the_o best_a rule_n of_o wisdom_n prescribe_v it_o to_o man_n his_o best_a of_o visible_a creature_n who_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o deceive_v with_o a_o false_a or_o desicient_a rule_n of_o wisdom_n since_o as_o wisdom_n be_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o man_n so_o wisdom_n in_o man_n set_v forth_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o consonant_n to_o this_o david_n a_o wise_a king_n and_o solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n affirm_v the_o same_o truth_n psal_n 111_o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n prov._n 1.7_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o knowledge_n but_o fool_n despise_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n and_o 9.10_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n and_o when_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v run_v all_o his_o long_a travel_n of_o experiment_n to_o attain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v that_o good_a for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o tedious_a chase_n and_o pursuit_n he_o close_v up_o all_o with_o this_o very_a same_o conclusion_n eccles_n 12.13_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o he_o give_v a_o short_a but_o effectual_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n since_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n that_o have_v as_o great_a experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o search_v and_o to_o inquire_v not_o only_o into_o wisdom_n but_o into_o madness_n and_o folly_n that_o have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o wealth_n and_o power_n to_o make_v the_o exact_a enquiry_n therein_o this_o wise_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o experience_a man_n in_o all_o his_o write_n style_v the_o man_n fear_v god_n and_o obey_v he_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n and_o the_o person_n that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n the_o only_a fool_n and_o mad_a man_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o little_a this_o be_v think_v of_o or_o believe_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o be_v think_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o of_o this_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o he_o that_o shake_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o the_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o conscience_n and_o by_o craft_n or_o subtlety_n or_o power_n or_o oppression_n or_o by_o whatsoever_o method_n may_v be_v most_o conducible_a pursue_v his_o end_n of_o profit_n or_o power_n or_o pleasure_n or_o what_o else_o his_o own_o vain_a thought_n and_o the_o mistake_a estimate_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n render_v desirable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o govern_v himself_o his_o life_n his_o thought_n word_n action_n end_n and_o purpose_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o almighty_a god_n with_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o his_o presence_n according_a to_o his_o word_n that_o drive_v at_o a_o noble_a end_n than_o ordinary_o the_o world_n think_v of_o namely_o peace_n with_o almighty_a god_n and_o with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o eternity_n such_o a_o man_n be_v count_v a_o shallow_a empty_a inconsiderate_a foolish_a man_n one_o that_o carry_v no_o stroke_n in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n lade_v with_o a_o melancholy_a delusion_n set_v a_o great_a rate_n upon_o a_o world_n he_o see_v not_o and_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o the_o world_n he_o see_v but_o upon_o a_o sound_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o this_o business_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o he_o that_o upon_o that_o account_n depart_v from_o evil_n be_v the_o man_n of_o great_a understanding_n i_o shall_v show_v therefore_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o fear_n god_n 2._o that_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v most_o demonstrative_o the_o best_a wisdom_n of_o mankind_n and_o make_v a_o man_n true_o and_o real_o a_o wise_a man_n 1._o touch_v the_o first_o of_o these_o fear_n be_v a_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o much_o diversify_v as_o any_o one_o affection_n whatsoever_o which_o diversification_n of_o this_o affection_n arise_v from_o the_o diversification_n of_o those_o object_n by_o which_o this_o affection_n be_v move_v i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o 1._o fear_v of_o despondency_n or_o desperation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o great_a and_o important_a danger_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a or_o at_o least_o so_o apprehend_v and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n that_o be_v here_o commend_v to_o mankind_n 2._o fear_v of_o terror_n or_o affrightment_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o great_a important_a danger_n that_o though_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a probability_n and_o immediate_a impendency_n as_o the_o fear_n of_o mariner_n in_o a_o storm_n or_o a_o fear_n that_o befall_v a_o man_n in_o some_o time_n or_o place_n of_o great_a confusion_n or_o visible_a calamity_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o fear_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v sometime_o effectual_a and_o useful_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n after_o some_o great_a displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n by_o sin_n or_o apostasy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o fear_n that_o be_v here_o at_o least_o primary_o and_o principal_o mean_v but_o those_o two_o that_o follow_v 3._o a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n or_o awfulness_n and_o this_o fear_n be_v raise_v principal_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o object_n full_a of_o glory_n majesty_n greatness_n though_o possible_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o expect_v any_o hurt_n from_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n thus_o fear_v thus_o a_o subject_a bear_v a_o reverential_a fear_n to_o his_o prince_n from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o grandeur_n and_o thus_o much_o more_o the_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n of_o almighty_a god_n excite_v reverence_n and_o awfulness_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ingredient_n into_o that_o fear_n jer._n 5.21_o will_v you_o not_o fear_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o tremble_v at_o my_o presence_n etc._n etc._n jer._n 10.7_o who_o will_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o king_n of_o nation_n 4._o a_o fear_n of_o caution_n or_o watchfulness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n commend_v prov._n 28.14_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o and_o this_o fear_n of_o caution_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n not_o to_o displease_v that_o person_n from_o who_o we_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v for_o good_a the_o fear_n of_o a_o benefactor_n or_o of_o that_o person_n from_o who_o we_o may_v upon_o some_o just_a cause_n or_o demerit_n expect_v a_o evil_a as_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n and_o these_o two_o latter_a kind_n of_o fear_n namely_o the_o fear_n of_o reverence_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o caution_n be_v those_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a ingredient_n constitute_v this_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o these_o excellent_a man_n commend_v to_o we_o as_o true_a wisdom_n now_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o those_o right_a and_o true_a apprehension_n concern_v almighty_a god_n that_o do_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o connaturality_n and_o suitableness_n excite_v both_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o fear_n and_o those_o seem_v to_o be_v principal_o these_o three_o 1._o a_o true_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n the_o only_a true_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o constitute_v this_o fear_n for_o epicurus_n and_o lucian_n do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o be_v without_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o 2._o a_o true_a and_o deep_a sense_n knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o although_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v but_o so_o many_o expression_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o therefore_o all_o contribute_v to_o advance_v and_o improve_v this_o fear_n especial_o of_o reverence_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o attribute_n that_o seem_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n to_o excite_v and_o raise_v this_o affection_n of_o fear_n
as_o well_o the_o fear_n of_o reverence_n as_o that_o of_o caution_n and_o vigilancy_n as_o namely_o 1._o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n at_o which_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o unchangeable_a estate_n of_o happiness_n carry_v a_o inward_a and_o express_v a_o outward_a reverence_n 2._o but_o majesty_n and_o glory_n without_o power_n be_v not_o perfect_a therefore_o the_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a object_n of_o our_o fear_n he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v all_o thing_n have_v their_o be_v from_o he_o and_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o 3._o the_o deep_a knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o goodness_n not_o only_o immanent_a in_o himself_o but_o emanent_fw-la and_o communicative_a and_o from_o this_o diffusive_a and_o communicative_a goodness_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n have_v their_o actual_a be_v and_o from_o he_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o both_o these_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o immanent_a and_o emanent_fw-la goodness_n be_v the_o noble_a exciter_n of_o the_o noble_a fear_n a_o fear_n spring_v from_o love_n and_o that_o love_v fix_v upon_o the_o immanent_a goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o perfect_a and_o also_o upon_o the_o emanent_fw-la and_o communicative_a goodness_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o benefactor_n and_o wherever_o there_o be_v this_o love_n there_o be_v this_o fear_n both_o of_o reverence_n and_o caution_n we_o can_v choose_v but_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v and_o please_v whatsoever_o we_o thus_o love_v the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o that_o which_o we_o love_v for_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o perfection_n bind_v we_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a bond_n or_o result_v to_o reverence_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o extrinsic_a emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n unto_o we_o bind_v we_o to_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v and_o honour_v it_o as_o our_o benefactor_n by_o a_o double_a bond_n viz._n first_o of_o gratitude_n or_o benevolence_n to_o he_o that_o communicate_v this_o good_a second_o by_o a_o bond_n of_o prudence_n and_o self-preservation_n not_o to_o disoblige_v he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o good_a and_o upon_o who_o we_o have_v our_o dependence_n lest_o a_o disobligation_n shall_v occasion_v his_o substraction_n or_o abatement_n of_o that_o good_a from_o we_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v dependence_n as_o there_o must_v be_v natural_o love_v to_o that_o upon_o which_o be_v our_o dependence_n so_o there_o must_v be_v necessary_o a_o fear_n both_o of_o reverence_n and_o caution_n even_o upon_o principle_n of_o self-love_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o command_v it_o 4._o a_o deep_a sense_n knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a omniscience_n if_o there_o be_v all_o the_o other_o motive_n of_o fear_n imaginable_a yet_o if_o this_o be_v want_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n abate_v for_o what_o avail_v reverence_n or_o caution_n if_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v intend_v do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o what_o damage_n can_v be_v sustain_v by_o a_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o that_o fear_n if_o god_n almighty_a now_o it_o not_o the_o want_n of_o this_o consideration_n have_v make_v even_o those_o atheist_n that_o â—et_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n such_o be_v epiâ—rus_n diagoras_n lucretius_n lucian_n and_o other_o â—mong_v the_o philosopher_n and_o such_o be_v eliâ—has_n his_o oppressor_n job_n 22.13_o how_o do_v god_n now_o and_o can_v he_o judge_v through_o the_o thick_a cloud_n â—r_o david_n fool_n psal_n 94.7_o the_o lord_n shall_v â—ot_n see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_n but_o the_o all-knowing_a god_n search_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o â—ll_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n not_o a_o word_n in_o â—ur_n tongue_n but_o he_o hear_v it_o and_o know_v our_o thought_n a_o far_o off_o 5._o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n which_o must_v needs_o cause_v in_o he_o a_o averseness_n unto_o and_o abhorrence_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v sinful_a or_o impure_a last_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n not_o only_o a_o inherent_a justice_n which_o be_v the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o a_o transient_a or_o distributive_a justice_n that_o will_v most_o certain_o distribute_v reward_n to_o obedience_n observance_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n but_o punishment_n to_o the_o disobedient_a and_o those_o that_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o he_o before_o their_o eye_n the_o deep_a consideration_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n must_v needs_o excite_v both_o the_o fear_n of_o reverence_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o caution_n or_o fear_v of_o offend_v either_o by_o commission_n of_o what_o may_v displease_v god_n of_o omit_v of_o what_o be_v please_v to_o he_o 3._o but_o although_o this_o knowledge_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o attribute_n may_v just_o excite_v a_o fear_n both_o of_o reverence_n and_o caution_n yet_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n else_o that_o fear_n will_v be_v extravagant_a and_o disorderly_a and_o sometime_o beget_v superstition_n or_o strange_a exorbitancy_n in_o this_o fear_n or_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o and_o a_o want_n regularity_n of_o duty_n or_o obedience_n if_o a_o maâ—_n know_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v just_a and_o will_v reward_v obedience_n and_o punish_v disobedience_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v or_o omit_v he_o will_v indeed_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o but_o he_o will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o please_v or_o to_o obey_v he_o therefore_o beside_o the_o former_a there_o must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n or_o law_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v this_o law_n of_o god_n have_v a_o double_a inscription_n 1._o in_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v again_o twofold_a first_o the_o natural_a rudiment_n of_o morality_n and_o piety_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n second_o such_o as_o be_v deducible_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o light_n for_o even_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n there_o do_v result_v certain_a consequence_n of_o natural_a piety_n and_o religion_n as_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o to_o be_v praise_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v imitate_v as_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v possible_a by_o we_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v holy_a beneficent_a good_a â—erciful_a so_o must_v we_o be_v 2._o but_o we_o have_v more_o excellent_a transcript_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n namely_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n will_v study_v and_o observe_v and_o practice_v as_o be_v the_o best_a â—ule_n how_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o the_o very_a fear_n of_o god_n arise_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o be_v and_o attribute_n will_v make_v that_o man_n very_o solicitous_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o â—ow_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o â—o_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o since_o the_o glorious_a god_n have_v so_o far_o condescend_v as_o by_o his_o providence_n to_o send_v we_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o law_n he_o will_v be_v very_o thankful_a for_o it_o very_o studious_a of_o it_o much_o delight_v in_o it_o very_o curious_a to_o observe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o he_o may_v obey_v and_o consequent_o please_v that_o great_a god_n who_o he_o fear_v this_o word_n he_o believe_v and_o prize_n as_o his_o great_a charter_n and_o in_o this_o word_n he_o find_v much_o to_o excite_v and_o regulate_v and_o direct_v his_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o see_v example_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n against_o the_o offender_n of_o his_o law_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n in_o reward_v the_o obedience_n to_o it_o threaten_n on_o one_o hand_n promise_v on_o the_o other_o great_a manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o great_a obâ—â—gations_n as_o well_o to_o fear_v as_o to_o love_v such_o benefactor_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o kind_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n or_o object_n exciting_a it_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o do_v appear_v thâ—_n this_o fear_v man_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o how_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n discover_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o best_a and_o only_o wisdom_n which_o wiâ—â—_n appear_v in_o these_o particular_a consideration_n follow_v 1._o many_o learned_a man_n consider_v that_o great_a similitude_n and_o image_n of_o ratiocination_n in_o some_o brute_n especial_o have_v therefore_o decline_v to_o define_v a_o man_n by_o his_o reason_n because_o of_o that_o
wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o power_n or_o splendour_n or_o great_a equipage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o all_o that_o he_o deme_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o world_n be_v 1._o that_o the_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o if_o god_n will_v be_v with_o i_o 2._o that_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n may_v be_v continual_o over_o he_o and_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o i_o go_v 3._o that_o he_o will_v supply_v he_o not_o with_o curiosity_n or_o delicacy_n but_o with_o necessary_n and_o will_v give_v i_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o raiment_n to_o put_v on_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n und_fw-ge measure_n of_o every_o good_a man_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o until_o he_o come_v to_o his_o father_n house_n in_o peace_n that_o house_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n that_o the_o great_a father_n of_o who_o all_o the_o family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v name_v have_v provide_v for_o such_o as_o fear_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o indeed_o the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o though_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o bountiful_a god_n free_o afford_v to_o all_o that_o true_o love_v he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o be_v of_o a_o strange_a and_o vast_a extent_n first_o the_o comfortable_a presence_n of_o god_n supply_v abundant_o all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v by_o we_o and_o abundant_o countervail_n whatsoever_o else_o we_o seem_v to_o want_v it_o be_v better_a than_o life_n itself_o and_o when_o the_o ancient_n will_v express_v all_o that_o seem_v beneficial_a or_o prosperous_a in_o this_o life_n they_o have_v no_o sull_a and_o comprehensive_a expression_n of_o it_o than_o that_o god_n be_v with_o he_o joseph_n gen._n 39_o 3._o and_o when_o his_o master_n see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n make_v all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o prosper_v 1_o sam._n 18._o 14_o 28._o the_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n and_o success_n of_o david_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o he_o but_o certain_o though_o the_o divine_a presence_n shall_v not_o manifest_v itself_o in_o external_a success_n and_o advantage_n the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o savour_n and_o comfortable_a presence_n of_o god_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o abundant_a supply_n of_o all_o other_o deficience_n psal_n 4._o 6_o 7._o the_o light_n of_o the_o countenance_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o most_o supereminent_a good_a and_o occasion_n more_o true_a joy_n and_o contentment_n than_o the_o redundance_n of_o all_o external_a advantage_n second_o the_o divine_a protection_n and_o providence_n be_v the_o most_o sure_a and_o safe_a protection_n and_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o all_o other_o the_o munition_n of_o rock_n be_v thy_o defence_n and_o all_o other_o desence_n and_o refuge_n without_o this_o be_v weak_a impotent_a and_o fail_v defence_n except_o the_o lord_n watch_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n watch_v but_o in_o vain_a that_o therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v fix_v upon_o be_v the_o last_o of_o his_o three_o desire_n if_o he_o shall_v give_v i_o meat_n to_o drink_v and_o raiment_n to_o put_v on_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o good_a man_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lavish_a and_o extravagant_a not_o to_o be_v of_o thing_n for_o grandeur_n or_o delicacy_n or_o excess_n but_o to_o be_v terminate_v in_o thing_n of_o necessity_n for_o his_o present_a subsistence_n convenient_a food_n and_o raiment_n if_o almighty_a god_n give_v more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a gratitude_n as_o it_o be_v to_o jacob_n gen._n 32._o 10._o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n for_o with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n and_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n but_o if_o he_o give_v no_o more_o we_o have_v enough_o for_o our_o contentation_n almighty_a god_n who_o be_v never_o worse_o than_o his_o word_n but_o most_o common_o better_o have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o neither_o have_v he_o give_v we_o commission_n to_o expect_v or_o ask_v for_o more_o if_o he_o give_v more_o than_o necessary_a he_o exalt_v his_o bounty_n and_o beneficence_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o give_v no_o more_o it_o be_v bounty_n that_o he_o give_v so_o much_o and_o be_v matter_n both_o of_o our_o contentation_n and_o gratitude_n this_o the_o wise_a man_n agur_n make_v his_o request_n prov._n 30._o 8._o give_v i_o neither_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n seed_n i_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o i_o this_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o his_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o contentation_n 1_o tim._n 6.8_o and_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n let_v we_o be_v therewith_o content_a and_o true_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o allow_v we_o a_o sufficiency_n and_o competency_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v content_v with_o it_o not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o but_o upon_o most_o evident_a conviction_n of_o sound_a reason_n both_o in_o regard_n unto_o almighty_a god_n in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v mingle_v these_o reason_n together_o 1._o it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v content_v because_o whatsoever_o we_o have_v we_o have_v from_o the_o free_a allowance_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o owe_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v we_o have_v from_o free_a gift_n and_o bounty_n if_o a_o man_n demand_v a_o debt_n of_o another_o we_o think_v it_o just_o he_o shall_v be_v pay_v what_o he_o demand_v but_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v a_o alm_n from_o another_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o other_o give_v without_o prescribe_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o bounty_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o strong_a here_o we_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o want_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n but_o almighty_a god_n be_v under_o no_o other_o law_n of_o confer_v benefit_n but_o of_o his_o own_o bounty_n goodness_n and_o will_n 2._o it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v content_a because_o our_o measure_n and_o dole_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o as_o by_o he_o that_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o his_o own_o bounty_n so_o by_o he_o that_o be_v the_o wise_a dispenser_n of_o his_o own_o benefit_n he_o know_v far_o better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o what_o proportion_n be_v fit_a for_o we_o he_o have_v give_v we_o enough_o for_o our_o necessity_n and_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v somewhat_o more_o the_o wise_a god_n know_v it_o may_v be_v that_o more_o will_v do_v we_o harm_n will_v undo_v we_o will_v make_v we_o luxurious_a proud_a insolent_a domineer_a forgetful_a of_o god_n the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o great_a family_n of_o the_o world_n know_v who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v redundancy_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o have_v food_n convenient_a for_o i_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v content_a because_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o great_a and_o wise_a god_n know_v what_o proportion_n best_o sit_v i_o it_o may_v be_v if_o i_o have_v more_o i_o be_v ruin_v 3._o we_o must_v know_v that_o we_o be_v but_o steward_n of_o the_o very_a external_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o at_o the_o great_a audit_n we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n and_o those_o account_n will_v be_v strict_o peruse_v by_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o if_o our_o external_a benefit_n be_v but_o proportionable_a to_o our_o necessity_n and_o necessary_a use_n our_o account_n be_v easy_o and_o safe_o make_v imprimis_fw-la i_o have_v receive_v so_o much_o of_o thy_o external_a blessing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o my_o food_n and_o clothing_n and_o for_o the_o feed_n and_o clothe_v of_o my_o family_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o there_o be_v a_o superfluity_n and_o redundance_n give_v over_o and_o above_o our_o necessary_a support_n the_o account_n be_v more_o difficult_a where_o much_o be_v give_v much_o will_v be_v require_v there_o will_v be_v a_o account_n require_v how_o the_o redundant_fw-la overplus_n be_v employ_v how_o much_o in_o charity_n how_o much_o in_o other_o good_a work_n and_o god_n know_v that_o too_o too_o often_o very_o pitiful_a account_n be_v make_v of_o the_o surplusage_n and_o redundancy_n
who_o i_o owe_v myself_o and_o who_o will_v i_o pray_v daily_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o adorable_a instance_n of_o this_o humility_n in_o david_n when_o to_o add_v to_o his_o present_a sad_a condition_n shimei_n curse_v he_o so_o bitter_o and_o although_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportuleft_v he_o to_o revenge_v it_o yet_o he_o forbid_v it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n have_v bid_v shimei_n curse_v and_o again_o 2._o what_o be_o i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o be_v cross_v or_o reproach_v or_o contemn_v or_o disappoint_v alas_o a_o poor_a weak_a sinful_a man_n i_o can_v be_v make_v low_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n than_o i_o be_o in_o my_o own_o if_o the_o world_n reproach_n spoil_v i_o of_o what_o i_o have_v if_o i_o be_o poor_a or_o scorn_v it_o be_v but_o what_o i_o deserve_v and_o less_o than_o i_o deserve_v for_o my_o sin_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n though_o perchance_o i_o be_o slander_v or_o false_o accuse_v by_o they_o yet_o i_o know_v ill_o enough_o of_o myself_o to_o make_v i_o bear_v patient_o even_o a_o false_a accusation_n and_o they_o can_v make_v i_o more_o low_a and_o vile_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o other_o than_o i_o be_o in_o my_o own_o and_o thus_o humility_n break_v and_o quench_v the_o passion_n and_o keep_v the_o mind_n serene_a and_o undisturbed_a under_o all_o external_a occurrency_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n more_o distinct_o 2._o humility_n give_v contentation_n in_o any_o condition_n or_o station_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o humble_a mind_n be_v never_o above_o that_o station_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n order_n but_o rather_o under_o or_o below_o it_o or_o at_o the_o most_o hold_v pace_n with_o it_o when_o the_o mind_n run_v beyond_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v like_o a_o spendthrift_n that_o live_v beyond_o his_o estate_n and_o therefore_o become_v necessary_o poor_a and_o never_o enjoy_v what_o it_o have_v because_o it_o busy_v itself_o evermore_o in_o anxious_a pursuit_n of_o what_o it_o have_v not_o and_o that_o mind_n that_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n run_v beyond_o its_o station_n can_v never_o be_v content_v nor_o quiet_a and_o though_o he_o attain_v this_o year_n what_o he_o anxious_o pursue_v the_o last_o year_n yet_o still_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v run_v far_o and_o still_o keep_v before_o his_o acquest_n as_o the_o fore-wheel_n of_o the_o coach_n will_v still_o run_v before_o the_o hinder-wheel_n but_o a_o humble_a man_n be_v ever_o content_v with_o what_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o honest_a industry_n allott_v he_o and_o enjoy_v it_o comfortable_o and_o thankful_o and_o can_v sit_v down_o with_o a_o narrow_a fortune_n with_o this_o content_v contemplation_n that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v give_v by_o the_o bountiful_a god_n of_o liberality_n not_o of_o debt_n if_o i_o have_v less_o it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v deserve_v for_o i_o can_v with_o jacob_n say_v out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o unworthiness_n i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n bless_v therefore_o be_v his_o name_n 3._o humility_n give_v always_o patience_n under_o all_o adversity_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v and_o this_o be_v always_o a_o effect_n and_o companion_n of_o true_a humility_n upon_o these_o ensue_a consideration_n 1._o the_o great_a cause_n of_o impatience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o pressure_n and_o force_n of_o any_o external_a cross_n or_o calamity_n as_o from_o the_o great_a disturbance_n and_o reluctance_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o raise_v up_o the_o wave_n and_o billow_n within_o the_o cross_n or_o calamity_n it_o may_v be_v be_v rough_a and_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o suffer_v it_o to_o extricate_v or_o control_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o mind_n as_o tumultuous_a and_o contumacious_a as_o the_o calamity_n or_o cross_n it_o raise_v a_o storm_n as_o when_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n be_v contrary_a or_o like_o that_o state_n of_o paul_n voyage_n in_o the_o adriatic_a sea_n where_o two_o sea_n meet_v act._n 27._o which_o oftentimes_o endanger_v the_o vessel_n he_o that_o violent_o and_o impetuous_o contend_v against_o a_o calamity_n be_v like_o one_o bind_v with_o a_o strong_a yoke_n or_o bond_n his_o struggle_a like_o a_o wild_a bull_n in_o a_o net_n gall_v he_o more_o than_o the_o yoke_n itself_o otherwise_o will_v do_v and_o a_o proud_a and_o haughty_a spirit_n common_o miscall_v courage_n contribute_v more_o to_o his_o own_o uneasiness_n than_o his_o cross_n do_v but_o a_o humble_a lowly_a mind_n be_v natural_o more_o able_a to_o bear_v his_o cross_n with_o more_o patience_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o softness_n humility_n and_o quietness_n and_o calmness_n of_o his_o mind_n break_v the_o force_n of_o the_o calamity_n and_o render_v it_o more_o easy_a by_o submission_n to_o it_o 2._o again_o every_o true_a humble_a man_n look_v upon_o the_o worst_a condition_n that_o he_o be_v under_o to_o be_v less_o than_o he_o deserve_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n so_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a and_o uneasy_a but_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o and_o a_o humble_a man_n always_o think_v that_o that_o condition_n or_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v be_v worse_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a that_o he_o deserve_v it_o may_v be_v i_o be_o poor_a but_o yet_o i_o be_o well_o esteem_v i_o deserve_v both_o poverty_n and_o disesteem_a it_o may_v be_v i_o be_o poor_a and_o under_o a_o cloud_n also_o of_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n yet_o i_o have_v my_o health_n of_o body_n and_o composedness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o deserve_v it_o may_v be_v i_o be_o with_o job_n under_o a_o confluence_n and_o complication_n of_o calamity_n loss_n of_o estate_n of_o child_n and_o relation_n censure_v by_o my_o very_a friend_n as_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o one_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n my_o body_n macerate_v with_o disease_n yet_o i_o have_v life_n and_o where_o there_o be_v life_n there_o be_v hope_n wherefore_o do_v the_o live_a man_n complain_v a_o man_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n lam._n 3.39_o the_o live_a man_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v because_o although_o he_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n yet_o his_o life_n be_v spare_v and_o give_v he_o for_o a_o prey_n the_o humble_a man_n be_v patient_a therefore_o under_o his_o suffering_n of_o any_o kind_n because_o he_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o demerit_n and_o upon_o a_o judicious_a account_n look_v upon_o his_o mean_a low_a worst_a condition_n as_o better_a than_o he_o deserve_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o humble_a man_n be_v patient_a under_o all_o condition_n because_o he_o always_o bear_v a_o mind_n entire_o subject_a and_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o great_a sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v the_o great_a dispenser_n or_o permitter_n and_o rector_n of_o all_o the_o event_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a just_a and_o gracious_a god_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o only_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n as_o a_o act_n of_o necessity_n which_o we_o can_v control_v or_o as_o a_o act_n of_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o choice_n of_o prudence_n and_o because_o the_o will_n of_o his_o maker_n be_v wise_a than_o his_o own_o and_o more_o eligible_a than_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o he_o make_v the_o will_n of_o his_o maker_n his_o own_o choice_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o true_a judgement_n conclude_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o most_o powerful_a and_o irresistible_a the_o most_o wise_a and_o prudent_a the_o most_o just_a and_o merciful_a will_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o submit_v unto_o but_o also_o to_o choose_v and_o as_o well_o cheerful_o and_o thankful_o as_o patient_o and_o quiet_o to_o follow_v and_o elect_v and_o therefore_o since_o he_o well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o his_o life_n be_v under_o the_o regiment_n government_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a sovereign_a wise_a and_o merciful_a god_n even_o those_o that_o seem_v in_o themselves_o most_o troublesome_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a he_o patient_o and_o cheerful_o comport_v with_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o toleration_n of_o they_o and_o wait_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n and_o goodness_n in_o his_o due_a