â—â—te_v upon_o a_o child_n than_o upon_o a_o kingdom_n but_o christian_n divinity_n do_v abundant_o demonstrate_v all_o creaturefondness_n unreasonable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v record_v shall_v be_v the_o difficult_a taâ—k_n that_o i_o find_v to_o maintain_v a_o right_n humble_a and_o a_o right_n cheerful_a frame_n at_o the_o same_o time_n oh_o how_o oft_o and_o how_o long_o do_v i_o labour_v under_o this_o difficulty_n that_o sense_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v in_o to_o promote_v tenderness_n of_o heart_n be_v overmuch_o indulge_v be_v ready_a at_o length_n â—o_o destroy_v that_o largeness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o much_o my_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o maintain_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o sense_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v call_v in_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o soul_n from_o sink_v be_v ready_a to_o bear_v it_o up_o so_o high_a as_o that_o it_o almost_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v in_o thâ—_n water_n beware_v christian_n and_o watch_v diligent_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n do_v not_o settle_v into_o a_o ungodly_a despondency_n and_o inconsolable_a heaviness_n the_o soul_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o its_o own_o burden_n and_o that_o a_o holy_a cheerfulness_n and_o serenity_n do_v not_o evaporate_v into_o a_o unholy_a frothiness_n and_o fargetfulness_n of_o your_o infirmity_n the_o soul_n not_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v its_o own_o metal_n and_o motion_n i_o know_v you_o will_v willing_o understand_v something_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o heart_n at_o that_o day_n respective_a to_o my_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n you_o will_v best_o read_v my_o heart_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n upon_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 6._o which_o i_o think_v be_v fetch_v from_o thence_o i_o shall_v therefore_o say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n only_o acquaint_v you_o with_o one_o eminent_a experience_n relate_v hereunto_o my_o mind_n or_o fancy_n or_o appetite_n i_o know_v not_o wâ—ll_n what_o to_o call_v it_o be_v sometimes_o enâ—ting_v in_o i_o some_o desire_n to_o live_v yet_o long_o i_o â—ntred_v the_o list_n with_o this_o temptation_n and_o when_o i_o have_v fair_o and_o calm_o debate_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o such_o inclination_n after_o many_o shift_n and_o pretence_n it_o come_v to_o this_o i_o will_v fain_o persuade_v myself_o i_o be_v not_o yet_o holy_a enough_o this_o i_o do_v immediate_o consent_v to_o knew_v it_o to_o be_v â—_o certain_a truth_n but_o that_o therefore_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o prolong_v my_o day_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o fallacious_a inference_n me_n think_v i_o please_v myself_o a_o while_n whilst_o i_o can_v say_v i_o desire_v only_o to_o live_v to_o be_v better_o but_o after_o a_o time_n i_o apprehend_v a_o fallacy_n in_o this_o pretence_n for_o the_o way_n to_o be_v perfect_v in_o holiness_n be_v not_o live_v but_o indeed_o die_v christian_n if_o indeed_o your_o soul_n be_v sincere_o and_o powerful_o affect_v towards_o perfect_a holiness_n then_o sing_v not_o so_o much_o with_o david_n spare_v i_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v 13._o psa_fw-la 39_o 13._o etc._n etc._n as_o with_o good_a old_a simeon_n who_o have_v see_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n desire_v to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o may_v see_v he_o more_o full_o and_o beatifical_o now_o 29._o luk._n 2._o 29._o leâ—test_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v etc._n etc._n i_o can_v enlarge_v upon_o this_o observation_n i_o suppose_v i_o have_v hint_v enough_o to_o show_v those_o pretence_n of_o many_o man_n viz._n that_o they_o will_v fain_o live_v to_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o die_v to_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o mockery_n and_o self_n decâ—it_v last_o that_o i_o be_v not_o over-tedious_a i_o do_v solemn_o and_o sincere_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o man_n that_o i_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o incline_v to_o think_v hardly_o of_o god_n or_o his_o good_a and_o holy_a way_n because_o of_o this_o dispensation_n but_o do_v then_o constant_o and_o free_o proclaim_v to_o all_o that_o come_v to_o visit_v i_o that_o sin_n particular_o self_n will_n and_o sensual_a love_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o plague_n and_o holiness_n the_o only_a happiness_n of_o man_n yea_o afflicted_a holiness_n infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o prosperous_a wickedness_n 3._o suffer_v i_o as_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o as_o a_o result_n from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o suffer_v to_o commend_v unto_o you_o a_o few_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a duty_n i_o have_v much_o adâ—â—_n to_o forbear_v be_v large_a here_o but_o i_o have_v already_o transgress_v therefore_o i_o will_v wave_v those_o common_a theme_n of_o remember_v your_o creator_n betimes_o of_o hear_v ken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o word_n before_o his_o rod_n speak_v of_o live_v in_o continual_a preparation_n for_o death_n of_o repent_v and_o renew_v repentance_n etc._n etc._n and_o only_o commend_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o of_o most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a importance_n petimuâ—que_fw-la daâ—uâ—que_fw-la vicâ—ssim_fw-la 1._o love_n and_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n admire_v divine_a goodness_n in_o every_o create_a excellency_n and_o taste_v a_o divine_a sweetness_n in_o every_o create_a comfort_n o_o how_o be_v the_o noble_a soul_n of_o man_n debase_v pinch_v confine_v by_o low_a and_o sensual_a love_n whilst_o many_o man_n love_v the_o creature_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o creator_n most_o man_n in_o competition_n with_o he_o and_o almost_o all_o man_n in_o a_o way_n of_o separation_n from_o he_o oh_o base_a and_o degenerate_a affection_n let_v god_n be_v all_o thing_n in_o your_o eye_n so_o that_o you_o shall_v see_v nor_o know_v nor_o love_n nor_o taste_v nothing_o but_o he_o in_o the_o world_n deliver_v yourselves_o oh_o immortal_a soul_n to_o who_o i_o write_v from_o all_o those_o and_o straighten_n and_o starve_v creature-loves_a and_o long_a and_o labour_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a delight_n such_o as_o the_o â—ngelâ—_n of_o god_n have_v such_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v whâ—n_o he_o make_v it_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v the_o 34._o joh._n 4._o 34._o will_n of_o his_o father_n but_o this_o you_o will_v find_v more_o large_o prosecute_v and_o press_v in_o the_o last_o of_o these_o follow_a discourse_n therefore_o 2._o live_v pure_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o maintain_v a_o universal_a and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o his_o holy_a and_o perfect_a will_n believe_v it_o you_o will_v never_o enjoy_v a_o firm_a and_o steady_a peace_n till_o you_o have_v commit_v all_o your_o wâ—lls_n and_o way_n to_o he_o and_o wrap_v up_o all_o your_o interest_n and_o end_n in_o he_o till_o your_o heart_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o your_o will_n mould_v into_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o difference_n of_o will_n and_o end_n and_o a_o distinction_n of_o interest_n that_o beget_v all_o those_o raging_n and_o storming_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n against_o god_n i_o and_o thou_o do_v not_o only_o divide_v the_o world_n among_o man_n but_o divide_v man_n against_o god_n earth_n against_o heaven_n take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a aphorism_n that_o the_o grand_a interest_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o comply_v with_o and_o be_v one_o with_o god_n communion_n of_o heart_n and_o will_n and_o interest_n and_o end_n be_v that_o glorious_a fellowship_n which_o a_o creature_n have_v with_o its_o creator_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o interest_n and_o bonour_n the_o duty_n and_o dignity_n yea_o the_o heaven_n and_o hâ—p_a iness_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o something_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o first_o discourse_n 3._o i_o beseech_v you_o christian_n be_v not_o content_a to_o say_v you_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o your_o chief_a good_a but_o purive_v after_o he_o as_o luch_v without_o grudge_v and_o without_o cease_v long_v to_o be_v as_o much_o one_o with_o hâ—m_n in_o a_o participation_n of_o divine_a perfection_n as_o our_o create_a nature_n be_v capable_a maintain_v a_o holy_a and_o secret_a strive_v of_o soul_n towards_o this_o bless_a object_n continual_o as_o a_o thing_n move_v towards_o its_o centre_n as_o a_o soul_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o accomplish_v its_o own_o perfection_n stand_v not_o gaze_v upon_o a_o heaven_n to_o come_v but_o labour_v to_o draw_v dâ—wn_v all_o that_o peace_n joy_n love_n purity_n which_o heaven_n be_v into_o your_o own_o soul_n by_o grow_v up_o into_o the_o life_n of_o god_n daily_o râ—â—kon_v that_o you_o be_v never_o in_o a_o right_a temper_n except_o you_o be_v in_o david_n temper_n when_o he_o wait_v for_o god_n more_o than_o they_o
freedom_n from_o worldly_a business_n as_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o be_v equal_o incumbent_a upon_o prince_n and_o peasant_n upon_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o his_o closet_n and_o upon_o he_o that_o plough_v in_o the_o field_n yea_o they_o that_o go_v down_o unto_o the_o sea_n in_o ship_n aught_o to_o go_v up_o unto_o heaven_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o only_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o cloud_n which_o they_o often_o do_v but_o above_o they_o too_o a_o hand_n full_a of_o earth_n and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o heaven_n may_v well_o stand_v together_o for_o as_o this_o duty_n justle_v out_o no_o honest_a business_n so_o neither_o shall_v itself_o be_v justle_v out_o by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o high_a &_o excellent_a duty_n agree_v to_o all_o age_n and_o time_n and_o person_n so_o it_o agree_v to_o all_o condition_n too_o poor_a man_n do_v think_v that_o rich_a man_n may_v well_o do_v it_o and_o rich_a man_n think_v that_o poor_a man_n have_v need_v to_o do_v it_o prosperity_n think_v it_o have_v better_a thing_n to_o mind_n than_o a_o god_n and_o adversity_n know_v it_o have_v worse_a thing_n but_o it_o must_v mind_v they_o plenty_n be_v too_o full_a to_o entertain_v he_o and_o poverty_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o bear_v up_o under_o its_o own_o burden_n learning_n know_v how_o but_o will_v not_o ignorance_n say_v it_o will_v but_o know_v not_o how_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o shuffle_n the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n cease_v not_o none_o so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v above_o it_o none_o so_o mean_a as_o to_o be_v below_o it_o for_o rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a prince_n and_o peasant_n though_o they_o be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o by_o punctilio_n and_o lesser_a difference_n yet_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o universal_a be_v meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o centre_n agree_v in_o the_o common_a capacity_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o religion_n have_v a_o interest_n and_o a_o concernment_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o conversation_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n phi._n 3._o 20._o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n so_o also_o have_v it_o a_o room_n in_o the_o conversation_n of_o every_o man_n in_o every_o capacity_n no_o relation_n condition_n action_n change_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o powerful_a influence_n thereof_o so_o the_o apostle_n describe_v himself_o by_o his_o live_n in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n all_o along_o act._n 23._o 1._o and_o by_o his_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o thing_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n act._n 24._o 16._o now_o the_o five_o step_n in_o order_n will_v be_v that_o it_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o study_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o aright_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o which_o i_o must_v not_o come_v to_o confirm_v till_o i_o have_v show_v according_a to_o my_o promise_n in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o not_o to_o name_v those_o too_o low_a and_o improper_a notion_n that_o man_n ordinary_o have_v of_o this_o high_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n converse_v with_o god_n to_o speak_v proper_o of_o it_o be_v a_o compiex_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o entertain_v god_n into_o itself_o and_o render_v itself_o back_o again_o to_o he_o receive_v impression_n from_o he_o and_o give_v up_o itself_o again_o to_o he_o be_v first_o fill_v with_o he_o and_o then_o empty_v itself_o into_o he_o you_o may_v conceive_v of_o it_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o plant_n that_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o benign_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o in_o those_o beam_n spread_v itself_o and_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o they_o grow_v up_o towards_o heaven_n or_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o river_n that_o be_v continual_o fill_v with_o the_o ocean_n and_o be_v continual_o empty_v itself_o into_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o seem_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n elegant_a allusion_n job_n 4._o 14._o where_o he_o compare_v a_o divine_a and_o godly_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v out_o from_o god_n and_o continual_o boil_v and_o bubble_v up_o towards_o he_o spring_v up_o into_o eternal_a life_n or_o you_o may_v conceive_v of_o it_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o glass_n which_o receive_v the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o look_v into_o it_o and_o reflect_v the_o self_n same_o image_n that_o it_o receive_v for_o indeed_o the_o brightness_n and_o beanty_n of_o holiness_n wherewith_o a_o godly_a soul_n do_v shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o reflection_n of_o that_o light_n and_o brightness_n wherewith_o the_o father_n of_o light_n shine_v into_o it_o and_o so_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o to_o glory_n in_o for_o they_o behold_v god_n but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o light_n they_o love_v he_o with_o a_o love_n which_o he_o have_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v therefore_o like_o he_o because_o he_o have_v stamp_v his_o own_o image_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v concern_v all_o their_o act_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n and_o delight_n as_o david_n do_v in_o another_o case_n of_o thy_o own_o we_o offer_v unto_o thou_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a and_o noble_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v infinite_o advance_v above_o the_o life_n of_o all_o other_o man_n and_o indeed_o do_v near_o resemble_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n their_o life_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o a_o see_v of_o god_n a_o behold_v of_o he_o face_n to_o face_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o a_o naked_a idle_a speculation_n but_o of_o a_o real_a assimilation_n arise_v from_o the_o divine_a impression_n make_v upon_o they_o a_o behold_v of_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n and_o such_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n life_n spiritual_a life_n his_o life_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o participation_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o a_o holy_a reciprocation_n or_o reflection_n of_o affection_n to_o he_o which_o be_v indeed_o two_o distinct_a act_n though_o original_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n for_o the_o love_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n love_v god_n be_v itself_o a_o efflux_n from_o he_o for_o by_o love_v we_o he_o inspire_v a_o love_n into_o we_o and_o by_o influence_n from_o god_n we_o become_v godlike_a but_o this_o converse_n with_o god_n be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o goodness_n from_o god_n and_o the_o reflection_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n towards_o he_o but_o be_v also_o see_v in_o the_o various_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o various_a impression_n which_o god_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o various_a occasion_n of_o life_n so_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n by_o act_n of_o fear_n reverence_n joy_n confidence_n self-resignation_n and_o the_o like_a now_o because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o can_v converse_v with_o god_n so_o pure_o spiritual_o and_o immediate_o as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n do_v therefore_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o appoint_v unto_o man_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o converse_v with_o he_o wherein_o he_o haâ—h_v promise_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o to_o draw_v forth_o reciprocal_a act_n of_o communion_n act_n of_o love_n fear_v reverence_n confidence_n resignation_n dependence_n and_o delight_v out_o of_o the_o same_o soul_n towards_o himself_o now_o these_o way_n or_o mean_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n duty_n ordinance_n and_o providence_n though_o indeed_o the_o two_o first_o may_v be_v contract_v into_o one_o first_o i_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o ordinance_n such_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n for_o i_o shall_v name_v no_o more_o but_o those_o two_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o way_n in_o which_o god_n do_v usual_o meet_v the_o soul_n to_o communicate_v life_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o light_n psal_n 19_o 8._o warmth_n luke_n 23._o 32._o growth_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o soul_n do_v answer_v these_o impression_n as_o in_o the_o water_n face_n answer_v face_n by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n joy_n meekness_n and_o holy_a resolution_n so_o also_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o way_n wherein_o god_n meetech_v the_o soul_n and_o communicate_v his_o love_n sweetness_n fullness_n goodness_n
that_o the_o will_n be_v prepare_v to_o close_v ready_o with_o such_o method_n as_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o use_v to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o end_n then_o do_v we_o proper_o and_o feel_o converse_v with_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o alwise_a god_n but_o this_o of_o self-resignation_n i_o speak_v something_o to_o under_o the_o first_o head_n and_o much_o of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v there_o may_v be_v indifferent_o apply_v hither_o therefore_o 7._o converse_v with_o the_o unbounded_a goodness_n love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n be_v infinite_o and_o unchangeable_o love_v and_o merciful_a to_o his_o people_n he_o be_v good_a say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o he_o be_v love_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4._o 8._o those_o dreadful_a and_o terrify_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o bless_a and_o good_a god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v some_o austere_a and_o surly_a majesty_n give_v to_o passion_n and_o revenge_n be_v apt_a to_o destroy_v that_o cheerful_a and_o ingenuous_a converse_n with_o he_o which_o the_o creature_n shall_v maintain_v with_o its_o creator_n at_o all_o time_n but_o then_o be_v we_o most_o prone_a to_o entertain_v those_o apprehension_n and_o to_o harbour_v such_o unseemly_a notion_n of_o he_o when_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o he_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o comfort_n the_o blood_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n and_o in_o the_o distress_n of_o our_o life_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o frame_v notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o disposition_n to_o fancy_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v eye_v a_o afflict_a god_n but_o we_o present_o conclude_v a_o angry_a god_n as_o though_o the_o eternal_a and_o pure_a be_v be_v subject_a to_o passion_n and_o change_n as_o we_o be_v these_o apprehension_n be_v once_o drink_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o become_v unhinged_a present_o and_o almost_o afraid_a to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o love_n itself_o but_o fly_v and_o hide_v itself_o as_o adam_n in_o the_o garden_n or_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v converse_v with_o god_n at_o all_o it_o be_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v besiege_v converse_v with_o the_o enemy_n without_o viz._n send_v out_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o to_o obtain_v a_o cessation_n of_o arms._n and_o so_o a_o soul_n may_v bestow_v much_o upon_o god_n surrender_v up_o the_o castle_n give_v he_o all_o that_o he_o have_v almost_o not_o for_o any_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o he_o but_o as_o joash_n give_v hazael_n a_o present_a of_o gold_n and_o precious_a thing_n to_o hire_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o 2_o king_n 12._o 18._o oh_o than_o they_o will_v on_o and_o do_v any_o thing_n yea_o circumcise_v their_o life_n as_o zipporah_n circumcise_v her_o son_n exod._n 4_o 25._o to_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n every_o one_o will_v converse_v with_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n in_o time_n of_o extremity_n hang_v out_o a_o flag_n sore_a peace_n send_v present_n pay_v a_o homage_n send_v ambassador_n to_o entreat_v his_o face_n but_o few_o know_v how_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n with_o he_o as_o their_o dear_a and_o only_a friend_n in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n free_o and_o cheerful_o now_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o double_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o man_n not_o converse_v with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n 1._o many_o can_v believe_v the_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o cry_v the_o poor_a soul_n struggle_v under_o its_o burden_n and_o travel_v in_o pang_n to_o be_v deliver_v of_o its_o grief_n thus_o unbelieve_o argue_v gideon_n who_o be_v otherwise_o famous_a for_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o bitter_a bondage_n under_o the_o midianite_n judg._n 6._o 13._o when_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v send_v to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o can_v not_o entertain_v the_o news_n nor_o believe_v the_o report_n because_o of_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o cry_v out_o oh_o my_o lord_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o why_o be_v all_o this_o evil_n befall_v we_o no_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v we_o for_o he_o have_v deliver_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o midianite_n the_o sad_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v concern_v christ_n gracious_a presence_n as_o the_o two_o sister_n concern_v his_o personal_a presence_n john_n 11._o 21_o 32._o lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o dye_v lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o if_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o if_o thou_o have_v have_v any_o delight_n in_o i_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o dye_v my_o husband_n my_o wife_n my_o child_n have_v not_o dye_v i_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o plague_v afflict_a wound_a torment_v as_o i_o be_o hence_o we_o have_v those_o many_o complaint_n of_o the_o afflict_a soul_n up_o and_o down_o the_o psalm_n have_v the_o lord_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v have_v he_o shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o anger_n and_o many_o such_o like_a the_o smart_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v apt_a to_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a evil_n be_v ready_a to_o destroy_v all_o sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a and_o unchangeable_a goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n now_o this_o great_a evil_n seem_v to_o arise_v from_o these_o two_o cause_n viz._n our_o measure_n of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a disposition_n by_o ourselves_o and_o humane_a passion_n and_o affection_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o our_o measure_v the_o love_n of_o god_n too_o much_o by_o the_o proportion_n that_o he_o give_v we_o of_o worldly_a prosperity_n woe_n to_o he_o in_o a_o day_n of_o distress_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o judge_v of_o divine_a love_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o as_o solomon_n call_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n eccles_n 9_o 1._o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o temper_n the_o infirmity_n of_o many_o in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n though_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o conclude_v harsh_o concern_v job_n upon_o the_o dunghill_n any_o more_o than_o we_o will_v conclude_v charitable_o concern_v ahab_n on_o the_o throne_n beside_o the_o scripture_n teacheâ—h_v express_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v stand_v with_o correction_n psal_n 89._o 33._o i_o will_v visit_v his_o iniquity_n but_o my_o love_a kindness_n wâ—ll_n i_o not_o take_v from_o he_o nay_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o well_o stand_v without_o it_o heb._n 12._o 6._o who_o the_o lord_n love_v be_v chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v 2._o other_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n but_o either_o they_o can_v or_o dare_v not_o or_o will_v not_o converse_v with_o it_o nor_o take_v comfort_n in_o it_o they_o remember_v god_n with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 77._o 3._o i_o e._n the_o goodness_n bounty_n mercy_n of_o god_n say_v mollevus_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v trouble_v their_o heart_n be_v unquiet_a fluctuate_a tumultuous_a within_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o impress_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n which_o it_o have_v contract_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o suffering_n that_o it_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o mercy_n but_o though_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v its_o own_o yet_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o forsake_v its_o own_o mercy_n as_o though_o it_o hear_v god_n chide_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o jehu_n to_o jorams_fw-mi scout_n 2_o king_n 9_o 18._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v with_o peace_n what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v with_o mercy_n turn_v you_o behind_o i_o a_o afflict_a soul_n have_v much_o ado_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n it_o easy_o agree_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o justice_n holiness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n indeed_o but_o think_v it_o very_o improper_a and_o unseasonable_a if_o not_o unsafe_a to_o converse_v with_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v with_o solomon_n present_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prosperity_n rejoice_v but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n consider_v or_o with_o the_o apostle_n if_o any_o be_v afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v if_o he_o be_v merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n converse_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o
god_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o this_o season_n i_o confess_v this_o be_v a_o high_a and_o hard_a duty_n every_o smatterer_n in_o religion_n will_v cry_v out_o in_o his_o affliction_n thou_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a o_o lord_n but_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o mercisul_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o job_n only_o job_n 1._o 21._o but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n though_o a_o hard_a one_o and_o afford_v much_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n to_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v therein_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n of_o god_n do_v not_o fail_v that_o his_o love_n be_v not_o break_v off_o from_o his_o people_n no_o nor_o suspend_v neither_o when_o he_o afflict_v they_o most_o be_v most_o certain_a for_o though_o he_o work_v change_n in_o and_z upon_o we_o yet_o himself_o be_v eternal_o and_o unchangeable_o the_o same_o jer._n 1._o 17._o and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o deal_n towards_o his_o people_n seem_v to_o be_v rough_a and_o severe_a yet_o if_o we_o judge_v right_o of_o they_o they_o be_v all_o mercy_n and_o truth_n towards_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o covenant_n psal_n 25._o 10._o and_o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o converse_v with_o this_o divine_a love_n and_o mercy_n even_o in_o their_o great_a affliction_n be_v as_o clear_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o may_v allege_v the_o forequoted_a example_n of_o holy_a job_n and_o may_v enforce_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n word_n phil._n 4._o 4._o and_o jam._n 1._o 2._o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n and_o from_o many_o good_a reason_n too_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o know_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o right_a frame_n towards_o and_o converse_v right_o with_o the_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o one_o frame_n be_v ready_a to_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o sorrow_n be_v apt_a to_o contract_v the_o heart_n and_o destroy_v the_o large_a and_o cheerful_a temper_n of_o it_o and_o joy_n do_v dilate_v and_o enlarge_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v it_o forget_v its_o grief_n but_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a yet_o it_o be_v possible_a these_o two_o may_v well_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o in_o psal_n 2._o 11._o rejoice_v with_o tremble_v but_o how_o must_v we_o converse_v with_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n i_o have_v partly_o prevent_v myself_o in_o this_o already_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o then_o converse_v with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n when_o we_o bare_o think_v of_o it_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o 1._o when_o we_o believe_v and_o apply_v it_o and_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o when_o we_o look_v through_o the_o cloud_n that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o and_o quite_o cover_v we_o and_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v the_o fountain_n and_o father_n of_o light_n when_o we_o can_v look_v beyond_o the_o frown_n that_o be_v â—n_v his_o face_n and_o the_o rod_n that_o be_v in_o hâ—s_a hand_n and_o see_v the_o good_a will_n that_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o more_o especial_o 2._o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o see_v and_o belâ—eve_v it_o but_o also_o draw_v vircue_n and_o influence_n down_o from_o it_o into_o our_o souâ—s_n to_o establish_v settle_v and_o satisfy_v they_o not_o so_o much_o when_o we_o see_v it_o as_o when_o we_o taste_v it_o when_o we_o feel_v tâ—e_v sun_n of_o righteousness_n warm_v we_o though_o it_o do_v not_o dazzle_v we_o and_o though_o we_o can_v perceive_v it_o to_o shine_v upon_o we_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o to_o shine_v in_o we_o we_o do_v then_o converse_v with_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o a_o afflict_a state_n when_o the_o same_o do_v bear_v we_o up_o not_o only_o from_o utter_a sic_n but_o even_o from_o inordinate_a sorrow_n when_o we_o draw_v a_o virtue_n from_o it_o inâ—o_v our_o soul_n to_o sustain_v they_o yea_o and_o to_o cherish_v they_o too_o thus_o job_n comfort_v himself_o in_o his_o live_a redeemer_n job_n 19_o 25_o and_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o slip_v psal_n 94._o 18._o 19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n in_o a_o word_n we_o converse_v with_o dâ—vine_a goodness_n when_o we_o be_v real_o warm_v with_o it_o and_o with_o almighty_a love_n when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o can_v with_o holy_a venturousness_n and_o humble_a confidence_n throw_v ourselves_o into_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o it_o when_o we_o receive_v impression_n of_o it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v thereby_o mould_v into_o a_o temper_n fuitable_a to_o it_o and_o become_v it_o for_o then_o indeed_o do_v we_o most_o happy_o converse_v with_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n when_o we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v live_v upon_o it_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o a_o love_a and_o good_a god_n do_v render_v up_o ourselves_o also_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o become_a affection_n of_o love_n joy_n confidence_n and_o holy_a delight_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o interest_n thus_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o affliction_n it_o be_v a_o high_a way_n of_o glorify_v god_n and_o bring_v much_o credit_n to_o religion_n and_o indeed_o he_o that_o keep_v up_o this_o frame_n can_v be_v afflict_v but_o in_o part_n he_o escape_v the_o great_a half_n of_o the_o evil_n for_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o stormy_a a_o time_n without_o he_o a_o storm_n upon_o his_o house_n upon_o his_o good_n upon_o his_o relation_n yea_o upon_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o calm_a day_n within_o in_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n last_o and_o indeed_o everlasting_o too_o we_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o infinite_a self-sufficient_a fullness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o day_n of_o the_o great_a extremity_n that_o be_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v not_o with_o any_o one_o single_a attribute_n but_o with_o the_o very_a godhead_n of_o god_n the_o immense_a perfection_n of_o god_n the_o allness_n of_o the_o deity_n oh_o how_o seasonable_o do_v this_o bless_a object_n present_v its_o self_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n loss_n mortality_n persecution_n when_o we_o be_v most_o empty_v of_o creature-enjoyment_n and_o the_o emptiness_n of_o they_o do_v most_o appear_v for_o upon_o these_o two_o do_v our_o converse_v with_o god_n much_o depend_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o live_v beside_o god_n when_o we_o have_v our_o fill_n of_o creature-delight_n whilst_o we_o can_v entertain_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o create_a sweetness_n we_o soolish_o forget_v and_o neglect_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o so_o fond_a and_o unreasonable_a be_v this_o affection_n that_o no_o warning_n no_o precept_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n god_n be_v force_v to_o break_v that_o off_o from_o we_o from_o which_o we_o will_v not_o be_v break_v sure_o i_o be_o the_o bless_a and_o bountiful_a god_n envy_v not_o his_o servant_n any_o of_o their_o creature-comfort_n or_o delight_n but_o he_o love_v they_o as_o i_o say_v before_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a love_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v so_o much_o to_o their_o loss_n as_o they_o do_v when_o they_o spend_v noble_a affection_n upon_o transitory_a thing_n in_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v happy_a now_o affliction_n be_v a_o negative_a if_o we_o speak_v proper_o even_o as_o sin_n be_v and_o whenever_o we_o be_v afflict_v in_o any_o kind_n we_o be_v empty_v os_fw-la some_o create_a good_a as_o poverty_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o absence_n of_o riches_n sickness_n the_o want_n of_o ease_n of_o order_n of_o health_n in_o the_o constitution_n restraint_n be_v the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n so_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n god_n be_v empty_v of_o creature_n enjoyment_n for_o indeed_o affliction_n itself_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o empty_n or_o deprivation_n and_o that_o then_o the_o emptiness_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v most_o appear_v i_o suppose_v all_o will_v grant_v the_o sick_a person_n look_v upon_o his_o decay_a strength_n and_o wither_a member_n and_o be_v feel_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o flâ—sh_n be_v grass_n another_o cast_v about_o hâ—s_a eye_n with_o samson_n and_o see_v heap_n
upon_o created-comfort_n and_o that_o unchaste_a love_n which_o you_o bestow_v upon_o thing_n below_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o bleat_n of_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o lowing_n of_o the_o ox_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o earthly-mindedness_a sensuality_n or_o covetousness_n but_o of_o that_o more_o refine_a and_o hide_a creature-love_n a_o love_a of_o friend_n relation_n health_n liberty_n life_n and_o that_o not_o in_o god_n but_o with_o a_o love_n distinct_a from_o that_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v god_n to_o love_v all_o these_o in_o god_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o as_o flow_v from_o he_o and_o partake_v of_o he_o and_o with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v god_n himself_o be_v allow_v we_o but_o to_o love_v they_o with_o a_o particular_a love_n as_o thing_n distinct_a from_o god_n to_o delight_v in_o they_o mere_o as_o creature_n and_o to_o follow_v they_o as_o if_o some_o good_a or_o happiness_n or_o pleasure_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o distinct_a from_o what_o be_v in_o god_n this_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o spiritual_a adultery_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v idolatry_n to_o taste_v a_o sweetness_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o see_v a_o beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o we_o ought_v alone_o to_o taste_v and_o see_v in_o it_o as_o we_o say_v vxor_fw-la splendour_n radiis_fw-la mariti_fw-la the_o wise_a shine_v with_o the_o ray_n of_o her_o husband_n so_o more_o true_o every_o creature_n shine_v but_o by_o a_o borrow_a light_n and_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o goodness_n and_o sweetness_n and_o â—ulness_n of_o the_o bless_a creator_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o glorify_a soul_n shall_v live_v upon_o god_n alone_o entire_o whole_o eternal_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o less_o glorious_a soul_n i_o mean_v gracious_a soul_n do_v so_o too_o in_o some_o degree_n yea_o even_o we_o who_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o do_v yet_o use_v creature_n shall_v behold_v all_o the_o scatter_a beam_n of_o goodness_n sweetness_n perfection_n that_o be_v in_o these_o creature_n all_o unite_a and_o gather_v up_o in_o god_n and_o so_o feed_v upon_o they_o only_o in_o god_n and_o upon_o god_n in_o all_o they_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o wicked_a and_o godless_a man_n that_o they_o set_v up_o and_o drive_v a_o trade_n for_o themselves_o live_v in_o a_o way_n distinct_a from_o god_n as_o though_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o they_o love_v the_o world_n with_o a_o predominant_a love_n they_o enjoy_v creature-comfort_n in_o a_o gross_a unspiritual_a manner_n they_o dwell_v upon_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o their_o mercy_n they_o treasure_v up_o riches_n not_o only_o in_o their_o chest_n but_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o feed_v upon_o the_o creature_n not_o only_o with_o their_o body_n but_o their_o very_a soul_n do_v feed_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o word_n they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n all_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n must_v needs_o be_v earthly_a joh._n 3._o 31._o be_v it_o not_o a_o monstrous_a thing_n that_o a_o heavenly_a soul_n shall_v feed_v upon_o earthly_a trash_n i_o speak_v without_o any_o hyperbole_n the_o famous_a king_n of_o babylon_n forsake_v the_o society_n of_o man_n and_o herd_v himself_o with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o eat_a grass_n with_o the_o ox_n be_v not_o so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n nor_o half_a so_o monstrous_a or_o unseemly_a as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n forsake_v the_o true_a bread_n of_o soul_n and_o feed_v upon_o the_o low_a fare_n of_o carnal_a man_n even_o create_v sweetness_n worldly_a good_n nay_o a_o glorious_a star_n fall_v from_o its_o own_o sphere_n and_o choke_v itself_o in_o the_o dust_n will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o baseness_n for_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o one_o sense_n joh._n 3._o 31._o be_v true_a of_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o this_o sense_n he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o i._n e._n above_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v below_o god_n himself_o 3._o shall_v this_o life_n of_o angel_n be_v also_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n this_o may_v then_o serve_v as_o a_o powerful_a consideration_n to_o mortify_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o live_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o long_o after_o so_o bless_v a_o change_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v indeed_o that_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v phil._n 1._o 21._o for_o be_v not_o this_o gain_n to_o exchange_v a_o animal_n life_n for_o a_o angelical_a life_n a_o life_n which_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n common_a to_o the_o very_a beast_n with_o we_o for_o that_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v call_v the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o bless_a and_o holy_a god_n live_v upon_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o self-sufficient_a fullness_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o so_o shall_v the_o saint_n live_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o selfsame_a infinite_a fullness_n and_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o creature_n contribution_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o say_v that_o the_o last_o enemy_n to_o be_v destroy_v be_v death_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 26._o which_o be_v true_a of_o enemy_n without_o we_o and_o it_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o christ_n who_o shall_v make_v a_o general_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o last_o enemy_n to_o be_v overcome_v within_o we_o be_v the_o love_n of_o life_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n will_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n to_o keep_v his_o life_n job_n 2._o 4._o and_o we_o do_v general_o excuse_v the_o matter_n and_o cry_v oh_o life_n be_v sweet_a life_n be_v precious_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n arise_v from_o that_o dear_a and_o unconceivable_a union_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v of_o they_o which_o be_v pure_o natural_a some_o say_v altogether_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o man_n in_o this_o complex_fw-la state_n and_o not_o in_o itself_o sinful_a possible_o there_o may_v not_o be_v find_v a_o man_n upon_o earth_n so_o holy_a and_o mortify_a in_o who_o this_o be_v not_o find_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o last_o hindrance_n to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o perfect_a happiness_n this_o although_o in_o iâ—_n itself_o natural_a yea_o necessary_a &_o without_o blame_n yet_o in_o the_o inordinateness_n of_o it_o ordinary_o if_o not_o constant_o become_v sinful_a i_o count_v he_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o love_v not_o his_o own_o life_n with_o a_o inordinate_a sinful_a love_n who_o love_v it_o only_o in_o god_n and_o not_o with_o a_o creature-love_n distinct_a from_o god_n there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o this_o natural_a and_o lawful_a love_n of_o life_n become_v sinful_a viz._n immoderateness_n and_o inordinateness_n immoderateness_n be_v when_o man_n love_v their_o life_n at_o that_o rate_n that_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o unreasonable_a and_o distract_n fear_n care_n and_o thought_n about_o they_o when_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o life_n be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o studiousness_n to_o preserve_v the_o be_v of_o life_n inordinateness_n be_v when_o man_n though_o they_o do_v not_o love_v their_o life_n at_o that_o excessive_a rate_n yet_o do_v love_n life_n as_o a_o creature-good_a not_o in_o god_n nor_o in_o order_n to_o he_o but_o love_v it_o for_o itself_o as_o something_o out_o of_o god_n every_o carnal_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o latter_a and_o i_o doubt_v but_o few_o saint_n altogether_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o now_o that_o this_o immoderate_a love_n of_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v subdue_v in_o christian_n all_o man_n almost_o will_v grant_v if_o any_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n mat._n 6._o 25._o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n both_o which_o word_n in_o the_o favourabl_a interpretation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o forbid_v immoderation_n nâ—y_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n will_v enforce_v this_o from_o mere_a moral_a consideration_n which_o i_o can_v now_o stand_v upon_o but_o this_o inordinate_a love_n of_o life_n as_o it_o be_v a_o more_o secret_a stick_v evil_a a_o
more_o refine_a corruption_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v discover_v and_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o now_o this_o particular_a distinct_a love_a of_o life_n not_o as_o in_o god_n but_o in_o itself_o as_o a_o creature-good_a be_v clear_o condemn_v in_o that_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n matth._n 22._o vers_fw-la 37._o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n q._n d._n god_n the_o supreme_a infinite_a perfect_a original_a essential_a self-sufficient_a good_a be_v to_o be_v love_v in_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a and_o strong_a manner_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a to_o love_v and_o all_o other_o thing_n only_o in_o he_o and_o under_o he_o and_o as_o be_v of_o he_o and_o for_o his_o sake_n let_v it_o be_v allow_v that_o life_n be_v good_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o created-good_a let_v it_o be_v allow_v that_o life_n be_v comfortable_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o man_n chief_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o this_o animal_n life_n so_o then_o life_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v love_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o life_n it_o be_v to_o be_v love_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o create_v good_a and_o no_o otherwise_o now_o create_v good_n be_v to_o be_v love_v only_o in_o the_o creator_n as_o come_v from_o he_o as_o partake_v of_o he_o as_o lead_v to_o he_o argue_v the_o case_n a_o little_a thus_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o love_v its_o body_n with_o which_o the_o great_a god_n have_v match_v it_o and_o to_o love_v union_n with_o this_o body_n which_o union_n we_o call_v life_n but_o this_o body_n be_v a_o creature_n and_o a_o creature_n much_o inferior_a to_o itself_o and_o much_o more_o ignoble_a than_o itself_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v the_o fit_a and_o adequate_a object_n of_o its_o strong_a and_o best_a affection_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v something_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o this_o world_n have_v nothing_o so_o noble_a so_o excellent_a in_o it_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v the_o creator_n himself_o well_o see_v god_n be_v the_o supreme_a self-sufficient_a perfect_a good_a he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v with_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n single_o and_o entire_o and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v god_n himself_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o or_o rest_v in_o but_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o love_v above_o all_o create_a thing_n yea_o even_o above_o life_n itself_o the_o best_a of_o creature_n so_o then_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o call_v for_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v ready_o to_o give_v they_o up_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v the_o will_n of_o god_n much_o more_o than_o our_o life_n i_o pray_v you_o drink_v in_o that_o notion_n viz._n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a holy_a perfect_a shall_v not_o only_o be_v submit_v to_o or_o rest_v in_o but_o even_o love_v and_o choose_v above_o all_o creature_n now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o that_o only_o whereby_o he_o teach_v man_n and_o prescribe_v law_n to_o they_o but_o that_o whereby_o he_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o dispose_v of_o man_n in_o any_o condition_n of_o life_n or_o take_v away_o their_o life_n from_o they_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n can_v send_v forth_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v perfect_o good_a and_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_o good_a aught_o to_o be_v love_v with_o a_o universal_a pure_a and_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a perfect_a love_n this_o you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o be_v a_o high_a and_o a_o hard_a say_n but_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o love_v his_o own_o life_n only_o in_o god_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o for_o this_o god_n require_v and_o he_o require_v not_o thing_n impossible_a luke_n 14_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v after_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o own_o life_n he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n i._n e._n not_o simple_o hate_v â—t_a but_o in_o comparison_n of_o i_o and_o my_o will_n it_o be_v not_o then_o impossible_a nay_o you_o see_v it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n the_o saint_n of_o old_a find_v it_o possible_a holy_a paul_n give_v this_o answer_n ready_o act._n 21._o 13._o i_o be_o ready_a to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o act._n 20._o 24._o i_o count_v not_o my_o life_n dear_a unto_o i_o so_o that_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n it_o be_v witness_v of_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o rev._n 12._o 11._o that_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n i._n e._n they_o do_v not_o value_v they_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n neither_o let_v any_o one_o flatter_v himself_o and_o say_v yea_o if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o die_v for_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v it_o than_o deny_v he_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v eye_v in_o his_o send_n for_o we_o by_o a_o natural_a death_n as_o by_o martyrdom_n and_o a_o not_o give_v up_o our_o life_n to_o he_o at_o any_o time_n be_v as_o true_o to_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o will_n as_o not_o to_o give_v they_o up_o at_o the_o stake_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o beside_o how_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v in_o his_o bed_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o die_v at_o a_o stake_n now_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v mortify_v to_o the_o love_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n be_v so_o difficult_a yet_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o noble_a how_o do_v it_o become_v every_o saint_n to_o study_v to_o attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n which_o that_o we_o may_v let_v we_o press_v upon_o ourselves_o this_o consideration_n this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v live_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o if_o this_o body_n be_v break_v down_o this_o low_a life_n cut_v off_o we_o shall_v live_v like_o angel_n not_o be_v behold_v any_o more_o to_o poor_a creature_n for_o help_n or_o comfort_n but_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n fill_v with_o his_o image_n and_o glory_n and_o live_v upon_o he_o entire_o for_o evermore_o yea_o i_o may_v add_v that_o this_o very_a live_n above_o our_o own_o life_n mere_o at_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o angelical_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n therefore_o labour_v to_o be_v mortify_v to_o that_o love_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n yea_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o yea_o almost_o ashamed_a of_o it_o 4._o shall_v we_o thus_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o angel_n subsist_v in_o god_n feast_v upon_o he_o fill_v with_o he_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o may_v moderate_v our_o sorrow_n which_o we_o conceive_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o create_v good_a house_n land_n husband_n wife_n child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o miss_v they_o shall_v not_o need_v they_o shall_v not_o desire_v they_o any_o more_o the_o bless_a angel_n live_v a_o glorious_a life_n and_o they_o have_v none_o of_o these_o but_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o have_v no_o wife_n nor_o child_n yet_o they_o want_v none_o and_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v none_o neither_o neither_o shall_v we_o want_v they_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o god_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o neither_o marry_v nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n but_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o father_n with_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o truth_n itself_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n if_o you_o have_v no_o candle_n leave_v in_o the_o house_n yet_o it_o be_v towards_o daybreak_n and_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v need_v none_o and_o yet_o have_v light_a enough_o too_o in_o a_o word_n learn_v to_o live_v beside_o they_o whilst_o you_o have_v they_o and_o you_o will_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o live_v without_o they_o when_o they_o be_v remove_v 5._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o use_v that_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o oh_o that_o you_o and_o i_o may_v make_v this_o happy_a use_n of_o it_o shall_v the_o saint_n be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o their_o way_n of_o live_v in_o live_v
upon_o god_n and_o enjoy_v all_o happiness_n in_o he_o alone_o for_o ever_o shall_v this_o certain_o be_v ouâ—â—_n life_n in_o heaven_n oh_o then_o labour_n to_o begin_v this_o life_n upon_o earth_n if_o you_o can_v perfect_o transcribe_v yet_o at_o least_o imitate_v that_o angelical_a kind_n of_o life_n though_o you_o be_v here_o imprison_v in_o a_o body_n of_o earth_n and_o oft_o cumber_v and_o clog_v with_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o call_v to_o attend_v upon_o bodily_a necessity_n yet_o as_o far_o as_o this_o animal_n state_n will_v permit_v live_v upon_o god_n do_v not_o excuse_v nor_o vindicate_v that_o low_a kind_n of_o earthly_a life_n do_v not_o justify_v your_o live_n below_o and_o beside_o god_n but_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o to_o behold_v where_o your_o happiness_n lie_v and_o live_v not_o willing_o below_o it_o certain_o a_o godly_a soul_n have_v more_o than_o bare_a hope_n in_o this_o world_n god_n the_o bless_a infinite_a and_o communicative_a good_a have_v not_o lock_v up_o himself_o so_o far_o out_o of_o fight_n but_o that_o he_o give_v his_o people_n a_o comfortable_a behold_v of_o he_o even_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o what_o soloman_n say_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o godly_a he_o mean_v it_o of_o their_o present_a life_n prov._n 15._o 24._o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a their_o live_n not_o only_o shall_v be_v but_o be_v now_o above_o it_o be_v a_o high_a way_n of_o live_v they_o be_v certain_o a_o puny_a sort_n of_o mechanical_a christian_n that_o think_v and_o talk_v only_o of_o a_o heaven_n to_o come_v and_o dream_n of_o a_o happiness_n without_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o godlike_a soul_n can_v so_o content_v himself_o but_o be_v spirit_v and_o principled_a from_o above_o be_v carry_v out_o after_o the_o infinite_a and_o almighty_a good_a as_o a_o thing_n be_v carry_v towards_o its_o centre_n and_o hasten_v into_o his_o embrace_n as_o the_o iron_n hasten_v to_o the_o loadstone_n and_o belong_v to_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o if_o therefore_o you_o be_v from_o heaven_n live_v above_o all_o above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n if_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3._o 1._o if_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n live_v upon_o god_n and_o suck_v not_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o stranger_n deny_v self_n live_v beside_o self_n i._n e._n live_v not_o to_o the_o lust_n live_v not_o to_o the_o service_n of_o your_o sense_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n let_v not_o your_o soul_n be_v servant_n to_o your_o sin_n no_o nor_o to_o your_o sense_n that_o be_v for_o servant_n to_o ride_v on_o horseback_n and_o prince_n to_o walk_v on_o foot_n eccles_n 10._o 7._o live_v above_o self_n i._n e._n let_v your_o soul_n quit_v all_o their_o own_o interest_n in_o themselves_o and_o entire_o resign_v themselves_o to_o god_n as_o to_o all_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o neither_o be_v that_o it_o which_o i_o press_v you_o to_o from_o these_o word_n but_o live_v above_o the_o creature_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o it_o viz._n delight_v in_o god_n converse_v and_o commune_v with_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o chief_a good_a desire_v not_o any_o creature_n any_o further_a than_o as_o it_o may_v help_v you_o forward_o to_o the_o creator_n neithet_n delight_n in_o it_o any_o further_a than_o as_o it_o either_o represent_v some_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n witness_v something_o of_o divine_a love_n or_o lead_v to_o some_o divine_a participation_n or_o communion_n see_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o live_v upon_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n alone_o without_o any_o creature_n let_v we_o now_o live_v upon_o feed_v upon_o love_n god_n alone_o in_o every_o creature_n now_o to_o give_v you_o a_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o this_o high_a and_o noble_a life_n i_o will_v explain_v it_o in_o some_o particular_n negative_o and_o affirmative_o first_o negative_o 1._o live_v not_o upon_o self_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o live_v unto_o self_n but_o live_v not_o upon_o self_n self-excellency_n self-sufficiency_n any_o create_a accomplishment_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o stoic_n those_o great_a philosopher_n who_o place_v happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o themselves_o which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o enjoy_v one_o self_n indeed_o be_v a_o high_a duty_n a_o noble_a privilege_n a_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 21._o 19_o possess_v you_o your_o soul_n but_o how_o must_v we_o enjoy_v ourselves_o why_o only_o in_o god_n he_o enjoy_v himself_o 1._o not_o who_o in_o a_o sullen_a melancholy_n retire_v to_o a_o solitary_a and_o monastical_a life_n as_o many_o of_o the_o sour_a sort_n of_o papist_n do_v 2._o nor_o he_o that_o in_o a_o proud_a mood_n disdain_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o in_o other_o man_n and_o hide_v himself_o from_o they_o through_o envy_n content_v himself_o to_o sit_v and_o admire_v his_o own_o personal_a accomplishment_n as_o many_o humorist_n do_v 3._o nor_o he_o who_o find_v nothing_o without_o he_o nor_o know_v nothing_o above_o he_o to_o give_v his_o soul_n her_o full_a rest_n settle_v upon_o a_o foundation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o admire_v a_o selfsufficiency_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o little_a subdue_v by_o philosophical_a precept_n as_o the_o stoic_n do_v and_o our_o quaker_n do_v but_o he_o who_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o god_n i._n e._n who_o do_v not_o view_v himself_o in_o the_o narrow_a point_n of_o his_o own_o be_v but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o unbounded_a essence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o enjoy_v and_o value_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o personal_a excellency_n as_o he_o be_v in_o god_n and_o partake_v of_o his_o perfection_n to_o live_v in_o a_o way_n of_o self-converse_a be_v below_o the_o end_n of_o man_n creation_n who_o be_v make_v for_o a_o high_a good_a and_o hereby_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o obtain_v true_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o himself_o in_o a_o word_n a_o soul_n that_o confine_v itself_o to_o its_o self_n and_o life_n and_o move_v and_o rejoice_v only_o within_o the_o narrow_a cell_n of_o its_o own_o particular_a be_v deprive_v itself_o of_o that_o almighty_a and_o original_a goodness_n and_o glory_n that_o sill_n the_o world_n and_o shine_v through_o the_o whole_a creation_n 2._o live_v not_o upon_o any_o creature_n without_o yourselves_o self_n indeed_o be_v a_o creature_n but_o yet_o for_o clearness_n in_o proceed_v we_o shall_v distinguish_v they_o now_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a sort_n of_o man_n they_o live_v beside_o god_n and_o move_v only_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o creature_n you_o will_v easy_o understand_v that_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o body_n live_v upon_o the_o creature_n for_o so_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o it_o shall_v live_v and_o yet_o as_o to_o this_o too_o i_o say_v with_o our_o saviour_n man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n live_v upon_o the_o creature_n as_o its_o high_a good_a and_o feed_v upon_o it_o as_o its_o best_a fare_n they_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o domestiek_n and_o foreign_a comfort_n but_o behold_v not_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o all_o these_o descend_v they_o live_v upon_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o by_o these_o man_n 1._o do_v not_o mean_v those_o heathen_n that_o in_o the_o most_o idolatrous_a manner_n do_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n set_v up_o the_o creature_n for_o go_n 2._o nor_o those_o christian_n that_o in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n do_v makeidol_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o they_o 3._o no_o nor_o only_o those_o earthly_a professor_n who_o follow_v the_o world_n too_o eager_o and_o have_v such_o a_o deep_a and_o root_a respect_n for_o it_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ordinary_o content_a to_o suffer_v creature-employment_n to_o justle_v god_n and_o duty_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o house_n who_o worldliness_n be_v apparent_o too_o hard_o for_o their_o religion_n who_o then_o shall_v we_o come_v any_o near_o yes_o 4._o those_o be_v guilty_a of_o creature_n converse_v who_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o creature_n in_o god_n who_o love_n any_o thing_n in_o any_o creature_n with_o a_o distinct_a love_n that_o do_v not_o love_v it_o only_o in_o god_n who_o love_n silver_n gold_n house_n land_n trade_v friend_n with_o
a_o particular_a pinch_a love_n oh_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o creature-love_n of_o value_v any_o create_a thing_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o be_v from_o god_n partake_v of_o he_o and_o lead_v to_o he_o 3._o live_v not_o upon_o ordinance_n these_o be_v god_n institution_n love_v they_o cleave_v to_o they_o attend_v upon_o they_o let_v no_o temptation_n cause_v you_o to_o leave_v they_o but_o live_v not_o upon_o they_o place_v not_o your_o religion_n place_v not_o your_o hope_n your_o happiness_n in_o they_o but_o love_v they_o only_o in_o god_n attend_v upon_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o they_o as_o upon_o god_n in_o they_o lie_v by_o the_o pool_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o angel_n love_v not_o no_o not_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n why_o who_o do_v so_o alas_o who_o almost_o do_v not_o 1._o thus_o do_v they_o in_o ezek._n 33._o 32._o who_o delight_v in_o the_o prophet_n eloquence_n and_o in_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o his_o sermon_n as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o well_o tune_a voice_n and_o harmonious_a music_n and_o so_o do_v thousand_o in_o england_n who_o read_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o style_n or_o the_o story_n sake_n and_o love_n to_o sit_v under_o learned_a and_o elegant_a discourse_n more_o for_o accomplishment_n than_o for_o conversion_n and_o swarm_n of_o priest_n who_o preach_v themselves_o more_o than_o christ_n jesus_n even_o in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n as_o a_o proud_a boy_n ride_v a_o horse_n into_o the_o market_n to_o set_v forth_o himself_o more_o than_o his_o master_n good_n 2._o but_o there_o be_v many_o not_o so_o gross_a as_o these_o who_o do_v yet_o use_v ordinance_n in_o a_o way_n very_o gross_a and_o unspiritual_a place_v their_o devotion_n in_o they_o and_o sink_v their_o religion_n into_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o hear_v or_o pray_v who_o will_v wait_v upon_o god_n as_o they_o call_v it_o at_o some_o set_v and_o solemn_a time_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n it_o may_v be_v evening_n and_o morning_n but_o religion_n must_v not_o be_v too_o busy_a with_o they_o nor_o intermeddle_v in_o their_o ordinary_a affair_n or_o worldly_a employment_n it_o have_v no_o place_n there_o they_o do_v not_o count_v it_o a_o garment_n for_o every_o day_n wear_v 3._o and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o even_o almost_o all_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o seek_v rest_n in_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o work_n do_v whether_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o god_n there_o or_o no_o oh_o if_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n seek_v you_o happiness_n high_o converse_v with_o divine_a ordinance_n i_o confess_v be_v honourable_a and_o amiable_a but_o it_o be_v too_o low_a a_o life_n for_o a_o immortal_a soul_n affirmative_o let_v nothing_o satisfy_v you_o but_o god_n himself_o take_v up_o with_o no_o pleasure_n no_o treasure_n no_o portion_n no_o paradise_n nay_o no_o heaven_n no_o happiness_n below_o the_o infinite_a supreme_a and_o self-sufficient_a good_a let_v your_o eye_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o all-filling_a sulness_n let_v your_o desire_n be_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o name_n follow_v hard_o after_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o father_n through_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n let_v your_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o son_n by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 3_o o_o love_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o his_o saint_n psal_n 31._o 23._o yea_o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n and_o all_o your_o strength_n mat._n 22._o 37._o yea_o and_o keep_v yourselves_o always_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n judas_n 21._o persevere_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n oh_o sweet_a duty_n oh_o amiable_a pleasant_a task_n oh_o sweet_a and_o gratesul_n command_v away_o you_o crowd_v of_o creature_n i_o must_v keep_v my_o heart_n for_o my_o god_n away_o you_o gawdy_a suitor_n away_o you_o glitter_a toy_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o you_o my_o whole_a soul_n if_o its_o capacity_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n large_a than_o it_o be_v be_v too_o scant_o to_o entertain_v the_o supreme_a good_a to_o let_v in_o infinite_a goodhess_n and_o fullness_n oh_o charge_v it_o upon_o yourselves_o with_o the_o great_a vehemence_n love_n the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n keep_v thyself_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n let_v the_o love_n of_o god_n constrain_v you_o and_o keep_v yourselves_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a constraint_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n live_v upon_o god_n as_o upon_o uncreated_a life_n itself_o drink_v at_o the_o fountain_n seed_n upon_o infinite_a fullness_n depend_v upon_o almighty_a power_n refer_v yourselves_o to_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o unbounded_a love_n see_v nothing_o but_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n taste_v nothing_o but_o god_n in_o the_o world_n delight_v yourselves_o in_o he_o long_o for_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o communication_n from_o he_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n then_o do_v we_o live_v most_o like_a angel_n when_o we_o live_v most_o pure_o in_o god_n and_o find_v all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n spend_v themselves_o upon_o he_o and_o ourselves_o our_o life_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o flow_v from_o he_o and_o again_o swallow_v up_o in_o he_o but_o because_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o body_n i_o shall_v explain_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o converse_v with_o god_n in_o all_o your_o self-excellency_n i_o bid_v you_o before_o not_o converse_v with_o these_o now_o i_o say_v converse_v with_o god_n in_o these_o thus_o do_v the_o angel_n they_o know_v nothing_o that_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o they_o enjoy_v nothing_o distinct_a from_o god_n they_o be_v excellent_a creature_n excellent_a in_o knowledge_n power_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o enjoy_v all_o their_o excellency_n in_o god_n and_o ascribe_v they_o all_o to_o he_o rev._n 7._o 12._o and_o so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o do_v 1._o view_v yourselves_o not_o in_o your_o own_o particular_a being_n but_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n look_v upon_o yourselves_o as_o be_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o infinite_a essence_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o and_o do_v subsist_v 2._o and_o what_o ever_o excellency_n you_o find_v in_o your_o soul_n or_o body_n look_v not_o upon_o it_o as_o your_o own_o maintain_v not_o a_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la a_o distinction_n of_o interest_n between_o god_n and_o yourselves_o but_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o god_n and_o enjoy_v it_o in_o he_o 3._o when_o you_o find_v yourselves_o tempt_v to_o cast_v a_o fond_a and_o unchaste_a look_n upon_o the_o beauty_n strength_n activity_n or_o temper_n of_o your_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o ingenuity_n wisdom_n constancy_n courage_n composedness_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n take_v heed_n of_o settle_v into_o a_o selfish_a admiration_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o enjoy_v they_o in_o god_n and_o say_v this_o o_o my_o body_n this_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o portraiture_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n these_o create_a excellency_n be_v break_v beam_n of_o the_o infinite_a unspotted_a uncreated_a perfection_n jer._n 9_o 23_o 24._o have_v once_o attain_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o covet_v to_o be_v admire_v desire_v to_o be_v commend_v fret_v at_o be_v undervalue_v i_o mean_v not_o in_o a_o selfish_a manner_n but_o rather_o break_v out_o in_o a_o spiritual_a passion_n with_o the_o psalmist_n oh_o that_o man_n will_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n in_o the_o child_n of_o man_n psal_n 107._o 8._o 3._o nay_o let_v i_o add_v when_o you_o find_v yourselves_o ready_a to_o put_v your_o own_o stamp_n upon_o god_n best_a coin_n to_o look_v upon_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n with_o a_o sinful_a selfish_a admiration_n remember_v that_o you_o have_v they_o only_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o enjoy_v they_o in_o your_o head_n labour_v to_o enjoy_v grace_n itself_o only_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 2._o 20._o ay_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n in_o i_o i_o labour_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o so_o ought_v we_o to_o glory_n i_o believe_v i_o love_v i_o be_o patient_a penitent_a humble_a yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o i_o christ_n jesus_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o and_o indeed_o a_o godly_a man_n who_o thus_o live_v at_o the_o very_a height_n of_o his_o own_o be_v yea_o and_o above_o it_o too_o know_v best_a how_o to_o reverence_v himself_o yea_o and_o to_o love_v himself_o too_o and_o yet_o without_o any_o self-love_n for_o he_o
love_v himself_o in_o god_n and_o his_o own_o endowment_n as_o divine_a ornament_n 2._o converse_v with_o god_n and_o live_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o in_o all_o your_o creature-enjoyment_n we_o can_v live_v without_o creature_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v indeed_o but_o let_v we_o come_v as_o near_o they_o as_o we_o can_v which_o be_v by_o live_v above_o creature_n place_n your_o happiness_n in_o god_n and_o your_o heart_n upon_o he_o labour_v to_o find_v god_n all_o thing_n to_o you_o and_o in_o you_o and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o fullness_n labour_v to_o get_v your_o understanding_n fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n your_o will_n fill_v with_o his_o divine_a will_n your_o heart_n fill_v with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o sweetness_n your_o memory_n fill_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o name_n your_o whole_a soul_n fill_v with_o his_o holy_a and_o pure_a image_n fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n nay_o let_v these_o very_a body_n be_v fill_v not_o only_o with_o his_o good_a creature_n but_o more_o especial_o with_o his_o good_a will_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o of_o the_o sensual_a epicure_n of_o the_o world_n that_o their_o belly_n be_v fill_v with_o god_n hide_v treasure_n i._n e._n with_o rare_a and_o precious_a delicacy_n but_o how_o much_o better_o do_v god_n fill_v the_o belly_n of_o his_o saint_n with_o his_o hide_a treasure_n when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o his_o divine_a favour_n and_o dip_v his_o hand_n with_o they_o in_o the_o dish_n this_o be_v meat_n within_o meat_n which_o the_o saint_n eat_v of_o which_o other_o man_n though_o they_o feed_v at_o the_o same_o table_n know_v not_o of_o the_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v whole_o and_o perfect_o with_o the_o divine_a image_n shine_v glorious_o on_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o which_o purpose_n that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n may_v be_v accommodate_v psal_n 17._o ult_n when_o i_o awake_v etc._n etc._n well_o we_o can_v be_v so_o satisfy_v in_o this_o life_n it_o seem_v however_o though_o we_o can_v be_v so_o satisfy_v with_o it_o yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v satisfy_v without_o it_o nor_o satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n beside_o it_o resolve_v holy_a soul_n well_o if_o i_o must_v not_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o image_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n till_o i_o awake_v i_o will_v lie_v down_o and_o fall_v asleep_o hungry_a as_o i_o be_o then_o for_o i_o will_v not_o fill_v my_o mouth_n with_o chaff_n nor_o my_o soul_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n get_v what_o you_o can_v of_o god_n out_o of_o creature-enjoyment_n 1._o enjoy_v all_o thing_n for_o god_n and_o that_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o use_v all_o for_o he_o those_o riches_n honour_n interest_n friend_n which_o be_v clog_n upon_o the_o heel_n of_o other_o let_v they_o be_v as_o heel_n to_o you_o to_o carry_v you_o heaven-ward_n let_v your_o soul_n be_v wing_v with_o those_o very_a enjoyment_n wherewith_o the_o wing_n of_o other_o be_v pinion_v and_o that_o which_o be_v fuel_n to_o their_o worldly_a lust_n let_v it_o be_v as_o fuel_n to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v your_o spiritual_a love_n to_o use_v what_o we_o have_v for_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o not_o abuse_v it_o this_o be_v one_o way_n of_o enjoy_v all_o for_o god_n to_o use_v all_o for_o he_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o high_o in_o that_o phrase_n of_o enjoy_v all_o for_o god_n than_o this_o viz._n 2._o value_n no_o creature-comfort_n any_o further_a than_o as_o it_o lead_v to_o god_n and_o this_o in_o a_o double_a sense_n too_o first_o value_n thing_n to_o be_v good_a only_o by_o this_o by_o their_o lead_n you_o unto_o god_n perfectum_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la â—st_fw-la mensura_fw-la reliquorum_fw-la now_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a good_a any_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o good_a as_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o now_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v only_o in_o be_v like_a to_o he_o holiness_n be_v his_o image_n so_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v good_a that_o tend_v to_o sanctification_n and_o to_o make_v man_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v usual_o mistake_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n judge_v according_o to_o the_o taste_n as_o foolish_a patient_n do_v but_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n measure_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o proportion_n they_o bear_v and_o the_o tendency_n they_o have_v to_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o call_v not_o any_o thing_n evil_a that_o bring_v near_a to_o he_o nor_o any_o thing_n good_a that_o draw_v off_o from_o he_o second_o when_o you_o have_v find_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o good_a tend_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o he_o labour_v to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o only_o under_o this_o notion_n as_o such_o when_o you_o love_v it_o let_v it_o be_v with_o a_o pure_a spiritual_a love_n and_o so_o order_v your_o delight_n in_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v you_o do_v rather_o rejoice_v in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o than_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o 2._o another_o way_n of_o live_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n as_o partake_v of_o he_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o every_o beam_n of_o create_a light_n flow_v out_o of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n james_z 1._o 17._o when_o the_o bless_a and_o glorious_a god_n frame_v this_o stately_a fabric_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_o in_o the_o world_n than_o himself_o he_o be_v please_v to_o copy_n out_o himself_o in_o it_o and_o to_o spread_v his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n over_o it_o and_o through_o it_o rom._n 1._o 20._o so_o that_o every_o particular_a good_a be_v a_o blossom_n of_o the_o first_o goodness_n every_o create_a excellency_n be_v a_o dark_a draught_n of_o god_n and_o a_o break_a beam_n of_o this_o infinite_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n create_a life_n beauty_n wisdom_n goodness_n sweetness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o efflux_n or_o rather_o ebullition_n out_o of_o the_o self-sufficient_a fountain_n scant_a communication_n make_v of_o himself_o from_o untreated_a life_n essential_a wisdom_n universal_a goodness_n and_o under_o this_o notion_n we_o ought_v only_o to_o enjoy_v they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o enjoy_v they_o as_o god_n in_o they_o oh_o labour_n to_o do_v so_o loâ—k_v upon_o the_o perfection_n which_o you_o find_v here_o below_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a be_v but_o as_o they_o be_v so_o many_o drop_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n in_o who_o they_o all_o meet_v and_o be_v concentre_v it_o it_o well_o express_v by_o one_o in_o a_o particular_a be_v love_v the_o universal_a goodness_n let_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v as_o the_o garden_n of_o god_n to_o you_o where_o every_o creature_n be_v a_o flower_n from_o which_o you_o may_v suck_v something_o of_o the_o divine_a sweetness_n alas_o at_o what_o a_o low_a and_o sensual_a rate_n do_v we_o live_v when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o creature_n either_o as_o they_o be_v excellent_a or_o as_o they_o be_v we_o whereas_o indeed_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o they_o be_v not_o excellent_a but_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o they_o and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v any_o thing_n our_o own_o when_o god_n make_v both_o we_o and_o all_o thing_n for_o himself_o on_o how_o injurious_a be_v it_o to_o the_o bless_a god_n when_o we_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o he_o have_v imprint_v upon_o the_o creature_n by_o love_v it_o and_o delight_v in_o it_o not_o as_o in_o he_o but_o as_o something_o distinct_a from_o he_o nay_o we_o be_v then_o injurious_a to_o ourselves_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o labour_v to_o enjoy_v and_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n o_o how_o precious_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o thou_o unto_o i_o o_o god_n cry_v david_n when_o he_o have_v be_v meditate_v of_o the_o creature_n excellency_n psal_n 139._o 17._o labour_n to_o abstract_n your_o mind_n from_o terrene_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o call_v upon_o yourselves_o to_o love_v and_o live_v and_o feed_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o live_v not_o upon_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o your_o mercy_n but_o upon_o the_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n good_a oh_o this_o be_v a_o taste_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n sweet_a