the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a as_o their_o christian_a faith_n require_v and_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a but_o want_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a power_n with_o they_o than_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o moral_a virtue_n which_o nature_n itself_o recommend_v be_v common_o make_v sin_n or_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o by_o the_o deprave_a judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n we_o therefore_o that_o live_v in_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o corrupt_a and_o deceive_v person_n ought_v serious_o and_o often_o to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v know_v the_o right_a way_n and_o whether_o we_o true_o follow_v it_o now_o that_o way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v one_o and_o altogether_o unchangeable_a and_o they_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o without_o change_n must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o world_n but_o up_o to_o heaven_n must_v not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o must_v direct_o follow_v god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 1._o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o we_o have_v not_o the_o principal_n concern_v in_o our_o good_a work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o sense_n in_o our_o action_n for_o sense_n be_v the_o great_a deceiver_n the_o fountain_n of_o error_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mortification_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v be_v confident_a ever_o to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n perfect_o good_a and_o without_o defect_n because_o that_o we_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o our_o best_a work_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o we_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o imperfection_n although_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o god_n account_n and_o by_o the_o impulse_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o any_o other_o for_o our_o prayer_n fast_n and_o alm_n and_o such_o like_a good_a work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v complete_a before_o man_n who_o see_v nothing_o but_o the_o outside_n yet_o before_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v defective_a and_o can_v be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o least_o except_o they_o be_v do_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a intention_n to_o please_v he_o 2._o of_o ten_o virgin_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n five_o foolish_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o wedding_n not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v virgin_n and_o have_v lamp_n that_o be_v work_n but_o because_o they_o want_v the_o oil_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o holy_a affection_n this_o may_v well_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o work_n will_v be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o unpleasing_a to_o he_o except_o we_o breath_n life_n into_o they_o by_o our_o inward_a sanctify_a spirit_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n in_o outward_a act_n and_o appearance_n all_o christian_n be_v almost_o alike_o but_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o watch_n be_v move_v by_o the_o hide_a spring_n and_o as_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o face_n depend_v on_o the_o secret_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o good_a be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o bad_a by_o their_o inward_a spirit_n or_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 1._o as_o many_o that_o eat_v much_o yet_o be_v feeble_a and_o infirm_a and_o lean_a because_o they_o overcharge_v their_o stomach_n so_o that_o their_o nourishment_n be_v not_o well_o concoct_v and_o as_o many_o that_o eat_v very_o moderate_o yet_o because_o they_o digest_v well_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a and_o long-lived_a so_o likewise_o some_o christian_n there_o be_v that_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o themselves_o become_v little_o better_o because_o they_o go_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o work_v they_o think_v that_o by_o do_v much_o they_o must_v become_v great_a proficient_o though_o they_o do_v it_o remissly_a and_o incurious_o whereas_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n every_o day_n with_o great_a fervency_n and_o exactness_n be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o perfection_n a_o few_o thing_n well_o do_v profit_n more_o than_o heap_n of_o work_n do_v negligent_o 2._o for_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o compare_v to_o these_o first_o do_v but_o little_a and_o yet_o increase_v much_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o they_o endeavour_v always_o to_o work_v with_o great_a affection_n and_o a_o more_o upright_a intention_n so_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o good_a action_n they_o may_v in_o some_o manner_n use_v that_o expression_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n joh._n 19.30_o it_o be_v finish_v i_o have_v in_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o i_o as_o perfect_o as_o my_o infirmity_n will_v allow_v and_o his_o free_a grace_n enable_v i_o who_o give_v we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o so_o spend_v each_o day_n that_o at_o night_n they_o can_v say_v it_o be_v finish_v and_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n that_o when_o it_o be_v end_v they_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a confidence_n i_o have_v now_o perfect_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v i_o to_o do_v he_o that_o live_v so_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n chap._n xxvii_o how_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n be_v always_o present_a 1._o nothing_o will_v more_o prevail_v to_o make_v perfect_a our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o be_v power_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v always_o act_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n that_o god_n see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o he_o never_o forsake_v we_o till_o we_o forsake_v he_o to_o turn_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o creature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o please_v with_o material_a thing_n present_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o thing_n as_o yet_o invisible_a whereas_o if_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o bear_v too_o great_a a_o sway_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v god_n in_o every_o place_n holy_a affection_n will_v always_o see_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n 2._o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o lay_v up_o it_o be_v none_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o they_o that_o love_v god_n they_o alone_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o treasure_n we_o must_v know_v we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o we_o must_v know_v the_o use_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o now_o such_o a_o treasure_n we_o have_v within_o we_o as_o be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a infinite_a value_n and_o yet_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v it_o for_o we_o run_v after_o mote_n and_o shadow_n and_o catch_v at_o paint_a drop_n that_o can_v quench_v our_o thirst_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v o_o you_o son_n of_o man_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lie_n thus_o we_o be_v cheat_v and_o understand_v not_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o god_n be_v present_a to_o we_o every_o moment_n and_o we_o can_v always_o enjoy_v he_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o we_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o we_o can_v if_o we_o will_v anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n we_o can_v now_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o beatified_a saint_n but_o that_o we_o indulge_v sense_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o
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
christian_a life_n part_n i._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o of_o its_o end_n and_o office_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o all_o christian_n into_o three_o rank_n good_a middle-sort_n and_o bad_a 1._o when_o in_o my_o meditation_n as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n i_o consider_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n with_o their_o manner_n and_o principle_n they_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o divide_v into_o three_o distinct_a band_n or_o order_n the_o first_o contain_v they_o who_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a example_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a affection_n and_o daily_o reach_v forward_o towards_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n thereby_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o constant_o serve_v god_n and_o meditate_v in_o his_o law_n they_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o by_o adversity_n nor_o puff_v up_o by_o a_o prosperous_a fortune_n now_o among_o these_o some_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o virtue_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v even_o more_o than_o man_n abstain_v from_o all_o delicious_a fare_n and_o be_v temperate_a even_o to_o a_o perpetual_a fast_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a even_o to_o the_o refuse_v of_o lawful_a pleasure_n exercise_v themselves_o in_o patience_n so_o as_o to_o go_v manful_o through_o fire_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o pain_n mortify_v and_o deny_v themselves_o as_o be_v their_o own_o enemy_n despise_v wealth_n and_o riches_n so_o as_o free_o to_o bestow_v in_o charity_n all_o that_o they_o possess_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o life_n and_o possess_v all_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o admiration_n rather_o than_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o with_o shame_n acknowledge_v their_o own_o weakness_n when_o they_o consider_v how_o far_o short_a they_o fall_v of_o these_o heroic_a christian_n but_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o great_a and_o they_o be_v common_o unknown_a be_v dead_a and_o crucify_a to_o themselves_o and_o the_o world_n their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o their_o life_n hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o rank_n be_v they_o who_o rest_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o think_v that_o all_o christian_a duty_n consist_v in_o outward_a act_n they_o fear_v god_n and_o yet_o retain_v and_o worship_v their_o secret_a idol_n they_o often_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o with_o so_o much_o unpreparedness_n and_o indevotion_n that_o their_o frequent_a receive_n profit_v they_o not_o they_o abstain_v from_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n and_o neglect_v lesser_a outward_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o omit_v not_o but_o their_o affection_n be_v immerse_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v act_v by_o self-love_n and_o self-interest_n and_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o inward_a peace_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o christian_a perfection_n they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v stranger_n to_o that_o heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o renounce_n of_o all_o thing_n without_o which_o christ_n declare_v none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o so_o sad_o delude_v they_o be_v so_o unhappy_o besot_v with_o inconsideration_n that_o if_o you_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a and_o more_o holy_a life_n they_o will_v bid_v you_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o monk_n and_o hermit_n and_o remain_v unconcern_v and_o the_o same_o as_o before_o 3._o in_o the_o last_o order_n come_v all_o such_o as_o be_v call_v christian_n only_o because_o bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o baptise_a their_o life_n and_o action_n be_v scandalous_a and_o they_o themselves_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a worse_o than_o infidel_n of_o these_o the_o number_n be_v great_a and_o innumerable_a chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o wickedness_n 1._o these_o be_v they_o that_o confess_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o constant_o deny_v he_o with_o their_o deed_n who_o so_o study_n to_o gratify_v their_o appetite_n and_o so_o resolve_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sinful_a custom_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o revelation_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n on_o they_o they_o be_v rather_o ashamed_a and_o almost_o sorry_a that_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o daily_o indulge_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o their_o villainy_n grow_v customary_a deprive_v they_o of_o all_o sense_n of_o human_a modesty_n they_o relish_v nothing_o but_o the_o earth_n they_o take_v their_o account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o they_o so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n that_o like_a brute_n they_o follow_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n riches_n they_o value_v at_o a_o mighty_a rate_n and_o right_a or_o wrong_n seek_v to_o obtain_v they_o they_o esteem_v nothing_o base_a and_o unworthy_a that_o advance_v their_o profit_n or_o their_o preferment_n and_o as_o one_o say_v of_o some_o greek_n they_o build_v as_o though_o they_o be_v never_o to_o die_v and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o life_n 2._o this_o they_o do_v because_o they_o believe_v not_o what_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v reveal_v and_o because_o be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o condition_n they_o promise_v themselves_o many_o year_n to_o live_v they_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o transitory_a thing_n which_o soon_o shall_v be_v possess_v by_o other_o and_o thing_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o they_o slight_a and_o neglect_v because_o they_o think_v not_o of_o eternity_n they_o be_v torment_v by_o ambition_n and_o weaken_v by_o lust_n swell_v with_o pride_n and_o rack_v by_o envy_n passion_n and_o unsatiable_a desire_n toss_v they_o to_o and_o fro_o and_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o all_o righteousness_n that_o they_o not_o only_o neglect_v but_o even_o hate_v the_o just_a law_n of_o god_n christ_n pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o mourn_v and_o suffer_v persecution_n they_o contrariwise_o esteem_v they_o bless_v that_o be_v rich_a great_a and_o prosperous_a and_o general_o honour_v by_o man_n christ_n declare_v that_o none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o forsake_v all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o but_o these_o man_n place_v their_o affection_n on_o their_o wealth_n keep_v it_o niggardly_a part_n with_o it_o sorrowful_o and_o be_v ever_o greedy_a of_o more_o ever_o ready_a to_o invade_v other_o right_n and_o to_o get_v what_o they_o can_v from_o they_o 3._o even_o some_o professor_n that_o have_v choose_v christ_n for_o their_o portion_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v devote_v to_o he_o even_o some_o of_o these_o there_o be_v who_o unmindful_a of_o their_o sacred_a promise_n endeavour_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o increase_v their_o wealth_n and_o oftentimes_o enjoy_v great_a riches_n under_o christ_n the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o poverty_n than_o they_o can_v have_v do_v in_o a_o civil_a call_v under_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o this_o world_n neither_o be_v some_o of_o these_o more_o careful_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o imitate_v for_o instead_o of_o love_v their_o enemy_n and_o render_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v command_v we_o they_o return_v hatred_n for_o ill_a will_n and_o be_v ever_o ready_a and_o desire_v to_o revenge_v the_o least_o injury_n who_o be_v there_o that_o obey_v christ_n counsel_n or_o injunction_n of_o turn_v the_o cheek_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o and_o suffer_v he_o that_o strive_v for_o our_o coat_n to_o take_v our_o cloak_n also_o or_o rather_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o slight_a and_o deride_v it_o let_v who_o will_v take_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o evangelical_n precept_n and_o of_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o live_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n few_o that_o regard_n and_o esteem_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v nay_o few_o there_o be_v that_o care_n to_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o fable_n romance_n and_o idle_a discourse_n be_v general_o prefer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o vain_a world_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o who_o voice_n they_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v that_o they_o hear_v not_o god_n word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n faithful_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o sincere_o obey_v his_o command_n whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n who_o neglect_v or_o scorn_v this_o duty_n for_o faith_n
a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v some_o good_a therefore_o we_o shall_v despise_v nothing_o because_o almost_o every_o thing_n put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n and_o do_v something_o to_o please_v god_n we_o shall_v rather_o observe_v every_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o rectify_v the_o least_o irregularity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o mortify_v pernicious_a self-will_n and_o self-love_n no_o man_n of_o a_o sudden_a grow_v wicked_a but_o he_o that_o despise_v small_a thing_n shall_v fall_v by_o little_a and_o little_a eccl._n 19.1_o 2._o every_o human_a comfort_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a yet_o in_o some_o manner_n exclude_v the_o divine_a but_o he_o that_o can_v pass_v by_o all_o outward_a thing_n and_o entertain_v himself_o with_o christ_n choose_v he_o for_o his_o only_a portion_n who_o alone_o be_v all-sufficient_a his_o joy_n shall_v be_v solid_a and_o last_a as_o philosopher_n say_v that_o whensoever_o you_o take_v one_o body_n another_o succeed_v in_o its_o place_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o vacuum_n in_o nature_n so_o and_o much_o more_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n empty_v itself_o of_o all_o affection_n to_o creature_n it_o be_v soon_o replenish_v with_o god_n and_o all_o divine_a consolation_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o we_o have_v use_v ourselves_o from_o our_o infancy_n to_o delight_v in_o material_a thing_n which_o be_v present_a and_o perceive_v by_o sense_n we_o afterward_o grow_v very_o unapt_a to_o entertain_v and_o please_v ourselves_o with_o object_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a which_o be_v far_o out_o of_o sight_n and_o can_v be_v apprehend_v but_o by_o faith_n only_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n and_o attend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o dictate_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o remain_v inconstant_a and_o unable_a to_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o above_o our_o depress_a nature_n until_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o vain_a comfort_n of_o transitory_a thing_n we_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o settle_v our_o rest_n in_o he_o who_o be_v our_o peace_n and_o our_o joy_n and_o the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o thing_n chap._n iii_o that_o self-denial_n and_o the_o cross_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n 1._o the_o life_n of_o every_o christian_a shall_v be_v a_o perpetual_a self-crucifixion_a yet_o the_o deliciousness_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v understand_v but_o of_o very_a few_o such_o as_o have_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o it_o they_o only_o know_v that_o have_v try_v how_o much_o pleasure_n follow_v contrition_n and_o self-abnegation_a insomuch_o that_o they_o find_v it_o most_o bitter_a when_o they_o any_o way_n depart_v from_o their_o humble_a penitent_a temper_n to_o return_v to_o the_o life_n of_o sense_n the_o world_n indeed_o count_v they_o unhappy_a because_o common_o they_o be_v poor_a afflict_a and_o despise_v but_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o tribulation_n and_o find_v themselves_o happy_a be_v well_o please_v with_o what_o happen_v to_o they_o because_o they_o desire_v most_o of_o all_o that_o god_n will_n may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v it_o his_o pleasure_n to_o make_v poverty_n their_o lot_n they_o free_o accept_v of_o it_o will_v he_o have_v they_o afflict_v they_o submit_v be_v they_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o disgrace_v they_o be_v not_o unwillign_v come_v what_o will_v they_o like_v it_o therefore_o they_o be_v most_o happy_a that_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o will_n as_o for_o the_o wicked_a that_o seek_v after_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n though_o they_o have_v what_o they_o wish_v and_o appear_v prosperous_a to_o envy_v and_o admiration_n yet_o they_o real_o be_v unhappy_a because_o they_o wish_v what_o they_o shall_v not_o what_o be_v unjust_a and_o dishonest_a and_o will_v bring_v sorrow_n at_o last_o 2._o the_o cross_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n the_o most_o mysterious_a and_o profitable_a doctrine_n of_o it_o both_o for_o belief_n and_o practice_n he_o that_o seek_v not_o for_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o become_v a_o christian_n understand_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o the_o gospel_n design_n christ_n at_o first_o conceal_v many_o thing_n from_o his_o disciple_n because_o they_o can_v not_o hear_v they_o yet_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v he_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o scandal_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o ignominious_a passion_n st._n paul_n likewise_o to_o the_o new_a convert_v will_v give_v milk_n and_o not_o meat_n yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a to_o the_o jew_n a_o offence_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n nay_o he_o himself_o with_o all_o his_o learning_n profess_a that_o he_o do_v not_o care_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o some_o time_n conceal_v many_o thing_n from_o the_o catechuman_n and_o yet_o never_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n nay_o every_o christian_a be_v and_o be_v of_o old_a sign_v in_o his_o forehead_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v glory_v in_o any_o thing_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 3._o as_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o the_o cross_n so_o none_o can_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o redemption_n but_o by_o bear_v the_o cross_n hence_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n so_o that_o whoever_o do_v not_o renounce_v himself_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n if_o any_o one_o say_v he_o will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hate_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n and_o even_o his_o own_o life_n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o mat._n 16.25_o he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v that_o a_o christian_n must_v deny_v pride_n intemperance_n luxury_n injustice_n pomp_n and_o riches_n and_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o but_o himself_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o that_o be_v his_o natural_a desire_n and_o affection_n his_o own_o will_n the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o carnal_a mind_n these_o he_o must_v oppose_v and_o mortify_v and_o overcome_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v his_o life_n a_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o in_o they_o consist_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o salvation_n chap._n iu._n that_o self-denial_n be_v the_o character_n and_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_n 1._o in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n self-denial_n be_v the_o first_o stone_n for_o what_o will_v rapture_n and_o high-flown_a thought_n signify_v what_o will_v avail_v communion_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o what_o the_o precise_a virtue_n if_o in_o all_o these_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o aim_v at_o our_o own_o glory_n and_o puff_v up_o with_o pharisaical_a pride_n do_v despise_v other_o he_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o in_o his_o heart_n own_v himself_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o great_a monarch_n who_o repute_v himself_o the_o mean_a of_o man_n our_o virtue_n perfection_n and_o safety_n consist_v not_o in_o lofty_a expression_n nor_o yet_o in_o thing_n wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a but_o in_o the_o cross_n in_o bear_v reproach_n in_o self-abjection_n and_o no_o man_n can_v obtain_v here_o true_a virtue_n and_o sanctification_n and_o hereafter_o glory_n except_o renounce_v his_o own_o desire_n he_o prepare_v himself_o to_o suffer_v and_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o christ_n crucify_a yet_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o as_o simon_n the_o cyrenian_a do_v bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o die_v with_o he_o so_o many_o bear_v a_o heavy_a cross_n without_o true_a mortification_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v they_o have_v some_o other_o design_n than_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o bless_a will_n 2._o who_o will_v think_v that_o self-love_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o cross_n which_o it_o abhor_v so_o much_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o there_o be_v who_o willing_o or_o otherways_o can_v endure_v much_o that_o they_o may_v boast_v of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o man_n such_o man_n indeed_o do_v bear_v the_o cross_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n they_o deny_v and_o afflict_v themselves_o
therefore_o the_o evil_n man_n can_v do_v to_o we_o but_o those_o we_o do_v against_o ourselves_o by_o a_o angry_a impatient_a and_o revengeful_a spirit_n let_v we_o but_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o christian_a charity_n and_o it_o will_v make_v we_o invincible_a it_o will_v make_v we_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v all_o wrong_n and_o affliction_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o cant._n 8.7_o the_o water_n of_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n can_v put_v out_o that_o bright_a and_o ever-burning_a flame_n kindle_v by_o god_n in_o pious_a heart_n chap._n thirty-nine_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a comprehend_v all_o goodness_n 1._o god_n be_v our_o true_a and_o sovereign_a good_a he_o we_o must_v love_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o he_o we_o must_v direct_v all_o our_o way_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n comprehend_v all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v temperance_n whereby_o we_o despise_v the_o pride_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n may_v have_v our_o whole_a heart_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v constancy_n whereby_o we_o patient_o bear_v any_o cross_n for_o and_o from_o god_n it_o be_v justice_n whereby_o we_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n alone_o and_o with_o due_a moderation_n command_v his_o creature_n it_o be_v prudence_n and_o the_o high_a wisdom_n whereby_o we_o diligent_o avoid_v the_o obstacle_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o god_n it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v make_v we_o good_a and_o make_v we_o happy_a now_o god_n must_v be_v love_v for_o himself_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o than_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o goodness_n therefore_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v love_v only_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o relate_v to_o he_o but_o he_o must_v be_v love_v on_o his_o own_o account_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o bound_n or_o measure_n for_o his_o perfection_n be_v vast_a enough_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o our_o affection_n nay_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v they_o so_o that_o nothing_o must_v share_v our_o love_n with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o infinite_o more_o than_o due_a to_o he_o 2._o it_o much_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o those_o low_a sensible_a good_n wherewith_o we_o converse_v in_o this_o earth_n do_v not_o steal_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o though_o we_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a yet_o because_o now_o they_o be_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v reach_v they_o our_o affection_n to_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o must_v be_v force_v and_o list_v up_o whereas_o they_o be_v brisk_a and_o swift_a to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o we_o natural_o fall_v down_o to_o our_o sensual_a nature_n and_o without_o great_a care_n we_o can_v avoid_v to_o be_v by_o it_o cheat_v into_o self-love_n if_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v replenish_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o beatify_a love_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o cast_v the_o world_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v better_a liquor_n except_o it_o be_v empty_v no_o more_o can_v our_o heart_n love_v the_o creator_n if_o they_o be_v possess_v by_o creature_n therefore_o say_v saint_n john_n the_o belove_a apostle_n of_o jesus_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o worldly_n thing_n be_v make_v for_o our_o use_n and_o there_o be_v in_o they_o some_o beauty_n but_o how_o much_o more_o beautiful_a be_v he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o make_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o that_o seek_v for_o happiness_n out_o of_o god_n shall_v never_o find_v it_o but_o if_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v certain_o happy_a for_o he_o also_o love_v we_o and_o his_o favour_n be_v all_o chap._n xl._n wherein_o consist_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 1._o it_o consist_v chief_o in_o joyful_o suffer_v for_o god_n for_o love_n be_v a_o passion_n and_o he_o therefore_o love_v most_o that_o be_v most_o patient_a as_o the_o bless_a apostle_n return_v from_o the_o council_n rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v be_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o stripe_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o nature_n in_o that_o tenderness_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o those_o tear_n that_o proceed_v from_o it_o which_o be_v observe_v in_o some_o but_o true_a virtue_n and_o solid_a joy_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o love_n practical_a and_o obediential_a for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n cheerful_o for_o savour_v not_o for_o fear_v and_o if_o any_o burden_n unpleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o love_n make_v it_o light_a and_o acceptable_a too_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a to_o let_v we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a in_o love_n when_o we_o find_v they_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o labour_n for_o a_o increase_n of_o charity_n the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v doubtless_o very_o hard_o to_o they_o that_o be_v act_v by_o fear_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o as_o it_o fulfil_v the_o law_n so_o it_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o that_o service_n which_o love_n oblige_v to_o what_o duty_n it_o bind_v on_o a_o good_a servant_n be_v ever_o think_v pleasant_a and_o ready_o discharge_v whereas_o the_o same_o impose_v by_o fear_n will_v make_v subjection_n grievous_a and_o obedience_n to_o be_v cavil_v at_o and_o by_o some_o mean_v elude_v 2._o by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v to_o want_v the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o gospel-precept_n and_o count_v morality_n a_o needless_a burden_n and_o by_o pretence_n and_o objection_n seek_v to_o loosen_v the_o yoke_n that_o they_o may_v shake_v it_o off_o such_o be_v they_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n and_o heap_n to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o heart_n such_o as_o may_v more_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n and_o enlarge_v their_o wanton_a liberty_n by_o restrain_v god_n law_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o his_o church_n for_o man_n now_o adays_o will_v not_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o duty_n but_o will_v range_v according_a to_o their_o will_n they_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o now_o that_o their_o action_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o plain_a precept_n but_o by_o opinion_n and_o party_n they_o may_v be_v warrant_v to_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n whatever_o they_o lust_n but_o alas_o before_o christ_n dreadful_a tribunal_n we_o shall_v not_o he_o judge_v by_o vulgar_a opinion_n nor_o by_o the_o exception_n of_o contentious_a man_n but_o by_o truth_n and_o by_o divine_a law_n there_o man_n fancy_n and_o relaxation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n as_o some_o do_v teach_v it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o hare_n be_v only_o pernicious_a cheat_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o warrant_v their_o looseness_n and_o disobedience_n 3._o but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o weigh_v nor_o understand_v but_o by_o they_o that_o sincere_o love_v god_n and_o be_v therefore_o ready_a always_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o require_v for_o it_o be_v by_o love_n that_o the_o soul_n give_v up_o herself_o to_o god_n and_o by_o cleave_v to_o he_o become_v one_o will_v and_o one_o spirit_n with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o from_o this_o union_n flow_v a_o holy_a peace_n and_o a_o delicious_a joy_n when_o by_o love_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o belove_a and_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o in_o who_o and_o by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n now_o by_o this_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o true_o love_v god_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o his_o purpose_n and_o action_n if_o his_o thought_n and_o desire_n always_o run_v after_o he_o and_o if_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o seek_v to_o please_v and_o to_o obtain_v he_o chap._n xli_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o love_n in_o practical_a knowledge_n than_o in_o speculation_n 1._o to_o desire_v knowledge_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o still_o the_o more_o
redemption_n the_o infinite_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o promise_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v true_a christian_n while_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o neglect_v these_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o mean_n be_v despise_v where_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v disregard_v until_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o first_o and_o chief_a business_n to_o secure_v a_o bless_a eternity_n by_o live_v holy_a life_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v wise_a and_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o disputable_a and_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o mix_n secular_a interest_n with_o thing_n of_o religion_n first_o make_v and_o still_o maintain_v the_o error_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n many_o controversy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o decide_v as_o to_o bury_v they_o at_o least_o to_o make_v they_o give_v place_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_a and_o much_o more_o requisite_a and_o beneficial_a and_o here_o again_o i_o may_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v this_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o best_a guide_n of_o soul_n for_o either_o she_o meddle_v not_o with_o many_o dispute_n or_o else_o she_o always_o stand_v on_o the_o much_o sure_a side_n of_o the_o question_n hold_v that_o which_o even_o her_o adversary_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n and_o never_o amuse_v her_o child_n with_o unnecessary_a speculation_n or_o unprofitable_a contest_v but_o as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a design_n to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o all_o holy_a virtue_n so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o preface_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o thou_o will_v serious_o and_o often_o consider_v that_o thy_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o that_o thou_o resolve_v thereupon_o not_o to_o lose_v not_o to_o venture_v thy_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n above_o for_o any_o earthly_a enjoyment_n that_o thou_o will_v bear_v eternity_n in_o mind_n and_o weigh_v the_o importance_n of_o these_o two_o word_n which_o conclude_v our_o creed_n life_n everlasting_a and_o that_o afterward_o thou_o resolve_v careful_o to_o follow_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o follow_v he_o live_v therefore_o as_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o king_n of_o eternity_n to_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o despise_v the_o world_n use_v diligent_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v make_v thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o encourage_v and_o assist_v thou_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o among_o they_o good_a book_n which_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o make_v their_o goodness_n our_o own_o be_v very_o useful_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v somewhat_o conduce_v to_o their_o advancement_n nay_o i_o be_o sure_a thou_o shall_v be_v much_o better_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o will_v transcribe_v it_o with_o thy_o life_n as_o i_o have_v with_o my_o pen_n and_o make_v it_o thy_o hearty_a endeavour_n as_o i_o do_v my_o prayer_n l._n b._n the_o author_n dedication_n to_o all_o true_a christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n i_o offer_v this_o small_a volume_n to_o you_o bless_a soul_n vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o mercy_n elect_v and_o holy_a child_n of_o god_n predestinate_v to_o glory_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o death_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o despise_a cross_n of_o your_o redeemer_n for_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n you_o be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n to_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o sight_n in_o love_n and_o in_o christ_n you_o be_v choose_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o for_o your_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n for_o you_o the_o bless_a jesus_n pray_v when_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n he_o say_v i_o have_v manifest_v thy_o name_n unto_o the_o man_n who_o thou_o give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n thy_o they_n be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o i_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n hear_v not_o or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o regard_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n see_v he_o not_o nor_o know_v he_o neither_o can_v it_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o this_o will_v be_v ground_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v a_o light_n in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o do_v shine_v on_o the_o cross_n most_o glorious_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o tree_n of_o death_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tie_v become_v his_o pulpit_n whence_o he_o preach_v his_o divine_a sermon_n teach_v we_o that_o great_a lesson_n die_v which_o he_o set_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a he_o that_o do_v not_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n therefore_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n be_v our_o great_a safety_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n our_o sure_a title_n to_o glory_n the_o cross_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o christian_a learning_n to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n may_v have_v sanctify_v affection_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n that_o by_o the_o divine_a grace_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n and_o my_o prayer_n for_o they_o be_v that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o love_n may_v abound_v in_o they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o unblameable_a replenish_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n please_v to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o offence_n i_o also_o beg_v for_o myself_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n may_v enlighten_v and_o guide_v my_o mind_n and_o that_o his_o strength_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o my_o weakness_n lest_o after_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o my_o own_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o also_o beseech_v you_o good_a friend_n of_o god_n bless_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n remember_v i_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o what_o i_o teach_v i_o may_v fulfil_v that_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v be_v my_o practice_n by_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n live_v and_o reign_v one_o ever_o glorious_a and_o adore_a god_n amen_n imprimatur_fw-la geo._n hooper_n r._n p._n d._n gil_n ep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n may_v 29._o 1677._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n part_n i._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o of_o its_o end_n and_o office_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o all_o christian_n into_o three_o rank_n good_a middle-sort_n and_o bad_a ibid._n chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o
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
but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o trust_v god_n for_o their_o reward_n they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o they_o lose_v their_o labour_n and_o themselves_o many_o other_o there_o be_v that_o complain_v that_o their_o affair_n and_o necessary_a employment_n abroad_o keep_v they_o from_o mind_v what_o be_v good_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o inward_a peace_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o disturb_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v from_o within_o because_o we_o will_v not_o break_v with_o ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v too_o sensual_a and_o too_o much_o seek_v our_o ease_n and_o advantage_n from_o hence_o proceed_v that_o inward_a and_o vexatious_a war_n betwixt_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n which_o can_v never_o cease_v till_o reason_n and_o religion_n reign_v in_o we_o and_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n be_v bring_v to_o obedience_n and_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o the_o high_a rational_a faculty_n 3._o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o friend_n so_o dear_a and_o intimate_v that_o he_o can_v not_o eat_v nor_o rest_n nor_o live_v one_o day_n without_o he_o and_o a_o faithful_a and_o creditable_a monitor_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o his_o pretend_a friend_n be_v false_a and_o treacherous_a and_o design_n to_o ruin_n and_o to_o murder_v he_o will_v not_o his_o love_n present_o cease_v and_o be_v turn_v to_o hatred_n and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n christian_n reader_n such_o a_o friend_n be_v our_o flesh_n we_o gratify_v and_o indulge_v it_o and_o use_v it_o with_o the_o great_a kindness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n under_o pretence_n of_o friendship_n it_o deceive_v we_o and_o design_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o immortal_a life_n and_o to_o bring_v to_o eternal_a death_n yet_o this_o false_a friend_n sleep_v in_o our_o bosom_n we_o be_v not_o to_o war_v with_o stranger_n and_o with_o far_o distant_a enemy_n but_o with_o one_o that_o dwell_v with_o we_o at_o home_n and_o accompany_v we_o wherever_o we_o go_v and_o always_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o we_o and_o do_v we_o mischief_n let_v a_o man_n forsake_v himself_o and_o come_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o will_v find_v no_o obstacle_n in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n chap._n v._o how_o we_o must_v fight_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o deprave_a affection_n 1._o we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_n and_o what_o of_o our_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n for_o these_o four_o affection_n have_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o god_n by_o they_o be_v the_o master_n of_o it_o when_o we_o love_v and_o fear_v nothing_o but_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o when_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n when_o these_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v disorderly_a and_o tend_v where_o they_o shall_v not_o we_o become_v unruly_a like_o beast_n but_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o direct_v right_o than_o they_o be_v high_o serviceable_a and_o they_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o happy_a like_o angel_n for_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n to_o have_v his_o affection_n and_o desire_n guide_v by_o truth_n and_o reason_n for_o than_o his_o love_n and_o his_o joy_n become_v instrument_n of_o bliss_n and_o virtue_n whereas_o the_o same_o affection_n when_o guide_v by_o corrupt_a nature_n alone_o become_v pernicious_a and_o vexatious_a degenerate_a into_o wild_a lust_n monster_n which_o we_o must_v always_o fight_v and_o with_o our_o utmost_a strength_n endeavour_n to_o conquer_v 2._o but_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o will_v not_o suffice_v that_o we_o in_o general_a endeavour_n to_o reform_v and_o keep_v under_o our_o appetite_n and_o unruly_a passion_n for_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v well_o enough_o please_v with_o all_o the_o apparel_n and_o formality_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n and_o victory_n over_o sinful_a passion_n and_o philosopher_n grow_v in_o love_n with_o the_o fair_a idea_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o pompous_a attire_n and_o many_o in_o this_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o boast_v of_o conquest_n over_o their_o evil_a inclination_n because_o they_o find_v not_o in_o themselves_o a_o aversion_n to_o virtue_n and_o good_a desire_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o trial_n indeed_o and_o they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o fight_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a but_o with_o a_o present_a urge_v lust_n with_o a_o press_a uneasiness_n and_o necessity_n with_o some_o provocation_n to_o anger_n or_o to_o impatience_n than_o it_o appear_v how_o vain_a how_o weak_a and_o insignificant_a be_v their_o great_a thought_n and_o fine_a resolution_n better_o it_o be_v therefore_o careful_o attend_v to_o every_o particular_a occasion_n of_o vanquish_a ourselves_o and_o restrain_v our_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o to_o do_v it_o serious_o and_o to_o purpose_n for_o so_o by_o degree_n we_o shall_v rectify_v and_o amend_v every_o defect_n and_o bring_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o desire_n under_o the_o power_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o christian_a religion_n 3._o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o a_o ever-watching_a diligence_n a_o unwearied_a patience_n a_o great_a application_n and_o a_o persevere_v courage_n and_o labour_n that_o by_o offer_v a_o perpetual_a violence_n to_o our_o evil_a propensity_n as_o they_o show_v themselves_o we_o may_v go_v to_o the_o root_n of_o they_o and_o quite_o pull_v they_o up_o for_o now_o in_o our_o state_n of_o depravation_n every_o holy_a affection_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v violent_a be_v against_o nature_n against_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n so_o that_o we_o must_v renew_v our_o endeavour_n and_o add_v new_a vigour_n to_o they_o every_o moment_n else_o we_o fall_v down_o and_o nature_n easy_o prevail_v and_o we_o soon_o return_v to_o ourselves_o 4._o as_o weed_n in_o garden_n may_v be_v pull_v up_o and_o yet_o not_o hinder_v from_o grow_v again_o of_o themselves_o so_o by_o care_n and_o by_o keep_v a_o strict_a hand_n over_o our_o vicious_a affection_n we_o may_v so_o keep_v they_o under_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o be_v quite_o destroy_v but_o do_v what_o we_o can_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v always_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v ill_a weed_n and_o sin_n of_o itself_o will_v be_v grow_v again_o so_o that_o we_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v never_o cease_v to_o mortify_v and_o purify_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o live_v and_o yet_o if_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o can_v once_o do_v some_o one_o noble_a act_n of_o christian_a virtue_n report_v one_o note_a victory_n over_o ourselves_o that_o alone_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o assert_v and_o enlarge_v our_o liberty_n and_o obtain_v we_o grace_n whereby_o we_o shall_v afterward_o easy_o overcome_v all_o our_o aversion_n to_o virtue_n some_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v so_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v by_o one_o great_a and_o difficult_a triumph_n that_o afterward_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o little_a trouble_n or_o danger_n they_o have_v overcome_v all_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n so_o great_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fight_v with_o fortitude_n and_o maintain_v once_o a_o noble_a contention_n till_o we_o have_v conquer_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n 1._o because_o the_o eye_n common_o be_v a_o inlet_n to_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o turn_v they_o from_o tempt_a object_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o quickness_n as_o a_o man_n will_v remove_v out_o of_o a_o house_n infect_v with_o the_o plague_n now_o human_a eye_n wherewith_o create_v thing_n be_v behold_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n the_o first_o altogether_o sensual_a or_o natural_a when_o view_v the_o outward_a beauty_n of_o a_o object_n we_o be_v please_v with_o it_o and_o consider_v no_o far_o the_o second_o may_v be_v call_v rational_a or_o philosophical_a when_o we_o make_v reflection_n upon_o the_o symmetry_n and_o other_o property_n of_o thing_n visible_a be_v move_v thereby_o to_o search_v and_o to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o three_o we_o may_v say_v be_v christian_n or_o religious_a when_o by_o the_o behold_n of_o creature_n we_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o love_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creator_n with_o these_o eye_n pious_a soul_n view_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v lead_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o glorious_a maker_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o subsistence_n and_o be_v 2._o now_o as_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n depend_v upon_o its_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n so_o do_v in_o some_o manner_n the_o life_n of_o our_o sense_n depend_v on_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n as_o thing_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n
most_o gracious_a providence_n and_o interpret_v the_o most_o afflictive_a event_n as_o sign_n of_o his_o care_n and_o good_a will_n for_o we_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o himself_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o please_v 4._o slander_n treachery_n oppression_n loss_n rape_n theft_n sickness_n plague_n famine_n and_o all_o other_o calamity_n public_a or_o private_a they_o be_v all_o send_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o to_o punish_v or_o reclaim_v wicked_a man_n or_o else_o to_o exercise_v and_o perfect_v the_o righteous_a therefore_o under_o the_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o any_o of_o these_o let_v a_o christian_a humble_a himself_o and_o worship_n and_o say_v with_o patient_a job_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n master_n commit_v their_o work_n and_o their_o affair_n to_o trusty_a servant_n and_o yet_o acquaint_v they_o not_o with_o their_o secret_a intent_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o their_o design_n so_o shall_v we_o like_v faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n yield_v to_o god_n cheerful_o a_o active_a or_o passive_a obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n unconcern_v for_o the_o final_a event_n how_o in_o any_o particular_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o we_o or_o of_o other_o taking_z that_z to_z ourselves_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v st._n peter_n once_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o follow_v i_o whatever_o happen_v and_o mind_n nothing_o else_o if_o thou_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o good_a design_n some_o profitable_a undertake_n and_o can_v not_o go_v on_o with_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o hindrance_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o help_v grieve_v not_o and_o be_v not_o deject_v for_o god_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o thou_o follow_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o call_v thus_o if_o we_o will_v meek_o entertain_v god_n will_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n will_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o perturbation_n can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o the_o place_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v and_o reign_v chap._n xxxi_o of_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v good_a to_o wish_v that_o god_n will_v afflict_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o he_o and_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o better_a to_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v without_o anxiousness_n or_o reluctancy_n whithersoever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v natural_a life_n show_v itself_o by_o the_o act_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n when_o we_o no_o long_o live_v ourselves_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o for_o he_o that_o true_o forsake_v himself_o and_o transfer_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n to_o god_n live_v here_o as_o a_o new_a bear_v infant_n without_o choice_n or_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o have_v whole_o permit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a guidance_n he_o be_v free_a from_o himself_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o cross_a accident_n he_o look_v and_o rest_v upon_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o the_o world_n call_v nothing_o his_o own_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n he_o be_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o be_v do_v with_o and_o put_v to_o such_o use_n as_o the_o master_n shall_v please_v he_o be_v not_o curious_a and_o inquistive_a after_o divine_a secret_a counsel_n but_o he_o adore_v they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v always_o just_a and_o equitable_a and_o therefore_o in_o what_o matter_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o determine_v any_o thing_n he_o assent_v and_o yield_v and_o think_v it_o best_o 2._o he_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o liberty_n he_o choose_v god_n will_n and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o and_o whereas_o by_o natural_a corruption_n man_n have_v too_o much_o complacency_n in_o himself_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o best_a act_n of_o his_o will_n rather_o as_o his_o own_o than_o as_o good_a whence_o proceed_v many_o trouble_n he_o that_o have_v part_v with_o his_o own_o will_n to_o make_v it_o one_o with_o god_n suffer_v no_o grief_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o creature_n but_o always_o rejoice_v in_o his_o acquiescence_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n at_o best_a if_o natural_a affection_n can_v be_v quite_o subdue_v yet_o this_o prevail_v and_o the_o man_n easy_o overcome_v his_o sorrow_n and_o find_v in_o god_n peace_n and_o satisfaction_n none_o can_v resist_v the_o almighty_a he_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o and_o his_o will_n must_v absolute_o take_v place_n in_o all_o thing_n therefore_o better_a it_o be_v willing_o to_o follow_v than_o be_v drag_v better_a it_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o than_o to_o be_v force_v by_o it_o 3._o our_o content_n and_o tranquillity_n consist_v in_o our_o meek_a subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o even_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a and_o mischievous_a sin_n though_o we_o be_v serious_o to_o repent_v to_o chastise_v and_o afflict_v ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o give_v way_n to_o distract_n perturbation_n and_o a_o tedious_a and_o confuse_a spirit_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o frailty_n in_o our_o fall_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a grace_n when_o we_o rise_v up_o again_o and_o stand_v we_o must_v patient_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o beg_v for_o pardon_n and_o the_o return_n of_o his_o favour_n with_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o without_o impatience_n or_o amazement_n make_v it_o our_o diligent_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o life_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n under_o god_n seek_v and_o desire_v nothing_o but_o that_o his_o lord_n command_n may_v be_v fulfil_v he_o will_v always_o be_v dispose_v to_o say_v from_o his_o heart_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o do_v and_o suffer_v thy_o pleasure_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n mat._n 11.26_o will_v thou_o grant_v i_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n or_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o be_v poor_a and_o sickly_a and_o to_o live_v in_o mournful_a sadness_n and_o spiritual_a dryness_n thy_o will_n be_v do_v do_v with_o i_o what_o thou_o please_v for_o i_o be_o whole_o thou_o 4._o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n and_o indifferency_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o send_v will_v free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o anxious_a trouble_n and_o fear_n and_o from_o be_v cast_v down_o nay_o will_v make_v he_o undaunted_a always_o peaceable_a or_o always_o victorious_a in_o all_o adversity_n we_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o food_n and_o raiment_n how_o much_o more_o about_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o minister_v only_o to_o vanity_n we_o must_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o god_n and_o rest_v ourselves_o upon_o his_o gracious_a and_o almighty_a will_n for_o even_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v seek_v too_o anxious_o too_o much_o care_n and_o inquisitiveness_n after_o thing_n to_o come_v betray_v a_o timorous_a and_o unsettled_a mind_n not_o yet_o resign_v to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o self-love_n afraid_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n god_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o above_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o every_o man_n and_o he_o sweet_o and_o powerful_o dispose_v all_o thing_n take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o that_o man_n that_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o chap._n xxxii_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v rest_v upon_o god_n 1._o a_o man_n guide_v by_o the_o christian_a wisdom_n will_v not_o only_o as_o the_o gospel_n command_v leave_v all_o temporal_a thing_n to_o god_n disposal_n take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o also_o commit_v his_o soul_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o who_o never_o fail_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o in_o conform_v his_o will_n to_o god_n will_v he_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n admire_v and_o reconcile_n together_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o yet_o not_o seek_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o deep_a abyss_n of_o god_n secret_a judgement_n and_o decree_n a_o bold_a presumption_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o wicked_a impenitent_n who_o desperate_a live_v make_v their_o soul_n desperate_a because_o they_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o return_n to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o
that_o no_o man_n without_o a_o special_a revelation_n can_v have_v a_o special_a assurance_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v as_o good_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o despair_n and_o to_o ground_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o devote_v to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n and_o that_o god_n be_v our_o confidence_n and_o refuge_n always_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o forgive_v they_o that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n with_o tear_n and_o contrition_n and_o a_o serious_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o many_o more_o great_a and_o precious_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o all_o his_o providence_n be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o frustrate_v all_o his_o save_a method_n and_o purpose_n only_o he_o will_v have_v our_o election_n to_o be_v hide_v and_o secret_a that_o security_n may_v not_o breed_v in_o we_o pride_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 2._o now_o therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o let_v every_o true_a christian_a live_v a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o few_o that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o be_v count_v worthy_a at_o last_o to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n with_o the_o few_o straight_o be_v the_o way_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 7.13_o therefore_o we_o must_v walk_v in_o that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o always_o with_o care_n and_o fear_n even_o when_o we_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o most_o speed_n because_o no_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o perseverance_n yet_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v we_o faint_a but_o only_o to_o make_v we_o wary_a and_o make_v we_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o with_o a_o cheerful_a submission_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o both_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n if_o any_o one_o object_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o god_n will_v be_v affect_v towards_o he_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n promise_n be_v sincere_a and_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o they_o be_v general_o set_v forth_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o all_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n reveal_v will_n and_o moreover_o that_o his_o own_o will_n be_v much_o more_o uncertain_a so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a to_o trust_v god_n for_o god_n we_o be_v certain_a be_v infinite_o good_a he_o be_v extreme_o proud_a and_o unhappy_a withal_o that_o rely_v on_o himself_o more_o than_o upon_o god_n but_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o confide_v in_o that_o gracious_a lord_n who_o mercy_n and_o promise_n be_v sure_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o who_o whosoever_o trust_v be_v never_o confound_v chap._n xxxiii_o that_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o be_v and_o be_v call_v christian_n yet_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v godly_a as_o become_v christian_n for_o as_o god_n by_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o send_v his_o dear_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o so_o be_v we_o to_o love_n god_n most_o affectionate_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o strength_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n in_o this_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n love_v therefore_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n love_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n love_n be_v that_o fire_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n come_v to_o send_v in_o the_o earth_n luke_n 12.49_o which_o cost_v he_o much_o to_o kindle_v and_o which_o burn_v up_o man_n dross_n and_o impurity_n and_o can_v be_v put_v out_o but_o where_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v even_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o it_o be_v unite_v and_o life_n 2._o christ_n leave_v and_o appoint_v love_n as_o the_o mark_n whereby_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v know_v joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n now_o perfection_n be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v beg_v of_o god_n daily_o and_o devout_o that_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n he_o will_v kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o fire_n of_o a_o holy_a charity_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guide_v quicken_v and_o at_o last_o perfect_v neither_o yet_o must_v we_o lose_v heart_n if_o we_o sometime_o fall_v as_o if_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o rise_v quick_o and_o pray_v more_o fervent_o and_o afterward_o fight_v more_o courageous_o still_o pursue_v after_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o word_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o in_o hearty_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n manifest_v our_o love_n by_o daily_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o attain_v to_o new_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v most_o perfect_a and_o happy_a when_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v empty_a of_o himself_o and_o free_a from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n but_o purify_v and_o burn_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n chap._n xxxiv_o of_o the_o right_n place_v and_o order_v of_o love_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o right_o value_v thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n and_o also_o love_v they_o proportionable_o for_o sin_n be_v due_o by_o wise_a man_n define_v to_o be_v a_o disorderly_a love_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o well_o place_v love_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o natural_a affection_n yet_o they_o all_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o place_v and_o govern_v as_o it_o shall_v the_o rest_n can_v be_v unruly_a it_o be_v virtue_n to_o love_v what_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v and_o wisdom_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o and_o constancy_n to_o pursue_v it_o through_o all_o danger_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o no_o enticement_n be_v temperance_n and_o to_o prefer_v nothing_o to_o it_o be_v justice_n and_o the_o order_n of_o love_n must_v follow_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v infinite_o more_o than_o any_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_o better_a more_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a we_o become_v good_a and_o pure_a by_o love_v he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o purity_n for_o our_o manner_n follow_v our_o affection_n we_o become_v either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o most_o love_n 2._o the_o true_a object_n of_o love_n be_v god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o who_o all_o love_n be_v due_a and_o from_o who_o it_o must_v pass_v to_o other_o creature_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o he_o by_o this_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n because_o he_o be_v or_o that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o we_o must_v love_v ourselves_o in_o that_o we_o be_v or_o else_o that_o we_o may_v be_v holy_a take_v from_o god_n the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o our_o love_n may_v be_v regular_a and_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a let_v no_o man_n therefore_o love_v sin_n for_o thereby_o he_o hate_v and_o destroy_v his_o soul_n and_o let_v no_o man_n love_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o upon_o god_n account_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v be_v entire_o happy_a for_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v
and_o well-being_n have_v set_v these_o bound_n to_o our_o affection_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o love_n our_o understanding_n our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o that_o if_o we_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o that_o deserve_v all_o our_o love_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o master_n and_o disposer_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v therefore_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o what_o else_o we_o shall_v love_v it_o must_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o then_o we_o can_v love_v nor_o do_v amiss_o chap._n xxxv_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o measure_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n 1._o we_o can_v love_v god_n as_o we_o shall_v without_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n neither_o can_v we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n except_o we_o love_v god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v and_o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o the_o commandment_n make_v no_o exception_n though_o the_o man_n be_v poor_a though_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n nay_o though_o he_o be_v vicious_a and_o thy_o enemy_n yet_o he_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o thy_o brother_n and_o he_o must_v be_v love_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o love_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o his_o need_n and_o thy_o opportunity_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v hearty_a real_a and_o effective_a for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o we_o must_v not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o joh._n 3.18_o 2._o as_o christ_n love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o not_o that_o we_o deserve_v any_o love_n but_o because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o we_o in_o god_n to_o who_o he_o purchase_v we_o so_o must_v we_o love_v all_o man_n not_o for_o we_o or_o their_o sake_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n have_v no_o further_a regard_n to_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o than_o only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n true_a christian_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v together_o by_o love_n that_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o with_o joy_n find_v it_o in_o other_o and_o what_o one_o have_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n he_o willing_o impart_v it_o to_o all_o as_o by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o be_v unite_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o so_o by_o the_o mutual_a love_n of_o man_n of_o christian_n especial_o they_o become_v one_o among_o themselves_o so_o that_o what_o one_o have_v to_o himself_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o have_v and_o enjoy_v in_o other_o thus_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o righteousness_n according_a as_o be_v the_o man_n charity_n in_o the_o beginning_n progress_n or_o perfection_n so_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o most_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n when_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v part_v with_o for_o love_n 3._o the_o modus_fw-la or_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v twofold_a positive_a and_o negative_a first_o to_o do_v to_o he_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o second_o and_o not_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o every_o one_o therefore_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v must_v consider_v serious_o what_o he_o will_v other_o shall_v do_v or_o not_o do_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o desire_v other_o shall_v he_o patient_a towards_o he_o and_o bear_v with_o his_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o etc._n etc._n then_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v so_o to_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a indication_n of_o a_o perverse_a heart_n for_o a_o man_n in_o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o do_v that_o to_o another_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v sorry_a to_o suffer_v himself_o a_o good_a christian_n do_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o his_o view_n and_o correction_n to_o who_o all_o judgement_n be_v give_v he_o examine_v judge_v and_o punish_v himself_o and_o make_v self-reformation_n his_o serious_a and_o constant_a business_n whatever_o he_o see_v or_o hear_v his_o mind_n be_v undisturbed_a and_o abide_v in_o peace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a he_o praise_v god_n if_o evil_a he_o turn_v it_o to_o good_a by_o turn_v his_o mind_n from_o it_o towards_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o resignation_n 4._o if_o his_o office_n and_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o reprove_v and_o to_o correct_v other_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o zeal_n sweet_a and_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a to_o his_o brother_n infirmity_n for_o roughness_n and_o ungoverned_a passion_n can_v consist_v with_o charity_n if_o the_o ill_a action_n of_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o excuse_n he_o excuse_v they_o however_o he_o censure_v not_o know_v that_o nothing_o human_a be_v so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a but_o may_v be_v ill_o interpret_v and_o at_o the_o best_a may_v be_v some_o way_n defectuous_a enough_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o reprehension_n if_o carp_a man_n let_v loose_v their_o censorious_a humour_n whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v have_v some_o imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a against_o they_o be_v under_o pretence_n of_o preciseness_n to_o give_v way_n to_o peevish_a impatience_n or_o proud_a censoriousness_n he_o that_o be_v too_o busy_a to_o tax_v and_o judge_v other_o will_v never_o grow_v better_a himself_o chap._n xxxvi_o true_a friendship_n and_o the_o true_a office_n of_o it_o 1._o friendship_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o friend_n have_v common_a now_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_o good_a but_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o eternal_a true_a friendship_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o carnal_a friendship_n be_v soon_o dissolve_v because_o thing_n of_o sense_n can_v last_v nor_o always_o confine_v the_o spirit_n whereas_o spiritual_a friendship_n be_v never_o break_v for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v interrupt_v by_o little_a anger_n and_o contention_n yet_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n sweeten_v the_o harshness_n of_o they_o and_o keep_v the_o knot_n indissoluble_a as_o for_o that_o friendship_n which_o too_o much_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o any_o person_n and_o may_v be_v call_v dote_v it_o shall_v be_v stifle_v and_o avoid_v as_o be_v mischievous_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o token_n when_o the_o party_n belove_v be_v always_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v well_o without_o he_o when_o we_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n above_o all_o thing_n when_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v as_o in_o our_o centre_n and_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o all_o our_o action_n and_o most_o important_a concern_v and_o let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v pure_a innocent_a friendship_n without_o any_o self-interest_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o sensual_a it_o deprave_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o wisdom_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o friendship_n be_v never_o betwixt_o person_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a 2._o man_n of_o real_a worth_n be_v always_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o sweet_a deportment_n they_o be_v courteous_a to_o all_o but_o they_o be_v familiar_a to_o few_o and_o they_o flatter_v none_o in_o their_o conversation_n modesty_n discretion_n a_o exact_a justice_n and_o a_o unaffected_a severity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v they_o seek_v not_o to_o make_v a_o show_n outward_o their_o life_n be_v inward_a and_o secret_a they_o live_v to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o fair_o converse_v with_o man_n outward_o when_o it_o be_v fit_v but_o their_o heart_n cleave_v to_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v themselves_o with_o the_o silly_a impertinency_n or_o petty_a concern_v of_o the_o world_n their_o design_n and_o affection_n differ_v much_o from_o the_o vulgar_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v guide_v with_o