oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o divine_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o precept_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n faith_n oblige_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n by_o hope_n we_o trust_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v and_o use_v all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n at_o last_o all_o which_o in_o this_o assurance_n we_o hearty_o beg_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o charity_n require_v of_o we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o a_o christian_a by_o these_o three_o virtue_n be_v make_v a_o new_a and_o holy_a creature_n faith_n inlighten_v and_o direct_v his_o understanding_n hope_n raise_v he_o up_o and_o set_v his_o will_n at_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o god_n charity_n unite_v he_o whole_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v all_o divine_a institution_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v for_o except_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o except_o we_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o we_o joh._n 6.53_o and_o as_o for_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n we_o have_v for_o the_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v make_v clean_o again_o 2._o last_o there_o be_v also_o human_a law_n enact_v by_o the_o church_n or_o the_o state_n we_o live_v in_o and_o they_o we_o be_v also_o to_o know_v and_o to_o observe_v with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v all_o these_o law_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v upon_o we_o none_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o the_o true_a light_n from_o above_o enlighten_v and_o guide_v he_o as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 94.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastne_v o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o in_o thy_o law_n for_o ever_o since_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n man_n without_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o deprave_a passion_n we_o must_v therefore_o earnest_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n that_o he_o that_o command_v what_o he_o will_v will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v heal_v our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n destroy_v self-love_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o devout_a love_n to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n and_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n without_o hypocrisy_n or_o reservation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n 1._o our_o christian_a hope_n be_v not_o for_o this_o world_n nor_o for_o this_o present_a time_n and_o we_o be_v not_o create_v to_o enjoy_v that_o earthly_a happiness_n which_o the_o world_n only_o seek_v but_o god_n make_v we_o for_o that_o eternal_a bliss_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o who_o excellency_n we_o can_v as_o yet_o understand_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o be_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o we_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o only_o by_o human_a reason_n and_o live_v by_o natural_a instinct_n after_o the_o common_a manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a grace_n but_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o wise_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n who_o live_v to_o god_n and_o common_a with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o range_v and_o dwell_v abroad_o 2._o these_o man_n live_v a_o inward_a life_n they_o be_v recollect_v and_o dwell_v at_o home_n always_o dispose_v to_o hear_v god_n voice_n within_o they_o and_o to_o understand_v his_o secret_n whereas_o they_o live_v a_o outward_a life_n that_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o outward_a thing_n have_v fair_a pretence_n for_o their_o worldly-mindedness_a be_v greedy_a of_o news_n and_o curious_a sight_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n walk_v say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 4.17_o in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n profit_v in_o carnal_a wisdom_n the_o more_o ignorant_a he_o become_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o we_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o much_o we_o lessen_v our_o love_n to_o the_o creator_n chap._n xxxv_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o opinion_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o weigh_v thing_n just_o and_o then_o esteem_v they_o according_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a value_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o twofold_a aspect_n or_o a_o double_a face_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o real_a and_o the_o other_o disguise_v and_o fallacious_a the_o first_o be_v what_o god_n judge_v and_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o second_o depend_v on_o man_n passion_n and_o false_a opinion_n thus_o for_o example_n the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v in_o effect_n and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n a_o high_a and_o angelic_a office_n of_o such_o a_o weight_n as_o shall_v make_v human_a strength_n tremble_v and_o shrink_v under_o it_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n but_o also_o it_o require_v the_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n entrust_v with_o the_o dignify_a prelate_n who_o shall_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n for_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o world_n account_n a_o bishopric_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n which_o promote_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o to_o riches_n and_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a advantage_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o right_o apprehend_v what_o the_o office_n be_v fear_v and_o avoid_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v that_o they_o refuse_v it_o when_o offer_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o follow_v the_o world_n judgement_n and_o seek_v themselves_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o the_o object_n of_o their_o passionate_a desire_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o dignity_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n in_o church_n and_o state_n generally_n man_n have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o understand_v not_o their_o definition_n and_o hence_o the_o confusion_n and_o malvorsation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n mistake_v thing_n and_o hate_v truth_n and_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o follow_v divine_a light_n but_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a heart_n 2._o such_o name_n be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n as_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a virtue_n of_o his_o great_a saint_n as_o that_o some_o be_v call_v bishop_n priest_n deacon_n monk_n or_o hermit_n some_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o all_o together_o christian_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o due_o consider_v the_o great_a worth_n the_o strength_n and_o true_a signification_n of_o those_o name_n what_o virtue_n what_o perpetual_a care_n what_o duty_n they_o require_v from_o such_o as_o bear_v they_o the_o bare_a title_n with_o a_o vain_a shadow_n of_o the_o thing_n remain_v but_o the_o reality_n and_o significancy_n of_o they_o be_v vanish_v few_o man_n be_v in_o truth_n what_o they_o call_v themselves_o few_o live_v according_a to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a because_o few_o make_v it_o their_o first_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n this_o unhappy_a deceit_n be_v also_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o and_o worst_a of_o evil_n self-love_n the_o most_o crafty_a deceiver_n hardly_o find_v out_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o seldom_o quite_o conquer_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v so_o mix_v and_o confuse_a that_o if_o we_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v hardly_o discern_v the_o one_o
to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v the_o lord_n leu._n 11.45_o 3._o now_o as_o christianity_n check_v and_o restrain_v self-love_n so_o do_v self-love_n keep_v man_n from_o understanding_n and_o approve_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o seek_v and_o love_v himself_o right_o apprehend_v that_o whatever_o the_o world_n dote_v upon_o be_v mere_a vanity_n that_o estate_n and_o honour_n bring_v great_a vexation_n and_o great_a slavery_n that_o to_o forgive_v enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o despise_v than_o to_o possess_v riches_n that_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v subject_a where_o god_n command_v than_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o domineer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o conquer_v himself_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o win_v battle_n and_o take_v fence_v city_n these_o be_v paradox_n hard_a and_o incredible_a say_n to_o the_o self-lover_n who_o fondness_n of_o himself_o tie_v he_o fast_o to_o this_o earth_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v useful_a and_o any_o way_n pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n live_v to_o god_n be_v not_o lead_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n some_o of_o their_o action_n be_v natural_a while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n and_o be_v design_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n for_o they_o continual_o deny_v themselves_o and_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a unruly_a desire_n self-lover_n hold_v a_o great_a regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o otherwise_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o self-love_n be_v that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o 1._o god_n at_o first_o place_v man_n in_o paradise_n but_o adam_n in_o who_o we_o all_o sin_v transport_v we_o into_o this_o world_n out_o of_o paradise_n out_o of_o jerusalem_n into_o babylon_n out_o of_o our_o freedom_n into_o slavery_n out_o of_o integrity_n into_o corruption_n out_o of_o our_o country_n into_o banishment_n and_o out_o of_o life_n into_o death_n thus_o from_o truth_n and_o perfection_n we_o fall_v into_o vanity_n we_o be_v now_o like_a unto_o vanity_n nay_o every_o man_n be_v but_o vanity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 39.6_o man_n be_v vain_a in_o his_o body_n which_o end_v in_o death_n and_o corruption_n vain_a in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n eternal_a and_o vain_a in_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n which_o all_o perish_v or_o must_v be_v forsake_v when_o he_o die_v yet_o man_n strange_o dote_v on_o this_o vanity_n he_o passionate_o run_v after_o these_o transitory_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o cheat_n and_o lie_v whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o thousand_o of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n into_o a_o hellish_a babylon_n 2._o now_o these_o two_o city_n be_v build_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o love_n god_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v ourselves_o make_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o to_o love_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o despise_v god_n make_v the_o devil_n babylon_n the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n the_o way_n to_o this_o be_v broad_a and_o short_a to_o that_o be_v straight_o difficult_a and_o long_a because_o dull_a and_o earthly_a as_o now_o we_o be_v we_o more_o easy_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o descend_v down_o to_o hell_n than_o we_o can_v raise_v up_o ourselves_o and_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o examine_v himself_o and_o find_v out_o what_o he_o chief_o love_v for_o if_o he_o love_v god_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v himself_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o citizen_n of_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o if_o he_o love_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v his_o own_o desire_n to_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o belong_v to_o that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v his_o child_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n cry_v aloud_o go_v you_o forth_o of_o babylon_n and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o isa_n 48.20_o jer._n 50.8_o and_o again_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 137.8_o o_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n we_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n when_o we_o leave_v the_o confusion_n of_o sin_n forsake_v our_o disorderly_a course_n of_o life_n and_o we_o dash_v the_o child_n of_o babylon_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n overcome_v our_o ill_a desire_n and_o ill_a inclination_n self-love_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o life_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o true_o love_v himself_o who_o by_o self-love_n destroy_v himself_o chap._n xxxii_o how_o man_n natural_o seek_v themselves_o even_o in_o their_o best_a work_n 1._o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o man_n opinion_n and_o inclination_n be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a yet_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o none_o appear_v vile_a to_o himself_o none_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o other_o none_o though_o never_o so_o mean_v but_o think_v himself_o somebody_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o one_o seek_v to_o be_v high_a than_o other_o every_o one_o be_v indulgent_a to_o himself_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o all_o man_n will_v have_v their_o will_n and_o their_o say_n all_o applaud_v to_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o conceit_n and_o censure_v other_o they_o count_v their_o own_o folly_n wisdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a ignorance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o think_v to_o know_v they_o careful_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n they_o know_v they_o have_v not_o and_o what_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o even_o good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n even_o they_o sometime_o in_o their_o best_a action_n by_o a_o secret_a and_o natural_a instinct_n almost_o unknown_a to_o themselves_o seek_v their_o own_o comfort_n and_o complacency_n most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o work_n the_o more_o subtle_a and_o undiscernible_a be_v this_o snare_n which_o self-love_n set_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a 2._o what_o better_a than_o to_o obey_v god_n to_o read_v his_o sacred_a word_n and_o preach_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o these_o duty_n be_v common_o stain_v with_o some_o secret_a desire_n of_o praise_n and_o except_o the_o christian_a be_v very_o watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o may_v easy_o lose_v his_o better_a reward_n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o even_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o without_o charity_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v purify_v his_o heart_n it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n 1.6_o you_o eat_v but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o drink_v but_o you_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n and_o he_o that_o yearn_v wage_n earn_v wage_n to_o put_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n for_o thus_o good_a work_n avail_v nothing_o if_o do_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o please_v god_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o search_v the_o hide_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o there_o lurk_v not_o in_o they_o some_o ill_a purpose_n of_o vainglory_n or_o self-interest_n to_o mix_v with_o our_o best_a action_n either_o first_o or_o last_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n always_o to_o seek_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o never_o his_o own_o chap._n xxxiii_o thing_n which_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o obedience_n 1._o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o know_v those_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n under_o which_o he_o live_v and_o the_o which_o he_o be_v
too_o restless_a and_o busy_a from_o prodigality_n many_o fall_n to_o covetousness_n and_o from_o superstition_n to_o profaneness_n and_o irreverence_n the_o last_o cheat_n of_o opinion_n i_o shall_v now_o reckon_v be_v that_o it_o general_o make_v we_o judge_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o consciousness_n but_o according_a to_o the_o vain_a thought_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o man_n we_o defer_v so_o much_o not_o only_o to_o our_o own_o but_o also_o to_o other_o opinion_n that_o except_o they_o will_v count_v we_o happy_a we_o can_v be_v so_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v also_o entertain_v a_o troublesome_a imaginary_a life_n to_o please_v we_o know_v not_o who_o people_n that_o perhaps_o know_v we_o not_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a care_v not_o for_o we_o who_o judgement_n we_o ourselves_o slight_a in_o other_o thing_n thus_o neglect_v that_o true_a and_o real_a life_n which_o we_o ourselves_o enjoy_v we_o make_v it_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v that_o life_n which_o depend_v on_o other_o and_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o in_o we_o and_o other_o man_n fancy_n and_o so_o far_o do_v this_o delusion_n prevail_v that_o what_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v nothing_o to_o we_o except_o other_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o from_o all_o these_o mischievous_a error_n and_o deception_n of_o opinion_n we_o can_v be_v free_v by_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n enlighten_v our_o mind_n for_o our_o opinion_n become_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o be_v the_o light_n that_o guide_v we_o chap._n xi_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v much_o slight_v even_o by_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o 1._o all_o knowledge_n be_v good_a that_o agree_v with_o truth_n but_o he_o that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a have_v need_n learn_v first_o what_o concern_v it_o because_o our_o time_n be_v short_a and_o great_a learning_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v great_a trouble_n and_o great_a vanity_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o s._n james_n that_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n 4.17_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v ill_o to_o eat_v and_o not_o digest_v for_o as_o indigested_a meat_n nourish_v not_o but_o rather_o hurt_v so_o much_o knowledge_n not_o concoct_v and_o convert_v to_o use_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o holy_a charity_n fill_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o such_o peccant_a humour_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o death_n these_o two_o thing_n man_n be_v to_o care_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n first_o to_o keep_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o second_o to_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a life_n but_o for_o the_o first_o many_o be_v unconcern_v let_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o soul_n their_o study_n and_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o the_o body_n and_o so_o they_o run_v blindfold_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n be_v wise_a indeed_o as_o child_n of_o this_o world_n but_o have_v none_o of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o they_o that_o speak_v doubtful_o and_o deceitful_o be_v odious_a to_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n much_o more_o be_v they_o odious_a to_o god_n that_o live_v so_o who_o very_a life_n be_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o their_o word_n they_o pretend_v to_o know_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o vain_o boast_v to_o follow_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o go_v quite_o contrary_a they_o reprove_v and_o tutor_v other_o not_o themselves_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v their_o vice_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o those_o virtue_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o but_o they_o can_v deceive_v god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o their_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o who_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v bring_v all_o to_o light_n and_o o_o that_o man_n will_v view_v their_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a light_n of_o that_o terrible_a day_n for_o than_o they_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o as_o easy_o cleanse_v and_o amend_v they_o we_o have_v but_o these_o two_o way_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o defect_n and_o deformity_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n compare_v they_o to_o ourselves_o or_o in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n bring_v they_o forth_o before_o the_o bright_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o first_o be_v like_o a_o winter_n day_n light_a dim_a and_o cold_a but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o sunshine_n of_o a_o summer-day_n so_o clear_a as_o to_o make_v the_o least_o mote_n visible_a and_o hot_a enough_o to_o burn_v and_o consume_v all_o our_o dross_n but_o to_o see_v this_o save_a divine_a light_n a_o man_n must_v come_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o go_v to_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n and_o out_o of_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o folly_n chap._n xii_o that_o selfwill_a be_v a_o great_a evil_a and_o must_v be_v renounce_v 1._o all_o our_o action_n contrary_a to_o god_n will_n and_o in_o compliance_n to_o our_o own_o be_v the_o fuel_n for_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v unquenchable_a for_o self-will_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o leader_n to_o it_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o eternal_o afflict_v all_o the_o wicked_a that_o rebel_v against_o god_n as_o likewise_o even_o in_o time_n the_o less_o a_o man_n follow_v his_o own_o will_n the_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v miserable_a the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o true_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v whole_o renounce_v to_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o inclination_n have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v here_o of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v follow_v i_o for_o he_o himself_o as_o he_o testify_v come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o so_o that_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v follow_v his_o obedience_n forsake_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o he_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v take_v up_o and_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o his_o cross_n which_o to_o the_o flesh_n be_v indeed_o hard_a and_o afflictive_a but_o to_o the_o spirit_n be_v comfortable_a and_o delicious_a 2._o this_o our_o christian_a profession_n do_v require_v from_o we_o that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n and_o undertake_n we_o may_v hearty_o say_v not_o my_o will_n but_o god_n will_v be_v do_v this_o also_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o supreme_a eternal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o preserve_v man_n will_n that_o they_o may_v free_o serve_v he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n fulfil_v his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a freedom_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o be_v able_a from_o our_o heart_n to_o say_v in_o all_o event_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a before_o thou_o my_o only_a will_n be_v god_n will_v may_v be_v do_v he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a i_o free_o resign_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o desire_v evermore_o to_o have_v a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o to_o be_v content_v with_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o bless_a name_n may_v be_v glorify_v all_o man_n trouble_n and_o vexation_n proceed_v from_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pain_n or_o grief_n than_o to_o be_v what_o we_o will_v not_o be_v chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o solitariness_n and_o retirement_n 1._o to_o be_v much_o alone_a in_o quiet_a silence_n and_o there_o to_o examine_v and_o instruct_v one_o self_n be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o sense_n and_o our_o thought_n well_o compose_v therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n hate_v much_o talk_n and_o much_o company_n keep_v his_o eye_n close_o to_o curiosity_n and_o his_o ear_n to_o fly_a report_n and_o cumber_v not_o himself_o with_o too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o wise_a ben-sirach_a that_o he_o shall_v become_v wise_a that_o have_v little_a business_n ecclus._n 38.24_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o can_v best_o commune_v with_o god_n that_o dwell_v by_o himself_o and_o if_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v call_v
eye_n and_o mind_n on_o that_o original_a which_o he_o mean_v to_o copy_n so_o shall_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n set_v before_o himself_o his_o master_n life_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a exemplar_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o imitate_v and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o 2._o now_o he_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o remain_v in_o he_o shall_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v careful_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o his_o new_a and_o better_a lord_n for_o as_o while_o we_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v its_o instinct_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v slave_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n so_o now_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o unhappy_a slavery_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n we_o must_v careful_o follow_v he_o who_o member_n we_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15.47_o the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o second_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a make_v that_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o high_a call_n as_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o high_a title_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o 3._o now_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o outward_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o be_v who_o â—_z and_o affection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n bless_a example_n who_o endeavour_v always_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n be_v create_v anew_o in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v look_v unto_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v not_o live_v after_o the_o method_n of_o deprave_a man_n but_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o righteous_a god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v own_a to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o certain_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n chap._n xviii_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o faith_n be_v to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n and_o the_o spring_n to_o the_o fountain_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o we_o must_v first_o begin_v and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o commendation_n job_n give_v to_o wisdom_n chap._n 28._o be_v just_o due_a to_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o solomon_n high_a encomium_n of_o wisdom_n do_v but_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o faith_n wisd_v 7._o gold_n in_o respect_n of_o she_o be_v as_o little_a sand_n and_o silver_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o clay_n before_o she_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n she_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n teach_v we_o all_o truth_n inform_v our_o soul_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v what_o to_o shun_v and_o what_o to_o pursue_v it_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o the_o world_n count_v good_a be_v evil_a and_o that_o worldly_a calamity_n be_v good_a if_o endure_v patient_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a and_o all_o that_o which_o be_v for_o no_o use_n but_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n and_o the_o high_a of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o from_o its_o wretched_a slavery_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o set_v we_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o great_a contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o then_o christ_n who_o deliver_v the_o first_o be_v ever_o true_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v clear_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o follow_v the_o holy_a light_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n not_o the_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o deprave_v as_o we_o now_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o altogether_o destructive_a of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a dictate_v and_o endeavour_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a a_o well-being_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o present_a world_n without_o take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n this_o evil_a man_n have_v from_o adam_n and_o from_o those_o lust_n which_o reign_n in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v still_o some_o cause_n to_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o rom._n 7._o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n st._n paul_n answer_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v deliver_v we_o for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v from_o our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n and_o enable_v to_o see_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o new_a life_n from_o he_o chap._n xix_o that_o faith_n work_v in_o a_o christian_a self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o great_a be_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v the_o faithful_a christian_n to_o be_v as_o itself_o be_v unshaken_a and_o unmovable_a the_o true_a believer_n who_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a regard_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o find_v light_n and_o peace_n delight_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o find_v neither_o rest_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o in_o time_n of_o need_n there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o they_o be_v like_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n perish_v and_o unstable_a so_o that_o he_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o same_o destiny_n whereas_o he_o that_o trust_v on_o god_n who_o be_v unmoveable_a be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n express_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o belief_n our_o action_n shall_v be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o what_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v glory_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o to_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o offence_n 2._o the_o first_o man_n indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocence_n may_v have_v come_v to_o bliss_n by_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o those_o good_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n but_o after_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o infect_v his_o unborn_a posterity_n with_o sin_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n appoint_v another_o way_n to_o bliss_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o self-denial_n through_o which_o christ_n himself_o pass_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n say_v luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o 33._o
the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a as_o their_o christian_a faith_n require_v and_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a but_o want_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a power_n with_o they_o than_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o moral_a virtue_n which_o nature_n itself_o recommend_v be_v common_o make_v sin_n or_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o by_o the_o deprave_a judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n we_o therefore_o that_o live_v in_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o corrupt_a and_o deceive_v person_n ought_v serious_o and_o often_o to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v know_v the_o right_a way_n and_o whether_o we_o true_o follow_v it_o now_o that_o way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v one_o and_o altogether_o unchangeable_a and_o they_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o without_o change_n must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o world_n but_o up_o to_o heaven_n must_v not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o must_v direct_o follow_v god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 1._o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o we_o have_v not_o the_o principal_n concern_v in_o our_o good_a work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o sense_n in_o our_o action_n for_o sense_n be_v the_o great_a deceiver_n the_o fountain_n of_o error_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mortification_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v be_v confident_a ever_o to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n perfect_o good_a and_o without_o defect_n because_o that_o we_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o our_o best_a work_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o we_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o imperfection_n although_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o god_n account_n and_o by_o the_o impulse_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o any_o other_o for_o our_o prayer_n fast_n and_o alm_n and_o such_o like_a good_a work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v complete_a before_o man_n who_o see_v nothing_o but_o the_o outside_n yet_o before_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v defective_a and_o can_v be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o least_o except_o they_o be_v do_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a intention_n to_o please_v he_o 2._o of_o ten_o virgin_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n five_o foolish_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o wedding_n not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v virgin_n and_o have_v lamp_n that_o be_v work_n but_o because_o they_o want_v the_o oil_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o holy_a affection_n this_o may_v well_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o work_n will_v be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o unpleasing_a to_o he_o except_o we_o breath_n life_n into_o they_o by_o our_o inward_a sanctify_a spirit_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n in_o outward_a act_n and_o appearance_n all_o christian_n be_v almost_o alike_o but_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o watch_n be_v move_v by_o the_o hide_a spring_n and_o as_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o face_n depend_v on_o the_o secret_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o good_a be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o bad_a by_o their_o inward_a spirit_n or_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 1._o as_o many_o that_o eat_v much_o yet_o be_v feeble_a and_o infirm_a and_o lean_a because_o they_o overcharge_v their_o stomach_n so_o that_o their_o nourishment_n be_v not_o well_o concoct_v and_o as_o many_o that_o eat_v very_o moderate_o yet_o because_o they_o digest_v well_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a and_o long-lived_a so_o likewise_o some_o christian_n there_o be_v that_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o themselves_o become_v little_o better_o because_o they_o go_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o work_v they_o think_v that_o by_o do_v much_o they_o must_v become_v great_a proficient_o though_o they_o do_v it_o remissly_a and_o incurious_o whereas_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n every_o day_n with_o great_a fervency_n and_o exactness_n be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o perfection_n a_o few_o thing_n well_o do_v profit_n more_o than_o heap_n of_o work_n do_v negligent_o 2._o for_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o compare_v to_o these_o first_o do_v but_o little_a and_o yet_o increase_v much_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o they_o endeavour_v always_o to_o work_v with_o great_a affection_n and_o a_o more_o upright_a intention_n so_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o good_a action_n they_o may_v in_o some_o manner_n use_v that_o expression_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n joh._n 19.30_o it_o be_v finish_v i_o have_v in_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o i_o as_o perfect_o as_o my_o infirmity_n will_v allow_v and_o his_o free_a grace_n enable_v i_o who_o give_v we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o so_o spend_v each_o day_n that_o at_o night_n they_o can_v say_v it_o be_v finish_v and_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n that_o when_o it_o be_v end_v they_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a confidence_n i_o have_v now_o perfect_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v i_o to_o do_v he_o that_o live_v so_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n chap._n xxvii_o how_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n be_v always_o present_a 1._o nothing_o will_v more_o prevail_v to_o make_v perfect_a our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o be_v power_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v always_o act_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n that_o god_n see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o he_o never_o forsake_v we_o till_o we_o forsake_v he_o to_o turn_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o creature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o please_v with_o material_a thing_n present_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o thing_n as_o yet_o invisible_a whereas_o if_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o bear_v too_o great_a a_o sway_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v god_n in_o every_o place_n holy_a affection_n will_v always_o see_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n 2._o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o lay_v up_o it_o be_v none_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o they_o that_o love_v god_n they_o alone_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o treasure_n we_o must_v know_v we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o we_o must_v know_v the_o use_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o now_o such_o a_o treasure_n we_o have_v within_o we_o as_o be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a infinite_a value_n and_o yet_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v it_o for_o we_o run_v after_o mote_n and_o shadow_n and_o catch_v at_o paint_a drop_n that_o can_v quench_v our_o thirst_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v o_o you_o son_n of_o man_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lie_n thus_o we_o be_v cheat_v and_o understand_v not_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o god_n be_v present_a to_o we_o every_o moment_n and_o we_o can_v always_o enjoy_v he_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o we_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o we_o can_v if_o we_o will_v anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n we_o can_v now_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o beatified_a saint_n but_o that_o we_o indulge_v sense_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o
upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n as_o perish_v and_o soon_o end_v and_o therefore_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o the_o riches_n above_o which_o be_v true_a and_o everlasting_a there_o he_o seek_v for_o honour_n where_o it_o be_v give_v to_o none_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o he_o expect_v that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v obtain_v expel_v all_o fear_n and_o all_o danger_n all_o his_o possession_n here_o he_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o himself_o be_v ready_a free_o to_o be_v in_o want_n if_o providence_n shall_v please_v 3._o now_o by_o these_o token_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o mammon_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v a_o cumbrance_n and_o a_o heavy_a burden_n if_o we_o slight_v they_o and_o be_v very_o well_o please_v to_o be_v without_o they_o if_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v not_o pu_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o fine_a house_n and_o rich_a furniture_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o vain_a monument_n of_o man_n vanity_n and_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o their_o salvation_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o be_v free_a from_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o those_o thing_n they_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o safety_n and_o trouble_v and_o fear_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o sleep_v well_o in_o a_o mean_a narrow_a couch_n than_o to_o be_v sick_a and_o restless_a in_o a_o stately_a bed_n so_o be_v it_o much_o better_a to_o be_v content_a and_o quiet_a with_o a_o little_a than_o to_o have_v much_o and_o therewith_o much_o of_o vexation_n he_o that_o be_v content_a be_v rich_a and_o happy_a chap._n xvi_o of_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assign_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n mat._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n such_o be_v they_o that_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v rich_a nor_o place_v their_o peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o riches_n who_o wish_n and_o possession_n can_v never_o fail_v nor_o be_v take_v from_o they_o who_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o have_v their_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n than_o other_o be_v of_o be_v poor_a and_o who_o heart_n raise_v above_o all_o create_a thing_n can_v true_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o be_o rich_a praise_v be_v god_n and_o have_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o my_o need_n and_o more_o than_o i_o desire_v and_o my_o affection_n cleave_v not_o to_o what_o i_o have_v i_o have_v the_o use_n but_o not_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v free_o part_v with_o it_o without_o pain_n or_o regret_n i_o be_o true_o enrich_v with_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v from_o above_o in_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v and_o it_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o itself_o for_o in_o it_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o have_v right_a to_o nothing_o that_o i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o myself_o that_o bless_a truth_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o place_v my_o contentment_n in_o earthly_a transitory_a thing_n which_o like_a shadow_n will_v soon_o pass_v away_o and_o will_v deceive_v i_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v to_o i_o but_o by_o that_o gracious_a providence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n which_o bring_v i_o naked_a from_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a will_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o dust_n again_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a infuse_v from_o above_o there_o be_v only_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o they_o only_o despise_v this_o earth_n 2._o will_v to_o god_n christian_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o do_v well_o understand_v this_o truth_n for_o than_o none_o of_o they_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o perish_a riches_n of_o this_o world_n and_o none_o will_v love_v they_o but_o as_o few_o be_v choose_v few_o be_v wise_a and_o but_o few_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_a be_v the_o rich_a that_o be_v find_v without_o blemish_n and_o that_o be_v not_o go_v after_o gold_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n who_o be_v he_o and_o we_o will_v call_v he_o bless_v for_o wonderful_a thing_n have_v he_o do_v among_o his_o people_n ecclus._n 31.8_o for_o indeed_o you_o shall_v hardly_o find_v one_o man_n that_o can_v possess_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o that_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o content_a under_o poverty_n few_o they_o be_v that_o come_v to_o this_o perfection_n because_o man_n love_v the_o vanity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v purchase_v with_o riches_n and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o regard_n the_o precept_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o be_v not_o solicitous_a for_o it_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o want_v those_o thing_n why_o then_o do_v it_o we_o believe_v our_o love_a saviour_n and_o trust_v the_o providence_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n because_o we_o suffer_v our_o desire_n to_o run_v over_o the_o world_n and_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o because_o we_o give_v ear_n to_o our_o lust_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v for_o they_o that_o carry_v the_o world_n before_o they_o or_o at_o least_o carry_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v for_o the_o naked_a such_o who_o spirit_n be_v free_a from_o the_o cumbersome_a riches_n of_o the_o world_n what_o will_v the_o false_a mammon_n avail_v if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a riches_n we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n travel_v homeward_o through_o a_o straight_a and_o difficult_a way_n and_o great_a load_n can_v be_v but_o great_a hindrance_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o almsgiving_n 1._o such_o riches_n as_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o a_o moderate_a supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n according_a to_o our_o quality_n may_v not_o be_v keep_v niggardly_a nor_o spend_v profuse_o upon_o pride_n or_o luxury_n but_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a they_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o good_a work_n and_o pious_a use_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o much_o endanger_v his_o salvation_n that_o do_v not_o dispose_v of_o they_o on_o this_o wise_a money_n keep_v in_o bag_n be_v but_o dress_v its_o worth_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o serve_v not_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o gather_a treasure_n in_o heaven_n than_o it_o become_v mischievous_a and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o do_v exceed_v its_o weight_n land_n money_n and_o other_o moveable_n be_v general_o call_v good_n not_o that_o they_o make_v a_o man_n good_a of_o themselves_o but_o because_o the_o owner_n may_v do_v good_a with_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o better_o and_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 112.9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v his_o riches_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.8_o and_o as_o water_n will_v quench_v a_o flame_a fire_n so_o alm_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n say_v the_o wise_a ben-sirach_a ecclus._n 3.30_o nothing_o suit_v better_a with_o our_o christian_a profession_n than_o to_o pity_n and_o help_v the_o afflict_a remember_v and_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o common_a nature_n in_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o antichristian_a than_o to_o refuse_v comfort_n and_o assistance_n to_o other_o or_o even_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o want_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v our_o wealth_n and_o enrich_v our_o heir_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o share_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o damn_v our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o shall_v seize_v upon_o our_o riches_n may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o be_v prodigal_a and_o vicious_a 2._o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v when_o and_o how_o far_o every_o one_o that_o can_v shall_v deprive_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v spare_v for_o charity_n this_o can_v have_v no_o other_o measure_n than_o such_o as_o piety_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v assign_v only_o i_o say_v that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o ability_n and_o we_o must_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o i_o hear_v