day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n sect._n 1_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n just_a as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v do_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o that_o of_o hear_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o ear_n so_o much_o and_o much_o more_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o (null)_o action_n and_o the_o gust_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n depend_v upon_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o render_v this_o argument_n yet_o more_o visible_a and_o palpable_a let_v we_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o thing_n man_n be_v and_o how_o contemptible_a life_n without_o cultivation_n or_o improvement_n the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n something_o there_o needs_o to_o stamp_v a_o value_n upon_o it_o something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o give_v sweetness_n to_o the_o eye_n charm_v to_o the_o tongue_n and_o grace_n to_o motion_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n alike_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n or_o mercy_n of_o lust_n or_o chastity_n of_o avarice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v religion_n must_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v it_o it_o be_v wisdom_n must_v conduct_v and_o guide_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a action_n the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o volatile_a mutable_a unsteady_a thing_n capable_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o impression_n suspend_v as_o it_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n float_v between_o the_o different_a shore_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n form_n it_o into_o angel_n stamp_v a_o sort_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v great_a it_o be_v wisdom_n that_o imprint_n it_o with_o bright_a idea_n that_o 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the_o chaos_n i_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o argument_n too_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particulary_a consider_v what_o accession_n or_o increase_n of_o life_n we_o derive_v from_o perfect_v our_o nature_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n true_a life_n than_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o active_a and_o industrious_a the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a motion_n of_o the_o sluggard_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a imitation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a languish_a thing_n a_o compound_n or_o mixture_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o of_o death_n than_o life_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o fruition_n how_o dark_a and_o dismal_a be_v those_o of_o the_o wicked_a compare_v to_o the_o calm_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o the_o good_a for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v like_o enjoyment_n to_o that_o man_n who_o dare_v make_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o past_a nor_o can_v entertain_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v
all_o their_o train_n or_o retinue_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o soul_n now_o because_o all_o morality_n consist_v in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o our_o great_a and_o bountiful_a author_n confer_v upon_o we_o therefore_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n the_o true_a life_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n a_o active_a employ_v it_o in_o its_o due_a function_n and_o office_n a_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o being_n to_o live_v then_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n be_v to_o know_v and_o contemplate_v to_o love_v and_o pursue_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a good_a of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o we_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o conversant_a about_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o (null)_o life_n but_o deviation_n from_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o pause_v a_o little_a to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o almighty_a architect_n who_o have_v contrive_v a_o inseparable_a connection_n and_o necessary_a dependence_n between_o life_n perfection_n and_o fruition_n every_o rational_a act_n every_o right_a use_n or_o exertion_n of_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o moral_a life_n so_o do_v it_o contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o being_n and_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o felicity_n of_o our_o state_n for_o perfection_n be_v the_o result_n of_o such_o repeat_v act_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o entertain_a ourselves_o with_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a object_n happy_a man_n to_o who_o to_o live_v improve_v and_o enjoy_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o can_v defeat_v god_n goodness_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o by_o pervert_v his_o nature_n and_o deprave_v his_o faculty_n but_o by_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n or_o none_o at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o we_o examine_v this_o notion_n of_o life_n more_o close_o and_o distinct_o and_o resolve_v this_o general_a account_n of_o it_o into_o several_a particular_n we_o shall_v easy_o arrive_v at_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o it_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n of_o life_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o sloth_n in_o the_o mere_a marriage_n or_o cohabitation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o mere_a duration_n or_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n solomon_n indeed_o out_o of_o a_o natural_a abhorrence_n of_o death_n tell_v we_o true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n eccl._n 2.7_o something_o it_o be_v if_o we_o must_v call_v it_o pleasure_n it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o low_a one_o such_o as_o all_o the_o irrational_a creature_n but_o bat_n and_o owl_n and_o mole_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o according_a to_o my_o philosophy_n it_o can_v never_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n he_o that_o possess_v vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o life_n but_o he_o only_o that_o exert_v they_o life_n to_o live_v be_v not_o to_o spend_v or_o waste_v our_o time_n but_o to_o employ_v it_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a history_n of_o life_n when_o it_o can_v all_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o few_o syllable_n of_o a_o funeral_n ring_n he_o live_v to_o or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v he_o die_v such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o month_n such_o a_o year_n of_o his_o age_n for_o indeed_o he_o live_v not_o at_o all_o life_n be_v a_o mere_a dream_n not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o shortness_n but_o also_o of_o its_o night_n and_o lethargy_n when_o stupid_a ignorance_n confine_n and_o dim_v the_o prospect_n and_o sluggishness_n enfeeble_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n vigour_n and_o activity_n fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n make_v up_o life_n without_o these_o life_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n a_o mingle_a twilight_n that_o never_o will_v be_v day_n the_o image_n the_o slothful_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v faint_a and_o obscure_a like_a picture_n draw_v in_o watery_a colour_n and_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a stroke_n and_o vanish_v as_o easy_a as_o those_o half_a sound_n and_o imperfect_a form_n which_o we_o take_v in_o between_o sleep_n and_o wake_v all_o their_o passion_n move_v drowsy_o and_o heavy_o and_o all_o their_o entertainment_n have_v no_o more_o relish_n than_o abortive_a fruit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v ripen_v into_o sweetness_n or_o beauty_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v any_o one_o thus_o waste_v away_o a_o whole_a life_n without_o ever_o be_v once_o well_o awake_a in_o it_o pass_v through_o the_o world_n like_o a_o heedless_a traveller_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o observation_n without_o any_o design_n or_o purpose_n beseem_v a_o man_n ah_o think_v i_o be_v this_o that_o creature_n for_o which_o this_o great_a theatre_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o adorn_v and_o so_o enrich_v be_v this_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o the_o world_n the_o top_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n a_o little_a inferior_a to_o angel_n and_o ally_v to_o god_n be_v this_o machine_n act_v by_o a_o move_a flame_n and_o by_o a_o wise_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n ah_o how_o much_o be_v this_o poor_a useless_a stupid_a thing_n sink_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n of_o its_o nature_n how_o far_o short_a be_v it_o fall_v of_o the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v destine_v it_o shall_v this_o contemplative_a thing_n ever_o be_v admit_v to_o eternal_a life_n who_o have_v so_o wretched_o fool_v away_o this_o temporal_a one_o or_o can_v crown_n and_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v for_o one_o who_o have_v be_v so_o ill_a a_o steward_n of_o all_o these_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o i_o can_v upon_o the_o first_o think_v imagine_v his_o sluggish_a soul_n will_v vanish_v like_o those_o of_o brute_n or_o as_o the_o stoic_n fancy_n those_o of_o fool_n i_o can_v easy_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v sleep_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n all_o soul_n do_v to_o the_o resurrection_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n but_o upon_o better_a consideration_n i_o find_v this_o ignorant_a and_o incogitant_fw-la life_n be_v not_o so_o innocent_a as_o to_o deserve_v no_o worse_o a_o fate_n for_o be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o live_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a endow_v with_o so_o many_o talent_n to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n to_o choke_v and_o stifle_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o perfection_n to_o quench_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o be_v false_a and_o perfidious_a to_o god_n unjust_a and_o injurious_a to_o man_n no_o it_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o the_o last_o audit_n or_o day_n of_o account_n be_v represent_v the_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o must_v undergo_v one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n second_o life_n can_v consist_v in_o sensuality_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a caress_v our_o sense_n or_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o life_n for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o inferior_a and_o ignoble_a too_o second_o it_o be_v not_o a_o employment_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n first_o sensuality_n employ_v only_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o we_o st._n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o seem_v to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n of_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o some_o both_o divine_n and_o philosopher_n of_o no_o small_a note_n both_o modern_a and_o ancient_a have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a soul_n in_o man_n a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a one_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o sensualist_n tho'_o he_o seem_v fond_a of_o life_n do_v foolish_o contemn_v the_o better_a half_n of_o it_o and_o as_o much_o a_o slave_n to_o pleasure_n as_o he_o be_v he_o choose_v to_o drink_v only_o the_o dregs_o and_o let_v the_o pure_a stream_n of_o sprightly_a and_o delicious_a life_n pass_v by_o untasted_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o rational_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a life_n too_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o one_o another_o
call_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n but_o storm_n and_o agony_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o darkness_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v ignorance_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o passion_n be_v but_o fury_n unchained_a and_o let_v loose_a four_o have_v thus_o by_o resolve_v particular_o concern_v life_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o either_o in_o sloth_n or_o sensuality_n worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n point_v out_o those_o fatal_a error_n which_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o it_o be_v wherein_o life_n do_v more_o immediate_o and_o particular_o consist_v that_o be_v in_o a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a employment_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n when_o i_o make_v reason_n the_o director_n and_o guide_n of_o (null)_o life_n when_o i_o constitute_v it_o dictator_n over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n i_o do_v no_o more_o mean_a to_o exclude_v the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o when_o i_o affirm_v the_o eye_n to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o body_n i_o intend_v to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o light_n to_o good_a eye_n or_o of_o spectacle_n and_o collyrium_n to_o dim_v or_o disturb_a one_o the_o proposition_n thus_o guard_v will_v appear_v indisputable_a to_o any_o who_o shall_v consider_v the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n be_v a_o truth_n never_o hitherto_o controvert_v and_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a faculty_n in_o we_o appear_v from_o the_o universal_a appeal_n of_o all_o side_n and_o all_o sect_n to_o its_o tribunal_n not_o the_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a only_o but_o the_o loose_a and_o the_o vicious_a plead_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o action_n and_o in_o all_o the_o numberless_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n tho'_o only_o one_o side_n can_v have_v the_o warrant_n and_o countenance_n of_o reason_n yet_o all_o do_v pretend_v to_o it_o so_o that_o tho'_o there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v more_o frequent_o oppose_v and_o violate_v there_o be_v also_o none_o which_o be_v more_o unanimous_o own_v and_o universal_o acknowledge_v as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v before_o that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o as_o plain_a that_o in_o this_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o natural_a gift_n which_o distinguish_v man_n from_o beast_n and_o man_n from_o one_o another_o the_o hero_n from_o the_o caitiff_n and_o villain_n the_o philosopher_n from_o the_o fool_n and_o the_o saint_n from_o the_o sinner_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o order_n and_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n in_o this_o the_o beauty_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o in_o this_o the_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a to_o whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o office_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o rank_n we_o hold_v among_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n what_o station_n we_o fill_v in_o the_o world_n what_o our_o relation_n and_o dependency_n be_v what_o the_o duty_n and_o what_o the_o hope_n what_o the_o benefit_n and_o what_o the_o pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o each_o it_o be_v this_o which_o prescribe_v all_o our_o power_n and_o passion_n their_o order_n place_n and_o work_v it_o be_v this_o which_o distinguish_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v this_o which_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o inflame_v we_o with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o final_o it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o set_v a_o true_a rate_n and_o value_n upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o promote_v or_o obstruct_v our_o sovereign_a good_a happy_a therefore_o be_v that_o life_n where_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a arbitrator_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o where_o the_o imagination_n and_o passion_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v yet_o servant_n and_o instrument_n of_o reason_n happy_a this_o life_n for_o it_o can_v neither_o want_v pleasure_n to_o entertain_v it_o nor_o business_n to_o employ_v it_o happy_a the_o soul_n which_o thus_o live_v for_o it_o shall_v never_o want_v comfort_n to_o support_v it_o hope_n to_o encourage_v it_o nor_o crown_n to_o reward_v it_o for_o as_o it_o grow_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o must_v it_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o its_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n its_o joy_n and_o expectation_n must_v receive_v a_o proportionable_a increase_n too_o chap._n iii_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n first_o to_o cultivate_v our_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o insist_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o bear_v evil_n and_o enjoy_v good_n second_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o as_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n four_o that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n consider_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o life_n thus_o state_v it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o business_n be_v to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v reason_n for_o this_o as_o you_o have_v see_v be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n and_o superintendent_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o arbiter_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n matth._n 6.23_o vigour_n and_o activity_n if_o reason_n do_v not_o steer_v they_o will_v but_o prove_v mischievous_a and_o fatal_a to_o we_o diligence_n and_o industry_n themselves_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o corrupt_v our_o nature_n and_o embroyl_n our_o life_n every_o deviation_n from_o reason_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o our_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n the_o fool_n and_o the_o sinner_n do_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o do_v sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o those_o mischief_n which_o infest_v the_o world_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v our_o complaint_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o bitter_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v we_o so_o weak_a and_o soft_a in_o adversity_n so_o restless_a and_o little_a satisfy_v even_o in_o prosperity_n itself_o it_o be_v this_o create_v all_o those_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n which_o make_v we_o often_o quarrel_n at_o providence_n and_o curse_v our_o fortune_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o god_n prov._n 19.3_o well_o therefore_o do_v the_o wiseman_n advise_v prov._n 4.7_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o withal_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o do_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o slight_a reflection_n upon_o the_o work_n or_o office_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a and_o general_a account_n before_o much_o more_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o three_o great_a point_n the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o bear_v evil_a first_o the_o employ_v etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n like_o a_o fertile_a field_n seem_v alike_o apt_a to_o produce_v either_o herb_n or_o weed_n the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a evil_a or_o the_o great_a good_a the_o great_a good_a if_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n the_o great_a evil_n if_o blind_o and_o rash_o lead_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n what_o be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o fool_n but_o a_o shop_n of_o toy_n and_o trinket_n not_o the_o laboratory_n of_o a_o philosopher_n where_o a_o thousand_o vain_a trifle_n and_o empty_a idea_n flutter_v confuse_o up_o and_o down_o what_o his_o memory_n but_o a_o receptacle_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o mean_a and_o shameful_a thing_n and_o action_n not_o a_o treasury_n of_o excellent_a truth_n lay_v up_o like_o ammunition_n and_o provision_n for_o
excellent_a account_n in_o this_o for_o when_o the_o retire_a man_n do_v cultivate_v the_o neighbourhood_n and_o sow_v it_o with_o his_o charity_n he_o seem_v but_o to_o plant_v and_o water_v his_o own_o garden_n or_o plough_n and_o sow_v his_o own_o field_n and_o while_o he_o render_v they_o more_o rich_a gay_a and_o fertile_a himself_o reap_v the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o profit_n enjoy_v the_o prospect_n and_o feast_n on_o the_o fruit_n just_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o piece_n of_o spiritual_a husbandry_n he_o who_o impart_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n to_o another_o purify_v and_o exalt_v his_o own_o mind_n he_o that_o scatter_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o charity_n feel_v his_o soul_n warm_a and_o delight_v and_o find_v his_o virtue_n and_o his_o joy_n enlarge_v for_o it_o be_v with_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v with_o nature_n the_o exercise_n of_o each_o breed_v both_o strength_n and_o pleasure_n to_o all_o which_o you_o may_v add_v that_o no_o man_n consult_v more_o effectual_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o retirement_n than_o he_o who_o most_o zealous_o study_v the_o support_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o neighbourhood_n here_o be_v business_n enough_o and_o i_o can_v point_v out_o to_o you_o more_o but_o why_o shall_v i_o take_v pain_n to_o contrive_v and_o cut_v out_o work_v for_o the_o contemplative_a man_n peradventure_o i_o shall_v do_v he_o more_o service_n can_v i_o teach_v he_o a_o art_n to_o decline_v it_o alas_o business_n will_v hunt_v and_o follow_v we_o it_o will_v intrude_v and_o press_v upon_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o and_o such_o be_v the_o natural_a vanity_n such_o the_o curiosity_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v too_o often_o apt_a to_o make_v ourselves_o work_v and_o to_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o trifle_n and_o impertinence_n i_o doubt_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v here_o very_o needful_a to_o put_v those_o i_o be_o discourse_v to_o in_o mind_n to_o take_v care_n that_o whilst_o they_o shun_v the_o trouble_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n they_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o impertinence_n of_o their_o own_o create_v that_o they_o mind_n and_o pursue_v the_o main_a end_n that_o be_v growth_n and_o increase_n in_o virtue_n and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a to_o sacrifice_v trifle_n and_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n to_o this_o their_o great_a interest_n lest_o fancy_n and_o humour_n or_o something_o worse_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o reason_n as_o it_o do_v too_o often_o happen_v in_o a_o life_n of_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n second_o diversion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o solitary_a life_n they_o adulterate_a religion_n who_o make_v it_o sour_a or_o melancholy_a it_o condemn_v nothing_o but_o what_o infect_v the_o purity_n or_o break_v the_o force_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a being_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o for_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o contradict_v universal_a experience_n sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o constant_a labour_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o preserve_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o destroy_v the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n god_n in_o another_o world_n design_n we_o spiritual_a body_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a instrument_n of_o these_o active_a mind_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o make_v they_o here_o crazy_a and_o sickly_a i_o will_v never_o have_v my_o religion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o break_a body_n but_o a_o enlighten_v mind_n i_o will_v never_o have_v it_o proceed_v from_o discontent_n conceive_v against_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o firm_a belief_n love_n and_o admiration_n of_o a_o better_a whatever_o therefore_o diversion_n recreate_v my_o mind_n without_o ensnare_a it_o whatever_o repair_v my_o body_n without_o impair_n my_o virtue_n i_o embrace_v with_o open_a arm_n i_o will_v not_o only_o taste_v but_o drink_v my_o fill_n of_o pleasure_n if_o it_o exalt_v not_o debase_v my_o nature_n i_o shall_v never_o complain_v that_o my_o mind_n be_v too_o cheerful_a or_o my_o body_n too_o vigorous_a let_v the_o priest_n of_o baal_n cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancet_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o blood_n and_o spirit_n if_o i_o can_v to_o support_v my_o zeal_n and_o enrich_v my_o fancy_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o life_n no_o body_n can_v here_o mistake_v i_o unless_o they_o do_v it_o wilful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o anticipate_v any_o wild_a objection_n i_o patronize_v not_o the_o lust_n but_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o body_n i_o invite_v not_o to_o the_o sensuality_n of_o a_o pollute_a fancy_n but_o to_o the_o virtuous_a recreation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o while_o i_o think_v not_o a_o deject_a and_o discontent_a mind_n and_o a_o decay_a body_n the_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n deny_v a_o penitent_a contrite_a spirit_n a_o purify_a and_o obsequious_a body_n to_o be_v so_o three_o as_o to_o friendship_n the_o distinction_n between_o acquaintance_n and_o friend_n be_v ever_o good_a but_o never_o more_o proper_a or_o necessary_a than_o here_o for_o retirement_n as_o it_o signify_v sequester_v ourselves_o from_o company_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o discretion_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n here_o as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n be_v to_o avoid_v extreme_n as_o a_o crowd_n so_o solitariness_n seem_v not_o to_o minister_v either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o calm_a of_o life_n the_o one_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o time_n the_o other_o leave_v we_o so_o much_o that_o to_o very_a many_o it_o become_v burdensome_a the_o one_o make_v we_o vain_a trifle_a or_o it_o may_v be_v worse_a sensual_a the_o other_o dull_a and_o slow_a or_o it_o may_v be_v morose_n and_o savage_a the_o skill_n of_o a_o contemplative_a man_n be_v not_o to_o decline_v all_o company_n but_o provide_v himself_o of_o good_a the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v their_o college_n and_o they_o in_o the_o first_o time_n who_o leave_v the_o city_n for_o the_o desert_n do_v yet_o associate_v themselves_o with_o one_o another_o indeed_o as_o i_o take_v it_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n we_o have_v the_o full_a enjoyment_n and_o the_o best_a service_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o pure_a delight_n and_o the_o true_a edification_n be_v best_o promote_v in_o the_o contemplative_a life_n by_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o friendship_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o garden_n and_o retirement_n of_o the_o contemplative_a than_o from_o the_o table_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o active_a four_o devotion_n participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o meditation_n be_v the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o ascetic_a life_n and_o indeed_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o great_a employment_n a_o life_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v a_o life_n of_o business_n but_o a_o retire_a one_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n eucharist_n and_o meditation_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o be_v otherwise_o unless_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o some_o false_a end_n of_o retirement_n for_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o ascetic_a life_n in_o these_o the_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v enlarge_v raise_v ravish_v in_o these_o it_o sore_n up_o to_o heaven_n and_o look_v down_o upon_o earth_n in_o these_o it_o possess_v stability_n and_o security_n peace_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o frail_a instable_n nature_n and_o a_o restless_a and_o tumultuous_a world_n in_o these_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v exercise_v with_o a_o most_o tender_a sensible_a delight_n sorrow_n fear_n or_o reverence_n hate_n and_o indignation_n do_v here_o express_v themselves_o to_o the_o height_n not_o only_o without_o any_o disorder_n or_o torture_n but_o also_o with_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o nature_n love_n hope_v joy_v reign_v here_o without_o either_o check_n or_o satiety_n but_o i_o forget_v that_o these_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a and_o inexhaustible_a they_o will_v engage_v i_o endless_o i_o forget_v that_o they_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o so_o often_o and_o so_o excellent_o i_o will_v therefore_o contract_v my_o sail_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a aspect_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o i_o can_v pass_v over_o meditation_n without_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n upon_o it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o wear_a subject_n and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o find_v pardon_n i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o this_o superfluous_a impertinence_n if_o it_o be_v one_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a short_a one_o i_o will_v