the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o appetite_n too_o many_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v live_v irregular_o in_o their_o call_n christian_n and_o ecclesiastical_a unmindful_a of_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bless_a order_n they_o be_v enter_v in_o their_o indevotion_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o piety_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v for_o pleasure_n abroad_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o find_v it_o not_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o do_v of_o their_o duty_n many_o they_o be_v that_o go_v a_o stray_n and_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v best_a which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o most_o and_o follow_v the_o broad_a way_n in_o a_o crowd_n but_o few_o they_o be_v that_o with_o sincerity_n follow_v christ_n in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o be_v careless_a and_o secure_a in_o that_o way_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a wariness_n have_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o go_v right_a 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 1._o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o approve_a saying_n that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o can_v obey_v the_o divine_a call_n leave_v all_o and_o follow_v i_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o who_o can_v obtain_v it_o without_o beg_v for_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o holy_a scripture_n luke_n 18.1_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a because_o that_o always_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o want_v the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n now_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o who_o every_o day_n have_v his_o set_a hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o as_o they_o return_v be_v observe_v due_o he_o pray_v always_o who_o in_o all_o thing_n walk_v upright_o and_o with_o a_o holy_a intention_n design_n god_n glory_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n he_o pray_v always_o who_o in_o his_o heart_n preserve_v a_o habitual_a devotion_n and_o always_o desire_v to_o pray_v that_o very_a desire_n be_v a_o good_a prayer_n last_o he_o pray_v always_o who_o always_o live_v well_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a prayer_n 2._o no_o man_n ever_o become_v wicked_a profane_a or_o heretic_n who_o do_v not_o first_o neglect_n and_o cast_v off_o this_o holy_a duty_n prayer_n be_v the_o pipe_n or_o conduit_n which_o bring_v divine_a grace_n into_o our_o soul_n take_v it_o away_o and_o grace_n have_v no_o passage_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v parch_v and_o wither_v and_o at_o last_o by_o degree_n must_v die_v neither_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o mumble_v over_o a_o few_o orison_n and_o recite_v they_o only_o with_o the_o voice_n as_o too_o many_o do_v without_o attention_n without_o reverence_n and_o without_o devout_a affection_n of_o they_o god_n complain_v by_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o son_n isa_n 29.13_o mat._n 15.8_o this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o on_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 109.6_o let_v his_o prayer_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n their_o word_n be_v lie_v that_o work_n wickedness_n and_o yet_o sing_v with_o holy_a david_n that_o they_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o yet_o profess_v with_o he_o psal_n 102.4_o my_o heart_n be_v smite_v and_o wither_v like_o grass_n so_o that_o i_o forget_v to_o eat_v my_o bread_n and_o they_o that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n and_o yet_o say_v with_o that_o penitent_a prophet_n psal_n 42.3_o my_o tear_n have_v be_v my_o meat_n day_n and_o night_n and_o they_o that_o neither_o regard_v nor_o obey_v divine_a precept_n and_o yet_o pronounce_v with_o david_n curse_a be_v they_o that_o depart_v from_o thy_o commandment_n and_o be_v far_o from_o thy_o law_n such_o prayer_n be_v mere_a mockery_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n and_o they_o provoke_v his_o wrath_n rather_o than_o appease_v he_o 3._o no_o man_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a except_o at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n morning_n and_o evening_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o devout_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n spend_v as_o much_o time_n therein_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n as_o he_o common_o do_v for_o the_o feed_n of_o his_o mortal_a body_n and_o let_v none_o intermit_v or_o lessen_v the_o duty_n because_o he_o find_v himself_o dry_a and_o dull_a and_o want_v that_o holy_a relish_n and_o liveliness_n of_o holy_a affection_n which_o sometime_o he_o have_v feel_v for_o true_a devotion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o tear_n and_o tender_a passion_n and_o overflowing_n of_o sensible_a joy_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v by_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o image_n and_o false_a deity_n but_o true_a devotion_n consist_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o well_o dispose_v will_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n god_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n 4._o i_o do_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o pray_v which_o be_v give_v by_o pious_a man_n they_o may_v be_v useful_a but_o alone_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v as_o a_o trade_n by_o imitation_n of_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o we_o no_o the_o art_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o careful_a watch_n over_o it_o and_o over_o our_o sense_n for_o how_o can_v he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o spirit_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o vanity_n how_o can_v he_o approach_v god_n due_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o soul_n be_v all_o day_n take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n with_o idle_a talk_n and_o idle_a business_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o think_v that_o of_o a_o sudden_a a_o man_n of_o clay_n can_v raise_v himself_o up_o to_o heaven_n can_v do_v that_o work_n which_o be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o difficult_a without_o serious_a attention_n and_o preparation_n nay_o with_o the_o obstacle_n and_o distraction_n of_o a_o whole_a day_n employment_n about_o earthly_a thing_n no_o prayer_n do_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o well_o compose_v heart_n free_a from_o the_o image_n of_o worldly_a concern_v fit_v and_o desirous_a to_o entertain_v itself_o with_o god_n and_o the_o best_a preparation_n to_o this_o bless_a duty_n be_v a_o good_a and_o upright_a life_n with_o a_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n he_o that_o will_v daily_o pray_v better_a shall_v so_o value_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o therein_o may_v be_v his_o comfort_n and_o he_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o prayer_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o humility_n be_v ever_o accept_v 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 1._o many_o receive_v little_a or_o no_o advantage_n from_o their_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n because_o they_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v affection_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o they_o make_v reservation_n and_o do_v not_o whole_o devote_v and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o his_o good_a pleasure_n they_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n to_o neglect_v and_o to_o oppose_v it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o double_a heart_n one_o they_o offer_v to_o god_n when_o they_o pray_v the_o other_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o and_o can_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n i_o have_v seek_v thou_o other_o act_v by_o curiosity_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o pride_n seek_v after_o high_a speculation_n and_o abstruse_a learning_n which_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o know_v themselves_o and_o the_o master_v of_o their_o sinful_a passion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n their_o spirit_n be_v soften_v and_o they_o find_v some_o delight_n in_o sigh_n and_o tear_n yet_o soon_o after_o that_o delight_n be_v go_v they_o remain_v impatient_a of_o their_o humiliation_n they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a way_n and_o still_o remain_v tangle_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o their_o vicious_a habit_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o sudden_a change_n or_o conversion_n be_v not_o durable_a which_o proceed_v from_o sudden_a and_o strong_a commotion_n for_o the_o violence_n of_o
that_o passion_n which_o carry_v away_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o abate_v it_o return_v to_o its_o former_a and_o more_o please_a affection_n and_o soon_o repent_v of_o its_o repentance_n some_o seek_v themselves_o more_o than_o god_n in_o their_o prayer_n because_o therein_o they_o find_v some_o refreshment_n and_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o some_o seek_v after_o abstraction_n and_o extatick_a rapture_n to_o be_v therein_o raise_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o know_v great_a mystery_n but_o all_o these_o will_v signify_v nothing_o without_o contrition_n and_o humility_n the_o great_a benefit_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o find_v the_o world_n lose_v its_o power_n and_o its_o repute_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o find_v our_o will_n more_o resign_v to_o god_n to_o patience_n and_o to_o obedience_n he_o pray_v best_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o and_o to_o obtain_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o common_a error_n to_o think_v that_o meditation_n be_v a_o thing_n exceed_v difficult_a when_o indeed_o every_o man_n be_v daily_o occupy_v about_o it_o for_o to_o meditate_v be_v to_o revolve_v and_o view_v thing_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o we_o always_o do_v vain_a and_o worldly_a and_o often_o sinful_a thing_n why_o can_v we_o then_o as_o well_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n sure_o we_o can_v easy_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o expel_v the_o world_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n than_o there_o will_v be_v room_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o want_v of_o this_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o reproach_n of_o christ_n we_o pretend_v indeed_o that_o our_o occupation_n be_v necessary_a and_o perhaps_o good_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n to_o dispense_v with_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o however_o the_o business_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v our_o chief_a concern_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o neglect_v it_o upon_o any_o account_n 4._o the_o body_n without_o nourishment_n soon_o decay_v into_o weakness_n and_o death_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n without_o its_o proper_a food_n which_o be_v prayer_n and_o it_o want_v it_o the_o more_o frequent_o in_o that_o it_o have_v many_o more_o and_o great_a necessity_n than_o the_o body_n have_v for_o heat_n and_o cold_a hunger_n thirst_n and_o sickness_n and_o whatever_o afflict_v the_o body_n do_v also_o vex_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v compatible_a with_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n itself_o be_v all_o enemy_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o daily_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n and_o it_o have_v no_o strength_n nor_o defence_n nor_o comfort_n but_o from_o prayer_n only_o we_o ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o devout_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o innerman_n in_o the_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v we_o need_v not_o always_o word_n in_o our_o private_a closet_n god_n see_v our_o thought_n and_o hear_v our_o secret_a desire_n yet_o they_o may_v use_v book_n to_o good_a purpose_n that_o be_v not_o use_v to_o mental_a prayer_n and_o however_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v say_v and_o sing_v aloud_o and_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o unalterable_a that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v agree_v in_o they_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o by_o join_v their_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o mind_n to_o send_v up_o their_o praise_n and_o petition_n to_o god_n yet_o still_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_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 1._o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v true_o good_a and_o acceptable_a we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o ask_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n for_o though_o a_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o yet_o the_o sure_a and_o better_a way_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v and_o demand_v it_o upon_o god_n account_n because_o it_o will_v please_v he_o that_o self-love_n may_v not_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o petition_n the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o prayer_n must_v rest_v be_v a_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o we_o must_v approach_v with_o a_o humble_a simplicity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v like_o a_o infant_n bring_v to_o his_o mother_n breast_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o intent_n to_o his_o devotion_n that_o consider_v himself_o pray_v for_o while_o he_o reflect_v on_o his_o prayer_n his_o mind_n be_v divert_v from_o god_n to_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o sometime_o he_o be_v distract_v endeavour_v to_o avoid_v distraction_n therefore_o i_o say_v simplicity_n be_v best_a in_o prayer_n to_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o god_n to_o look_v to_o none_o but_o he_o who_o we_o worship_v 2._o for_o his_o mind_n shall_v hardly_o be_v draw_v to_o other_o object_n that_o shall_v consider_v god_n as_o present_v the_o immensity_n of_o divine_a perfection_n will_v absorb_v his_o thought_n they_o shall_v sail_v in_o that_o boundless_a ocean_n and_o find_v no_o limit_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o god_n will_v be_v out_o of_o sight_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o better_a state_n here_o we_o must_v expect_v distraction_n and_o if_o we_o due_o strive_v against_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o god_n will_v hear_v they_o and_o assist_v we_o while_o we_o contend_v with_o our_o infirmity_n yet_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v free_v from_o ill_a and_o idle_a thought_n by_o slight_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o attend_v to_o they_o than_o by_o fence_v and_o fight_v against_o they_o for_o sometime_o while_o we_o stand_v to_o confute_v they_o they_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n on_o perplex_a and_o timorous_a heart_n a_o prayer_n dry_a without_o relish_n and_o comfort_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o that_o it_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o nature_n 3._o as_o traveller_n always_o bear_v in_o mind_n the_o place_n whither_o they_o will_v go_v so_o they_o that_o pray_v shall_v always_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o design_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o life_n to_o have_v our_o will_n make_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o labour_n now_o prayer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o common_a and_o ordinary_a perform_v by_o our_o endeavour_n and_o diligent_a application_n together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n for_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o extraordinary_a and_o infuse_v more_o secret_a and_o mysterious_a with_o sigh_n unutterable_a we_o may_v beg_v the_o gift_n of_o both_o for_o god_n be_v free_a and_o very_o gracious_a yet_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o common_a and_o wherein_o we_o have_v a_o part_n to_o act_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o bless_a disposition_n to_o lift_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o entertain_v holy_a affection_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o this_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o grant_v to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v of_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a spirit_n for_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o begin_v our_o prayer_n with_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o being_n nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o impotency_n and_o wretched_a sinfulness_n and_o withal_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n aright_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v and_o we_o may_v cheerful_o fulfil_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n chap._n xliv_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n 1._o what_o be_v write_v concern_v wisdom_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v of_o prayer_n wisd_v 7._o i_o prefer_v she_o before_o sceptre_n and_o throne_n and_o esteem_v riches_n nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o she_o i_o love_v she_o above_o health_n and_o beauty_n and_o choose_v to_o have_v she_o instead_o of_o light_n for_o the_o light_n that_o come_v from_o she_o never_o go_v out_o all_o good_a thing_n together_o come_v to_o i_o with_o she_o and_o innumerable_a riches_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o
audible_a voice_n to_o the_o ear_n the_o pleasure_n which_o those_o sense_n receive_v from_o a_o beautiful_a sight_n or_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n may_v be_v call_v their_o life_n and_o their_o death_n or_o mortification_n in_o proportion_n to_o this_o be_v their_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o object_n whereon_o they_o act_v with_o delight_n which_o deprivation_n be_v very_o useful_a if_o not_o altogether_o requisite_a to_o arrive_v to_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n and_o sanctification_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o destructive_a of_o a_o christian_a life_n than_o a_o life_n of_o sense_n the_o imagination_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n when_o these_o work_n upon_o she_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o outward_a object_n she_o likewise_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o low_a faculty_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o we_o bar_v our_o sense_n by_o a_o strict_a restraint_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o with_o sinful_a delight_n 3._o in_o this_o consist_v the_o death_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o twofold_a the_o first_o natural_a when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o real_a separation_n betwixt_o sense_n and_o its_o object_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o meet_v the_o second_o moral_a when_o sense_n perceive_v but_o enjoy_v not_o its_o object_n be_v restrain_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o the_o first_o some_o judge_n to_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o more_o safe_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n than_o to_o keep_v a_o due_a moderation_n when_o we_o engage_v in_o they_o but_o in_o this_o discretion_n and_o due_a measure_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o second_o be_v according_o think_v to_o be_v more_o dangerous_a because_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v very_a entice_a and_o insinuate_v and_o be_v know_v by_o sad_a experience_n to_o have_v a_o great_a prevalency_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o noble_a affection_n 4._o and_o then_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o suck_v the_o poison_n of_o voluptuousness_n together_o with_o our_o milk_n from_o our_o very_a infancy_n we_o learn_v to_o indulge_v sense_n and_o though_o we_o have_v often_o experiment_v that_o its_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v short_a and_o vain_a and_o unsatisfy_v and_o withal_o pernicious_a and_o high_o afflictive_a to_o the_o soul_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o they_o they_o stick_v close_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o those_o please_v though_o false_a apprehension_n which_o first_o enter_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v rectify_v nor_o be_v go_v till_o we_o have_v a_o long_a time_n use_v serious_a reflection_n and_o consideration_n till_o by_o many_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o contrary_a virtue_n we_o have_v imprint_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v the_o way_n to_o he_o to_o chastise_v and_o restrain_v the_o fancy_n to_o keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o divine_a precept_n be_v the_o way_n to_o spiritualise_v ourselves_o and_o to_o come_v to_o god_n chap._n vii_o of_o deny_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n especial_o intemperance_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n who_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o study_n to_o please_v he_o to_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n pomp_n and_o vanity_n but_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o food_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o by_o it_o our_o body_n be_v rescue_v from_o death_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o return_v upon_o we_o daily_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o of_o delight_n in_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o need_n there_o be_v danger_n also_o lest_o luxury_n mingle_v with_o it_o and_o pleasure_n which_o may_v follow_v after_o be_v the_o lead_a cause_n to_o our_o refection_n therefore_o though_o we_o can_v whole_o forbear_v eat_v and_o drink_v yet_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n of_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o it_o that_o necessity_n be_v not_o the_o pretence_n and_o pleasure_v the_o design_n of_o eat_v nature_n be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o greediness_n or_o daintiness_n be_v always_o crave_v and_o sometime_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o want_n or_o wantonness_n call_v for_o food_n and_o we_o be_v glad_a and_o willing_a to_o mistake_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o occasion_n to_o gratify_v the_o unruly_a appetite_n in_o these_o we_o must_v daily_o watch_v ourselves_o because_o these_o temptation_n do_v daily_o return_v and_o we_o must_v diet_v ourselves_o with_o such_o moderation_n that_o we_o may_v nourish_v our_o body_n and_o not_o feed_v our_o lust_n plain_o abstemious_a and_o frugal_a food_n be_v the_o health_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o that_o pamper_v not_o his_o flesh_n by_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n of_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n may_v easy_o master_v all_o carnal_a desire_n 2._o to_o seek_v after_o feast_n and_o dainty_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n and_o our_o meditation_n be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o epicure_n of_o one_o who_o god_n be_v his_o belly_n and_o who_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n but_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v indeed_o and_o also_o live_v as_o a_o penitent_a press_v necessity_n shall_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o table_n and_o thither_o he_o shall_v come_v as_o if_o bread_n and_o water_n be_v his_o only_a allowance_n that_o whatever_o be_v superad_v may_v relish_v better_o and_o he_o may_v be_v more_o content_a and_o thankful_a and_o also_o moderate_a this_o we_o may_v easy_o do_v if_o we_o will_v due_o consider_v how_o abstemious_a primitive_a christian_n be_v how_o much_o our_o bless_a lord_n fast_v and_o how_o for_o we_o he_o taste_v vinegar_n and_o gall_n this_o if_o we_o will_v often_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o serious_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o bless_a example_n our_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o our_o thought_n will_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o dwell_v in_o cave_n and_o kitchen_n as_o for_o the_o other_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o also_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n all_o occasion_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o idleness_n also_o a_o strict_a watch_n over_o our_o sense_n must_v be_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a modesty_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o especial_o we_o must_v shun_v all_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o other_o sex_n for_o this_o without_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o will_n kindle_v a_o dangerous_a and_o secret_a fire_n and_o last_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o confident_a of_o ourselves_o for_o in_o such_o a_o slippery_a way_n he_o be_v in_o some_o manner_n already_o fall_v that_o fear_v not_o to_o fall_v chap._n viii_o of_o talkativeness_n and_o silence_n 1._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v past_a number_n therefore_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 10.19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n there_o want_v not_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o restrain_v his_o lip_n be_v wise_a indeed_o talkativeness_n be_v a_o fountain_n and_o a_o torrent_n of_o iniquity_n it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o ignorance_n it_o betray_v much_o folly_n and_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o serious_a thought_n and_o recollection_n man_n word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o something_o of_o pride_n for_o they_o common_o speak_v to_o teach_v other_o and_o to_o show_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o great_a part_n every_o one_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o be_v think_v somebody_o he_o common_o out_v with_o more_o than_o he_o know_v as_o bad_a air_n draw_v in_o do_v in_o time_n affect_v infect_v the_o body_n so_o do_v the_o breath_n of_o many_o word_n much_o prejudice_n the_o soul_n it_o dissolve_v the_o spirit_n and_o breed_v quarrel_n and_o contention_n and_o utter_v lie_n and_o detraction_n and_o bring_v forth_o loose_a unseemly_a jest_n and_o jeer_v and_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o be_v devout_a and_o to_o have_v peace_n within_o who_o do_v not_o refrain_v his_o tongue_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n before_o his_o lip_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o amend_v himself_o that_o censure_n and_o speak_v ill_a of_o other_o this_o be_v a_o snare_n wherein_o many_o be_v catch_v to_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o to_o boast_v and_o magnify_v what_o be_v they_o and_o slight_a as_o much_o what_o relate_v to_o other_o few_o there_o be_v that_o whole_o renounce_v to_o this_o vice_n few_o that_o lead_v so_o uncorrupt_a a_o life_n as_o not_o willing_o to_o tax_v other_o corruption_n the_o propensity_n to_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o many_o count_v good_a christian_n
who_o have_v overcome_v divers_a temptation_n and_o mortify_v their_o other_o lust_n yet_o fall_v here_o and_o can_v bridle_v their_o unruly_a tongue_n the_o last_o gin_n the_o devil_n set_v to_o catch_v soul_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o man_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o great_a experience_n that_o a_o great_a talker_n be_v never_o very_o good_a or_o never_o persevere_v to_o be_v so_o 2._o silence_z therefore_o which_o sequester_v we_o from_o man_n vain_a converse_n that_o we_o may_v entertain_v ourselves_o with_o god_n silence_n which_o sanctify_v all_o our_o persecution_n sorrow_n and_o infirmity_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o every_o one_o that_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o for_o when_o in_o any_o case_n we_o suffer_v wrongful_o and_o yet_o hold_v our_o tongue_n we_o then_o offer_v to_o god_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n good_n and_o good_a name_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n but_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o we_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o free_v ourselves_o from_o clamour_n and_o perturbation_n sometime_o indeed_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v requisite_a but_o we_o must_v be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o exceed_v not_o the_o due_a bound_n of_o christian_a meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v happen_v but_o seldom_o as_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o answer_v by_o the_o magistrate_n when_o the_o slander_n will_v make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o exercise_v or_o useless_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o public_a office_n or_o when_o it_o will_v be_v other_o detriment_n in_o these_o case_n we_o may_v speak_v with_o truth_n and_o meekness_n in_o other_o we_o have_v best_o hold_v our_o tongue_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o purpose_n we_o must_v also_o refrain_v and_o quell_v our_o inward_a passion_n that_o the_o tumult_n within_o make_v not_o the_o outward_a peace_n insignificant_a i_o keep_v silence_n even_o from_o good_a word_n say_v the_o psalmist_n if_o from_o good_a word_n sometime_o we_o must_v refrain_v much_o more_o always_o from_o vain_a and_o ill_a language_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o can_v hold_v his_o tongue_n for_o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a to_o knâ—â—_n how_o to_o speak_v well_o than_o how_o to_o be_v silent_a 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 1._o virtue_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o last_a pleasure_n of_o rational_a creature_n other_o thing_n be_v pleasant_a but_o in_o appearance_n and_o for_o a_o short_a uncertain_a time_n and_o according_a to_o man_n various_a opinion_n for_o worldly_a pleasure_n proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n which_o be_v constant_a and_o common_a to_o all_o but_o from_o corrupt_a appetite_n which_o always_o do_v change_n and_o differ_v as_o a_o sick_a palate_n can_v right_o discern_v of_o the_o relish_n of_o meat_n no_o more_o can_v a_o vicious_a man_n feel_v and_o understand_v what_o be_v true_a pleasure_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o virtue_n to_o which_o he_o be_v too_o much_o a_o stranger_n sensible_n delight_n indeed_o by_o nature_n instinct_n be_v please_v to_o all_o and_o few_o just_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o when_o to_o refuse_v they_o but_o man_n be_v create_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n than_o only_o to_o gratify_v sense_n he_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sight_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n the_o last_o and_o sovereign_a good_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o can_v contemplate_v truth_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o idea_n and_o representation_n which_o we_o have_v from_o sense_n and_o our_o rational_a faculty_n can_v well_o discharge_v their_o function_n when_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n be_v discompose_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o care_n of_o our_o body_n as_o may_v render_v they_o fit_a instrument_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o preserve_v they_o so_o 2._o but_o we_o sin_v grievous_o and_o pervert_v the_o order_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v appoint_v if_o we_o make_v bodily_a pleasure_n the_o end_n of_o our_o natural_a action_n whereas_o we_o shall_v design_v they_o and_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o those_o noble_a office_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v after_o god_n image_n i_o confess_v we_o can_v long_o subsist_v without_o some_o pleasure_n corporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o we_o can_v divide_v our_o soul_n equal_o betwixt_o both_o but_o then_o this_o oblige_v we_o to_o aspire_v the_o more_o after_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o to_o delight_v ourselves_o so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o disrelish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o vanity_n 3._o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v also_o that_o some_o love_n virtue_n more_o for_o its_o glory_n than_o its_o goodness_n sake_n they_o aspire_v after_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_a and_o transcendent_a they_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a life_n because_o it_o denote_v a_o brave_a and_o generous_a spirit_n they_o preserve_v inward_a peace_n because_o it_o be_v pleasant_a they_o inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n consult_v many_o book_n that_o they_o may_v enlarge_v their_o knowledge_n and_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o perfection_n that_o they_o may_v delight_v in_o themselves_o and_o admire_v their_o own_o excellency_n all_o this_o these_o man_n do_v for_o to_o please_v and_o magnify_v themselves_o when_o they_o think_v most_o of_o all_o to_o serve_v god_n they_o only_o serve_v to_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o when_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v expect_v great_a reward_n they_o shall_v find_v their_o hand_n empty_a of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o heart_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o self-love_n god_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v with_o humility_n with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o sincere_a spirit_n he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n this_o life_n be_v the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n a_o state_n of_o warfare_n a_o place_n of_o perpetual_a labour_n rest_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n eternal_a be_v reserve_v for_o a_o better_a life_n chap._n x._o that_o we_o be_v lead_v too_o much_o by_o opinion_n 1._o that_o we_o general_o live_v by_o opinion_n be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o how_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o well_o understand_v opinion_n in_o many_o case_n and_o after_o a_o strange_a way_n do_v exercise_v a_o great_a power_n or_o rather_o tyranny_n over_o man_n it_o make_v they_o as_o it_o please_v healthy_a or_o sickly_a poor_a or_o rich_a miserable_a or_o happy_a for_o no_o man_n be_v either_o of_o these_o but_o as_o he_o think_v himself_o opinion_n bring_v joy_n or_o sorrow_n not_o so_o much_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n for_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o we_o wish_v or_o fear_v be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a or_o grievous_a as_o we_o imagine_v more_o than_o that_o opinion_n not_o only_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o present_a be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v future_a but_o also_o unite_v together_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o distant_a and_o make_v we_o feel_v in_o one_o moment_n the_o good_n or_o evil_n of_o many_o year_n to_o come_v and_o which_o perhaps_o shall_v never_o be_v opinion_n alone_a for_o the_o most_o part_n bring_v credit_n and_o praise_n to_o man_n and_o their_o action_n and_o if_o all_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v together_o they_o can_v not_o content_v one_o single_a man_n except_o his_o opinion_n be_v also_o satisfy_v hamans_n wealth_n be_v exceed_v great_a and_o he_o be_v first_o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n ahasuerus_n and_o yet_o he_o think_v himself_o the_o unhappy_a of_o man_n because_o mordecai_n a_o poor_a captive_n will_v not_o stand_v up_o and_o honour_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o palace_n 2._o another_o great_a mischief_n of_o opinion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lengthen_v the_o present_a time_n and_o make_v its_o duration_n in_o some_o manner_n interminable_a as_o if_o our_o life_n and_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v to_o have_v no_o end_n and_o that_o contrariwise_o it_o contract_v eternity_n and_o lessen_v to_o almost_o nothing_o those_o incomprehensible_a amaze_a everlasting_a age_n that_o follow_v this_o uncertain_a life_n man_n also_o common_o take_v a_o account_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o opinion_n and_o whilst_o they_o seek_v to_o avoid_v one_o extreme_a they_o too_o often_o fall_v into_o another_o as_o some_o from_o a_o dull_a lazy_a life_n become_v
upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n as_o perish_v and_o soon_o end_v and_o therefore_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o the_o riches_n above_o which_o be_v true_a and_o everlasting_a there_o he_o seek_v for_o honour_n where_o it_o be_v give_v to_o none_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o he_o expect_v that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v obtain_v expel_v all_o fear_n and_o all_o danger_n all_o his_o possession_n here_o he_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o himself_o be_v ready_a free_o to_o be_v in_o want_n if_o providence_n shall_v please_v 3._o now_o by_o these_o token_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o mammon_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v a_o cumbrance_n and_o a_o heavy_a burden_n if_o we_o slight_v they_o and_o be_v very_o well_o please_v to_o be_v without_o they_o if_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v not_o pu_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o fine_a house_n and_o rich_a furniture_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o vain_a monument_n of_o man_n vanity_n and_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o their_o salvation_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o be_v free_a from_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o those_o thing_n they_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o safety_n and_o trouble_v and_o fear_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o sleep_v well_o in_o a_o mean_a narrow_a couch_n than_o to_o be_v sick_a and_o restless_a in_o a_o stately_a bed_n so_o be_v it_o much_o better_a to_o be_v content_a and_o quiet_a with_o a_o little_a than_o to_o have_v much_o and_o therewith_o much_o of_o vexation_n he_o that_o be_v content_a be_v rich_a and_o happy_a chap._n xvi_o of_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assign_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n mat._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n such_o be_v they_o that_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v rich_a nor_o place_v their_o peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o riches_n who_o wish_n and_o possession_n can_v never_o fail_v nor_o be_v take_v from_o they_o who_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o have_v their_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n than_o other_o be_v of_o be_v poor_a and_o who_o heart_n raise_v above_o all_o create_a thing_n can_v true_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o be_o rich_a praise_v be_v god_n and_o have_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o my_o need_n and_o more_o than_o i_o desire_v and_o my_o affection_n cleave_v not_o to_o what_o i_o have_v i_o have_v the_o use_n but_o not_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v free_o part_v with_o it_o without_o pain_n or_o regret_n i_o be_o true_o enrich_v with_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v from_o above_o in_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v and_o it_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o itself_o for_o in_o it_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o have_v right_a to_o nothing_o that_o i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o myself_o that_o bless_a truth_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o place_v my_o contentment_n in_o earthly_a transitory_a thing_n which_o like_a shadow_n will_v soon_o pass_v away_o and_o will_v deceive_v i_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v to_o i_o but_o by_o that_o gracious_a providence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n which_o bring_v i_o naked_a from_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a will_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o dust_n again_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a infuse_v from_o above_o there_o be_v only_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o they_o only_o despise_v this_o earth_n 2._o will_v to_o god_n christian_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o do_v well_o understand_v this_o truth_n for_o than_o none_o of_o they_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o perish_a riches_n of_o this_o world_n and_o none_o will_v love_v they_o but_o as_o few_o be_v choose_v few_o be_v wise_a and_o but_o few_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_a be_v the_o rich_a that_o be_v find_v without_o blemish_n and_o that_o be_v not_o go_v after_o gold_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n who_o be_v he_o and_o we_o will_v call_v he_o bless_v for_o wonderful_a thing_n have_v he_o do_v among_o his_o people_n ecclus._n 31.8_o for_o indeed_o you_o shall_v hardly_o find_v one_o man_n that_o can_v possess_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o that_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o content_a under_o poverty_n few_o they_o be_v that_o come_v to_o this_o perfection_n because_o man_n love_v the_o vanity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v purchase_v with_o riches_n and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o regard_n the_o precept_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o be_v not_o solicitous_a for_o it_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o want_v those_o thing_n why_o then_o do_v it_o we_o believe_v our_o love_a saviour_n and_o trust_v the_o providence_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n because_o we_o suffer_v our_o desire_n to_o run_v over_o the_o world_n and_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o because_o we_o give_v ear_n to_o our_o lust_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v for_o they_o that_o carry_v the_o world_n before_o they_o or_o at_o least_o carry_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v for_o the_o naked_a such_o who_o spirit_n be_v free_a from_o the_o cumbersome_a riches_n of_o the_o world_n what_o will_v the_o false_a mammon_n avail_v if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a riches_n we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n travel_v homeward_o through_o a_o straight_a and_o difficult_a way_n and_o great_a load_n can_v be_v but_o great_a hindrance_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o almsgiving_n 1._o such_o riches_n as_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o a_o moderate_a supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n according_a to_o our_o quality_n may_v not_o be_v keep_v niggardly_a nor_o spend_v profuse_o upon_o pride_n or_o luxury_n but_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a they_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o good_a work_n and_o pious_a use_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o much_o endanger_v his_o salvation_n that_o do_v not_o dispose_v of_o they_o on_o this_o wise_a money_n keep_v in_o bag_n be_v but_o dress_v its_o worth_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o serve_v not_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o gather_a treasure_n in_o heaven_n than_o it_o become_v mischievous_a and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o do_v exceed_v its_o weight_n land_n money_n and_o other_o moveable_n be_v general_o call_v good_n not_o that_o they_o make_v a_o man_n good_a of_o themselves_o but_o because_o the_o owner_n may_v do_v good_a with_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o better_o and_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 112.9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v his_o riches_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.8_o and_o as_o water_n will_v quench_v a_o flame_a fire_n so_o alm_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n say_v the_o wise_a ben-sirach_a ecclus._n 3.30_o nothing_o suit_v better_a with_o our_o christian_a profession_n than_o to_o pity_n and_o help_v the_o afflict_a remember_v and_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o common_a nature_n in_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o antichristian_a than_o to_o refuse_v comfort_n and_o assistance_n to_o other_o or_o even_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o want_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v our_o wealth_n and_o enrich_v our_o heir_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o share_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o damn_v our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o shall_v seize_v upon_o our_o riches_n may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o be_v prodigal_a and_o vicious_a 2._o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v when_o and_o how_o far_o every_o one_o that_o can_v shall_v deprive_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v spare_v for_o charity_n this_o can_v have_v no_o other_o measure_n than_o such_o as_o piety_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v assign_v only_o i_o say_v that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o ability_n and_o we_o must_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o i_o hear_v