that_o we_o shall_v think_v honourable_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o frequent_a observation_n among_o moral_a and_o divine_a writer_n that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o consequent_o a_o due_a reflection_n upon_o a_o man_n be_v own_o worth_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a preservative_n against_o whatsoever_o will_v stain_v its_o glory_n shall_v such_o a_o man_n as_o i_o flee_v 11._o be_v the_o powerful_a consideration_n that_o buoy_v up_o the_o sink_a spirit_n of_o nehemiah_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o capital_a precept_n of_o pythagoras_n moral_n and_o perhaps_o one_o of_o the_o best_a too_o that_o be_v ever_o give_v to_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d above_o all_o thing_n reverence_v thyself_o and_o it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o another_o of_o the_o son_n of_o wisdom_n let_v not_o the_o reverence_n of_o any_o man_n cause_v thou_o to_o sin_n which_o it_o certain_o will_v do_v unless_o we_o observe_v the_o former_a rule_n and_o reflect_v with_o due_a reverence_n upon_o our_o own_o worth_n and_o dignity_n from_o these_o consideration_n not_o to_o urge_v any_o more_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o in_o some_o respect_n high_o expedient_a that_o our_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o shall_v rise_v up_o so_o as_o to_o be_v of_o a_o level_n with_o our_o excellency_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v let_v one_o of_o the_o scale_n be_v mount_v never_o so_o high_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a weight_n in_o the_o other_o the_o balance_n move_v regular_o and_o as_o it_o shall_v do_v we_o may_v then_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o this_o standard_n but_o second_o we_o must_v not_o go_v beyond_o it_o for_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v pride_n pride_n that_o turn_v the_o angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n adam_n out_o of_o paradise_n and_o level_v the_o great_a king_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v 33._o and_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o intemperate_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o which_o consist_v either_o in_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o any_o excellency_n which_o we_o have_v not_o or_o in_o over-rating_a what_o we_o have_v though_o indeed_o in_o strictness_n of_o notion_n this_o latter_a fall_n in_o with_o the_o former_a for_o to_o overrate_v what_o we_o have_v be_v indeed_o to_o assume_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a which_o we_o have_v not_o here_o then_o begin_v our_o restraint_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o absurdity_n and_o ill_a consequence_n which_o attend_v the_o transgress_a of_o this_o standard_n and_o which_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v i_o shall_v observe_v only_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o these_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n first_o that_o it_o unqualify_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o duty_n second_o that_o it_o betray_v we_o into_o many_o sin_n and_o three_o that_o it_o frustrate_v all_o method_n of_o reformation_n of_o these_o very_o brief_o first_o a_o excessive_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o be_v so_o which_o surpass_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o real_a worth_n unqualify_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o duty_n and_o that_o both_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o first_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o folly_n lead_v to_o atheism_n so_o do_v a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n or_o any_o other_o excellency_n to_o profaneness_n for_o as_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o another_o place_n that_o the_o ungodly_a be_v so_o proud_a that_o he_o care_v not_o for_o he_o 4._o pride_n then_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o subjection_n honour_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o submit_v his_o passion_n to_o 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of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o proud_a gnostic_n to_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n again_o it_o unqualify_v we_o for_o those_o act_n of_o justice_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o our_o neighbour_n merit_n and_o a_o deference_n of_o external_a respect_n proportionable_a to_o that_o observation_n for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o another_o worth_n who_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o let_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o proud_a man_n to_o have_v any_o be_v in_o never_o so_o great_a danger_n he_o like_v archimedes_n be_v so_o overbusy_a in_o admire_v the_o creature_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n those_o draught_n and_o idea_n which_o he_o have_v form_v of_o himself_o there_o that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o ruin_n that_o be_v about_o he_o or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o appear_v in_o their_o defence_n as_o in_o justice_n he_o ought_v that_o he_o rather_o rejoice_v at_o their_o spot_n as_o accession_n to_o his_o own_o brightness_n again_o it_o unqualify_v we_o for_o the_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o homilitical_a virtue_n for_o how_o can_v he_o treat_v those_o with_o any_o tolerable_a civility_n who_o he_o look_v down_o upon_o as_o a_o whole_a species_n below_o he_o last_o it_o unqualify_v we_o for_o gratitude_n towards_o our_o benefactor_n for_o how_o can_v he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o man_n who_o count_v god_n his_o debtor_n then_o three_o in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o here_o be_v this_o grand_a ill_a consequence_n of_o a_o immoderate_a salf-esteem_a that_o it_o unqualify_v we_o not_o only_o for_o high_a attainment_n but_o even_o for_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o improvement_n and_o so_o cut_v short_a and_o be-dwarf_n all_o our_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o observartion_n of_o cicero_n multi_fw-la ad_fw-la scientiam_fw-la pervenissent_fw-la nisi_fw-la se_fw-la jam_fw-la pervenisse_fw-la credidissent_fw-la the_o opinion_n of_o the_o proud_a man_n have_v so_o far_o get_v the_o start_n of_o the_o real_a worth_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v never_o overtake_v the_o former_a and_o as_o the_o immoderate_a esteem_n of_o ourselves_o unqualify_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o duty_n so_o do_v it_o also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n betray_v we_o into_o many_o sin_n first_o into_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o forementioned_a virtue_n respective_o and_o beside_o they_o into_o many_o more_o such_o as_o be_v presumption_n and_o security_n vexation_n and_o discontent_n contempt_n of_o other_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o expose_v we_o to_o they_o anger_n and_o contention_n malice_n and_o revenge_n for_o the_o proud_a man_n be_v not_o content_a to_o be_v his_o own_o private_a
a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n at_o st._n peter_n church_n in_o the_o east_n on_o mid-lent_n sunday_n march_n 29._o 1685._o by_o john_n norris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o all-soul_n college_n in_o oxford_n see_v thou_o a_o man_n wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o a_o fool_n than_o of_o he_o prov._n 26._o 12._o oxford_z print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n for_o thomas_n fickus_n bookseller_n 1685._o to_o the_o reverend_n dr._n henry_n more_o of_o christ_n college_n in_o cambridge_n reverend_a sir_n neither_o the_o ambition_n of_o honour_v this_o discourse_n with_o your_o great_a name_n nor_o the_o vanity_n of_o think_v this_o slender_a oblation_n a_o sufficient_a discharge_n from_o those_o strong_a obligation_n whereby_o i_o stand_v indebt_v to_o you_o be_v the_o motive_n which_o determine_v my_o choice_n in_o this_o dedication_n i_o intend_v only_o hereby_o to_o express_v my_o great_a veneration_n for_o your_o worth_n and_o my_o gratitude_n for_o that_o particular_a share_n which_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v i_o in_o your_o favour_n as_o for_o the_o discourse_n which_o now_o beg_v your_o acceptance_n and_o protection_n i_o be_o not_o unsensible_a that_o much_o of_o it_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o think_v and_o may_v upon_o that_o score_n incur_v the_o censure_n of_o those_o narrow-spirited_n theorist_n who_o confine_v their_o speculation_n to_o the_o limit_n of_o antiquity_n resign_v up_o the_o natural_a prerogative_n of_o their_o understanding_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o dead_a author_n and_o prefer_v lead_n and_o copper_n so_o it_o wear_v the_o stamp_n of_o authority_n before_o the_o fine_a and_o noble_a metal_n that_o have_v not_o the_o luck_n to_o be_v a_o coin_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o fear_v your_o disapprobation_n on_o this_o account_n who_o active_a soul_n have_v long_o since_o traverse_v over_o the_o whole_a field_n of_o truth_n and_o who_o temper_n be_v so_o unprejudiced_a and_o even-poised_a as_o to_o receive_v the_o most_o novel_a hypothesis_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o to_o be_v such_o to_o you_o without_o start_v and_o amusement_n and_o if_o true_a to_o embrace_v it_o though_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o singularity_n and_o here_o opportunity_n tempt_v i_o to_o run_v a_o long_a descant_n upon_o your_o great_a worth_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o your_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n but_o i_o consider_v that_o shall_v i_o with_o the_o athenian_a orator_n employ_v ten_o year_n in_o a_o panegyric_n i_o can_v add_v nothing_o either_o to_o your_o fame_n or_o to_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o beside_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v sufficient_o abuse_v your_o patience_n in_o the_o follow_a paper_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o spare_v your_o modesty_n in_o this_o but_o i_o forget_v how_o sacred_a your_o hour_n be_v and_o have_v perhaps_o already_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o beg_v your_o and_o the_o world_n pardon_v for_o disturb_v a_o excellent_a meditation_n for_o which_o offence_n a_o speedy_a conclusion_n will_v be_v the_o best_a apology_n i_o end_v therefore_o with_o this_o humble_a request_n that_o whatever_o your_o judgement_n be_v of_o this_o present_a as_o to_o other_o respect_n you_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o think_v it_o a_o sincere_a testimony_n of_o that_o vast_a esteem_n which_o you_o most_o deserve_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o sir_n your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n john_n norris_n all-soul_n college_n mar._n 31._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n etc._n etc._n rome_n 12._o chap._n v_o 3._o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o be_v aught_o to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o man_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o as_o in_o opinion_n and_o nothing_o wherein_o they_o 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the_o mechanism_n of_o the_o world_n think_v he_o have_v play_v the_o artist_n well_o enough_o in_o himself_o and_o as_o to_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o own_o frame_n acquit_v the_o geometry_n of_o his_o maker_n and_o as_o man_n be_v thus_o natural_o apt_a to_o think_v well_o of_o themselves_o in_o general_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o they_o indulge_v this_o humour_n more_o than_o in_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o among_o these_o there_o be_v none_o which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o share_n of_o their_o partiality_n as_o their_o intellectual_a faculty_n the_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o more_o natural_a than_o the_o conceit_n that_o we_o be_v already_o furnish_v with_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o though_o a_o particular_a sect_n be_v characterise_a by_o that_o appellation_n yet_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o reality_n gnostic_n for_o as_o it_o be_v ingenious_o observe_v by_o the_o excellent_a cartesius_n 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particular_a which_o they_o so_o free_o bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a species_n no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o full_a of_o resentment_n and_o impatience_n as_o they_o and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v notwithstanding_o their_o harangue_n upon_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n can_v all_o mankind_n lie_v a_o true_a claim_n to_o that_o estimate_n which_o they_o pass_v upon_o themselves_o there_o will_v be_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o lapse_v and_o perfect_a humanity_n and_o god_n may_v again_o review_v his_o image_n with_o paternal_a complacency_n and_o still_o pronounce_v it_o good_a nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o self-conceitedness_a shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o unlimited_a and_o transcendental_a nature_n as_o to_o run_v through_o all_o sort_n and_o class_n of_o man_n since_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o self-love_n have_v such_o a_o universal_a jurisdiction_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o necessary_a for_o every_o man_n and_o indeed_o for_o every_o intelligent_a be_v to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o covet_v whatsoever_o any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o himself_o so_o be_v this_o the_o only_a disposition_n of_o mind_n wherein_o man_n act_v with_o constancy_n and_o uniformity_n our_o other_o passion_n have_v sometime_o their_o total_a intermission_n and_o at_o best_o their_o increase_v and_o decrease_v but_o this_o be_v 73._o always_o at_o full_a and_o stand_v draw_v out_o to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n of_o its_o capacity_n no_o man_n love_v himself_o more_o at_o one_o time_n then_o at_o another_o and_o that_o because_o he_o always_o love_v himself_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o be_v possible_a more_o than_o all_o good_a he_o can_v with_o to_o himself_o and_o less_o than_o all_o he_o will_v not_o nay_o i_o have_v almost_o pronounce_v it_o impossible_a for_o omnipotence_n itself_o which_o stay_v the_o
proud_a wave_n of_o the_o ocean_n 〈…〉_z and_o block_n up_o its_o violent_a effort_n with_o bar_n and_o door_n to_o say_v unto_o this_o passion_n hitherto_o shall_v thou_o come_v but_o no_o further_o or_o to_o set_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o it_o beside_o those_o of_o all_o possible_a good_a now_o man_n be_v such_o a_o infinite_a lover_n of_o himself_o be_v easy_o bring_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v real_o master_n of_o many_o of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o so_o passionate_o wish_v among_o the_o inventory_n of_o his_o possession_n for_o there_o be_v this_o notorious_a difference_n betwixt_o self-love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o other_o that_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o other_o suppose_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o excellency_n the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o beget_v it_o we_o love_v other_o because_o we_o think_v well_o of_o they_o but_o so_o preposterous_a be_v the_o method_n of_o self-love_n we_o think_v well_o of_o ourselves_o because_o we_o first_o love_v ourselves_o so_o that_o now_o upon_o the_o whole_a consider_v how_o necessary_o and_o vehement_o every_o man_n be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o what_o a_o natural_a product_n self-conceit_n be_v of_o self-love_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o as_o we_o can_v set_v any_o bound_n to_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o so_o we_o shall_v hardly_o set_v due_a one_o to_o our_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o and_o consequent_o the_o most_o mortify_a and_o resign_v man_n of_o we_o all_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v himself_o unconcern_v in_o this_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o then_o prevail_a heresy_n of_o gnostic_n a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o great_a height_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o close_a intimacy_n and_o familiarity_n with_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o presumption_n grow_v so_o haughty_a and_o insolent_a as_o to_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o withal_o so_o careless_a and_o secure_a as_o to_o defile_v the_o flesh_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n as_o you_o may_v see_v their_o character_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n jude._n nay_o of_o such_o turbulent_a ungovernable_a principle_n and_o profligate_v manner_n be_v these_o man_n that_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o particular_o a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o church_n have_v adventure_v to_o write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n hammond_n mystery_n and_o to_o place_v they_o in_o the_o chair_n of_o antichrist_n as_o a_o antidote_n therefore_o against_o this_o poison_n the_o apostle_n who_o through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n have_v himself_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n 7._o and_o experimental_o know_v how_o prone_a humane_a nature_n be_v to_o swell_v and_o plume_v upon_o a_o conceit_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n think_v it_o expedient_a to_o advise_v his_o charge_n at_o rome_n the_o place_n which_o simon_n magus_n the_o author_n of_o that_o proud_a sect_n have_v as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o his_o magical_a operation_n to_o moderate_v and_o sober_a thought_n of_o themselves_o 13._o and_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o a_o lesson_n of_o humility_n he_o modest_o usher_v it_o in_o with_o a_o preface_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o authority_n for_o i_o say_v say_v he_o through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o etc._n etc._n the_o discourse_n which_o i_o design_n upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v within_o these_o limit_n first_o i_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o our_o own_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v what_o opinion_n we_o please_v concern_v ourselves_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o regulate_v they_o by_o some_o standard_n which_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o text_n not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o second_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o standard_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o regulate_v our_o opinion_n concern_v ourselves_o be_v those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o we_o be_v real_o endow_v with_o which_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o absurdity_n and_o ill_a consequence_n of_o transgress_v this_o standard_n whereby_o it_o shall_v appear_v how_o high_o reasonable_a this_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o so_o conclude_v with_o a_o practical_a application_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o our_o own_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v what_o opinion_n we_o please_v concern_v ourselves_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o regulate_v they_o by_o some_o standard_n the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v by_o some_o man_n think_v as_o free_v from_o all_o law_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_v be_v from_o all_o necessity_n and_o according_o they_o give_v every_o one_o a_o toleration_n to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o provide_v his_o action_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n to_o think_v what_o he_o please_v now_o since_o a_o man_n can_v be_v accountable_a for_o a_o opinion_n of_o himself_o in_o particular_a unless_o it_o be_v first_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v under_o a_o law_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n in_o general_n before_o i_o can_v proceed_v any_o far_o i_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o this_o preparatory_a position_n that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o they_o nay_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v venture_v high_a and_o affirm_v that_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o only_o under_o obligation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o paradox_n i_o desire_v the_o patron_n of_o the_o intellectual_a libertinism_n to_o consider_v that_o that_o must_v be_v the_o primary_n and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o obligation_n which_o be_v so_o of_o liberty_n now_o that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o will_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o clear_a consequence_n if_o the_o will_v necessary_o follow_v the_o practical_a dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o i_o think_v there_o be_v demonstration_n it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a axiom_n in_o all_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n be_v apparent_a good_a now_o apparent_a good_a in_o other_o word_n be_v that_o which_o be_v apprehend_v or_o judge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o will_n can_v but_o conform_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n because_o otherwise_o something_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n that_o be_v not_o apprehend_v good_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n in_o short_a the_o will_v as_o aquinas_n have_v well_o express_v it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o operative_a syllogism_n and_o follow_v as_o necessary_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n as_o as_o any_o other_o conclusion_n do_v from_o its_o premise_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o liberty_n and_o consequent_o not_o of_o obligation_n but_o then_o be_v we_o not_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o understanding_n do_v not_o that_o act_n with_o equal_a if_o not_o more_o necessity_n than_o the_o will_n so_o i_o know_v it_o be_v ordinary_o teach_v but_o if_o this_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o true_a i_o must_v confess_v it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o my_o capacity_n to_o salve_v the_o notion_n of_o morality_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o find_v out_o a_o expedient_a how_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o intellectual_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v out_o of_o course_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o precede_a demonstration_n and_o from_o experimental_a reflection_n that_o the_o will_v necessary_o act_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n if_o those_o very_a dictate_v be_v also_o whole_o and_o altogether_o neccssary_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n have_v nothing_o leave_v whereby_o to_o render_v he_o a_o moral_a
we_o may_v not_o go_v beyond_o it_o first_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v so_o far_o it_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o some_o of_o the_o severe_a master_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v up_o the_o most_o low_a and_o abject_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v conscious_a of_o no_o manner_n of_o excellency_n in_o ourselves_o and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o least_o self-complacency_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o account_v ourselves_o to_o be_v nothing_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o be_v worth_a nothing_o but_o to_o be_v very_o refuse_v and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n 13._o and_o this_o they_o call_v the_o mystical_a death_n or_o the_o spiritual_a annihilation_n now_o whatever_o degree_n of_o excellency_n this_o may_v have_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o dispute_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o can_v have_v nothing_o of_o duty_n for_o though_o it_o may_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v require_v of_o a_o man_n to_o think_v the_o truth_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o be_v mistake_v beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o any_o man_n especial_o one_o that_o dwell_v much_o with_o himself_o and_o heedful_o reflect_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n shall_v be_v master_n of_o any_o considerable_a excellency_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v conscious_a of_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o very_a degree_n of_o attention_n which_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o think_v himself_o more_o accomplish_v than_o indeed_o he_o be_v will_v also_o infallible_o hinder_v he_o from_o think_v he_o be_v less_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o moses_n know_v not_o that_o his_o face_n shine_v after_o he_o have_v be_v converse_v with_o god_n on_o the_o mount_n he_o see_v not_o the_o orb_n of_o glory_n that_o stream_v from_o he_o and_o wonder_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v he_o so_o dreadful_a to_o the_o people_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o soul_n who_o reflexive_a faculty_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v her_o information_n of_o her_o most_o retire_a and_o reserve_v accomplishment_n it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o lesser_a as_o with_o the_o great_a world_n where_o whole_a tract_n and_o region_n and_o those_o some_o of_o the_o best_a too_o lie_v undiscovered_a no_o man_n can_v be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o his_o own_o perfection_n such_o a_o america_n to_o himself_o for_o who_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n if_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o ourselves_o with_o which_o mankind_n have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o universal_o tax_v run_v quite_o in_o another_o channel_n and_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o overlook_v any_o of_o those_o endowment_n which_o we_o have_v but_o in_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o those_o which_o we_o have_v not_o i_o confess_v be_v it_o possible_a i_o shall_v think_v it_o adviseable_a for_o some_o person_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o of_o their_o excellency_n and_o like_o the_o sun_n not_o to_o reflect_v home_o to_o their_o own_o sphere_n of_o light_n not_o that_o i_o think_v in_o the_o least_o unlawful_a to_o be_v full_o conscious_a of_o one_o own_o worth_n but_o only_o i_o consider_v that_o some_o man_n have_v not_o head_n strong_a enough_o to_o endure_v height_n and_o walk_v upon_o spire_n and_o pinnacle_n but_o if_o they_o can_v stand_v there_o without_o grow_v vertiginous_a they_o need_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o station_n they_o be_v still_o within_o the_o region_n of_o humility_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o think_v well_o of_o one_o self_n that_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o notion_n of_o pride_n but_o only_o when_o there_o be_v more_o of_o opinion_n than_o there_o be_v of_o worth_n it_o be_v this_o that_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o apostate_n angel_n not_o that_o he_o take_v a_o just_a complacency_n in_o the_o eminency_n of_o his_o station_n but_o that_o he_o vain_o arrogate_a to_o himself_o what_o be_v not_o his_o due_n in_o that_o he_o say_v i_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n i_o will_v exalt_v my_o throne_n above_o the_o star_n of_o god_n 13._o i_o will_v sit_v upon_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north_n i_o will_v ascend_v above_o the_o height_n of_o the_o cloud_n i_o will_v be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a it_o be_v for_o this_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o death_n draw_v upon_o herod_n not_o because_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o fineness_n and_o success_n of_o his_o oratory_n but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o just_a to_o god_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o he_o but_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o the_o head-fountain_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o so_o give_v not_o god_n the_o glory_n 23._o but_o now_o if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o proportion_v our_o estimation_n of_o and_o our_o complacency_n in_o ourselves_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o endowment_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o those_o very_a endowment_n not_o as_o originary_a and_o independent_a but_o as_o derivative_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n descend_v 17._o and_o according_o refer_v all_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o with_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n take_v off_o our_o crown_n from_o our_o head_n and_o cast_v they_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o throne_n 10._o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o text_n but_o likewise_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o warrant_v the_o sobriety_n of_o our_o opinion_n for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o exact_a understanding_n of_o one_o self_n and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o another_o man_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n think_v a_o excellency_n less_o valuable_a because_o it_o be_v in_o himself_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o see_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o rejoice_v with_o a_o infinite_a complacency_n now_o certain_o that_o wherein_o consist_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o creator_n can_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o creature_n beside_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o a_o man_n may_v not_o as_o lawful_o think_v well_o of_o himself_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o real_a worth_n as_o desire_v that_o other_o shall_v think_v well_o of_o he_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v the_o latter_a be_v confess_v as_o well_o by_o the_o practice_n as_o by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o mankind_n for_o otherwise_o what_o become_v of_o that_o good_a reputation_n which_o solomon_n say_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o great_a riches_n 1_o and_o of_o which_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v ever_o such_o a_o tender_a such_o a_o passionate_a regard_n nay_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a commendable_a thing_n to_o be_v so_o affect_v and_o the_o contrary_n be_v censure_v as_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o dissolute_a and_o unmoralize_v temper_n only_o there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a 13._o and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stretch_v out_o ourselves_o beyond_o our_o measure_n 14._o so_o must_v we_o take_v care_n with_o the_o great_a apostle_n not_o to_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o think_v of_o we_o above_o that_o which_o they_o see_v we_o to_o be_v 6._o beside_o if_o we_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o take_v the_o full_a height_n of_o our_o own_o excellency_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o the_o elder_n must_v know_v they_o wear_v crown_n before_o they_o can_v use_v they_o as_o instrument_n of_o adoration_n and_o herod_n must_v be_v conscious_a of_o the_o right_a genius_n of_o his_o oratory_n before_o he_o can_v give_v god_n the_o glory_n again_o in_o the_o last_o place_n if_o a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v leave_n to_o take_v cognisance_n of_o his_o own_o desert_n and_o to_o value_v himself_o according_o what_o will_v become_v of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n 21._o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sentence_n of_o approbation_n which_o a_o man_n pass_v upon_o himself_o for_o the_o well_o manage_v of_o that_o talon_n of_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v entrust_v he_o with_o now_o this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o certain_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o neither_o be_v this_o self-esteem_a only_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n but_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o too_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o only_o allowable_a but_o also_o high_o needful_a