he_o know_v the_o more_o that_o desire_n increase_v and_o then_o he_o rejoice_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o his_o great_a learning_n when_o he_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o the_o profound_a of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o love_v his_o knowledge_n more_o than_o god_n the_o object_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o philosopher_n as_o st._n paul_n reprove_v they_o when_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n much_o admire_v themselves_o and_o their_o discovery_n and_o thus_o also_o many_o christian_n value_v more_o what_o they_o know_v and_o what_o they_o can_v discourse_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o value_v both_o he_o and_o it_o they_o speak_v great_a thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o love_v themselves_o for_o so_o speak_v in_o that_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o mirror_n they_o view_v themselves_o especial_o and_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o the_o glass_n they_o admire_v the_o vision_n their_o own_o act_n more_o than_o the_o object_n which_o be_v see_v but_o god_n must_v be_v love_v and_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n in_o singleness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o a_o countryman_n plain_a and_o unlearned_a who_o daily_o see_v the_o sun_n be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o a_o blind_a philosopher_n who_o can_v talk_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o light_n so_o a_o honest_a pious_a man_n without_o scholarship_n by_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n show_v more_o love_n to_o god_n than_o the_o profound_a divine_a by_o his_o subtlety_n and_o high_a speculation_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n in_o northern_a country_n where_o no_o vine_n can_v grow_v may_v learned_o discourse_v of_o their_o fruit_n and_o the_o property_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v such_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o wine_n as_o the_o plain_a vine-dresser_n that_o drink_v it_o daily_o so_o may_v a_o religious_a illiterate_a man_n have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o a_o more_o relish_v apprehension_n of_o they_o than_o many_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fame_n and_o learning_n for_o experience_n go_v beyond_o all_o theory_n and_o love_n pass_v knowledge_n and_o we_o much_o soon_o come_v to_o god_n by_o affection_n than_o by_o studious_a inquiry_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o only_o therefore_o inform_v our_o understanding_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o love_n god_n fervent_o we_o must_v engage_v our_o affection_n and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n proficiency_n in_o goodness_n will_v make_v we_o know_v more_o of_o god_n and_o to_o better_a purpose_n than_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n goodness_n will_v make_v we_o love_v and_o love_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o god_n secret_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o and_o with_o more_o delight_n than_o all_o notional_a learning_n can_v show_v we_o what_o we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o exile_n be_v but_o little_a but_o we_o may_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v he_o grant_v we_o that_o power_n and_o as_o our_o love_n increase_v our_o labour_n will_v grow_v less_o and_o our_o obedience_n more_o perfect_a but_o many_o have_v rather_o seek_v god_n who_o they_o never_o find_v than_o love_n and_o thereby_o enjoy_v he_o chap._n xlii_o that_o by_o love_n holiness_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o without_o the_o unclean_a mixture_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o as_o lead_v in_o silver_n and_o dirt_n upon_o white_a robe_n will_v debase_v and_o stain_v so_o if_o we_o engage_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n to_o thing_n beneath_o they_o we_o make_v they_o vile_a and_o unclean_a whereas_o if_o we_o listen_v they_o up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o hearty_a love_n we_o make_v they_o pure_a and_o beautiful_a a_o heart_n whence_o all_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a thing_n be_v exclude_v and_o who_o affection_n cleave_v to_o god_n by_o the_o union_n of_o love_n may_v with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n rom._n 8.35_o 2._o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o corporal_a austerity_n the_o use_n of_o sacrament_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n be_v great_a help_n towards_o sanctity_n but_o they_o all_o profit_n nothing_o without_o charity_n no_o not_o martyrdom_n itself_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o other_o virtue_n may_v be_v sometime_o dispense_v withal_o as_o the_o poor_a from_o almsgiving_n and_o weak_a and_o sickly_a people_n from_o fast_v and_o rigorous_a discipline_n but_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n every_o one_o be_v always_o oblige_v no_o man_n at_o no_o time_n can_v be_v any_o way_n hinder_v or_o excuse_v obstacle_n and_o difficulty_n may_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o other_o virtue_n but_o they_o increase_v love_n love_n be_v within_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n there_o god_n have_v place_v it_o there_o god_n look_v for_o it_o and_o there_o nothing_o can_v obstruct_v or_o stifle_v it_o except_o we_o will_v ourselves_o love_v alone_o be_v necessary_a and_o alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o holy_a it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n pleasant_a and_o easy_a beyond_o all_o other_o for_o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o love_v and_o who_o dare_v say_v i_o can_v love_v 3._o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n who_o be_v one_o love_v all_o thing_n in_o one_o and_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o love_v not_o god_n true_o that_o love_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o love_v not_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o above_o there_o be_v nothing_o equal_a to_o god_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o turn_v our_o affection_n from_o he_o they_o fall_v upon_o inferior_a object_n upon_o earthly_a thing_n who_o weight_n do_v sink_v and_o press_v they_o down_o and_o our_o heart_n be_v never_o at_o rest_n and_o liberty_n till_o they_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o they_o ungrateful_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o sanctify_v we_o must_v forsake_v ourselves_o and_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o return_v as_o high_a as_o to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o sanctity_n that_o god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o origin_n and_o then_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o he_o by_o a_o devout_a love_n we_o shall_v become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n chap._n xliii_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o wary_a and_o diligent_a 1._o nothing_o can_v soon_o startle_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o slumber_n and_o security_n and_o â—edge_v he_o on_o to_o amend_v and_o order_v his_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n rule_v than_o the_o due_a ponder_v of_o the_o dreadful_a say_n of_o christ_n mat._n 20.16_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v for_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v call_v by_o that_o secret_a election_n which_o entitle_v he_o to_o glory_n and_o justification_n no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o promise_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v conditional_a nothing_o but_o our_o sincerity_n in_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n can_v give_v we_o any_o ground_n of_o assurance_n and_o yet_o how_o defective_a be_v we_o in_o this_o how_o uncertain_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v persevere_v and_o who_o can_v search_v and_o see_v into_o the_o deep_a secret_a of_o his_o election_n here_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o paradise_n cry_v out_o and_o wonder_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11.33_o in_o this_o great_a danger_n and_o
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
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
that_o passion_n which_o carry_v away_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o abate_v it_o return_v to_o its_o former_a and_o more_o please_a affection_n and_o soon_o repent_v of_o its_o repentance_n some_o seek_v themselves_o more_o than_o god_n in_o their_o prayer_n because_o therein_o they_o find_v some_o refreshment_n and_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o some_o seek_v after_o abstraction_n and_o extatick_a rapture_n to_o be_v therein_o raise_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o know_v great_a mystery_n but_o all_o these_o will_v signify_v nothing_o without_o contrition_n and_o humility_n the_o great_a benefit_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o find_v the_o world_n lose_v its_o power_n and_o its_o repute_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o find_v our_o will_n more_o resign_v to_o god_n to_o patience_n and_o to_o obedience_n he_o pray_v best_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o and_o to_o obtain_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o common_a error_n to_o think_v that_o meditation_n be_v a_o thing_n exceed_v difficult_a when_o indeed_o every_o man_n be_v daily_o occupy_v about_o it_o for_o to_o meditate_v be_v to_o revolve_v and_o view_v thing_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o we_o always_o do_v vain_a and_o worldly_a and_o often_o sinful_a thing_n why_o can_v we_o then_o as_o well_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n sure_o we_o can_v easy_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o expel_v the_o world_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n than_o there_o will_v be_v room_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o want_v of_o this_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o reproach_n of_o christ_n we_o pretend_v indeed_o that_o our_o occupation_n be_v necessary_a and_o perhaps_o good_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n to_o dispense_v with_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o however_o the_o business_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v our_o chief_a concern_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o neglect_v it_o upon_o any_o account_n 4._o the_o body_n without_o nourishment_n soon_o decay_v into_o weakness_n and_o death_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n without_o its_o proper_a food_n which_o be_v prayer_n and_o it_o want_v it_o the_o more_o frequent_o in_o that_o it_o have_v many_o more_o and_o great_a necessity_n than_o the_o body_n have_v for_o heat_n and_o cold_a hunger_n thirst_n and_o sickness_n and_o whatever_o afflict_v the_o body_n do_v also_o vex_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v compatible_a with_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n itself_o be_v all_o enemy_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o daily_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n and_o it_o have_v no_o strength_n nor_o defence_n nor_o comfort_n but_o from_o prayer_n only_o we_o ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o devout_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o innerman_n in_o the_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v we_o need_v not_o always_o word_n in_o our_o private_a closet_n god_n see_v our_o thought_n and_o hear_v our_o secret_a desire_n yet_o they_o may_v use_v book_n to_o good_a purpose_n that_o be_v not_o use_v to_o mental_a prayer_n and_o however_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v say_v and_o sing_v aloud_o and_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o unalterable_a that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v agree_v in_o they_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o by_o join_v their_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o mind_n to_o send_v up_o their_o praise_n and_o petition_n to_o god_n yet_o still_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xliii_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o avoid_v distraction_n and_o fix_v the_o intention_n 1._o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v true_o good_a and_o acceptable_a we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o ask_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n for_o though_o a_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o yet_o the_o sure_a and_o better_a way_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v and_o demand_v it_o upon_o god_n account_n because_o it_o will_v please_v he_o that_o self-love_n may_v not_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o petition_n the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o prayer_n must_v rest_v be_v a_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o we_o must_v approach_v with_o a_o humble_a simplicity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v like_o a_o infant_n bring_v to_o his_o mother_n breast_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o intent_n to_o his_o devotion_n that_o consider_v himself_o pray_v for_o while_o he_o reflect_v on_o his_o prayer_n his_o mind_n be_v divert_v from_o god_n to_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o sometime_o he_o be_v distract_v endeavour_v to_o avoid_v distraction_n therefore_o i_o say_v simplicity_n be_v best_a in_o prayer_n to_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o god_n to_o look_v to_o none_o but_o he_o who_o we_o worship_v 2._o for_o his_o mind_n shall_v hardly_o be_v draw_v to_o other_o object_n that_o shall_v consider_v god_n as_o present_v the_o immensity_n of_o divine_a perfection_n will_v absorb_v his_o thought_n they_o shall_v sail_v in_o that_o boundless_a ocean_n and_o find_v no_o limit_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o god_n will_v be_v out_o of_o sight_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o better_a state_n here_o we_o must_v expect_v distraction_n and_o if_o we_o due_o strive_v against_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o god_n will_v hear_v they_o and_o assist_v we_o while_o we_o contend_v with_o our_o infirmity_n yet_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v free_v from_o ill_a and_o idle_a thought_n by_o slight_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o attend_v to_o they_o than_o by_o fence_v and_o fight_v against_o they_o for_o sometime_o while_o we_o stand_v to_o confute_v they_o they_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o perplex_a and_o timorous_a heart_n a_o prayer_n dry_a without_o relish_n and_o comfort_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o that_o it_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o nature_n 3._o as_o traveller_n always_o bear_v in_o mind_n the_o place_n whither_o they_o will_v go_v so_o they_o that_o pray_v shall_v always_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o design_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o life_n to_o have_v our_o will_n make_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o labour_n now_o prayer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o common_a and_o ordinary_a perform_v by_o our_o endeavour_n and_o diligent_a application_n together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n for_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o extraordinary_a and_o infuse_v more_o secret_a and_o mysterious_a with_o sigh_n unutterable_a we_o may_v beg_v the_o gift_n of_o both_o for_o god_n be_v free_a and_o very_o gracious_a yet_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o common_a and_o wherein_o we_o have_v a_o part_n to_o act_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o bless_a disposition_n to_o lift_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o entertain_v holy_a affection_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o this_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o grant_v to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v of_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a spirit_n for_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o begin_v our_o prayer_n with_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o being_n nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o impotency_n and_o wretched_a sinfulness_n and_o withal_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n aright_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v and_o we_o may_v cheerful_o fulfil_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n chap._n xliv_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n 1._o what_o be_v write_v concern_v wisdom_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v of_o prayer_n wisd_v 7._o i_o prefer_v she_o before_o sceptre_n and_o throne_n and_o esteem_v riches_n nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o she_o i_o love_v she_o above_o health_n and_o beauty_n and_o choose_v to_o have_v she_o instead_o of_o light_n for_o the_o light_n that_o come_v from_o she_o never_o go_v out_o all_o good_a thing_n together_o come_v to_o i_o with_o she_o and_o innumerable_a riches_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o