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
shake_v off_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n presence_n because_o it_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o our_o appetite_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n spiritual_a joy_n be_v deny_v we_o we_o present_o seek_v for_o earthly_a pleasure_n because_o we_o open_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o see_v god_n present_a and_o we_o embrace_v he_o not_o with_o devout_a affection_n and_o we_o care_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n which_o god_n himself_o show_v to_o abraham_n to_o have_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a holy_a david_n likewise_o make_v a_o great_a use_n of_o this_o to_o be_v always_o mindful_a that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o psal_n 16.8_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v he_o can_v never_o but_o be_v happy_a that_o dwell_v with_o the_o author_n of_o all_o happiness_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n saint_n appear_v difficult_a 1._o we_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o christian_a worthy_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o because_o we_o represent_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o be_v now_o of_o another_o nature_n free_v from_o the_o body_n inhabitant_n of_o the_o mansion_n of_o bliss_n whence_o anger_n lust_n and_o all_o temptation_n be_v for_o ever_o banish_v and_o where_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o if_o we_o real_o desire_v to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o they_o then_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o as_o we_o be_v so_o be_v they_o mortal_a man_n cumber_v with_o the_o uneasy_a burden_n of_o the_o flesh_n infect_v with_o sin_n tempt_v by_o sinful_a affection_n and_o expose_v to_o misery_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o by_o faith_n they_o overcome_v all_o these_o subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n and_o by_o fight_v obtain_v the_o crown_n 2._o elias_n say_v st._n james_n 5.17_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o the_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o again_o he_o pray_v and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_n and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o her_o fruit_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o saint_n that_o have_v do_v the_o great_a wonder_n they_o be_v like_o we_o make_v of_o the_o same_o clay_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o temptation_n while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v only_o above_o we_o in_o this_o that_o with_o great_a and_o assiduous_a pain_n they_o conquer_v pride_n and_o lust_n and_o escape_v the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o diligent_a care_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n why_o then_o do_v we_o draw_v back_o and_o make_v delay_n to_o they_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o become_v saint_n by_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o if_o shake_v off_o our_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n we_o will_v serious_o endeavour_v we_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n arrive_v to_o the_o same_o height_n of_o sanctification_n and_o bliss_n as_o they_o have_v for_o he_o have_v proceed_v far_o towards_o holiness_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v holy_a chap._n xxix_o how_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o again_o col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o a_o good_a work_n which_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o god_n account_n do_v become_v evil_a it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n to_o receive_v its_o form_n from_o the_o end_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o act_n and_o if_o we_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n without_o reference_n to_o god_n this_o be_v that_o lust_n or_o sinful_a love_n which_o saint_n john_n condemn_v 1_o ep._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n love_v they_o not_o so_o as_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o for_o here_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n traveller_n go_v home_o to_o our_o father_n house_n to_o our_o god_n and_o so_o what_o creature_n we_o meet_v in_o our_o way_n we_o may_v use_v they_o as_o convenience_n to_o carry_v we_o forward_o towards_o he_o but_o we_o may_v not_o dwell_v with_o they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v at_o our_o journey_n end_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v love_v for_o himself_o he_o alone_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o last_o and_o best_a end_n we_o can_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o he_o alone_o our_o appetite_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v our_o enjoyment_n shall_v be_v secure_a and_o our_o joy_n undisturbed_a for_o ever_o whosoever_o know_v not_o and_o pursue_v not_o this_o end_n know_v not_o why_o he_o live_v nor_o how_o to_o live_v well_o but_o he_o that_o know_v it_o know_v whither_o to_o direct_v his_o intention_n and_o whither_o to_o tend_v in_o all_o his_o action_n 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o natural_a action_n as_o to_o walk_v to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v and_o such_o like_a be_v of_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a yet_o all_o divine_n teach_v that_o they_o become_v sin_n if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o to_o some_o further_a and_o better_a end_n that_o be_v to_o live_v to_o serve_v god_n who_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o all_o man_n action_n because_o as_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 6.22_o if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n this_o eye_n be_v the_o intention_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o action_n if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a they_o become_v work_n of_o darkness_n and_o good_a it_o can_v be_v except_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n the_o supreme_a goodness_n every_o good_a thing_n come_v from_o god_n and_o whatever_o return_v not_o to_o he_o be_v evil_a chap._n xxx_o self-love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1._o after_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o prefer_v himself_o to_o god_n commit_v that_o grievous_a transgression_n whereby_o all_o mankind_n become_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n lust_n and_o ignorance_n darkness_n and_o evil_a propensity_n seize_v upon_o our_o nature_n man_n forsake_v god_n and_o turn_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n run_v dissolute_o after_o carnal_a pleasure_n hence_o self-love_n the_o great_a enemy_n to_o virtue_n come_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o man_n who_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o seek_v nothing_o now_o but_o wealth_n honour_n and_o sensual_a delight_n and_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.7_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v for_o all_o its_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o sin_n only_o 2._o and_o yet_o self-love_n which_o seek_v so_o much_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v indeed_o its_o chief_a hindrance_n for_o god_n have_v create_v we_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o enjoin_v we_o to_o design_n it_o always_o when_o by_o self-love_n we_o seek_v only_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o advantage_n we_o do_v nothing_o whereby_o to_o obtain_v god_n favour_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o rather_o fall_v into_o a_o wretched_a state_n of_o damnation_n we_o be_v debtor_n not_o to_o the_o flesh_n to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v now_o to_o this_o mortification_n we_o be_v strong_o oblige_v by_o christian_a religion_n its_o great_a design_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n that_o as_o we_o yield_v our_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n even_o so_o now_o we_o shall_v yield_v they_o servant_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
forth_o to_o some_o outward_a employment_n by_o necessity_n or_o by_o god_n glory_n yet_o his_o thought_n will_v always_o tend_v homeward_o to_o dwell_v in_o peace_n with_o the_o inner_a man_n in_o a_o humble_a and_o quiet_a heart_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o busy_a about_o the_o circumference_n of_o unsettled_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o his_o proper_a rest_n and_o centre_n which_o be_v god_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorant_a foolish_a world_n it_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v alone_o and_o converse_v with_o themselves_o but_o for_o a_o few_o hour_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o they_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v engage_v abroad_o and_o to_o avoid_v their_o own_o company_n they_o spend_v much_o of_o their_o time_n upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o yet_o what_o remain_v of_o it_o lie_v upon_o they_o like_o a_o heavy_a burden_n and_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v out_o occasion_n to_o throw_v it_o away_o they_o dread_v to_o look_v within_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o fearful_a apprehension_n vexation_n and_o tediousness_n of_o spirit_n they_o range_v abroad_o and_o go_v for_o comfort_n to_o other_o creature_n serious_n thought_n be_v a_o terror_n to_o they_o and_o consideration_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o death_n because_o their_o soul_n lie_v naked_a and_o deform_a load_v with_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o avoid_v the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n love_v to_o be_v private_a and_o to_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n when_o so_o many_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o a_o perpetual_a hurry_n and_o esteem_v themselves_o unhappy_a when_o they_o must_v be_v alone_o as_o indeed_o unhappy_a they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v until_o they_o rectify_v many_o thing_n and_o learn_v to_o confer_v and_o live_v with_o themselves_o and_o by_o inward_a purity_n invite_v god_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o they_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o but_o a_o few_o choose_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o forsake_v the_o many_o and_o live_v with_o the_o few_o and_o with_o fear_n and_o diligent_a care_n make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a 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 1._o how_o apt_a riches_n be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o good_a life_n how_o pernicious_a be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o affirm_v with_o a_o asseveration_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o much_o to_o be_v note_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 19.23_o and_o that_o this_o terrible_a sentence_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n he_o exemplify_v rich_a man_n danger_n by_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camet_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v narrow_a and_o can_v give_v no_o entrance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v load_v and_o cumber_v with_o fardel_n of_o wealth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o love_v and_o desire_v riches_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n do_v a_o bitter_a potion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o recover_v health_n but_o it_o be_v unpleasant_a and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o he_o will_v let_v it_o alone_o and_o however_o he_o take_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v so_o shall_v every_o christian_a be_v affect_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o our_o necessity_n require_v the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v vexatious_a and_o dangerous_a too_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v wish_v we_o can_v live_v without_o they_o and_o we_o must_v take_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o be_v requisite_a to_o supply_v our_o want_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 6.6_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n and_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o good_a man_n fear_v not_o my_o son_n though_o we_o be_v make_v poor_a for_o thou_o have_v much_o wealth_n if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o all_o sin_n tob._n 4.21_o 2._o he_o be_v true_o rich_a that_o be_v rich_a to_o eternity_n and_o have_v a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o store_n but_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v innocent_a that_o will_v be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n man_n care_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o commit_v so_o they_o may_v get_v wealth_n and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o its_o great_a use_n be_v to_o purchase_v therewith_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o that_o play_v with_o pebble_n and_o pin_n be_v very_a intent_n to_o their_o game_n when_o yet_o they_o value_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o care_v for_o our_o necessity_n and_o yet_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o supply_v they_o we_o may_v use_v money_n to_o that_o end_n but_o we_o may_v not_o enslave_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o except_o we_o will_v become_v most_o base_a and_o miserable_a we_o see_v when_o nut_n be_v throw_v among_o child_n they_o will_v greedy_o scrape_v and_o fight_v for_o they_o and_o man_n will_v stand_v unconcern_v and_o despise_v such_o trash_n so_o shall_v we_o as_o many_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o be_v true_a christian_n when_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v get_v and_o man_n that_o know_v and_o expect_v no_o better_o will_v crowd_n and_o strive_v and_o sweat_v for_o they_o let_v we_o laugh_v and_o pity_v their_o folly_n those_o thing_n be_v but_o nut_n not_o worth_a our_o stoop_n if_o any_o fall_n into_o our_o bosom_n we_o may_v break_v it_o and_o eat_v it_o but_o it_o be_v below_o we_o to_o scramble_v for_o they_o all_o worldly_a thing_n be_v mere_a deceit_n and_o vanity_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n he_o will_v have_v no_o riches_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v despise_v they_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n like_v not_o of_o this_o they_o rather_o despise_v christ_n and_o his_o divine_a doctrine_n because_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_n mammon_n but_o the_o child_n of_o light_n gather_v their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n corrupt_v and_o where_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o nor_o steal_v he_o be_v rich_a enough_o in_o this_o world_n that_o want_v not_o daily_a bread_n 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 1._o few_o understand_v or_o consider_v how_o to_o use_v their_o estate_n aright_o that_o they_o be_v the_o provision_n for_o this_o present_a short_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n obtain_v without_o any_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o own_o without_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n and_o preserve_v without_o anxious_a fear_n and_o distribute_v without_o regret_n or_o nigardliness_n where_o charity_n and_o necessity_n call_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o by_o birth_n or_o by_o place_n be_v noble_a and_o dignify_a person_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o rank_n which_o shall_v be_v honourable_o maintain_v have_v great_a want_n than_o their_o inferior_n who_o may_v have_v sufficient_a with_o a_o lesser_a portion_n yet_o however_o we_o be_v all_o but_o steward_n of_o what_o we_o possess_v and_o we_o shall_v all_o study_v alm_n and_o moderation_n that_o god_n our_o great_a landlord_n may_v find_v we_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v the_o true_a owner_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v we_o be_v but_o servant_n under_o he_o who_o shall_v use_v all_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o plenty_n be_v voluntary_o poor_a as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o riches_n increase_v shall_v not_o be_v proud_a nor_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o 2._o nature_n have_v hide_v gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o covetous_a that_o seek_v for_o those_o belove_a metal_n be_v bow_v down_o and_o stoop_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o can_v hardly_o raise_v up_o himself_o to_o look_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o wise_a christian_a look_v
uncertainty_n every_o christian_n ought_v exceed_o to_o fear_v and_o with_o tremble_v and_o a_o assiduous_a care_n endeavour_v to_o make_v his_o election_n sure_a live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o declare_v by_o his_o good_a work_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o little_a but_o bless_a number_n to_o who_o god_n will_v give_v his_o kingdom_n 2._o now_o that_o that_o number_n be_v but_o little_a compare_v with_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o wicked_a unhappy_a world_n nay_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o choose_a be_v but_o small_a even_o of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o choose_v life_n or_o death_n we_o have_v too_o many_o reason_n to_o believe_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o come_v into_o that_o bless_a kingdom_n of_o which_o the_o entrance_n be_v narrow_a mat._n 7.13_o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o wide_a be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v in_o thereat_o then_o he_o add_v as_o wonder_v at_o this_o narrowness_n because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o be_v also_o ask_v another_o time_n lord_n be_v there_o but_o few_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13.23_o king_n david_n also_o inquire_v lord_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v this_o answer_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n psal_n 15._o and_o in_o the_o twenty_o four_o psalm_n he_o question_v again_o who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o the_o hill_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v likewise_o answer_v he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o have_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n unto_o vanity_n now_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n prov._n 20.9_o who_o can_v say_v to_o david_n i_o shall_v for_o i_o work_v righteousness_n and_o i_o be_o innocent_a 3._o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v mat._n 10.38_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o where_o be_v they_o that_o thus_o willing_o take_v their_o cross_n and_o suffer_v with_o christ_n or_o rather_o how_o sad_o do_v st._n paul_n say_v fit_a our_o age_n all_o seek_v their_o own_o not_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n phil._n 2.21_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o know_v how_o we_o must_v be_v qualify_v before_o we_o come_v thither_o affirm_v mat._n 18.3_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o say_v if_o compare_v with_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o but_o a_o few_o by_o meekness_n and_o humility_n seek_v to_o become_v child_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.29_o that_o those_o who_o god_n foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n but_o who_o be_v the_o man_n can_v boast_v that_o his_o life_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o suffer_v with_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o glorify_v it_o be_v a_o say_n that_o belong_v to_o all_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n mat._n 19.17_o but_o they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v altogether_o become_v abominable_a there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o psal_n 14.3_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n say_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 11.12_o and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n now_o this_o violence_n be_v against_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o forego_v any_o present_a sensual_a satisfaction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n not_o now_o to_o be_v enjoy_v but_o expect_v only_o by_o faith_n if_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v isa_n 64.6_o what_o be_v then_o our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v 1_o pet._n 4.18_o 4._o none_o but_o eight_o person_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v save_v with_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n perish_v in_o the_o flood_n lot_z alone_o with_o his_o wife_n and_o two_o daughter_n escape_v the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o infamous_a city_n all_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n be_v consume_v by_o the_o revenge_a flame_n and_o of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o jew_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n two_o only_a caleb_n and_o joshua_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n now_o those_o thing_n be_v example_n representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v denor_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o life_n be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o such_o as_o go_v to_o perdition_n which_o be_v yet_o further_o but_o too_o evident_a by_o confider_v how_o most_o man_n live_v and_o die_v how_o few_o give_v any_o certain_a mark_n of_o true_a contrition_n fear_v and_o sorrow_n extort_v groan_n and_o good_a word_n and_o death_n force_v man_n to_o recant_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v seldom_o any_o sincerity_n in_o a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n for_o how_o can_v he_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o that_o be_v now_o die_v how_o can_v he_o hearty_o detest_v those_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o he_o love_v and_o enjoy_v as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v how_o hardly_o will_v he_o now_o he_o a_o true_a penitent_a who_o before_o abhor_v all_o the_o mortification_n of_o true_a penitence_n how_o will_v his_o resolution_n be_v prove_v effectual_a if_o he_o shall_v escape_v for_o the_o forsake_v those_o sin_n which_o custom_n have_v make_v habitual_a and_o almost_o a_o second_o nature_n how_o shall_v now_o his_o sensual_a mind_n lift_v up_o itself_o to_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a thing_n which_o he_o before_o seldom_o or_o never_o regard_v and_o how_o shall_v he_o straighten_a by_o time_n and_o sad_a circumstance_n exercise_v those_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o the_o sin_n he_o repent_v of_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o life_n that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n in_o his_o heart_n 5._o it_o be_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o very_o few_o when_o the_o pain_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o stand_v to_o those_o resolve_n and_o promise_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o day_n of_o sorrow_n general_o man_n forget_v and_o be_v ashamed_a afterward_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v and_o resolve_v and_o they_o soon_o return_v to_o their_o customary_a vice_n and_o belove_a vanity_n especial_o because_o there_o be_v still_o a_o secret_a reserve_n in_o those_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n make_v in_o their_o distress_n there_o be_v still_o some_o hope_n of_o a_o escape_n till_o they_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a and_o then_o they_o be_v altogether_o passive_a and_o can_v act_v no_o long_o or_o at_o the_o best_a their_o strength_n and_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o weaken_v there_o be_v such_o anxious_a fear_n and_o trepidation_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v nigh_o to_o depart_v that_o man_n be_v almost_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v we_o may_v hope_v well_o of_o they_o who_o though_o they_o live_v ill_a yet_o give_v sign_n of_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v die_v but_o this_o be_v a_o desperate_a venture_n there_o be_v much_o of_o uncertainty_n and_o nothing_o of_o safety_n in_o their_o condition_n we_o have_v a_o sad_a example_n of_o this_o in_o king_n antiochus_n read_v maccab._n 9_o what_o vow_v he_o make_v while_o he_o be_v under_o his_o grievous_a sickness_n he_o think_v himself_o in_o earnest_n no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v the_o unsincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o his_o repentance_n proceed_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o will_v therefore_o no_o more_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o text_n affirm_v and_o who_o can_v consider_v all_o this_o and_o not_o tremble_v who_o will_v dare_v to_o presume_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v sure_a who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a danger_n will_v dwell_v as_o in_o safety_n and_o not_o watch_v and_o call_v upon_o god_n therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o few_o perhaps_o than_o we_o think_v let_v we_o not_o go_v with_o the_o many_o nor_o follow_v the_o crowd_n but_o let_v we_o live_v with_o the_o small_a select_a number_n of_o true_o good_a and_o religious_a christian_n that_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n and_o confidence_n when_o our_o life_n be_v end_v that_o we_o may_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o well-grounded_n hope_v look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o expect_v that_o gracious_a reward_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o henry_n brome_n mr._n comber_n on_o the_o common-prayer_n in_o three_o volume_n dr._n spark_n primitive_a devotion_n on_o the_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bishop_n wilkins_n natural_a religion_n the_o father_n legacy_n or_o counsel_n to_o his_o child_n be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o three_o part_n very_o useful_a for_o family_n christian_n education_n of_o child_n cardinal_n bona_n guide_n to_o eternity_n extract_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o ancient_a philosopher_n the_o reform_a monastery_n or_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n a_o sure_a and_o short_a but_o a_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n in_o two_o part_n write_a original_o in_o latin_a by_o the_o same_o author_n a_o guide_n to_o heaven_n from_o the_o world_n or_o good_a counsel_n how_o to_o close_v save_o with_o christ_n holy_a anthem_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brief_a rule_n of_o life_n the_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n mr._n farindon's_a sermon_n several_a sermon_n at_o court_n and_o at_o other_o place_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o a_o confutation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o dr._n owen_n book_n upon_o that_o subject_a a_o discourse_n concern_v god_n judgement_n resolve_v many_o weighty_a question_n and_o case_n relate_v to_o they_o preach_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o at_o old_a swinford_n in_o worcester-shire_n and_o now_o publish_v to_o accompany_v the_o annex_v narrative_n concern_v the_o man_n who_o hand_n and_o leg_n late_o rot_v off_o in_o the_o neighbour_a parish_n of_o kings-swinford_n in_o stafford-shire_n pen_v by_o another_o author_n by_o simon_n ford_n d._n d._n and_o rector_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n christianity_n no_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o by_o the_o quaker_n try_v and_o find_v destructive_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o answer_n to_o thomas_n ellwood_n defence_n thereof_o in_o his_o tract_n miscall_v truth_n prevail_v etc._n etc._n a_o narrative_n of_o the_o principal_a action_n occur_v in_o the_o war_n betwixt_o sueden_n and_o denmark_n before_o and_o after_o the_o roschild_n treaty_n
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
eye_n and_o mind_n on_o that_o original_a which_o he_o mean_v to_o copy_n so_o shall_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n set_v before_o himself_o his_o master_n life_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a exemplar_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o imitate_v and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o 2._o now_o he_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o remain_v in_o he_o shall_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v careful_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o his_o new_a and_o better_a lord_n for_o as_o while_o we_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v its_o instinct_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v slave_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n so_o now_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o unhappy_a slavery_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n we_o must_v careful_o follow_v he_o who_o member_n we_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15.47_o the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o second_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a make_v that_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o high_a call_n as_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o high_a title_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o 3._o now_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o outward_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o be_v who_o â—_z and_o affection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n bless_a example_n who_o endeavour_v always_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n be_v create_v anew_o in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v look_v unto_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v not_o live_v after_o the_o method_n of_o deprave_a man_n but_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o righteous_a god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v own_a to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o certain_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n chap._n xviii_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o faith_n be_v to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n and_o the_o spring_n to_o the_o fountain_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o we_o must_v first_o begin_v and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o commendation_n job_n give_v to_o wisdom_n chap._n 28._o be_v just_o due_a to_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o solomon_n high_a encomium_n of_o wisdom_n do_v but_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o faith_n wisd_v 7._o gold_n in_o respect_n of_o she_o be_v as_o little_a sand_n and_o silver_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o clay_n before_o she_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n she_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n teach_v we_o all_o truth_n inform_v our_o soul_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v what_o to_o shun_v and_o what_o to_o pursue_v it_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o the_o world_n count_v good_a be_v evil_a and_o that_o worldly_a calamity_n be_v good_a if_o endure_v patient_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a and_o all_o that_o which_o be_v for_o no_o use_n but_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n and_o the_o high_a of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o from_o its_o wretched_a slavery_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o set_v we_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o great_a contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o then_o christ_n who_o deliver_v the_o first_o be_v ever_o true_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v clear_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o follow_v the_o holy_a light_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n not_o the_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o deprave_v as_o we_o now_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o altogether_o destructive_a of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a dictate_v and_o endeavour_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a a_o well-being_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o present_a world_n without_o take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n this_o evil_a man_n have_v from_o adam_n and_o from_o those_o lust_n which_o reign_n in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v still_o some_o cause_n to_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o rom._n 7._o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n st._n paul_n answer_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v deliver_v we_o for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v from_o our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n and_o enable_v to_o see_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o new_a life_n from_o he_o chap._n xix_o that_o faith_n work_v in_o a_o christian_a self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o great_a be_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v the_o faithful_a christian_n to_o be_v as_o itself_o be_v unshaken_a and_o unmovable_a the_o true_a believer_n who_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a regard_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o find_v light_n and_o peace_n delight_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o find_v neither_o rest_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o in_o time_n of_o need_n there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o they_o be_v like_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n perish_v and_o unstable_a so_o that_o he_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o same_o destiny_n whereas_o he_o that_o trust_v on_o god_n who_o be_v unmoveable_a be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n express_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o belief_n our_o action_n shall_v be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o what_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v glory_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o to_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o offence_n 2._o the_o first_o man_n indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocence_n may_v have_v come_v to_o bliss_n by_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o those_o good_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n but_o after_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o infect_v his_o unborn_a posterity_n with_o sin_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n appoint_v another_o way_n to_o bliss_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o self-denial_n through_o which_o christ_n himself_o pass_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n say_v luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o 33._o
if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o the_o true_a institution_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o natural_a man_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o high_a philosophy_n which_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o the_o certain_a way_n to_o bliss_n to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v to_o hate_v one_o self_n and_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o love_v poverty_n contempt_n sorrow_n and_o tribulation_n but_o to_o understand_v well_o this_o plain_a lesson_n or_o first_o principle_n require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o yet_o to_o relish_v it_o with_o pleasure_n most_o of_o all_o to_o practice_v it_o to_o live_v according_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n 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 1._o eternal_a torment_n be_v prepare_v for_o none_o but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v miserable_a and_o by_o their_o free_a and_o wilful_a wickedness_n choose_v hell_n for_o their_o portion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n eternal_a joy_n above_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v partake_v of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o think_v the_o prison_n of_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v whole_o empty_a and_o heaven_n infinite_o full_a and_o throng_v who_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o desperate_o mad_a as_o to_o choose_v eternal_a misery_n when_o he_o can_v easy_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n insomuch_o that_o the_o first_o compare_v to_o these_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n who_o our_o bless_a saviour_n call_v the_o little_a flock_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o prefer_v eternal_a woe_n to_o bliss_n eternal_a though_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o how_o thirsty_a soever_o that_o will_v sip_v of_o that_o cup_n he_o shall_v suspect_v to_o be_v poison_v yet_o many_o every_o where_o may_v be_v find_v who_o greedy_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o not_o doubt_n or_o opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a faith_n assure_v they_o must_v be_v punish_v with_o ever-burning_a flame_n 2._o this_o unheard_a of_o madness_n many_o attribute_n to_o want_v of_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a of_o some_o among_o we_o yet_o daily_a experience_n and_o observation_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o perish_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o consideration_n for_o though_o they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o therein_o none_o shall_v suffer_v but_o such_o as_o will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n while_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o soon_o forget_v this_o important_a truth_n their_o fancy_n and_o their_o affection_n be_v fix_v to_o this_o earth_n they_o only_o please_v their_o appetite_n and_o live_v so_o sensual_o that_o their_o reason_n can_v hardly_o look_v beyond_o the_o present_a the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v keep_v out_o and_o their_o understanding_n make_v uncapable_a and_o unwilling_a to_o consider_v wise_o that_o their_o short_a joy_n and_o delight_n will_v soon_o end_v into_o bitterness_n and_o endless_a sorrow_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o we_o while_o we_o live_v to_o avoid_v that_o dreadful_a misery_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o will_v to_o god_n man_n will_v serious_o mind_v and_o observe_v this_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o will_v understand_v and_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o live_v according_o it_o be_v man_n property_n and_o his_o privilege_n to_o think_v and_o meditate_v and_o sure_a his_o thought_n and_o meditation_n shall_v of_o themselves_o run_v first_o of_o all_o to_o his_o chief_a end_n to_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o great_a interest_n no_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o neglect_v one_o own_o salvation_n chap._n xxi_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 1._o he_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o that_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o precept_n and_o follow_v his_o bless_a example_n for_o to_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o christian_a profession_n to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o these_o earthly_a thing_n to_o live_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n because_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tit._n 2.11_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o this_o present_a world_n sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n therefore_o as_o he_o can_v just_o be_v call_v doctor_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o scholar_n as_o he_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o captain_n who_o understand_v not_o soldiery_n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o a_o artist_n that_o have_v not_o the_o skill_n of_o it_o no_o more_o can_v he_o with_o truth_n be_v call_v a_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o a_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o therefore_o only_o be_v true_o christian_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o vanity_n and_o sinful_a desire_n of_o this_o world_n love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o their_o neighbour_n altogether_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n prefer_v not_o themselves_o to_o any_o other_o because_o that_o in_o our_o second_o and_o better_a birth_n we_o be_v all_o make_v equal_a they_o that_o strict_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n in_o all_o thing_n behave_v themselves_o so_o innocent_o as_o not_o to_o give_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n they_o that_o use_v the_o creature_n for_o necessity_n as_o sick_a man_n do_v physic_n covet_v nothing_o but_o that_o only_a which_o can_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o they_o that_o seek_v not_o to_o please_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o displease_v any_o but_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o hate_v their_o own_o flesh_n in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o daily_o chastise_v and_o keep_v it_o under_o lest_o it_o grow_v petulant_a and_o masterless_a they_o that_o be_v ever_o constant_a to_o their_o resolution_n and_o be_v above_o the_o world_n can_v be_v terrify_v by_o any_o threat_n or_o persecution_n they_o that_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n be_v always_o the_o same_o peaceable_a and_o even_a able_a clear_o to_o see_v and_o to_o follow_v truth_n they_o that_o long_v after_o thing_n eternal_a despise_v thing_n present_a and_o live_v upon_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n believe_v therefore_o what_o they_o see_v not_o hope_v what_o they_o have_v not_o and_o love_n that_o which_o as_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o possess_v they_o that_o so_o love_n god_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o refuse_v no_o labour_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o any_o danger_n without_o any_o other_o design_n but_o only_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n they_o that_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n cheerful_o expect_v christ_n come_v in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o can_v joyful_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n they_o alone_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o title_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v all_o these_o with_o sincerity_n 3._o such_o man_n as_o these_o rejoice_v when_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o they_o count_v that_o day_n lose_v in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o endure_v something_o upon_o his_o
account_n they_o make_v their_o glory_n their_o felicity_n their_o wisdom_n to_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v shame_n misery_n and_o folly_n they_o detest_v the_o false_a principle_n on_o which_o proceed_v carnal_a prudence_n as_o that_o we_o must_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a honour_v by_o the_o world_n and_o above_o other_o and_o they_o love_v and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a verity_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v riches_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glory_n in_o nothing_o save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o word_n their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o so_o live_v that_o all_o their_o action_n seem_v to_o speak_v aloud_o that_o their_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v high_a and_o difficult_a but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v take_v by_o force_n and_o withal_o it_o well_o deserve_v all_o our_o labour_n and_o noble_a contention_n 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 1._o all_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v do_v in_o peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o end_n of_o that_o he_o be_v about_o but_o withal_o let_v he_o take_v care_n of_o be_v rash_a and_o hasty_a of_o follow_v sudden_a motion_n of_o nature_n rather_o than_o reason_n grace_n and_o religion_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v light_n and_o inconstant_a easy_o wander_v after_o vain_a project_n but_o let_v he_o attend_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o begin_v any_o work_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v too_o busy_a and_o distract_v with_o other_o thought_n for_o than_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o want_v his_o wit_n and_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n which_o afterward_o will_v grieve_v he_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o any_o design_n let_v he_o humble_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v guide_v and_o assist_v he_o and_o let_v he_o serious_o consider_v what_o share_n god_n have_v in_o the_o business_n and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v on_o his_o own_o account_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o work_n let_v not_o self-complacency_a turn_v he_o from_o the_o good_a end_n he_o propose_v and_o in_o the_o finish_n thereof_o let_v he_o be_v cautious_a that_o all_o he_o have_v do_v be_v not_o mar_v and_o spoil_v by_o self-applause_n and_o vainglory_n above_o all_o let_v he_o be_v serious_o intent_n upon_o this_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n keep_v down_o proud_a thought_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o being_n nothing_o 2._o he_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o business_n except_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o cheerful_o and_o diligent_o and_o with_o noble_a design_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n special_o to_o their_o soul_n consider_v that_o the_o bliss_n or_o perfection_n of_o this_o present_a life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o he_o in_o the_o do_n and_o suffer_v his_o pleasure_n except_o necessity_n compel_v he_o let_v he_o not_o undertake_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o his_o strength_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v lose_v nothing_o of_o his_o peace_n nor_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o to_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o too_o much_o take_v up_o with_o thing_n without_o we_o common_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o tranquillity_n rather_o as_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v accompany_v tobit_n though_o it_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o serve_v he_o yet_o nevertheless_o attend_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o so_o shall_v a_o good_a christian_a mind_n the_o necessary_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v outward_o trouble_v and_o employ_v about_o they_o when_o yet_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n in_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o distraction_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o world_n 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 1._o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n require_v of_o we_o here_o and_o that_o which_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n more_o certain_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n than_o he_o that_o honest_o and_o diligent_o work_v in_o his_o proper_a sphere_n therefore_o the_o devil_n common_o lay_v this_o snare_n in_o our_o way_n to_o christian_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v after_o the_o do_v of_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o office_n thereby_o to_o busy_a and_o distract_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o attend_v to_o our_o proper_a duty_n which_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o the_o do_v whereof_o be_v our_o great_a virtue_n 2._o he_o therefore_o great_o deceive_v himself_o that_o will_v fain_o change_v his_o condition_n imagine_v he_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o there_o or_o so_o or_o so_o after_o providence_n or_o a_o prudent_a choice_n have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o it_o do_v but_o make_v he_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a in_o do_v what_o he_o shall_v while_o he_o think_v of_o what_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o it_o make_v he_o to_o sit_v idle_a and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v while_o he_o project_n to_o do_v great_a feat_n where_o he_o be_v not_o whereas_o the_o unblameable_a integrity_n or_o perfection_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a shall_v aim_v depend_v upon_o particular_a action_n they_o that_o be_v negligent_a and_o incurious_a to_o do_v they_o well_o set_v themselves_o backward_o and_o make_v no_o progress_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v absent_a and_o their_o thought_n employ_v somewhere_o else_o they_o do_v but_o little_a where_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v do_v after_o a_o dream_v careless_a way_n such_o man_n be_v always_o beginning_n or_o about_o to_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o they_o contrive_v many_o thing_n but_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n they_o be_v all_o leaf_n and_o no_o fruit_n like_a tree_n that_o be_v often_o remove_v they_o no_o where_n take_v firm_a root_n and_o so_o remain_v every_o where_o useless_a chap._n xxiv_o how_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v sincere_a 1._o christians_n shall_v not_o indulge_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o low_a belly_n or_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o nice_a or_o gluttonous_a palate_n they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o vanity_n and_o undecency_n in_o their_o apparel_n and_o from_o all_o idle_a sport_n that_o be_v too_o expensive_a of_o time_n and_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n from_o ambition_n and_o pride_n and_o from_o covetousness_n and_o desire_n of_o riches_n anger_n ought_v not_o to_o lodge_v in_o their_o breast_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o careless_o nor_o yet_o rash_o least_o of_o all_o deceitful_o and_o hypocritical_o christian_n duty_n and_o act_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o do_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o attention_n and_o a_o good_a intention_n be_v mere_a dissemble_a and_o pageantry_n in_o some_o place_n where_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o theatrical_a representation_n you_o shall_v often_o find_v man_n of_o wicked_a life_n act_v the_o high_a virtue_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n one_o the_o constancy_n of_o martyr_n another_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o perhaps_o the_o heroic_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o end_n of_o the_o play_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o fine_a dissemble_n they_o no_o long_o appear_v those_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v but_o present_o return_v to_o their_o nature_n to_o their_o profaneness_n and_o impurity_n just_o so_o be_v they_o that_o have_v a_o fair_a specious_a outside_n appear_v precise_a and_o godly_a to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v or_o drive_v a_o interest_n they_o be_v mere_a juggler_n and_o stage-player_n they_o put_v a_o fair_a vizard_n over_o a_o ugly_a face_n holiness_n outward_o inward_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o perverse_a passion_n their_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o comedy_n that_o will_v have_v a_o tragical_a end_n 2._o for_o indeed_o this_o be_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
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
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
ground_v upon_o humility_n but_o if_o this_o fail_v virtue_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n a_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o a_o empty_a name_n he_o gather_v dust_n before_o the_o wind_n that_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o yet_o will_v be_v virtuous_a 3._o but_o he_o be_v to_o be_v count_v true_o humble_a who_o be_v more_o lowly_a than_o the_o low_a condition_n and_o high_a than_o the_o high_a who_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o with_o honour_n nor_o swell_v with_o the_o wind_n of_o man_n applause_n and_o who_o be_v never_o so_o much_o afflict_v and_o disgrace_v but_o he_o be_v persuade_v he_o deserve_v much_o worse_a he_o be_v true_o humble_a who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v vile_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o as_o he_o ever_o be_v in_o his_o own_o who_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v a_o untruth_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o retract_v it_o and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n of_o other_o if_o by_o surprise_n or_o any_o other_o way_n he_o have_v offend_v they_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n this_o be_v know_v to_o good_a man_n to_o be_v a_o great_a self-denial_n he_o be_v true_o humble_a that_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v nothing_o for_o which_o he_o may_v just_o be_v despise_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v so_o and_o meek_o bear_v with_o reproach_n grieve_v for_o the_o offence_n to_o god_n but_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o abasement_n he_o who_o most_o innocent_a action_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misreport_v who_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o due_a reward_n and_o requite_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o yet_o be_v patient_a and_o content_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o neither_o value_v himself_o nor_o his_o best_a action_n the_o humble_a man_n be_v silent_a of_o himself_o and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o be_v forsake_v and_o persecute_v yet_o in_o god_n he_o find_v refuge_n and_o comfort_n he_o be_v decent_o courteous_a and_o oblige_v to_o all_o person_n even_o to_o they_o that_o be_v his_o inferior_n he_o compare_v what_o be_v natural_a to_o he_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o other_o his_o imperfection_n to_o their_o virtue_n and_o so_o entertain_v always_o mean_a thought_n of_o himself_o and_o be_v content_a to_o have_v other_o prefer_v before_o he_o and_o to_o sit_v low_a and_o be_v conceal_v in_o his_o humility_n i_o may_v add_v that_o humility_n will_v make_v a_o man_n obedient_a to_o his_o superior_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a under_o government_n and_o always_o ready_a to_o believe_v better_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o ruler_n than_o of_o his_o own_o but_o these_o must_v suffice_v 4._o this_o be_v a_o rude_a draught_n and_o but_o a_o imperfect_a image_n of_o that_o lovely_a creature_n call_v a_o humble_a christian_a whereby_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v discern_v how_o unlike_a he_o must_v be_v to_o the_o original_n that_o come_v not_o near_o to_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v master_n of_o that_o bless_a virtue_n which_o christ_n our_o bless_a lord_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v to_o his_o follower_n by_o his_o low_a and_o wonderful_a humiliation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o excess_n we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o humble_a but_o we_o may_v easy_o not_o be_v humble_a enough_o here_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a as_o the_o crime_n also_o as_o he_o that_o will_v come_v in_o at_o a_o door_n which_o be_v low_a of_o entrance_n if_o he_o bow_v himself_o more_o than_o needs_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n do_v but_o if_o he_o come_v too_o upright_o and_o never_o so_o little_a too_o high_a he_o must_v bruise_v his_o head_n if_o not_o break_v his_o skull_n so_o the_o low_a humility_n will_v never_o hurt_v the_o soul_n but_o the_o least_o pride_n may_v destroy_v it_o let_v a_o christian_a therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n not_o only_o not_o exalt_v himself_o but_o even_o not_o equal_v himself_o to_o other_o for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v best_o imitate_v the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v son_n of_o god_n yet_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o be_v may_v show_v to_o we_o the_o true_a form_n of_o humility_n chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o go_n 1._o we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n nothing_o more_o please_v no_o victim_n better_o and_o more_o acceptable_a than_o our_o own_o will_n entire_o to_o resign_v that_o to_o god_n and_o desire_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v subject_a and_o conformable_a to_o his_o bless_a will_n be_v that_o live_n and_o holy_a sacrifice_n wherein_o god_n delight_v which_o none_o but_o a_o pious_a man_n can_v offer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v perform_v on_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o submit_v and_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n we_o offer_v not_o to_o god_n any_o one_o particular_a thing_n alone_o but_o our_o whole_a self_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v without_o any_o reservation_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o our_o daily_a study_n thus_o to_o deny_v and_o forsake_v ourselves_o to_o empty_v our_o heart_n of_o all_o self-desire_n and_o self-affection_n that_o even_o here_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o may_v be_v whole_o devote_v to_o he_o prepare_v and_o willing_a to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n dispose_v of_o by_o he_o according_a as_o he_o shall_v think_v good_a for_o god_n will_v not_o work_v in_o we_o his_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n if_o we_o have_v a_o will_n of_o our_o own_o distinct_a from_o and_o contrary_a to_o he_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o he_o that_o give_v less_o give_v nothing_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v indeed_o to_o human_a frailty_n that_o we_o shall_v wish_v and_o will_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o then_o we_o must_v soon_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n lay_v our_o will_n in_o the_o dust_n that_o we_o may_v acquiesce_v in_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o sovereign_n have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o all_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v omnipotent_a we_o be_v weak_a and_o infirm_a we_o must_v therefore_o restrain_v our_o own_o and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o bless_a will_n say_v in_o all_o contingency_n not_o as_o i_o will_v o_o lord_n but_o as_o thou_o will_v 2._o thus_o pray_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n when_o he_o act_v for_o we_o and_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n not_o that_o he_o who_o godhead_n be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n can_v will_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o he_o but_o to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o resign_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n therefore_o he_o also_o teach_v we_o to_o make_v it_o our_o daily_a prayer_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o as_o the_o angel_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o fulfil_v god_n will_n we_o may_v be_v so_o likewise_o in_o all_o thing_n desirous_a to_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o law_n and_o dispensation_n that_o that_o unhappy_a fight_n and_o contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n that_o so_o god_n will_n may_v be_v obey_v by_o the_o whole_a man_n body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n without_o any_o opposition_n or_o reluctancy_n and_o nature_n may_v be_v govern_v by_o grace_n and_o human_a affection_n be_v change_v into_o holy_a charity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n and_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o will_n and_o can_v but_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a 3._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o excellent_a duty_n than_o to_o receive_v whatever_o happen_v as_o come_v from_o god_n hand_n with_o a_o quiet_a and_o a_o content_a mind_n cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 5.6_o there_o be_v no_o true_a evil_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n all_o other_o thing_n so_o count_v do_v proceed_v from_o god_n prosperity_n and_o adversity_n life_n and_o death_n poverty_n and_o riches_n come_v of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 11.14_o therefore_o god_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n isa_n 45.7_o i_o form_n the_o light_n and_o create_v darkness_n i_o make_v peace_n and_o create_v evil_a i_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n whereas_o therefore_o all_o thing_n even_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o accidental_a depend_v upon_o god_n most_o wise_a determination_n and_o secret_a counsel_n we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o