit_n do_v we_o the_o most_o hurt_v no_o man_n grow_v pale_a with_o fear_n or_o perplex_v with_o anguish_n but_o he_o that_o passionate_o will_v avoid_v or_o obtain_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n mind_n your_o duty_n and_o let_v not_o your_o passion_n go_v out_o of_o your_o own_o sphere_n and_o you_o shall_v avoid_v all_o those_o trouble_n which_o come_v from_o abroad_o where_o man_n jurisdiction_n can_v reach_v the_o christian_a martyr_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o weary_a tormentor_n their_o patience_n can_v not_o be_v conquer_v even_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v undaunted_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n they_o can_v not_o be_v overcome_v though_o they_o may_v be_v kill_v because_o they_o value_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o tyrant_n may_v give_v or_o else_o take_v away_o thing_n without_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o thing_n within_o thing_n that_o be_v their_o own_o as_o their_o virtue_n their_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n these_o they_o keep_v and_o preserve_v and_o in_o so_o do_v be_v happy_a for_o these_o be_v the_o true_a good_n which_o depend_v only_o from_o ourselves_o and_o which_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o from_o we_o chap._n xxv_o of_o humility_n the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o christian_n 1._o learn_v of_o i_o say_v our_o divine_a master_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n learn_v of_o i_o what_o sure_o some_o great_a matter_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v we_o learn_v have_v himself_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n will_v he_o therefore_o teach_v we_o to_o make_v a_o new_a world_n and_o so_o bring_v thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o also_o no_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n he_o bid_v we_o learn_v not_o what_o he_o make_v but_o what_o he_o himself_o be_v make_v for_o we_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n yet_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n phil._n 2._o learn_v of_o i_o therefore_o say_v he_o not_o to_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o cast_v out_o devil_n not_o to_o cleanse_v leper_n or_o give_v light_n to_o the_o blind_a not_o to_o walk_v on_o the_o sea_n or_o to_o work_v such_o wonder_n as_o he_o enable_v some_o to_o do_v but_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n mat._n 11.29_o he_o will_v not_o teach_v what_o himself_o will_v not_o do_v but_o he_o himself_o become_v our_o lesson_n and_o this_o he_o make_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o save_a doctrine_n that_o we_o learn_v to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a after_o his_o example_n so_o great_a so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n be_v lowliness_n that_o we_o can_v not_o learn_v it_o but_o from_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o most_o high_a 2._o indeed_o human_a pride_n can_v be_v cure_v by_o none_o but_o he_o who_o be_v god_n yet_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o chief_a virtue_n of_o christian_n proper_a to_o they_o alone_o unknown_a to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n recommend_v by_o christ_n by_o his_o example_n and_o by_o his_o precept_n above_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o we_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o abasement_n may_v at_o last_o come_v to_o his_o glory_n now_o that_o we_o may_v think_v mean_o of_o ourselves_o we_o must_v serious_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o call_v we_o the_o wretched_a state_n whence_o he_o call_v we_o the_o bliss_n he_o call_v we_o to_o our_o perverse_a dulness_n to_o follow_v and_o the_o assistance_n he_o give_v to_o forward_o we_o for_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_n except_o humility_n go_v along_o and_o follow_v our_o best_a work_n which_o be_v the_o step_n we_o make_v towards_o it_o because_o our_o virtue_n shall_v avail_v nothing_o if_o we_o be_v proud_a of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o praise_n and_o glory_n here_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o hereafter_o 3._o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o thought_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o we_o fancy_v ourselves_o to_o be_v something_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v always_o present_a will_v tell_v we_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o whence_o we_o have_v our_o origin_n for_o dust_n we_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n we_o must_v needs_o return_v and_o upon_o this_o humble_a and_o low_a foundation_n we_o must_v build_v the_o high_a virtue_n for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o can_v remove_v mountain_n if_o he_o can_v speak_v all_o language_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v if_o he_o have_v convert_v all_o the_o infidel_n and_o give_v all_o his_o substance_n to_o the_o poor_a yet_o he_o will_v be_v in_o great_a and_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o fall_v and_o lose_v his_o reward_n
ground_v upon_o humility_n but_o if_o this_o fail_v virtue_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n a_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o a_o empty_a name_n he_o gather_v dust_n before_o the_o wind_n that_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o yet_o will_v be_v virtuous_a 3._o but_o he_o be_v to_o be_v count_v true_o humble_a who_o be_v more_o lowly_a than_o the_o low_a condition_n and_o high_a than_o the_o high_a who_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o with_o honour_n nor_o swell_v with_o the_o wind_n of_o man_n applause_n and_o who_o be_v never_o so_o much_o afflict_v and_o disgrace_v but_o he_o be_v persuade_v he_o deserve_v much_o worse_a he_o be_v true_o humble_a who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v vile_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o as_o he_o ever_o be_v in_o his_o own_o who_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v a_o untruth_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o retract_v it_o and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n of_o other_o if_o by_o surprise_n or_o any_o other_o way_n he_o have_v offend_v they_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n this_o be_v know_v to_o good_a man_n to_o be_v a_o great_a self-denial_n he_o be_v true_o humble_a that_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v nothing_o for_o which_o he_o may_v just_o be_v despise_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v so_o and_o meek_o bear_v with_o reproach_n grieve_v for_o the_o offence_n to_o god_n but_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o abasement_n he_o who_o most_o innocent_a action_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misreport_v who_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o due_a reward_n and_o requite_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o yet_o be_v patient_a and_o content_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o neither_o value_v himself_o nor_o his_o best_a action_n the_o humble_a man_n be_v silent_a of_o himself_o and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o be_v forsake_v and_o persecute_v yet_o in_o god_n he_o find_v refuge_n and_o comfort_n he_o be_v decent_o courteous_a and_o oblige_v to_o all_o person_n even_o to_o they_o that_o be_v his_o inferior_n he_o compare_v what_o be_v natural_a to_o he_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o other_o his_o imperfection_n to_o their_o virtue_n and_o so_o entertain_v always_o mean_a thought_n of_o himself_o and_o be_v content_a to_o have_v other_o prefer_v before_o he_o and_o to_o sit_v low_a and_o be_v conceal_v in_o his_o humility_n i_o may_v add_v that_o humility_n will_v make_v a_o man_n obedient_a to_o his_o superior_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a under_o government_n and_o always_o ready_a to_o believe_v better_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o ruler_n than_o of_o his_o own_o but_o these_o must_v suffice_v 4._o this_o be_v a_o rude_a draught_n and_o but_o a_o imperfect_a image_n of_o that_o lovely_a creature_n call_v a_o humble_a christian_a whereby_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v discern_v how_o unlike_a he_o must_v be_v to_o the_o original_n that_o come_v not_o near_o to_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v master_n of_o that_o bless_a virtue_n which_o christ_n our_o bless_a lord_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v to_o his_o follower_n by_o his_o low_a and_o wonderful_a humiliation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o excess_n we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o humble_a but_o we_o may_v easy_o not_o be_v humble_a enough_o here_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a as_o the_o crime_n also_o as_o he_o that_o will_v come_v in_o at_o a_o door_n which_o be_v low_a of_o entrance_n if_o he_o bow_v himself_o more_o than_o needs_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n do_v but_o if_o he_o come_v too_o upright_o and_o never_o so_o little_a too_o high_a he_o must_v bruise_v his_o head_n if_o not_o break_v his_o skull_n so_o the_o low_a humility_n will_v never_o hurt_v the_o soul_n but_o the_o least_o pride_n may_v destroy_v it_o let_v a_o christian_a therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n not_o only_o not_o exalt_v himself_o but_o even_o not_o equal_v himself_o to_o other_o for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v best_o imitate_v the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v son_n of_o god_n yet_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o be_v may_v show_v to_o we_o the_o true_a form_n of_o humility_n chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o go_n 1._o we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n nothing_o more_o please_v no_o victim_n better_o and_o more_o acceptable_a than_o our_o own_o will_n entire_o to_o resign_v that_o to_o god_n and_o desire_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v subject_a and_o conformable_a to_o his_o bless_a will_n be_v that_o live_n and_o holy_a sacrifice_n wherein_o god_n delight_v which_o none_o but_o a_o pious_a man_n can_v offer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v perform_v on_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o submit_v and_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n we_o offer_v not_o to_o god_n any_o one_o particular_a thing_n alone_o but_o our_o whole_a self_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v without_o any_o reservation_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o our_o daily_a study_n thus_o to_o deny_v and_o forsake_v ourselves_o to_o empty_v our_o heart_n of_o all_o self-desire_n and_o self-affection_n that_o even_o here_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o may_v be_v whole_o devote_v to_o he_o prepare_v and_o willing_a to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n dispose_v of_o by_o he_o according_a as_o he_o shall_v think_v good_a for_o god_n will_v not_o work_v in_o we_o his_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n if_o we_o have_v a_o will_n of_o our_o own_o distinct_a from_o and_o contrary_a to_o he_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o he_o that_o give_v less_o give_v nothing_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v indeed_o to_o human_a frailty_n that_o we_o shall_v wish_v and_o will_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o then_o we_o must_v soon_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n lay_v our_o will_n in_o the_o dust_n that_o we_o may_v acquiesce_v in_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o sovereign_n have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o all_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v omnipotent_a we_o be_v weak_a and_o infirm_a we_o must_v therefore_o restrain_v our_o own_o and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o bless_a will_n say_v in_o all_o contingency_n not_o as_o i_o will_v o_o lord_n but_o as_o thou_o will_v 2._o thus_o pray_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n when_o he_o act_v for_o we_o and_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n not_o that_o he_o who_o godhead_n be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n can_v will_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o he_o but_o to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o resign_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n therefore_o he_o also_o teach_v we_o to_o make_v it_o our_o daily_a prayer_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o as_o the_o angel_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o fulfil_v god_n will_n we_o may_v be_v so_o likewise_o in_o all_o thing_n desirous_a to_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o law_n and_o dispensation_n that_o that_o unhappy_a fight_n and_o contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n that_o so_o god_n will_n may_v be_v obey_v by_o the_o whole_a man_n body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n without_o any_o opposition_n or_o reluctancy_n and_o nature_n may_v be_v govern_v by_o grace_n and_o human_a affection_n be_v change_v into_o holy_a charity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n and_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o will_n and_o can_v but_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a 3._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o excellent_a duty_n than_o to_o receive_v whatever_o happen_v as_o come_v from_o god_n hand_n with_o a_o quiet_a and_o a_o content_a mind_n cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 5.6_o there_o be_v no_o true_a evil_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n all_o other_o thing_n so_o count_v do_v proceed_v from_o god_n prosperity_n and_o adversity_n life_n and_o death_n poverty_n and_o riches_n come_v of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 11.14_o therefore_o god_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n isa_n 45.7_o i_o form_n the_o light_n and_o create_v darkness_n i_o make_v peace_n and_o create_v evil_a i_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n whereas_o therefore_o all_o thing_n even_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o accidental_a depend_v upon_o god_n most_o wise_a determination_n and_o secret_a counsel_n we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o