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life_n do_v real_o signify_v nothing_o i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o can_v put_v up_o any_o request_n to_o god_n relate_v to_o temporal_a protection_n with_o faith_n or_o fervour_n or_o as_o much_o as_o sincerity_n but_o if_o they_o signify_v any_o thing_n then_o sure_o they_o must_v signify_v that_o his_o providence_n be_v active_o employ_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o virtuous_a man_n and_o how_o great_a a_o security_n be_v this_o what_o can_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o disposal_n all_o create_a mean_n be_v and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v if_o these_o be_v unsufficient_a to_o create_v new_a one_o to_o he_o who_o unerring_a law_n can_v never_o miss_v of_o those_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o or_o if_o they_o can_v
life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o he_o who_o lose_v his_o soul_n or_o to_o be_v intent_n in_o preserve_v or_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a for_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o disorder_n and_o gild_n i_o do_v therefore_o suppose_v all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n so_o conduct_v as_o to_o become_v instance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n i_o suppose_v justice_n and_o integrity_n courage_n and_o bounty_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n mingle_v themselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o civil_a business_n and_o then_o the_o religion_n for_o which_o i_o demand_v some_o vacant_a moment_n be_v that_o of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a man_n either_o to_o preserve_v reputation_n without_o or_o peace_n within_o public_a devotion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n but_o in_o a_o gentleman_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o community_n he_o be_v of_o and_o a_o expression_n of_o charity_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n nor_o be_v private_a devotion_n less_o necessary_a than_o public_a not_o only_o least_o public_a without_o private_a degenerate_a into_o formality_n into_o a_o mere_a show_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n nor_o yet_o because_o every_o man_n reputation_n flow_v first_o from_o his_o domestic_n who_o can_v have_v no_o great_a veneration_n for_o he_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v none_o for_o his_o god_n tho'_o even_o these_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v but_o especial_o because_o every_o man_n have_v particular_a want_n and_o particular_a obligation_n and_o none_o more_o than_o the_o great_a one_o and_o therefore_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n his_o particular_a petition_n and_o prayer_n i_o can_v therefore_o tell_v how_o to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o begin_v and_o close_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n to_o god_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o he_o that_o do_v not_o invoke_v providence_n seem_v to_o defy_v it_o and_o he_o who_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o god_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o sacrifice_v only_o to_o his_o own_o net_n as_o to_o meditation_n it_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o indispensible_a a_o preparative_n for_o devotion_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v place_v it_o here_o by_o itself_o do_v i_o not_o extend_v its_o design_n something_o further_o meditation_n be_v that_o act_n which_o of_o all_o other_o do_v most_o delight_n and_o nourish_v the_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o raise_v and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o in_o other_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o move_v mechanical_o in_o this_o alone_a rational_o in_o all_o other_o our_o reason_n seem_v confine_v and_o fetter_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o prescription_n custom_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o alone_a it_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v its_o native_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n ramble_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a impetus_fw-la and_o with_o delight_n stretch_v and_o delate_v itself_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o mind_n seem_v to_o be_v impress_v and_o mould_v by_o the_o matter_n and_o business_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a but_o in_o this_o it_o give_v what_o form_n and_o circumstance_n it_o please_v to_o both_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o creative_a or_o productive_a power_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sort_n of_o despotic_a sovereignty_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n to_o the_o most_o useful_a take_n and_o natural_a act_n of_o the_o (null)_o soul_n but_o i_o forget_v what_o i_o main_o intend_v which_o be_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o use_n of_o meditation_n consist_v either_o in_o reflection_n or_o preparation_n as_o regard_v alike_o yesterday_o and_o to_o morrow_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o he_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o day_n past_a who_o lie_v under_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o waste_v it_o that_o he_o who_o action_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a importance_n than_o those_o of_o private_a man_n and_o fall_v avoidable_a under_o a_o more_o general_a and_o severe_a censure_n do_v the_o more_o careful_o scan_v they_o over_o nor_o be_v preparation_n less_o necessary_a than_o reflection_n for_o this_o give_v order_n to_o your_o affair_n and_o form_n the_o mind_n into_o a_o fit_a and_o just_a disposition_n it_o prevent_v surprise_v remove_v difficulty_n and_o give_v beauty_n and_o steadiness_n to_o your_o whole_a conduct_n as_o to_o friendship_n and_o diversion_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o full_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v but_o a_o word_n of_o they_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v for_o great_a man_n to_o have_v sincere_a friend_n but_o this_o be_v a_o purchase_n of_o so_o great_a a_o value_n deserve_v they_o shall_v lay_v out_o all_o their_o art_n and_o interest_n upon_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n in_o every_o condition_n that_o it_o clear_v our_o notion_n correct_v our_o error_n confirm_v our_o virtue_n enlarge_v our_o joy_n and_o lessen_v our_o trouble_n it_o be_v to_o man_n in_o a_o eminent_a station_n more_o peculiarly_a necessary_a both_o as_o the_o ornament_n and_o support_v of_o their_o fortune_n as_o to_o diversion_n it_o ever_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o urgency_n of_o his_o employment_n such_o as_o may_v not_o lessen_v his_o character_n or_o waste_v his_o time_n such_o as_o may_v refresh_v and_o recruit_v nature_n and_o from_o which_o he_o may_v return_v to_o his_o business_n with_o new_a vigour_n and_o new_a appetite_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o diversion_n be_v so_o wise_o contrive_v that_o they_o may_v at_o once_o delight_n and_o improve_v the_o mind_n i_o shall_v therefore_o think_v that_o physic_n or_o husbandry_n the_o principle_n of_o any_o curious_a mechanic_n performance_n music_n architecture_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v proper_a entertainment_n of_o vacant_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v aim_v at_o in_o diversion_n it_o be_v well_o to_o have_v always_o ready_a some_o wise_a friend_n by_o who_o help_n and_o conversation_n the_o time_n you_o bestow_v upon_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n may_v not_o be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o mind_n i_o be_o sensible_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o all_o who_o write_v moral_n with_o any_o spirit_n do_v general_o fall_v into_o that_o be_v propose_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v common_o attainable_a and_o of_o form_v my_o model_n and_o idea_n rather_o by_o speculation_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o mankind_n but_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o pardon_v by_o such_o as_o remember_v that_o the_o copy_n will_v ever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o original_a and_o that_o man_n will_v easy_o of_o themselves_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v the_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o (null)_o life_n nor_o do_v i_o again_o forget_v when_o i_o press_v gentleman_n to_o the_o noble_a height_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o violent_a solicitation_n to_o vice_n than_o other_o man_n i_o know_v it_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o always_o pretend_v to_o a_o high_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o refine_a education_n that_o their_o virtue_n always_o shine_v with_o a_o double_a lustre_n it_o be_v own_o and_o that_o of_o their_o fortune_n so_o that_o moderate_a attainment_n in_o they_o make_v a_o great_a show_n than_o the_o more_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v in_o man_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n and_o final_o that_o those_o advantage_n and_o prerogative_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o their_o birth_n and_o station_n do_v put_v they_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o other_o man_n to_o defend_v their_o true_a liberty_n and_o to_o pursue_v those_o method_n which_o reason_n and_o virtue_n dictate_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v life_n sect._n 1_o rule_n relate_v to_o success_n in_o trade_n first_o that_o the_o trader_n be_v industrious_a second_o that_o he_o be_v not_o above_o his_o profession_n sect._n 2._o rule_n relate_v to_o his_o religion_n first_o the_o trade_n must_v be_v a_o lawful_a one_o second_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n three_o it_o must_v not_o interfere_v with_o religion_n four_o the_o trader_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n such_o be_v a_o competency_n for_o himself_o and_o family_n the_o charitable_a assistance_n of_o other_o a_o timely_a retirement_n or_o
retreat_n from_o the_o bussel_n and_o distraction_n of_o too_o much_o business_n my_o late_a year_n have_v be_v spend_v most_o among_o the_o trade_n part_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o have_v receive_v many_o obligation_n from_o they_o and_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o do_v they_o this_o right_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o i_o have_v find_v more_o honour_n and_o gratitude_n more_o clearness_n and_o integrity_n among_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n than_o i_o ever_o can_v among_o other_o who_o quality_n and_o education_n raise_v my_o expectation_n high_a it_o will_v be_v therefore_o no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o if_o any_o endeavour_n of_o i_o can_v render_v they_o any_o considerable_a service_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o life_n free_a from_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n apt_a to_o embroil_v our_o happiness_n and_o infect_v our_o innocence_n and_o therefore_o neither_o this_o of_o trader_n the_o evil_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n their_o miscarry_v in_o trade_n or_o in_o religion_n i_o will_v therefore_o begin_v with_o such_o rule_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o prevent_v the_o former_a and_o then_o proceed_v to_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o latter_a if_o we_o trace_v the_o ruin_n of_o such_o as_o fail_v or_o break_v back_o to_o its_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v it_o general_o to_o be_v either_o idleness_n or_o pride_n idleness_n the_o parent_n of_o all_o sottish_a vice_n pride_n the_o parent_n of_o expensive_a folly_n and_o ruinous_a project_n i_o will_v therefore_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o rule_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o trader_n secular_a prosperity_n first_o that_o he_o must_v be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a second_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v above_o his_o profession_n 1._o he_o must_v be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a you_o seem_v bear_v for_o industry_n and_o tho'_o some_o pretend_v to_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o enjoy_v a_o fortune_n it_o be_v plain_a you_o be_v first_o to_o raise_v one_o and_o tho'_o there_o may_v be_v some_o fortunate_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o seem_v to_o thrive_v rather_o by_o chance_n than_o virtue_n and_o owe_v more_o to_o the_o care_n of_o other_o than_o their_o own_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o providence_n diligence_n and_o industry_n be_v the_o highway_n to_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n virtue_n and_o sobriety_n to_o wise_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n and_o i_o know_v not_o with_o what_o confidence_n man_n can_v promise_v themselves_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n on_o any_o other_o term_n he_o have_v make_v nothing_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o useless_a the_o heavenly_a body_n never_o cease_v to_o yield_v their_o light_n and_o influence_n nor_o the_o terrestrial_a one_o their_o fruit._n we_o ourselves_o do_v subsist_v by_o a_o continual_a motion_n and_o shall_v our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n grow_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a our_o life_n must_v needs_o expire_v with_o their_o activity_n man_n be_v bear_v to_o labour_n as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o our_o capacity_n and_o endowment_n destine_v and_o urge_v we_o to_o it_o the_o necessity_n and_o want_n of_o this_o needy_a beggarly_a state_n in_o which_o nature_n how_o kind_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o the_o golden_a age_n do_v not_o furnish_v we_o with_o any_o thing_n without_o art_n and_o industry_n exact_a and_o demand_v it_o and_o the_o law_n of_o (null)_o society_n oblige_v we_o to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v contribute_v his_o shot_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o public_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v nor_o like_o a_o drone_n be_v feast_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o labour_n and_o travel_v of_o other_o and_o so_o far_o last_o be_v christianity_n from_o abrogate_a this_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o earnest_o enforce_v it_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o maintain_v good_a work_n for_o necessary_a use_n that_o they_o be_v not_o unfruitful_a that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o shame_n and_o burden_n to_o themselves_o and_o family_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o christian_a profession_n propose_v not_o then_o i_o address_v myself_o here_o to_o apprentice_n and_o beginner_n propose_v not_o to_o exempt_v yourselves_o from_o that_o universal_a law_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o which_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v subject_v you_o especial_o who_o lie_n under_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a obligation_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a folly_n for_o one_o who_o be_v to_o make_v his_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o trade_n rather_o as_o a_o diversion_n than_o business_n and_o to_o design_n it_o only_o as_o a_o support_n and_o fund_z for_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n it_o be_v madness_n and_o frenzy_n to_o propose_v to_o be_v master_n of_o his_o time_n ere_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o trade_n and_o to_o indulge_v his_o pleasure_n before_o he_o have_v make_v provision_n to_o defray_v the_o expense_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o i_o doubt_v be_v too_o too_o general_a a_o practice_n whereas_o will_v young_a man_n consider_v the_o matter_n aright_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o do_v but_o prevent_v their_o pleasure_n by_o gather_v of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v ripe_a and_o do_v but_o make_v their_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n endless_a by_o indulge_v their_o ease_n and_o laziness_n too_o soon_o contradictious_a project_n to_o propose_v at_o once_o to_o live_v idle_o and_o yet_o to_o thrive_v to_o live_v pleasurable_o and_o grow_v rich_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o trader_n who_o live_v in_o much_o ease_n and_o plenty_n and_o make_v a_o very_a handsome_a figure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o trade_n be_v the_o support_n and_o ornament_n of_o kingdom_n and_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v any_o more_o envy_v the_o man_n of_o trade_n his_o wealth_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o sword_n his_o honour_n or_o the_o man_n of_o letter_n and_o ability_n his_o place_n and_o preferment_n but_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v have_v man_n grow_v up_o to_o all_o these_o by_o labour_n and_o industry_n by_o a_o apprenticeship_n of_o sobriety_n and_o virtue_n i_o will_v have_v enjoyment_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o merit_n i_o will_v not_o have_v ease_n and_o pleasure_n be_v ravish_v by_o the_o loose_a and_o unworthy_a but_o regular_o possess_v by_o such_o as_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o purchase_v both_o and_o have_v sense_n experience_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o enjoy_v they_o second_o the_o trader_n must_v not_o be_v above_o his_o call_v pride_n and_o vanity_n be_v general_o swear_v enemy_n both_o to_o the_o content_a and_o prosperity_n of_o trader_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v some_o be_v but_o light_o tinge_v other_o more_z thorough_o and_o deep_o die_v with_o these_o vice_n in_o some_o they_o produce_v only_o little_a comical_a affectation_n and_o almost_o innocent_a excursion_n but_o in_o other_o very_o fatal_a disorder_n and_o irregularity_n there_o be_v no_o gracefulness_n in_o any_o motion_n that_o be_v not_o natural_a a_o man_n of_o low_a stature_n may_v add_v something_o to_o his_o height_n but_o nothing_o to_o his_o comeliness_n by_o strut_a upon_o stilt_n nor_o be_v there_o only_o a_o ungracefulness_n but_o a_o uneasiness_n in_o all_o affect_a motion_n we_o be_v all_o a_o little_a purblind_a and_o dim-sighted_a in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o walk_v more_o secure_o in_o the_o way_n we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o for_o my_o part_n when_o a_o error_n be_v only_o comical_a and_o expose_v man_n no_o further_o than_o to_o a_o little_a rallary_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o prescribe_v to_o it_o and_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v worth_a every_o man_n while_n to_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o correct_v a_o humour_n which_o if_o it_o do_v a_o little_a expose_v he_o do_v yet_o please_v he_o too_o the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n which_o i_o will_v extirpate_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v fatal_a to_o the_o trades-man_n fortune_n and_o repose_n such_o as_o tempt_v he_o to_o despise_v and_o neglect_v his_o trade_n or_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n which_o it_o can_v maintain_v or_o engage_v he_o in_o bold_a or_o hazardous_a project_n this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o i_o will_v fain_o reform_v and_o methinks_v a_o few_o sober_a reflection_n shall_v here_o prevail_v what_o can_v it_o be_v sense_n to_o make_v a_o show_n abroad_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o your_o content_a and_o peace_n at_o home_n what_o be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a to_o be_v modest_a and_o safe_a to_o be_v humble_a and_o at_o ease_n than_o to_o suffer_v daily_a anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n and_o to_o have_v your_o mind_n always_o upon_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o answer_v and_o satisfy_v the_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 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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
a_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o it_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o isaiah_n 47._o jeremiah_n 10._o and_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o no_o very_a favourable_a or_o benign_a aspect_n as_o to_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n clash_v with_o this_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a he_o seem_v to_o i_o injurious_o to_o limit_v and_o retrain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o think_v he_o foreknow_v nothing_o but_o because_o he_o peremptory_o predetermine_v it_o this_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v sense_n be_v to_o magnify_v his_o power_n but_o to_o reduce_v and_o confine_v his_o knowledge_n or_o at_o leastwise_o to_o depress_v and_o debase_v it_o for_o thus_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o primary_n and_o essential_a perfection_n but_o will_v result_v from_o or_o depend_v upon_o a_o arbitrary_a will_n a_o unguided_a power_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v 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of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o order_n and_o method_n much_o less_o the_o government_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n with_o different_a constitution_n but_o yet_o the_o unhealthy_a one_o may_v be_v rectify_v and_o mend_v by_o virtue_n the_o healthy_a corrupt_v by_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n such_o a_o sort_n of_o fate_n or_o destiny_n as_o this_o that_o be_v flexible_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o evil_a may_v be_v correct_v or_o the_o good_a pervert_v such_o a_o fate_n as_o this_o tho'_o the_o word_n be_v improper_a i_o ready_o admit_v but_o no_o other_o no_o other_o i_o say_v in_o the_o general_a for_o as_o to_o those_o particular_a exception_n and_o reservation_n which_o at_o any_o time_n god_n may_v and_o often_o do_v make_v from_o any_o general_a rule_n or_o law_n for_o cause_n always_o weighty_a and_o importent_fw-la and_o general_o hide_v and_o inscrutable_a these_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o have_v thus_o evince_v that_o the_o period_n of_o (null)_o life_n be_v not_o fatal_o fix_v that_o no_o peremptory_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n no_o insuperable_a connection_n or_o concatination_n of_o cause_n do_v supersede_n our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o blessing_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v and_o consider_v which_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n it_o be_v obvious_a and_o manifest_a to_o every_o one_o that_o life_n depend_v upon_o these_o three_o thing_n the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o favourable_a providence_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o none_o will_v deny_v who_o admit_v of_o providence_n we_o may_v at_o least_o be_v protect_v from_o violence_n and_o unlucky_a accident_n such_o as_o (null)_o prudence_n can_v foresee_v and_o to_o these_o three_o may_z for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v add_v the_o good_a will_n of_o man_n who_o ministry_n and_o service_n be_v very_o often_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n first_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v brief_o what_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o then_o more_o full_o how_o we_o may_v possess_v ourselves_o of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o morose_n and_o sour_a the_o froward_a the_o passionate_a and_o the_o sullen_a those_o stain_n and_o blot_n of_o (null)_o nature_n do_v often_o prolong_v their_o life_n to_o a_o great_a age_n as_o if_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o repair_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o fermentation_n or_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n keep_v sweet_a like_o water_n by_o a_o perpetual_a agitation_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o loose_a and_o debauch_a the_o intemporate_a and_o incontinent_a do_v sometime_o tho'_o rare_o live_v long_o and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a rather_o oppress_v by_o their_o year_n than_o their_o excess_n and_o if_o from_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o form_v rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o contradict_v know_v and_o receive_v truth_n we_o shall_v ever_o live_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o fancy_n and_o never_o find_v any_o sure_a and_o firm_a foot_n to_o rest_n upon_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o these_o rare_a instance_n but_o that_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o very_a propitious_a its_o discontent_n a_o very_a malign_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o contentment_n of_o the_o mind_n preserve_v the_o balsam_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n raise_v the_o spirit_n actuate_v and_o invigorate_v all_o our_o power_n so_o that_o when_o the_o mind_n shine_v serene_a and_o bright_a it_o seem_v to_o impart_v a_o new_a warmth_n and_o new_a life_n to_o the_o body_n a_o new_a spring_n and_o new_a verdure_n to_o this_o earth_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disease_a mind_n do_v as_o it_o be_v scatter_v its_o contagion_n through_o the_o body_n discontent_n and_o melancholy_n sour_v the_o blood_n and_o clog_v the_o spirit_n envy_n pine_v away_o and_o passion_n fret_v and_o wear_v out_o our_o strength_n and_o life_n in_o few_o word_n there_o be_v a_o intimate_a conjunction_n between_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o so_o close_o be_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o latter_a upon_o the_o former_a that_o the_o face_n of_o inferior_a nature_n do_v evident_o vary_v wither_v or_o flourish_v according_a to_o that_o variety_n of_o wether_n it_o make_v in_o the_o sky_n about_o it_o as_o the_o mind_n smile_n or_o lowr_n upon_o it_o and_z according_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o observation_n i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o pronounce_v that_o general_o such_o live_v long_a who_o either_o think_v very_o little_a or_o who_o thought_n be_v always_o calm_a and_o cheerful_a such_o who_o be_v stupid_a and_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o have_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v regular_a and_o delightful_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o part_n be_v that_o of_o solomon_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v all_o this_o i_o think_v be_v not_o contest_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n man_n seek_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v diometrical_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o do_v each_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o it_o atheism_n and_o religion_n philosophy_n and_o ignorance_n worldly_a prudence_n or_o policy_n and_o a_o affect_a contempt_n of_o it_o which_o i_o know_v no_o name_n for_o do_v all_o promise_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o art_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n when_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o each_o to_o resolve_v which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v ignorance_n lust_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o blind_a rash_a and_o violent_a for_o we_o to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o their_o conduct_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o giddy_a and_o inconstant_a in_o themselves_o than_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o odd_a accident_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o shall_v they_o lead_v we_o on_o to_o pleasure_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v pain_n the_o next_o moment_n and_o at_o best_a they_o leave_v we_o not_o in_o a_o condition_n either_o rational_o to_o approve_v our_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o worldly_n policy_n be_v build_v whole_o upon_o mistake_v it_o propose_v to_o we_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o great_a and_o good_a which_o when_o we_o have_v examine_v we_o find_v not_o worth_a our_o
sound_a in_o one_o who_o do_v begin_v to_o bow_v already_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o year_n hereafter_o how_o ill_n do_v this_o language_n become_v this_o decay_a moulder_a body_n but_o suppose_v the_o wheel_n of_o time_n will_v stop_v tho'_o run_v now_o down_o a_o headlong_a precipe_n suppose_v your_o sun_n will_v for_o a_o while_o stand_v still_o yet_o what_o a_o work_n have_v you_o to_o finish_v what_o gild_n to_o expiate_v what_o sin_n to_o vanquish_v and_o what_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o prepare_v for_o be_v these_o slight_a consideration_n will_v your_o sin_n think_v you_o be_v easy_o atone_v when_o their_o number_n be_v swell_v not_o only_o by_o length_n of_o time_n but_o also_o by_o a_o uncontrolled_a licentiousness_n for_o novice_n in_o sin_n be_v awe_v by_o modesty_n hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o discourage_v by_o regreat_a and_o remorse_n but_o the_o veteran_n sinner_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o a_o torrent_n of_o debauch_a affection_n and_o repeat_v his_o folly_n with_o a_o relentless_a confidence_n and_o unopposed_a authority_n will_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o subdue_v those_o sin_n which_o have_v maintain_v a_o long_a and_o undisturbed_a dominion_n and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o you_o what_o shall_v awaken_v that_o sinner_n who_o like_o solomon_n drunkard_n prov._n 23.35_o be_v insensible_a of_o stripe_n and_o wound_n and_o alas_o when_o rouse_v out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o dalilah_n his_o lock_n like_o sampson_n be_v cut_v off_o the_o spirit_n retire_v his_o strength_n impair_v and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o enemy_n augment_v and_o with_o what_o will_v he_o conquer_v be_v it_o last_o a_o trivial_a thing_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v think_v a_o moment_n will_v serve_v turn_n to_o prepare_v for_o it_o i_o will_v suppose_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o merciful_a as_o you_o can_v desire_v he_o if_o you_o will_v suppose_v he_o too_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v to_o have_v so_o much_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o so_o much_o integrity_n as_o to_o expect_v sincerity_n tho'_o not_o perfection_n and_o this_o alone_a will_v make_v that_o judgement_n formidable_a i_o very_o much_o fear_n that_o both_o young_a and_o old_a do_v entertain_v too_o mild_a and_o favourable_a a_o notion_n of_o that_o day_n and_o so_o elude_v and_o baffle_v the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o gospel_n have_v i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o wander_v far_o from_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paragraph_n if_o i_o close_o this_o exhortation_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o with_o a_o short_a reflection_n on_o that_o day_n we_o must_v first_o bid_v adieu_o to_o this_o world_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o die_v ere_o we_o can_v go_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n what_o a_o perfect_a mortification_n of_o all_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n be_v necessary_a ere_o we_o can_v calm_o part_v with_o all_o here_o below_o what_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o love_n and_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o its_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n what_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o dark_a passage_n into_o another_o world_n when_o we_o be_v get_v there_o what_o a_o strict_a trial_n be_v we_o to_o undergo_v there_o all_o disguise_n will_v be_v take_v off_o and_o every_o thing_n appear_v in_o its_o naked_a nature_n there_o all_o our_o superstructure_n of_o hay_n and_o stubble_n will_v be_v burn_v up_o only_o pure_a solid_a virtue_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n there_o darling_n vice_n will_v not_o pass_v under_o the_o disguise_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n there_o a_o honest_a sloth_n and_o harmless_a luxury_n will_v not_o be_v think_v innocence_n enough_o to_o entitle_v man_n to_o heaven_n there_o some_o few_o good_a fit_n will_v not_o pass_v for_o godly_a sorrow_n nor_o some_o feeble_a and_o short-lived_a attempt_n for_o repentance_n and_o a_o change_n there_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o lucky_a constitution_n will_v not_o be_v crown_v as_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n there_o in_o a_o word_n talk_n will_v not_o pass_v for_o action_n nor_o censure_n of_o other_o commute_v for_o mortification_n in_o ourselves_o final_o nothing_o shall_v be_v reward_v there_o but_o a_o conquer_a faith_n a_o active_a charity_n a_o humble_a constant_a zeal_n patient_a persevere_v hope_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o pious_a fear_n this_o need_v no_o application_n begin_v begin_v to_o live_v before_o you_o die_v begin_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v before_o you_o be_v judge_v sect._n 3_o a_o three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n be_v to_o avoid_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o it_o such_o be_v sloth_n that_o waste_v and_o impertinence_n that_o embroil_v it_o coldness_n or_o remissness_n in_o religion_n that_o dispirit_n and_o dilute_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n that_o disorder_n and_o confound_v it_o and_o final_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o sour_a and_o embitter_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o these_o head_n occur_v often_o and_o tho'_o it_o be_v under_o different_a aspect_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v sometime_o light_v upon_o the_o same_o thought_n nay_o peradventure_o the_o very_a same_o word_n it_o be_v against_o my_o will_n if_o i_o do_v but_o i_o want_v sight_n to_o revise_v my_o paper_n and_o be_o glad_a to_o disburden_v my_o memory_n as_o fast_o as_o i_o can_v and_o therefore_o charge_v it_o with_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v once_o entrust_v to_o writing_n and_o the_o toil_n of_o recollect_v my_o thought_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o like_o sybil_n oracle_n in_o disperse_a leave_n by_o a_o hand_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o direct_v or_o animate_v be_v most_o intolerable_a if_o therefore_o i_o slip_v into_o any_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o i_o shall_v very_o unwilling_o i_o can_v but_o presume_v of_o pardon_n have_v so_o just_a a_o excuse_n but_o i_o proceed_v first_o we_o must_v avoid_v idleness_n sloth_n be_v the_o rust_n of_o time_n sleep_n be_v a_o image_n of_o death_n and_o sloth_n of_o sleep_n the_o life_n of_o the_o sluggish_a be_v but_o a_o wake_a dream_n a_o vacation_n from_o all_o business_n and_o true_a enjoyment_n too_o a_o cessation_n and_o stop_v tho'_o not_o of_o time_n which_o still_o run_v on_o yet_o of_o the_o very_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o how_o remote_a then_o must_v idleness_n be_v from_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n it_o never_o plough_v nor_o sow_n and_o therefore_o never_o reap_v it_o never_o plant_v nor_o set_v and_o therefore_o never_o gather_v any_o fruit_n nothing_o great_a be_v ever_o perform_v by_o it_o nothing_o great_a ever_o enjoy_v by_o it_o and_o shall_v the_o rich_a fruit_n that_o ever_o grow_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o paradise_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n i._n e._n knowledge_n and_o life_n be_v gather_v by_o a_o sluggish_a hand_n no_o tho'_o no_o angel_n or_o flame_a sword_n do_v stop_v his_o way_n yet_o be_v there_o difficulty_n in_o it_o too_o many_o and_o too_o great_a for_o this_o heavy_a dastardly_a animal_n to_o conquer_v plato_n as_o i_o remember_v tell_v we_o some_o where_o that_o a_o god_n tie_v pain_n and_o pleasure_n by_o the_o tail_n together_o there_o be_v no_o come_n at_o the_o one_o by_o he_o who_o shun_v the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o world_n contrive_v that_o even_o temporal_a and_o seem_a good_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o the_o travel_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o toil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o what_o lean_a starve_a and_o beggarly_a blessing_n be_v these_o compare_v to_o those_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v starve_v for_o want_v of_o true_a pleasure_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o glitter_a heap_n sorrow_n may_v sit_v heavy_a on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o conqueror_n or_o the_o bride_n even_o on_o the_o day_n of_o solemn_a triumph_n and_o festival_n noise_n the_o prince_n may_v be_v a_o slave_n a_o egyptian_a slave_n even_o while_o he_o reign_v with_o absolute_a and_o uncontrolled_a power_n but_o life_n and_o pleasure_n content_a and_o happiness_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n who_o live_v idle_o and_o at_o his_o ease_n he_o must_v pray_v meditate_v watch_n and_o exercise_v himself_o in_o industry_n sobriety_n and_o purity_n who_o will_v overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o obtain_v the_o tranquillity_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a nor_o let_v this_o frighten_v any_o man_n for_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o