that_o no_o man_n without_o a_o special_a revelation_n can_v have_v a_o special_a assurance_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v as_o good_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o despair_n and_o to_o ground_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o devote_v to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n and_o that_o god_n be_v our_o confidence_n and_o refuge_n always_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o forgive_v they_o that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n with_o tear_n and_o contrition_n and_o a_o serious_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o many_o more_o great_a and_o precious_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o all_o his_o providence_n be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o frustrate_v all_o his_o save_a method_n and_o purpose_n only_o he_o will_v have_v our_o election_n to_o be_v hide_v and_o secret_a that_o security_n may_v not_o breed_v in_o we_o pride_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 2._o now_o therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o let_v every_o true_a christian_a live_v a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o few_o that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o be_v count_v worthy_a at_o last_o to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n with_o the_o few_o straight_o be_v the_o way_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 7.13_o therefore_o we_o must_v walk_v in_o that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o always_o with_o care_n and_o fear_n even_o when_o we_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o most_o speed_n because_o no_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o perseverance_n yet_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v we_o faint_a but_o only_o to_o make_v we_o wary_a and_o make_v we_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o with_o a_o cheerful_a submission_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o both_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n if_o any_o one_o object_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o god_n will_v be_v affect_v towards_o he_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n promise_n be_v sincere_a and_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o they_o be_v general_o set_v forth_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o all_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n reveal_v will_n and_o moreover_o that_o his_o own_o will_n be_v much_o more_o uncertain_a so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a to_o trust_v god_n for_o god_n we_o be_v certain_a be_v infinite_o good_a he_o be_v extreme_o proud_a and_o unhappy_a withal_o that_o rely_v on_o himself_o more_o than_o upon_o god_n but_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o confide_v in_o that_o gracious_a lord_n who_o mercy_n and_o promise_n be_v sure_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o who_o whosoever_o trust_v be_v never_o confound_v chap._n xxxiii_o that_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o be_v and_o be_v call_v christian_n yet_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v godly_a as_o become_v christian_n for_o as_o god_n by_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o send_v his_o dear_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o so_o be_v we_o to_o love_n god_n most_o affectionate_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o strength_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n in_o this_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n love_v therefore_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n love_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n love_n be_v that_o fire_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n come_v to_o send_v in_o the_o earth_n luke_n 12.49_o which_o cost_v he_o much_o to_o kindle_v and_o which_o burn_v up_o man_n dross_n and_o impurity_n and_o can_v be_v put_v out_o but_o where_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v even_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o it_o be_v unite_v and_o life_n 2._o christ_n leave_v and_o appoint_v love_n as_o the_o mark_n whereby_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v know_v joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n now_o perfection_n be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v beg_v of_o god_n daily_o and_o devout_o that_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n he_o will_v kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o fire_n of_o a_o holy_a charity_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guide_v quicken_v and_o at_o last_o perfect_v neither_o yet_o must_v we_o lose_v heart_n if_o we_o sometime_o fall_v as_o if_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o rise_v quick_o and_o pray_v more_o fervent_o and_o afterward_o fight_v more_o courageous_o still_o pursue_v after_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o word_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o in_o hearty_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n manifest_v our_o love_n by_o daily_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o attain_v to_o new_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v most_o perfect_a and_o happy_a when_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v empty_a of_o himself_o and_o free_a from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n but_o purify_v and_o burn_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n chap._n xxxiv_o of_o the_o right_n place_v and_o order_v of_o love_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o right_o value_v thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n and_o also_o love_v they_o proportionable_o for_o sin_n be_v due_o by_o wise_a man_n define_v to_o be_v a_o disorderly_a love_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o well_o place_v love_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o natural_a affection_n yet_o they_o all_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o place_v and_o govern_v as_o it_o shall_v the_o rest_n can_v be_v unruly_a it_o be_v virtue_n to_o love_v what_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v and_o wisdom_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o and_o constancy_n to_o pursue_v it_o through_o all_o danger_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o no_o enticement_n be_v temperance_n and_o to_o prefer_v nothing_o to_o it_o be_v justice_n and_o the_o order_n of_o love_n must_v follow_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v infinite_o more_o than_o any_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_o better_a more_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a we_o become_v good_a and_o pure_a by_o love_v he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o purity_n for_o our_o manner_n follow_v our_o affection_n we_o become_v either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o most_o love_n 2._o the_o true_a object_n of_o love_n be_v god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o who_o all_o love_n be_v due_a and_o from_o who_o it_o must_v pass_v to_o other_o creature_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o he_o by_o this_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n because_o he_o be_v or_o that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o we_o must_v love_v ourselves_o in_o that_o we_o be_v or_o else_o that_o we_o may_v be_v holy_a take_v from_o god_n the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o our_o love_n may_v be_v regular_a and_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a let_v no_o man_n therefore_o love_v sin_n for_o thereby_o he_o hate_v and_o destroy_v his_o soul_n and_o let_v no_o man_n love_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o upon_o god_n account_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v be_v entire_o happy_a for_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v
and_o well-being_n have_v set_v these_o bound_n to_o our_o affection_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o love_n our_o understanding_n our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o that_o if_o we_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o that_o deserve_v all_o our_o love_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o master_n and_o disposer_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v therefore_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o what_o else_o we_o shall_v love_v it_o must_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o then_o we_o can_v love_v nor_o do_v amiss_o chap._n xxxv_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o measure_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n 1._o we_o can_v love_v god_n as_o we_o shall_v without_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n neither_o can_v we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n except_o we_o love_v god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v and_o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o the_o commandment_n make_v no_o exception_n though_o the_o man_n be_v poor_a though_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n nay_o though_o he_o be_v vicious_a and_o thy_o enemy_n yet_o he_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o thy_o brother_n and_o he_o must_v be_v love_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o love_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o his_o need_n and_o thy_o opportunity_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v hearty_a real_a and_o effective_a for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o we_o must_v not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o joh._n 3.18_o 2._o as_o christ_n love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o not_o that_o we_o deserve_v any_o love_n but_o because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o we_o in_o god_n to_o who_o he_o purchase_v we_o so_o must_v we_o love_v all_o man_n not_o for_o we_o or_o their_o sake_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n have_v no_o further_a regard_n to_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o than_o only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n true_a christian_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v together_o by_o love_n that_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o with_o joy_n find_v it_o in_o other_o and_o what_o one_o have_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n he_o willing_o impart_v it_o to_o all_o as_o by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o be_v unite_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o so_o by_o the_o mutual_a love_n of_o man_n of_o christian_n especial_o they_o become_v one_o among_o themselves_o so_o that_o what_o one_o have_v to_o himself_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o have_v and_o enjoy_v in_o other_o thus_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o righteousness_n according_a as_o be_v the_o man_n charity_n in_o the_o beginning_n progress_n or_o perfection_n so_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o most_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n when_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v part_v with_o for_o love_n 3._o the_o modus_fw-la or_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v twofold_a positive_a and_o negative_a first_o to_o do_v to_o he_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o second_o and_o not_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o every_o one_o therefore_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v must_v consider_v serious_o what_o he_o will_v other_o shall_v do_v or_o not_o do_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o desire_v other_o shall_v he_o patient_a towards_o he_o and_o bear_v with_o his_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o etc._n etc._n then_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v so_o to_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a indication_n of_o a_o perverse_a heart_n for_o a_o man_n in_o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o do_v that_o to_o another_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v sorry_a to_o suffer_v himself_o a_o good_a christian_n do_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o his_o view_n and_o correction_n to_o who_o all_o judgement_n be_v give_v he_o examine_v judge_v and_o punish_v himself_o and_o make_v self-reformation_n his_o serious_a and_o constant_a business_n whatever_o he_o see_v or_o hear_v his_o mind_n be_v undisturbed_a and_o abide_v in_o peace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a he_o praise_v god_n if_o evil_a he_o turn_v it_o to_o good_a by_o turn_v his_o mind_n from_o it_o towards_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o resignation_n 4._o if_o his_o office_n and_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o reprove_v and_o to_o correct_v other_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o zeal_n sweet_a and_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a to_o his_o brother_n infirmity_n for_o roughness_n and_o ungoverned_a passion_n can_v consist_v with_o charity_n if_o the_o ill_a action_n of_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o excuse_n he_o excuse_v they_o however_o he_o censure_v not_o know_v that_o nothing_o human_a be_v so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a but_o may_v be_v ill_o interpret_v and_o at_o the_o best_a may_v be_v some_o way_n defectuous_a enough_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o reprehension_n if_o carp_a man_n let_v loose_v their_o censorious_a humour_n whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v have_v some_o imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a against_o they_o be_v under_o pretence_n of_o preciseness_n to_o give_v way_n to_o peevish_a impatience_n or_o proud_a censoriousness_n he_o that_o be_v too_o busy_a to_o tax_v and_o judge_v other_o will_v never_o grow_v better_a himself_o chap._n xxxvi_o true_a friendship_n and_o the_o true_a office_n of_o it_o 1._o friendship_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o friend_n have_v common_a now_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_o good_a but_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o eternal_a true_a friendship_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o carnal_a friendship_n be_v soon_o dissolve_v because_o thing_n of_o sense_n can_v last_v nor_o always_o confine_v the_o spirit_n whereas_o spiritual_a friendship_n be_v never_o break_v for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v interrupt_v by_o little_a anger_n and_o contention_n yet_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n sweeten_v the_o harshness_n of_o they_o and_o keep_v the_o knot_n indissoluble_a as_o for_o that_o friendship_n which_o too_o much_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o any_o person_n and_o may_v be_v call_v dote_v it_o shall_v be_v stifle_v and_o avoid_v as_o be_v mischievous_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o token_n when_o the_o party_n belove_v be_v always_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v well_o without_o he_o when_o we_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n above_o all_o thing_n when_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v as_o in_o our_o centre_n and_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o all_o our_o action_n and_o most_o important_a concern_v and_o let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v pure_a innocent_a friendship_n without_o any_o self-interest_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o sensual_a it_o deprave_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o wisdom_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o friendship_n be_v never_o betwixt_o person_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a 2._o man_n of_o real_a worth_n be_v always_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o sweet_a deportment_n they_o be_v courteous_a to_o all_o but_o they_o be_v familiar_a to_o few_o and_o they_o flatter_v none_o in_o their_o conversation_n modesty_n discretion_n a_o exact_a justice_n and_o a_o unaffected_a severity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v they_o seek_v not_o to_o make_v a_o show_n outward_o their_o life_n be_v inward_a and_o secret_a they_o live_v to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o fair_o converse_v with_o man_n outward_o when_o it_o be_v fit_v but_o their_o heart_n cleave_v to_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v themselves_o with_o the_o silly_a impertinency_n or_o petty_a concern_v of_o the_o world_n their_o design_n and_o affection_n differ_v much_o from_o the_o vulgar_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v guide_v with_o
redemption_n the_o infinite_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o promise_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v true_a christian_n while_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o neglect_v these_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o mean_n be_v despise_v where_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v disregard_v until_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o first_o and_o chief_a business_n to_o secure_v a_o bless_a eternity_n by_o live_v holy_a life_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v wise_a and_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o disputable_a and_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o mix_n secular_a interest_n with_o thing_n of_o religion_n first_o make_v and_o still_o maintain_v the_o error_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n many_o controversy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o decide_v as_o to_o bury_v they_o at_o least_o to_o make_v they_o give_v place_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_a and_o much_o more_o requisite_a and_o beneficial_a and_o here_o again_o i_o may_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v this_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o best_a guide_n of_o soul_n for_o either_o she_o meddle_v not_o with_o many_o dispute_n or_o else_o she_o always_o stand_v on_o the_o much_o sure_a side_n of_o the_o question_n hold_v that_o which_o even_o her_o adversary_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n and_o never_o amuse_v her_o child_n with_o unnecessary_a speculation_n or_o unprofitable_a contest_v but_o as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a design_n to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o all_o holy_a virtue_n so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o preface_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o thou_o will_v serious_o and_o often_o consider_v that_o thy_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o that_o thou_o resolve_v thereupon_o not_o to_o lose_v not_o to_o venture_v thy_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n above_o for_o any_o earthly_a enjoyment_n that_o thou_o will_v bear_v eternity_n in_o mind_n and_o weigh_v the_o importance_n of_o these_o two_o word_n which_o conclude_v our_o creed_n life_n everlasting_a and_o that_o afterward_o thou_o resolve_v careful_o to_o follow_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o follow_v he_o live_v therefore_o as_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o king_n of_o eternity_n to_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o despise_v the_o world_n use_v diligent_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v make_v thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o encourage_v and_o assist_v thou_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o among_o they_o good_a book_n which_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o make_v their_o goodness_n our_o own_o be_v very_o useful_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v somewhat_o conduce_v to_o their_o advancement_n nay_o i_o be_o sure_a thou_o shall_v be_v much_o better_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o will_v transcribe_v it_o with_o thy_o life_n as_o i_o have_v with_o my_o pen_n and_o make_v it_o thy_o hearty_a endeavour_n as_o i_o do_v my_o prayer_n l._n b._n the_o author_n dedication_n to_o all_o true_a christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n i_o offer_v this_o small_a volume_n to_o you_o bless_a soul_n vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o mercy_n elect_v and_o holy_a child_n of_o god_n predestinate_v to_o glory_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o death_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o despise_a cross_n of_o your_o redeemer_n for_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n you_o be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n to_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o sight_n in_o love_n and_o in_o christ_n you_o be_v choose_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o for_o your_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n for_o you_o the_o bless_a jesus_n pray_v when_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n he_o say_v i_o have_v manifest_v thy_o name_n unto_o the_o man_n who_o thou_o give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n thy_o they_n be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o i_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n hear_v not_o or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o regard_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n see_v he_o not_o nor_o know_v he_o neither_o can_v it_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o this_o will_v be_v ground_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v a_o light_n in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o do_v shine_v on_o the_o cross_n most_o glorious_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o tree_n of_o death_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tie_v become_v his_o pulpit_n whence_o he_o preach_v his_o divine_a sermon_n teach_v we_o that_o great_a lesson_n die_v which_o he_o set_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a he_o that_o do_v not_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n therefore_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n be_v our_o great_a safety_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n our_o sure_a title_n to_o glory_n the_o cross_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o christian_a learning_n to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n may_v have_v sanctify_v affection_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n that_o by_o the_o divine_a grace_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n and_o my_o prayer_n for_o they_o be_v that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o love_n may_v abound_v in_o they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o unblameable_a replenish_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n please_v to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o offence_n i_o also_o beg_v for_o myself_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n may_v enlighten_v and_o guide_v my_o mind_n and_o that_o his_o strength_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o my_o weakness_n lest_o after_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o my_o own_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o also_o beseech_v you_o good_a friend_n of_o god_n bless_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n remember_v i_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o what_o i_o teach_v i_o may_v fulfil_v that_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v be_v my_o practice_n by_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n live_v and_o reign_v one_o ever_o glorious_a and_o adore_a god_n amen_n imprimatur_fw-la geo._n hooper_n r._n p._n d._n gil_n ep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n may_v 29._o 1677._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n part_n i._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o of_o its_o end_n and_o office_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o all_o christian_n into_o three_o rank_n good_a middle-sort_n and_o bad_a ibid._n chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o
the_o wicked_a and_o their_o wickedness_n 4_o chap._n iii_o that_o original_a sin_n be_v the_o spring_n whence_o all_o evil_a proceed_v 8_o chap._n iu_o of_o the_o occasion_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o book_n 10_o chap._n v._n the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o learn_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o follow_v they_o not_o 12_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v intend_v for_o all_o christian_n 14_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o this_o book_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o follow_v after_o perfection_n 17_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o they_o that_o neglect_v their_o last_o end_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o serious_o 19_o chap._n ix_o the_o reason_n why_o all_o man_n be_v not_o happy_a be_v they_o all_o desire_v it_o 22_o chap._n x._o that_o with_o a_o upright_a intention_n we_o must_v use_v all_o thing_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o god_n 24_o chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v so_o earnest_a about_o the_o world_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o attain_v not_o their_o main_a end_n 26_o chap._n xii_o how_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o fair_a outside_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a 29_o chap._n xiii_o how_o man_n spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n and_o abuse_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n 31_o chap._n fourteen_o that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v every_o one_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o station_n providence_n have_v appoint_v he_o and_o therein_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o he_o meet_v withal_o 33_o chap._n xv._o how_o man_n be_v last_o end_n or_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v qualify_v and_o how_o so_o many_o mistake_n and_o miss_v it_o 35_o chap._n xvi_o another_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o miss_n of_o their_o end_n their_o live_n too_o much_o by_o sense_n 38_o chap._n xvii_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n 41_o 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 43_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 46_o chap._n xx._n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n who_o willing_o run_v to_o ruin_n by_o their_o inconsideration_n 48_o chap._n xxi_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 50_o chap._n xxii_o several_a useful_a caution_n how_o a_o christian_a shall_v undertake_v and_o perfect_v his_o work_n 53_o chap._n xxiii_o that_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v 56_o chap._n xxiv_o how_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v sincere_a 57_o chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 60_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 62_o 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 63_o chap._n xxviii_o why_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n saint_n appear_v difficult_a 66_o chap._n xxix_o how_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n 68_o chap._n xxx_o self-love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n 70_o 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 72_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 74_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 77_o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n 79_o 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 81_o chap._n xxxvi_o three_o thing_n very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o every_o christian_a 84_o chap._n xxxvii_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n 86_o chap._n xxxviii_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o true_a repentance_n 88_o chap._n thirty-nine_o remedy_n against_o ordinary_a fail_n and_o great_a sin_n 90_o chap._n xl._n clergyman_n have_v some_o special_a obligation_n though_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v after_o perfection_n 93_o chap._n xli_o that_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o and_o what_o disposition_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a 96_o chap._n xlii_o why_o many_o be_v not_o profit_v by_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o pray_v well_o and_o frequent_o 100_o chap._n xliii_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o avoid_v distraction_n and_o fix_v the_o intention_n 103_o chap._n xliv_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n 106_o the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o study_n and_o endeavour_v after_o true_a virtue_n chap._n i._n that_o voluptiousness_n and_o vanity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o truth_n seek_v for_o in_o thing_n eternal_a after_o christ_n example_n pag._n 1_o chap._n ii_o that_o to_o attain_v perfection_n nothing_o must_v be_v neglect_v 4_o chap._n iii_o that_o self-denial_n and_o the_o cross_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n 7_o chap._n iu_o that_o self-denial_n be_v the_o character_n and_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_n 10_o chap._n v._n how_o we_o must_v fight_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o deprave_a affection_n 13_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n 16_o chap._n vii_o of_o deny_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n especial_o intemperance_n 19_o chap._n viii_o of_o talkativeness_n and_o silence_n 22_o chap._n ix_o of_o true_a and_o false_a delight_n and_o of_o self-complacency_a in_o virtue_n 25_o chap._n x._o that_o we_o be_v lead_v too_o much_o by_o opinion_n 27_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 who_o pretend_v to_o it_o 30_o chap._n xii_o that_o selfwill_a be_v a_o great_a evil_a and_o must_v be_v renounce_v 32_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o solitariness_n and_o retirement_n 34_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o riches_n and_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 36_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o use_n of_o riches_n and_o how_o to_o know_v we_o love_v they_o not_o 39_o chap._n xvi_o of_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 41_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o almsgiving_n 44_o chap_n xviii_o of_o patience_n in_o bear_v and_o forbear_v 48_o chap._n xix_o adversity_n be_v occasion_n of_o virtue_n and_o must_v be_v patient_o endure_v 51_o chap._n xx._n that_o we_o must_v bear_v patient_o the_o little_a vexation_n that_o happen_v daily_o 53_o chap._n xxi_o that_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o triublation_n 56_o chap._n xxii_o that_o detraction_n and_o derision_n must_v be_v endure_v and_o deride_v 59_o chap._n xxiii_o remedy_n against_o discontent_n and_o anger_n for_o what_o abuse_v we_o receive_v 61_o chap._n xxiv_o remedy_n against_o impatience_n 64_o chap._n xxv_o of_o humility_n the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o christian_n 66_o chap._n xxvi_o from_o god_n we_o turn_v away_o by_o pride_n to_o he_o we_o must_v return_v by_o humility_n 69_o chap._n xxvii_o the_o character_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n 72_o chap._n xxviii_o motive_n and_o reason_n for_o humility_n 75_o chap._n xxix_o that_o the_o humble_a man_n judge_v himself_o and_o not_o other_o with_o a_o character_n of_o he_o 79_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o go_n 83_o chap._n xxxi_o of_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 87_o chap._n xxxii_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v rest_v upon_o god_n 91_o chap._n xxxiii_o that_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 93_o chap._n xxxiv_o of_o the_o right_n place_v and_o order_v of_o love_n 96_o chap._n xxxv_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o measure_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n 98_o chap._n xxxvi_o true_a friendship_n and_o the_o true_a office_n of_o it_o 101_o chap._n xxxvii_o of_o the_o several_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n 105_o chap._n xxxviii_o charity_n be_v also_o due_a to_o our_o enemy_n 107_o chap._n thirty-nine_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a comprehend_v all_o goodness_n 109_o chap._n xl._n wherein_o consist_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 112_o chap._n xli_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o love_n in_o practical_a knowledge_n than_o in_o speculation_n 115_o chap._n xlii_o that_o by_o love_n holiness_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v 117_o chap._n xliii_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o wary_a and_o diligent_a 120_o precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o
rough_a and_o bitter_a and_o in_o sin_n a_o mixture_n of_o sweetness_n that_o offend_v and_o this_o gratify_v their_o distemper_a palate_n and_o they_o brutish_o follow_v the_o bait_n run_v into_o all_o dissolution_n and_o so_o reject_v truth_n to_o embrace_v a_o lie_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o give_v ear_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o plain_a monitor_n who_o lay_v the_o truth_n open_a before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o work_v upon_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o have_v some_o desire_n after_o light_n yet_o like_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o awake_v but_o be_v oppress_v by_o a_o heavy_a slumber_n and_o so_o present_o fall_v to_o sleep_v again_o they_o soon_o after_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o exclude_v the_o light_n to_o return_v to_o their_o belove_a darkness_n 3._o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o we_o propound_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o effect_v nothing_o for_o we_o not_o foresee_v the_o difficulty_n which_o common_o occur_v in_o well-doing_n when_o we_o come_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o we_o present_o draw_v back_o and_o our_o courage_n fail_v again_o we_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n more_o than_o in_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n and_o when_o temptation_n grow_v strong_a we_o lose_v heart_n and_o be_v soon_o worsted_n and_o learn_v by_o a_o sad_a experience_n that_o when_o we_o overcome_v it_o be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n last_o we_o give_v much_o to_o notion_n and_o speculation_n and_o take_v little_a care_n to_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o christian_a law_n of_o well-living_a we_o learn_v as_o a_o science_n rather_o than_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o study_v divinity_n not_o to_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_n but_o to_o vain_a glory_n and_o ostentation_n now_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o learn_v wisdom_n and_o yet_o live_v foolish_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v intend_v for_o all_o christian_n 1._o many_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pretend_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o but_o only_o to_o clergyman_n or_o such_o as_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o recluse_n from_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o excuse_n and_o their_o plea_n but_o as_o i_o shall_v soon_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o vain_a for_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o by_o new_a vow_n and_o engagement_n be_v more_o particular_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o live_v religious_o and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o christian_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o their_o way_n may_v differ_v in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o as_o to_o what_o regard_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o love_a and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n they_o be_v all_o equal_o concern_v they_o have_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n alike_o and_o lust_n or_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a be_v likewise_o general_o forbid_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n no_o difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o any_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v injon_v we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v be_v render_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n nor_o covet_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n or_o person_n of_o any_o rank_n or_o call_n nor_o yet_o when_o he_o say_v woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v and_o bless_a be_v you_o that_o mourn_n nor_o when_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v always_o pray_v that_o we_o must_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o that_o we_o must_v hate_v our_o own_o life_n deny_v ourselves_o suffer_v injury_n patient_o and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n in_o these_o consist_v christian_a perfection_n and_o yet_o from_o these_o he_o exclude_v no_o man_n 2._o saint_n paul_n likewise_o write_v to_o all_o christian_n such_o as_o be_v cumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o large_a family_n give_v they_o this_o strict_a ascetic_a rule_n to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n 1_o tim._n 6.8_o than_o which_o nothing_o more_o be_v ever_o require_v of_o any_o hermit_n saint_n peter_n also_o exhort_v all_o believer_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a 1_o ep._n 1.15_o so_o do_v saint_n james_n 1.4_o to_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n before_o they_o all_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o thereby_o recommend_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v repute_v child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n may_v live_v according_o endeavour_v after_o the_o example_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o have_v our_o bless_a lord_n lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n infinite_a obligation_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n to_o be_v strict_a and_o virtuous_a to_o the_o high_a measure_n and_o possibility_n which_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v without_o forfeit_v his_o favour_n and_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o book_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o follow_v after_o perfection_n 1._o now_o then_o let_v we_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o worlding_n place_v their_o felicity_n and_o make_v it_o our_o only_a study_n to_o pursue_v after_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_n the_o height_n of_o christian_a perfection_n in_o follow_v the_o bless_a step_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o this_o little_a volume_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v design_v all_o the_o instruction_n here_o lay_v down_o that_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o return_v in_o some_o manner_n to_o our_o primitive_a station_n that_o paradise_n wherein_o we_o be_v create_v to_o triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o at_o last_o reign_n to_o eternity_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o that_o perfection_n or_o sincerity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o come_v by_o and_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n live_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o make_v christian_n faint_v and_o remiss_a loath_a to_o venture_v upon_o a_o attempt_n which_o they_o will_v have_v they_o think_v be_v whole_o impossible_a whereas_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o he_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a and_o whatever_o be_v hard_a in_o itself_o be_v make_v easy_a by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o 2._o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o delicious_a beauty_n in_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n so_o ravish_v a_o joy_n in_o a_o glimpse_n of_o heavenly_a light_n so_o glorious_a a_o brightness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n eternal_a truth_n that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o for_o one_o day_n may_v just_o be_v prefer_v to_o many_o age_n of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 84.10_o 3._o now_o here_o will_v i_o caution_n my_o reader_n not_o to_o wonder_v if_o perchance_o he_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o little_a book_n for_o that_o can_v be_v avoid_v there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o connexion_n and_o affinity_n betwixt_o the_o precept_n of_o several_a virtue_n and_o withal_o it_o may_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o near_o we_o view_v it_o the_o often_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o review_v it_o likewise_o if_o something_o herein_o seem_v too_o angelical_a and_o high_a or_o more_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a than_o the_o frail_a nature_n of_o man_n can_v well_o bear_v let_v he_o remember_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v
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
i_o rejoice_v in_o they_o all_o because_o she_o go_v before_o they_o and_o i_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o they_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 for_o indeed_o prayer_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o grace_n a_o parent_n and_o nurse_n to_o all_o virtue_n it_o increase_v the_o joy_n of_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o give_v comfort_n to_o sad_a heart_n it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o procurer_n of_o all_o happiness_n prayer_n appease_v god_n wrath_n obtain_v pardon_n for_o our_o fault_n overcome_v our_o sin_n deliver_v we_o from_o danger_n inkindle_v the_o holy_a fire_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v a_o act_n of_o all_o virtue_n together_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o thereby_o we_o declare_v our_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v present_a ready_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n able_a and_o willing_a to_o grant_v our_o devout_a petition_n hope_v also_o be_v quicken_v and_o confirm_v for_o by_o prayer_n we_o rely_v upon_o god_n and_o profess_v our_o trust_n in_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o charity_n likewise_o be_v increase_v while_o we_o consider_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o divine_a incomprehensible_a goodness_n we_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o other_o thing_n lose_v their_o esteem_n with_o we_o 2._o devotion_n teach_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o weigh_v thing_n wise_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o courage_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n while_o we_o resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o it_o be_v also_o a_o act_n of_o temperance_n for_o the_o devout_a heart_n have_v a_o foretaste_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n despise_v the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n prayer_n give_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n by_o it_o the_o soul_n approach_v god_n be_v penetrate_v by_o his_o light_n and_o so_o learn_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o it_o we_o exercise_v our_o charity_n while_o we_o pray_v for_o other_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o our_o love_n and_o constancy_n to_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n while_o we_o profess_v we_o will_v die_v rather_o than_o displease_v or_o deny_v he_o and_o so_o prayer_n be_v a_o abstract_n of_o many_o virtue_n and_o he_o that_o pray_v much_o be_v much_o a_o christian_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o excellent_a direction_n to_o follow_v the_o narrow_a way_n to_o bliss_n part_n ii_o write_a original_o in_o latin_a by_o john_n bona_z english_v by_o l._n b._n london_n print_v by_o a._n c._n for_o h._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxviii_o precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o study_n and_o endeavour_v after_o true_a virtue_n chap._n i._o that_o voluptuousness_n and_o vanity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o truth_n seek_v for_o in_o thing_n eternal_a after_o christ_n example_n 1._o all_o man_n general_o commend_v and_o desire_v truth_n but_o few_o know_v where_o it_o dwell_v and_o shall_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v love_v and_o pursue_v nothing_o else_o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o thing_n earthly_a and_o perish_a because_o they_o soon_o decay_v into_o nothing_o whereas_o truth_n alter_v not_o but_o abide_v for_o ever_o we_o must_v seek_v it_o therefore_o in_o thing_n immortal_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a be_v and_o remain_v to_o eternity_n truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o image_n or_o transcript_n of_o it_o and_o vary_v not_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o human_a life_n but_o continue_v the_o same_o in_o all_o condition_n always_o above_o vanity_n always_o absolute_a regent_n over_o all_o passion_n and_o sensual_a desire_n 2._o that_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o truth_n who_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v guide_v by_o reason_n and_o his_o reason_n by_o revelation_n by_o faith_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v a_o caitif_a to_o his_o lust_n and_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o passion_n be_v altogether_o vain_a be_v toss_v by_o continual_a trouble_n and_o contrary_a perturbation_n sometime_o fear_n and_o sometime_o desire_v sometime_o anxious_a thought_n or_o perhaps_o vain_a joy_n now_o grief_n for_o loss_n by_o and_o by_o greedy_a pursuit_n after_o new_a acquist_n grievous_a vexation_n now_o for_o be_v injure_v worse_a soon_o after_o in_o seek_v for_o revenge_n these_o unruly_a passion_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o vanity_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o great_a disturber_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o tormentor_n of_o our_o unhappy_a soul_n vanity_n beget_v impatient_a desire_n of_o be_v honour_v and_o esteem_v high_a conceit_n of_o ourselves_o contempt_n of_o other_o and_o a_o secret_a aversion_n to_o truth_n voluptuousness_n incline_v man_n to_o ease_n and_o sport_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o palate_n and_o the_o low_a belly_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v please_v the_o body_n and_o gratify_v a_o sensual_a mind_n hence_o looseness_n and_o dissolution_n and_o worldly_a mindedness_n while_o the_o soul_n estrange_v from_o god_n pursue_v after_o outward_a comfort_n seek_v after_o vainglory_n idle_a talk_n and_o idle_a pastime_n and_o be_v altogether_o take_v up_o with_o toy_n and_o vanity_n 3._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o christian_a law_n the_o gospel-rule_n unacceptable_a to_o the_o world_n to_o all_o carnal_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v nothing_o more_o than_o humility_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n incline_v they_o to_o pride_n the_o gospel_n require_v break_v penitent_a heart_n and_o reformation_n and_o man_n abhor_v nothing_o more_o so_o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o and_o embrace_v those_o great_a and_o save_a truth_n faith_n be_v our_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n confirm_v it_o by_o his_o life_n and_o example_n as_o well_o as_o by_o miracle_n for_o whereas_o man_n labour_v to_o be_v rich_a he_o choose_v to_o be_v poor_a whereas_o they_o aspire_v after_o dominion_n and_o high_a dignity_n he_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n man_n think_v it_o most_o grievous_a to_o bear_v injury_n and_o he_o patient_o suffer_v the_o great_a they_o will_v not_o abide_v to_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o and_o he_o be_v most_o false_o and_o unjust_o condemn_v his_o suffering_n and_o his_o conversation_n be_v our_o lesson_n and_o instruction_n and_o we_o never_o sin_v but_o when_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n he_o despise_v and_o flee_v from_o that_o which_o he_o willing_o endure_v he_o doubtless_o be_v much_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v that_o think_v felicity_n consist_v in_o what_o christ_n teach_v we_o to_o despise_v chap._n ii_o that_o to_o attain_v perfection_n nothing_o must_v be_v neglect_v 1._o you_o shall_v hardly_o find_v a_o perfect_a christian_a because_o they_o common_o that_o have_v overcome_v the_o great_a sin_n neglect_v the_o lesser_a they_o will_v not_o watch_v and_o offer_v violence_n to_o themselves_o for_o small_a matter_n as_o they_o count_v it_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o approach_v the_o brink_n of_o the_o precipice_n and_o perchance_o afterward_o get_v a_o grievous_a fall_n heinous_a and_o cry_a sin_n affect_v we_o with_o horror_n at_o first_o sight_n but_o we_o easy_o admit_v of_o ordinary_a fail_n none_o will_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o spend_v his_o whole_a stock_n of_o grace_n at_o a_o time_n as_o none_o will_v be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o send_v his_o whole_a estate_n go_v in_o one_o day_n no_o man_n use_v to_o say_v this_o be_v no_o great_a cost_n this_o will_v hardly_o at_o all_o sink_v the_o bag_n or_o in_o another_o case_n it_o be_v but_o one_o glass_n one_o bit_n more_o that_o can_v do_v i_o no_o hurt_n but_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o at_o last_o spend_v all_o and_o come_v to_o poverty_n or_o else_o they_o surfeit_v and_o be_v drink_v and_o likewise_o the_o same_o fate_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n attend_v the_o same_o neglect_n and_o unwariness_n occasion_n of_o heroic_a virtue_n and_o do_v god_n extraordinary_a service_n do_v seldom_o occur_v but_o almost_o every_o moment_n we_o have_v
therefore_o the_o evil_n man_n can_v do_v to_o we_o but_o those_o we_o do_v against_o ourselves_o by_o a_o angry_a impatient_a and_o revengeful_a spirit_n let_v we_o but_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o christian_a charity_n and_o it_o will_v make_v we_o invincible_a it_o will_v make_v we_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v all_o wrong_n and_o affliction_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o cant._n 8.7_o the_o water_n of_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n can_v put_v out_o that_o bright_a and_o ever-burning_a flame_n kindle_v by_o god_n in_o pious_a heart_n chap._n thirty-nine_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a comprehend_v all_o goodness_n 1._o god_n be_v our_o true_a and_o sovereign_a good_a he_o we_o must_v love_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o he_o we_o must_v direct_v all_o our_o way_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n comprehend_v all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v temperance_n whereby_o we_o despise_v the_o pride_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n may_v have_v our_o whole_a heart_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v constancy_n whereby_o we_o patient_o bear_v any_o cross_n for_o and_o from_o god_n it_o be_v justice_n whereby_o we_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n alone_o and_o with_o due_a moderation_n command_v his_o creature_n it_o be_v prudence_n and_o the_o high_a wisdom_n whereby_o we_o diligent_o avoid_v the_o obstacle_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o god_n it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v make_v we_o good_a and_o make_v we_o happy_a now_o god_n must_v be_v love_v for_o himself_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o than_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o goodness_n therefore_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v love_v only_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o relate_v to_o he_o but_o he_o must_v be_v love_v on_o his_o own_o account_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o bound_n or_o measure_n for_o his_o perfection_n be_v vast_a enough_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o our_o affection_n nay_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v they_o so_o that_o nothing_o must_v share_v our_o love_n with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o infinite_o more_o than_o due_a to_o he_o 2._o it_o much_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o those_o low_a sensible_a good_n wherewith_o we_o converse_v in_o this_o earth_n do_v not_o steal_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o though_o we_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a yet_o because_o now_o they_o be_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v reach_v they_o our_o affection_n to_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o must_v be_v force_v and_o list_v up_o whereas_o they_o be_v brisk_a and_o swift_a to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o we_o natural_o fall_v down_o to_o our_o sensual_a nature_n and_o without_o great_a care_n we_o can_v avoid_v to_o be_v by_o it_o cheat_v into_o self-love_n if_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v replenish_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o beatify_a love_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o cast_v the_o world_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v better_a liquor_n except_o it_o be_v empty_v no_o more_o can_v our_o heart_n love_v the_o creator_n if_o they_o be_v possess_v by_o creature_n therefore_o say_v saint_n john_n the_o belove_a apostle_n of_o jesus_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o worldly_n thing_n be_v make_v for_o our_o use_n and_o there_o be_v in_o they_o some_o beauty_n but_o how_o much_o more_o beautiful_a be_v he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o make_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o that_o seek_v for_o happiness_n out_o of_o god_n shall_v never_o find_v it_o but_o if_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v certain_o happy_a for_o he_o also_o love_v we_o and_o his_o favour_n be_v all_o chap._n xl._n wherein_o consist_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 1._o it_o consist_v chief_o in_o joyful_o suffer_v for_o god_n for_o love_n be_v a_o passion_n and_o he_o therefore_o love_v most_o that_o be_v most_o patient_a as_o the_o bless_a apostle_n return_v from_o the_o council_n rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v be_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o stripe_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o nature_n in_o that_o tenderness_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o those_o tear_n that_o proceed_v from_o it_o which_o be_v observe_v in_o some_o but_o true_a virtue_n and_o solid_a joy_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o love_n practical_a and_o obediential_a for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n cheerful_o for_o savour_v not_o for_o fear_v and_o if_o any_o burden_n unpleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o love_n make_v it_o light_a and_o acceptable_a too_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a to_o let_v we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a in_o love_n when_o we_o find_v they_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o labour_n for_o a_o increase_n of_o charity_n the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v doubtless_o very_o hard_o to_o they_o that_o be_v act_v by_o fear_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o as_o it_o fulfil_v the_o law_n so_o it_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o that_o service_n which_o love_n oblige_v to_o what_o duty_n it_o bind_v on_o a_o good_a servant_n be_v ever_o think_v pleasant_a and_o ready_o discharge_v whereas_o the_o same_o impose_v by_o fear_n will_v make_v subjection_n grievous_a and_o obedience_n to_o be_v cavil_v at_o and_o by_o some_o mean_v elude_v 2._o by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v to_o want_v the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o gospel-precept_n and_o count_v morality_n a_o needless_a burden_n and_o by_o pretence_n and_o objection_n seek_v to_o loosen_v the_o yoke_n that_o they_o may_v shake_v it_o off_o such_o be_v they_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n and_o heap_n to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o heart_n such_o as_o may_v more_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n and_o enlarge_v their_o wanton_a liberty_n by_o restrain_v god_n law_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o his_o church_n for_o man_n now_o adays_o will_v not_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o duty_n but_o will_v range_v according_a to_o their_o will_n they_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o now_o that_o their_o action_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o plain_a precept_n but_o by_o opinion_n and_o party_n they_o may_v be_v warrant_v to_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n whatever_o they_o lust_n but_o alas_o before_o christ_n dreadful_a tribunal_n we_o shall_v not_o he_o judge_v by_o vulgar_a opinion_n nor_o by_o the_o exception_n of_o contentious_a man_n but_o by_o truth_n and_o by_o divine_a law_n there_o man_n fancy_n and_o relaxation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n as_o some_o do_v teach_v it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o hare_n be_v only_o pernicious_a cheat_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o warrant_v their_o looseness_n and_o disobedience_n 3._o but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o weigh_v nor_o understand_v but_o by_o they_o that_o sincere_o love_v god_n and_o be_v therefore_o ready_a always_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o require_v for_o it_o be_v by_o love_n that_o the_o soul_n give_v up_o herself_o to_o god_n and_o by_o cleave_v to_o he_o become_v one_o will_v and_o one_o spirit_n with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o from_o this_o union_n flow_v a_o holy_a peace_n and_o a_o delicious_a joy_n when_o by_o love_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o belove_a and_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o in_o who_o and_o by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n now_o by_o this_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o true_o love_v god_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o his_o purpose_n and_o action_n if_o his_o thought_n and_o desire_n always_o run_v after_o he_o and_o if_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o seek_v to_o please_v and_o to_o obtain_v he_o chap._n xli_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o love_n in_o practical_a knowledge_n than_o in_o speculation_n 1._o to_o desire_v knowledge_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o still_o the_o more_o
he_o know_v the_o more_o that_o desire_n increase_v and_o then_o he_o rejoice_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o his_o great_a learning_n when_o he_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o the_o profound_a of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o love_v his_o knowledge_n more_o than_o god_n the_o object_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o philosopher_n as_o st._n paul_n reprove_v they_o when_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n much_o admire_v themselves_o and_o their_o discovery_n and_o thus_o also_o many_o christian_n value_v more_o what_o they_o know_v and_o what_o they_o can_v discourse_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o value_v both_o he_o and_o it_o they_o speak_v great_a thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o love_v themselves_o for_o so_o speak_v in_o that_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o mirror_n they_o view_v themselves_o especial_o and_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o the_o glass_n they_o admire_v the_o vision_n their_o own_o act_n more_o than_o the_o object_n which_o be_v see_v but_o god_n must_v be_v love_v and_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n in_o singleness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o a_o countryman_n plain_a and_o unlearned_a who_o daily_o see_v the_o sun_n be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o a_o blind_a philosopher_n who_o can_v talk_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o light_n so_o a_o honest_a pious_a man_n without_o scholarship_n by_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n show_v more_o love_n to_o god_n than_o the_o profound_a divine_a by_o his_o subtlety_n and_o high_a speculation_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n in_o northern_a country_n where_o no_o vine_n can_v grow_v may_v learned_o discourse_v of_o their_o fruit_n and_o the_o property_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v such_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o wine_n as_o the_o plain_a vine-dresser_n that_o drink_v it_o daily_o so_o may_v a_o religious_a illiterate_a man_n have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o a_o more_o relish_v apprehension_n of_o they_o than_o many_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fame_n and_o learning_n for_o experience_n go_v beyond_o all_o theory_n and_o love_n pass_v knowledge_n and_o we_o much_o soon_o come_v to_o god_n by_o affection_n than_o by_o studious_a inquiry_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o only_o therefore_o inform_v our_o understanding_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o love_n god_n fervent_o we_o must_v engage_v our_o affection_n and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n proficiency_n in_o goodness_n will_v make_v we_o know_v more_o of_o god_n and_o to_o better_a purpose_n than_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n goodness_n will_v make_v we_o love_v and_o love_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o god_n secret_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o and_o with_o more_o delight_n than_o all_o notional_a learning_n can_v show_v we_o what_o we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o exile_n be_v but_o little_a but_o we_o may_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v he_o grant_v we_o that_o power_n and_o as_o our_o love_n increase_v our_o labour_n will_v grow_v less_o and_o our_o obedience_n more_o perfect_a but_o many_o have_v rather_o seek_v god_n who_o they_o never_o find_v than_o love_n and_o thereby_o enjoy_v he_o chap._n xlii_o that_o by_o love_n holiness_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o without_o the_o unclean_a mixture_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o as_o lead_v in_o silver_n and_o dirt_n upon_o white_a robe_n will_v debase_v and_o stain_v so_o if_o we_o engage_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n to_o thing_n beneath_o they_o we_o make_v they_o vile_a and_o unclean_a whereas_o if_o we_o listen_v they_o up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o hearty_a love_n we_o make_v they_o pure_a and_o beautiful_a a_o heart_n whence_o all_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a thing_n be_v exclude_v and_o who_o affection_n cleave_v to_o god_n by_o the_o union_n of_o love_n may_v with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n rom._n 8.35_o 2._o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o corporal_a austerity_n the_o use_n of_o sacrament_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n be_v great_a help_n towards_o sanctity_n but_o they_o all_o profit_n nothing_o without_o charity_n no_o not_o martyrdom_n itself_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o other_o virtue_n may_v be_v sometime_o dispense_v withal_o as_o the_o poor_a from_o almsgiving_n and_o weak_a and_o sickly_a people_n from_o fast_v and_o rigorous_a discipline_n but_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n every_o one_o be_v always_o oblige_v no_o man_n at_o no_o time_n can_v be_v any_o way_n hinder_v or_o excuse_v obstacle_n and_o difficulty_n may_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o other_o virtue_n but_o they_o increase_v love_n love_n be_v within_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n there_o god_n have_v place_v it_o there_o god_n look_v for_o it_o and_o there_o nothing_o can_v obstruct_v or_o stifle_v it_o except_o we_o will_v ourselves_o love_v alone_o be_v necessary_a and_o alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o holy_a it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n pleasant_a and_o easy_a beyond_o all_o other_o for_o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o love_v and_o who_o dare_v say_v i_o can_v love_v 3._o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n who_o be_v one_o love_v all_o thing_n in_o one_o and_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o love_v not_o god_n true_o that_o love_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o love_v not_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o above_o there_o be_v nothing_o equal_a to_o god_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o turn_v our_o affection_n from_o he_o they_o fall_v upon_o inferior_a object_n upon_o earthly_a thing_n who_o weight_n do_v sink_v and_o press_v they_o down_o and_o our_o heart_n be_v never_o at_o rest_n and_o liberty_n till_o they_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o they_o ungrateful_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o sanctify_v we_o must_v forsake_v ourselves_o and_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o return_v as_o high_a as_o to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o sanctity_n that_o god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o origin_n and_o then_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o he_o by_o a_o devout_a love_n we_o shall_v become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n chap._n xliii_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o wary_a and_o diligent_a 1._o nothing_o can_v soon_o startle_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o slumber_n and_o security_n and_o â—edge_v he_o on_o to_o amend_v and_o order_v his_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n rule_v than_o the_o due_a ponder_v of_o the_o dreadful_a say_n of_o christ_n mat._n 20.16_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v for_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v call_v by_o that_o secret_a election_n which_o entitle_v he_o to_o glory_n and_o justification_n no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o promise_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v conditional_a nothing_o but_o our_o sincerity_n in_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n can_v give_v we_o any_o ground_n of_o assurance_n and_o yet_o how_o defective_a be_v we_o in_o this_o how_o uncertain_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v persevere_v and_o who_o can_v search_v and_o see_v into_o the_o deep_a secret_a of_o his_o election_n here_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o paradise_n cry_v out_o and_o wonder_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11.33_o in_o this_o great_a danger_n and_o