all_o their_o train_n or_o retinue_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o soul_n now_o because_o all_o morality_n consist_v in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o our_o great_a and_o bountiful_a author_n confer_v upon_o we_o therefore_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n the_o true_a life_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n a_o active_a employ_v it_o in_o its_o due_a function_n and_o office_n a_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o being_n to_o live_v then_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n be_v to_o know_v and_o contemplate_v to_o love_v and_o pursue_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a good_a of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o we_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o conversant_a about_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o (null)_o life_n but_o deviation_n from_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o pause_v a_o little_a to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o almighty_a architect_n who_o have_v contrive_v a_o inseparable_a connection_n and_o necessary_a dependence_n between_o life_n perfection_n and_o fruition_n every_o rational_a act_n every_o right_a use_n or_o exertion_n of_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o moral_a life_n so_o do_v it_o contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o being_n and_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o felicity_n of_o our_o state_n for_o perfection_n be_v the_o result_n of_o such_o repeat_v act_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o entertain_a ourselves_o with_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a object_n happy_a man_n to_o who_o to_o live_v improve_v and_o enjoy_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o can_v defeat_v god_n goodness_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o by_o pervert_v his_o nature_n and_o deprave_v his_o faculty_n but_o by_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n or_o none_o at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o we_o examine_v this_o notion_n of_o life_n more_o close_o and_o distinct_o and_o resolve_v this_o general_a account_n of_o it_o into_o several_a particular_n we_o shall_v easy_o arrive_v at_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o it_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n of_o life_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o sloth_n in_o the_o mere_a marriage_n or_o cohabitation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o mere_a duration_n or_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n solomon_n indeed_o out_o of_o a_o natural_a abhorrence_n of_o death_n tell_v we_o true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n eccl._n 2.7_o something_o it_o be_v if_o we_o must_v call_v it_o pleasure_n it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o low_a one_o such_o as_o all_o the_o irrational_a creature_n but_o bat_n and_o owl_n and_o mole_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o according_a to_o my_o philosophy_n it_o can_v never_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n he_o that_o possess_v vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o life_n but_o he_o only_o that_o exert_v they_o life_n to_o live_v be_v not_o to_o spend_v or_o waste_v our_o time_n but_o to_o employ_v it_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a history_n of_o life_n when_o it_o can_v all_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o few_o syllable_n of_o a_o funeral_n ring_n he_o live_v to_o or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v he_o die_v such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o month_n such_o a_o year_n of_o his_o age_n for_o indeed_o he_o live_v not_o at_o all_o life_n be_v a_o mere_a dream_n not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o shortness_n but_o also_o of_o its_o night_n and_o lethargy_n when_o stupid_a ignorance_n confine_n and_o dim_v the_o prospect_n and_o sluggishness_n enfeeble_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n vigour_n and_o activity_n fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n make_v up_o life_n without_o these_o life_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n a_o mingle_a twilight_n that_o never_o will_v be_v day_n the_o image_n the_o slothful_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v faint_a and_o obscure_a like_a picture_n draw_v in_o watery_a colour_n and_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a stroke_n and_o vanish_v as_o easy_a as_o those_o half_a sound_n and_o imperfect_a form_n which_o we_o take_v in_o between_o sleep_n and_o wake_v all_o their_o passion_n move_v drowsy_o and_o heavy_o and_o all_o their_o entertainment_n have_v no_o more_o relish_n than_o abortive_a fruit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v ripen_v into_o sweetness_n or_o beauty_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v any_o one_o thus_o waste_v away_o a_o whole_a life_n without_o ever_o be_v once_o well_o awake_a in_o it_o pass_v through_o the_o world_n like_o a_o heedless_a traveller_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o observation_n without_o any_o design_n or_o purpose_n beseem_v a_o man_n ah_o think_v i_o be_v this_o that_o creature_n for_o which_o this_o great_a theatre_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o adorn_v and_o so_o enrich_v be_v this_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o the_o world_n the_o top_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n a_o little_a inferior_a to_o angel_n and_o ally_v to_o god_n be_v this_o machine_n act_v by_o a_o move_a flame_n and_o by_o a_o wise_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n ah_o how_o much_o be_v this_o poor_a useless_a stupid_a thing_n sink_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n of_o its_o nature_n how_o far_o short_a be_v it_o fall_v of_o the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v destine_v it_o shall_v this_o contemplative_a thing_n ever_o be_v admit_v to_o eternal_a life_n who_o have_v so_o wretched_o fool_v away_o this_o temporal_a one_o or_o can_v crown_n and_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v for_o one_o who_o have_v be_v so_o ill_a a_o steward_n of_o all_o these_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o i_o can_v upon_o the_o first_o think_v imagine_v his_o sluggish_a soul_n will_v vanish_v like_o those_o of_o brute_n or_o as_o the_o stoic_n fancy_n those_o of_o fool_n i_o can_v easy_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v sleep_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n all_o soul_n do_v to_o the_o resurrection_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n but_o upon_o better_a consideration_n i_o find_v this_o ignorant_a and_o incogitant_fw-la life_n be_v not_o so_o innocent_a as_o to_o deserve_v no_o worse_o a_o fate_n for_o be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o live_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a endow_v with_o so_o many_o talent_n to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n to_o choke_v and_o stifle_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o perfection_n to_o quench_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o be_v false_a and_o perfidious_a to_o god_n unjust_a and_o injurious_a to_o man_n no_o it_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o the_o last_o audit_n or_o day_n of_o account_n be_v represent_v the_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o must_v undergo_v one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n second_o life_n can_v consist_v in_o sensuality_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a caress_v our_o sense_n or_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o life_n for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o inferior_a and_o ignoble_a too_o second_o it_o be_v not_o a_o employment_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n first_o sensuality_n employ_v only_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o we_o st._n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o seem_v to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n of_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o some_o both_o divine_n and_o philosopher_n of_o no_o small_a note_n both_o modern_a and_o ancient_a have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a soul_n in_o man_n a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a one_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o sensualist_n tho'_o he_o seem_v fond_a of_o life_n do_v foolish_o contemn_v the_o better_a half_n of_o it_o and_o as_o much_o a_o slave_n to_o pleasure_n as_o he_o be_v he_o choose_v to_o drink_v only_o the_o dregs_o and_o let_v the_o pure_a stream_n of_o sprightly_a and_o delicious_a life_n pass_v by_o untasted_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o rational_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a life_n too_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o one_o another_o
little_a troublesome_a in_o the_o beginning_n do_v soon_o grow_v easy_a and_o delightful_a too_o in_o this_o sense_n must_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 4.17_o 18._o tho'_o render_v a_o little_a harsh_o for_o at_o the_o first_o she_o that_o be_v wisdom_n will_v walk_v with_o he_o by_o crooked_a way_n and_o bring_v fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o he_o and_o torment_v he_o with_o her_o discipline_n until_o she_o may_v trust_v his_o soul_n and_o try_v he_o by_o her_o law_n then_o will_v she_o return_v the_o straight-way_n unto_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o show_v he_o her_o secret_n second_o impertinence_n or_o be_v busy_v and_o employ_v in_o trifle_n be_v indeed_o as_o different_a from_o sloth_n as_o motion_n from_o rest_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o wretched_a consumption_n of_o time_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n for_o this_o be_v not_o activity_n of_o soul_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a debase_v of_o it_o fancy_n and_o that_o a_o silly_a and_o extravigant_a one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o live_v but_o reason_n can_v that_o idleness_n which_o consist_v in_o heavy_a passive_a dulness_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o sleep_n without_o dream_n or_o fancy_n that_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o flutter_a and_o impertinent_a activity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o giddy_a ferment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o fancy_n the_o incoherent_a disjoint_v thought_n the_o confuse_a and_o fruitless_a project_n and_o attempt_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o we_o may_v almost_o as_o proper_o say_v of_o he_o that_o dream_n that_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v fight_v or_o travel_n or_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n himself_o to_o do_v as_o we_o can_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o sluggard_n that_o he_o live_v it_o be_v true_a can_v a_o man_n be_v for_o ever_o impertinent_a this_o sort_n of_o idleness_n will_v seem_v to_o some_o man_n to_o have_v no_o great_a evil_n in_o it_o but_o how_o can_v such_o a_o mind_n bear_v the_o shock_n of_o (null)_o misfortune_n how_o can_v such_o a_o soul_n discharge_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o (null)_o society_n how_o can_v it_o entertain_v itself_o with_o object_n agreeable_a to_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o miserable_a for_o tho'_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o creature_n to_o be_v so_o mere_a a_o trifle_n as_o never_o to_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o any_o change_n of_o fortune_n nor_o ever_o call_v upon_o by_o that_o community_n he_o belong_v to_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v almost_o say_v never_o to_o be_v regard_v or_o mind_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o still_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o way_n live_v up_o to_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o business_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v not_o manly_a and_o rational_a and_o his_o childish_a life_n be_v therefore_o only_o pretty_a and_o please_a to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v a_o childish_a and_o silly_a soul_n nor_o be_v the_o grave_a much_o better_a than_o the_o gay_a impertinent_a or_o the_o man_n of_o business_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o main_a the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o man_n of_o mode_n sensuality_n it_o be_v true_a soften_v and_o drudgery_n harden_v the_o mind_n but_o both_o alike_o intoxicate_a it_o both_o wed_v it_o to_o this_o and_o alienate_v it_o from_o the_o other_o world_n it_o import_v very_o little_a to_o what_o idol_n one_o do_v sacrifice_n whether_o ashtaroth_n molock_n or_o mammon_n if_o we_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o art_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o live_v to_o plod_v or_o drudge_n intriegue_n or_o trade_n canvas_n and_o court_n it_o be_v all_o but_o solemn_a impertinence_n if_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v neglect_v ah_o what_o phantom_n and_o cloud_n and_o dream_n do_v man_n pursue_v and_o hunt_v after_o instead_o of_o life_n and_o peace_n of_o rest_n and_o pleasure_n three_o remissness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o religion_n a_o sort_n of_o neutrality_n between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v we_o can_v never_o true_o live_v unless_o we_o be_v entire_o uniform_a unless_o we_o be_v whole_o give_v up_o and_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n in_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n in_o it_o it_o be_v love_n make_v the_o duty_n easy_a and_o the_o prospect_n delightful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o faith_n no_o life_n in_o devotion_n no_o spirit_n in_o duty_n â—o_o desire_v in_o hope_n this_o be_v religion_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o carcase_n of_o a_o unanimate_v virtue_n what_o peace_n what_o assurance_n what_o joy_n what_o transport_n can_v ever_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a four_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o will_v now_o mention_v and_o the_o most_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o life_n for_o this_o do_v not_o only_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o life_n or_o like_o sleep_n or_o sloth_n make_v a_o vast_a casm_n or_o gap_n in_o it_o but_o put_v we_o more_o back_n than_o we_o have_v advance_v forward_o a_o unhappy_a gust_n of_o wind_n that_o throw_v we_o off_o to_o sea_n again_o when_o we_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o shore_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o victory_n we_o must_v pursue_v it_o if_o we_o will_v find_v rest_n we_o must_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v virtue_n we_o must_v unite_v and_o incorporate_v it_o with_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o unconstant_a unstable_a proselyte_n of_o virtue_n shall_v either_o have_v a_o pleasant_a life_n or_o a_o comfortable_a death_n for_o if_o he_o build_v to_o day_n what_o he_o pull_v down_o yesterday_o if_o he_o practise_v one_o hour_n what_o he_o condemn_v another_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v please_v himself_o much_o less_o his_o god_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_n and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o the_o good_n of_o life_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o important_a rule_n conduce_v to_o happiness_n and_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v insist_v on_o here_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o tire_v and_o since_o this_o may_v better_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o head_n of_o indolence_n and_o fruition_n i_o will_v defer_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o till_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o which_o i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o do_v if_o i_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o not_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v impertinent_a if_o i_o can_v serve_v the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v it_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 13._o line_n 12._o read_v contemptible_a p._n 68_o l._n 21._o r._n single_a p._n 90._o l._n 6._o r._n ease_n p._n 134._o l._n 12._o r._n ripen_v p._n 134._o l._n 15._o r._n place_n a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n print_v for_o and_o and_o sell_v by_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n enquiry_n after_o happiness_n vol._n in_o octavo_n the_o duty_n of_o servant_n contain_v first_o their_o preparation_n for_o and_o choice_n of_o a_o service_n second_o their_o duty_n in_o service_n towards_o god_n their_o master_n and_o themselves_o together_o with_o suitable_a prayer_n to_o each_o duty_n and_o some_o direction_n peculiar_o to_o servant_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n both_o write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n octavo_fw-la a_o treatise_n of_o self-examination_n in_o order_n to_o the_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n twelve_o price_n 1_o s._n a_o sermon_n about_o frequent_a communion_n preach_v before_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n by_o tho._n smith_n d._n d._n quarto_fw-la of_o the_o high_a veneration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n peculiarly_a for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n octavo_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n tho._n lamb_n july_n 23._o 1686._o by_o rich._n lucas_n m._n a._n vicar_n of_o st._n stephen_n coleman-street_n 1686._o the_o history_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o the_o french_a king_n in_o the_o principality_n of_o orange_n from_o the_o year_n 1660._o to_o the_o year_n 1687._o write_a by_o mr._n p._n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n in_o quarto_n 1689._o price_n 1_o s._n a_o discourse_n about_o discern_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n mary_n magdalen_n de_fw-fr pazzi_n a_o carmelite_n nun._n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o nature_n cause_n concomitant_n and_o consequence_n of_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n octavo_fw-la 1688._o remark_n upon_o popery_n represent_v and_o
and_o one_o as_o much_o elevate_v above_o the_o other_o as_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o flow_v from_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o do_v not_o import_n much_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v like_o seed_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a soil_n it_o be_v sow_o in_o produces_z fruit_n more_o or_o less_o rich_a and_o succulent_a more_o or_o less_o luscious_a and_o beautiful_a here_o it_o sprout_n forth_o like_o the_o seven_o poor_a and_o lean_a there_o like_o the_o seven_o plump_a and_o rich_a ear_n of_o corn_n in_o pharaoh_n dream_n and_o shall_v it_o by_o way_n of_o fiction_n be_v suppose_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n do_v communicate_v life_n to_o man_n beast_n and_o vegetable_n however_o life_n in_o each_o will_v be_v equal_a in_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o original_a it_o will_v vast_o differ_v in_o its_o effect_n and_o operation_n so_o whether_o life_n in_o man_n flow_v from_o one_o or_o two_o distinct_a principle_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o price_n and_o dignity_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o different_a power_n and_o faculty_n which_o it_o move_v and_o animate_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o life_n which_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o rational_a part_n will_v be_v as_o different_a from_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o sensation_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o bodily_a appetite_n as_o be_v the_o light_n that_o glitter_v in_o a_o diamond_n from_o that_o which_o faint_o imitate_v it_o in_o a_o pibble_n the_o more_o numerous_a and_o the_o more_o exquisite_a our_o faculty_n the_o vast_a be_v the_o empire_n of_o life_n and_o the_o more_o delicate_a and_o charm_a all_o its_o function_n and_o operation_n how_o evident_a be_v this_o in_o all_o the_o organ_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n let_v darkness_n invade_v the_o eye_n and_o deafness_n the_o ear_n and_o then_o within_o what_o narrow_a and_o scanty_a bound_n be_v the_o bodily_a life_n reduce_v how_o few_o and_o ignoble_a be_v the_o vital_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o body_n how_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a be_v all_o the_o fruit_n or_o instance_n of_o a_o sensitive_a life_n if_o then_o there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n superfluous_a can_v we_o think_v the_o rational_a soul_n itself_o can_v be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n no_o capacity_n of_o a_o sensitive_a soul_n by_o which_o life_n be_v not_o enlarge_v or_o enrich_v must_v we_o not_o needs_o conclude_v that_o to_o extinguish_v the_o immortal_a spirit_n within_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o discard_v all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o impoverish_v mutilate_v and_o stifle_v it_o since_o i_o have_v a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n since_o the_o one_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o heaven_n with_o truth_n and_o moral_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n as_o the_o other_o be_v of_o converse_v with_o this_o world_n of_o visible_a object_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o hope_n and_o love_n be_v more_o injurious_a to_o the_o true_a life_n of_o man_n than_o to_o be_v deaf_a or_o blind_a that_o stupidity_n or_o lethargy_n in_o the_o soul_n such_o as_o render_v it_o altogether_o incapable_a of_o rational_a pleasure_n be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a life_n of_o man_n as_o lethargy_n or_o a_o dead_a palsy_n in_o the_o body_n can_v be_v and_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o commerce_n with_o the_o invisible_a world_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o it_o as_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o visible_a one_o from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o whether_o we_o consider_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o excellence_n and_o dignity_n or_o to_o its_o enlargement_n and_o extension_n sensuality_n be_v extreme_o injurious_a to_o it_o in_o both_o respect_n so_o far_o do_v it_o debase_v and_o contract_v it_o that_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v to_o place_v life_n in_o sensuality_n be_v to_o renounce_v the_o much_o more_o valuable_a and_o delightful_a part_n of_o it_o to_o banish_v ourselves_o the_o much_o better_a world_n and_o to_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o a_o thousand_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a capacity_n and_o endowment_n of_o our_o nature_n tho'_o this_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o evince_v that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o sensuality_n yet_o this_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o (null)_o happiness_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o argument_n against_o it_o that_o be_v second_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o being_n conspicuous_a in_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n who_o that_o ever_o consider_v what_o sensuality_n be_v how_o narrow_a the_o extent_n of_o sense_n how_o mean_a and_o brutish_a the_o pleasure_n that_o terminate_v in_o it_o what_o a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o end_v in_o who_o i_o say_v that_o have_v ever_o consider_v these_o and_o a_o thousand_o thing_n more_o can_v believe_v that_o sensuality_n be_v a_o employment_n worthy_a of_o man_n be_v this_o the_o business_n of_o a_o vast_a and_o comprehensive_a mind_n be_v this_o consistent_a with_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o immortality_n with_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o truth_n with_o a_o capacity_n of_o discover_v spiritual_a excellency_n and_o moral_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n be_v it_o for_o this_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o propension_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v a_o deity_n what_o can_v be_v as_o much_o as_o fancy_v the_o use_n of_o wisdom_n magnanimity_n conscience_n sagacity_n caution_n fear_v foresight_n and_o anxious_a inquiry_n into_o future_a thing_n and_o time_n if_o sensuality_n have_v be_v the_o only_a employment_n design_v man_n how_o much_o more_o fit_a have_v we_o be_v form_v for_o this_o end_n if_o there_o have_v be_v in_o we_o no_o reason_n to_o check_v and_o control_v we_o no_o conscience_n that_o can_v fill_v we_o with_o regret_n for_o the_o past_a or_o fear_v for_o the_o future_a no_o wisdom_n that_o can_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n above_o we_o nor_o greatness_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v reproach_v we_o for_o stoop_v to_o any_o thing_n below_o we_o three_o it_o be_v almost_o superfluous_a here_o to_o add_v that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o care_n and_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o employ_v our_o time_n or_o faculty_n in_o this_o alone_a be_v not_o to_o live_v but_o at_o best_a to_o provide_v for_o life_n necessity_n may_v sometime_o subject_v we_o to_o the_o drudgery_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o voluntary_a choice_n never_o shall_v i_o know_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o a_o mean_a fortune_n and_o a_o great_a one_o than_o this_o that_o the_o great_a one_o set_v a_o man_n above_o those_o care_n and_o toil_v which_o the_o mean_a one_o force_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o the_o one_o put_v the_o fortunate_a man_n into_o the_o immediate_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o life_n improvement_n and_o fruition_n and_o of_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o the_o latter_a oblige_v the_o less_o fortunate_a man_n to_o purchase_v these_o advantage_n with_o toil_n and_o sweat_n solicitude_n and_o care_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o unpardonable_a wilfulness_n or_o blindness_n whenever_o that_o vassalage_n which_o be_v the_o infelicity_n of_o the_o mean_a man_n be_v the_o choice_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o fortunate_a one_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o more_o pardonable_a error_n in_o any_o who_o continue_v the_o drudgey_a and_o care_n when_o the_o necessity_n be_v over_o and_o voluntary_o suffer_v all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o narrow_a fortune_n even_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o plentiful_a one_o who_o never_o think_v it_o time_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o success_n of_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n this_o be_v a_o absurdity_n as_o gross_a as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v plough_v and_o sow_v shall_v refuse_v to_o reap_v or_o he_o who_o have_v with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n furnish_v out_o a_o plentiful_a table_n shall_v not_o at_o length_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o fall_v too_o and_o eat_v life_n then_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n possess_v much_o less_o in_o the_o vexation_n or_o toil_n of_o acquire_v secure_v or_o increase_v they_o which_o be_v that_o i_o intend_v by_o worldliness_n but_o least_o of_o all_o can_v life_n consist_v in_o devilishness_n that_o be_v wrath_n strife_n revenge_n pride_n and_o such_o like_a this_o can_v be_v
call_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n but_o storm_n and_o agony_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o darkness_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v ignorance_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o passion_n be_v but_o fury_n unchained_a and_o let_v loose_a four_o have_v thus_o by_o resolve_v particular_o concern_v life_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o either_o in_o sloth_n or_o sensuality_n worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n point_v out_o those_o fatal_a error_n which_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o it_o be_v wherein_o life_n do_v more_o immediate_o and_o particular_o consist_v that_o be_v in_o a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a employment_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n when_o i_o make_v reason_n the_o director_n and_o guide_n of_o (null)_o life_n when_o i_o constitute_v it_o dictator_n over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n i_o do_v no_o more_o mean_a to_o exclude_v the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o when_o i_o affirm_v the_o eye_n to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o body_n i_o intend_v to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o light_n to_o good_a eye_n or_o of_o spectacle_n and_o collyrium_n to_o dim_v or_o disturb_a one_o the_o proposition_n thus_o guard_v will_v appear_v indisputable_a to_o any_o who_o shall_v consider_v the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n be_v a_o truth_n never_o hitherto_o controvert_v and_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a faculty_n in_o we_o appear_v from_o the_o universal_a appeal_n of_o all_o side_n and_o all_o sect_n to_o its_o tribunal_n not_o the_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a only_o but_o the_o loose_a and_o the_o vicious_a plead_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o action_n and_o in_o all_o the_o numberless_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n tho'_o only_o one_o side_n can_v have_v the_o warrant_n and_o countenance_n of_o reason_n yet_o all_o do_v pretend_v to_o it_o so_o that_o tho'_o there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v more_o frequent_o oppose_v and_o violate_v there_o be_v also_o none_o which_o be_v more_o unanimous_o own_v and_o universal_o acknowledge_v as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v before_o that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o as_o plain_a that_o in_o this_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o natural_a gift_n which_o distinguish_v man_n from_o beast_n and_o man_n from_o one_o another_o the_o hero_n from_o the_o caitiff_n and_o villain_n the_o philosopher_n from_o the_o fool_n and_o the_o saint_n from_o the_o sinner_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o order_n and_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n in_o this_o the_o beauty_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o in_o this_o the_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a to_o whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o office_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o rank_n we_o hold_v among_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n what_o station_n we_o fill_v in_o the_o world_n what_o our_o relation_n and_o dependency_n be_v what_o the_o duty_n and_o what_o the_o hope_n what_o the_o benefit_n and_o what_o the_o pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o each_o it_o be_v this_o which_o prescribe_v all_o our_o power_n and_o passion_n their_o order_n place_n and_o work_v it_o be_v this_o which_o distinguish_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v this_o which_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o inflame_v we_o with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o final_o it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o set_v a_o true_a rate_n and_o value_n upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o promote_v or_o obstruct_v our_o sovereign_a good_a happy_a therefore_o be_v that_o life_n where_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a arbitrator_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o where_o the_o imagination_n and_o passion_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v yet_o servant_n and_o instrument_n of_o reason_n happy_a this_o life_n for_o it_o can_v neither_o want_v pleasure_n to_o entertain_v it_o nor_o business_n to_o employ_v it_o happy_a the_o soul_n which_o thus_o live_v for_o it_o shall_v never_o want_v comfort_n to_o support_v it_o hope_n to_o encourage_v it_o nor_o crown_n to_o reward_v it_o for_o as_o it_o grow_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o must_v it_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o its_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n its_o joy_n and_o expectation_n must_v receive_v a_o proportionable_a increase_n too_o chap._n iii_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n first_o to_o cultivate_v our_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o insist_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o bear_v evil_n and_o enjoy_v good_n second_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o as_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n four_o that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n consider_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o life_n thus_o state_v it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o business_n be_v to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v reason_n for_o this_o as_o you_o have_v see_v be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n and_o superintendent_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o arbiter_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n matth._n 6.23_o vigour_n and_o activity_n if_o reason_n do_v not_o steer_v they_o will_v but_o prove_v mischievous_a and_o fatal_a to_o we_o diligence_n and_o industry_n themselves_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o corrupt_v our_o nature_n and_o embroyl_n our_o life_n every_o deviation_n from_o reason_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o our_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n the_o fool_n and_o the_o sinner_n do_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o do_v sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o those_o mischief_n which_o infest_v the_o world_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v our_o complaint_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o bitter_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v we_o so_o weak_a and_o soft_a in_o adversity_n so_o restless_a and_o little_a satisfy_v even_o in_o prosperity_n itself_o it_o be_v this_o create_v all_o those_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n which_o make_v we_o often_o quarrel_n at_o providence_n and_o curse_v our_o fortune_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o god_n prov._n 19.3_o well_o therefore_o do_v the_o wiseman_n advise_v prov._n 4.7_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o withal_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o do_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o slight_a reflection_n upon_o the_o work_n or_o office_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a and_o general_a account_n before_o much_o more_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o three_o great_a point_n the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o bear_v evil_a first_o the_o employ_v etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n like_o a_o fertile_a field_n seem_v alike_o apt_a to_o produce_v either_o herb_n or_o weed_n the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a evil_a or_o the_o great_a good_a the_o great_a good_a if_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n the_o great_a evil_n if_o blind_o and_o rash_o lead_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n what_o be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o fool_n but_o a_o shop_n of_o toy_n and_o trinket_n not_o the_o laboratory_n of_o a_o philosopher_n where_o a_o thousand_o vain_a trifle_n and_o empty_a idea_n flutter_v confuse_o up_o and_o down_o what_o his_o memory_n but_o a_o receptacle_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o mean_a and_o shameful_a thing_n and_o action_n not_o a_o treasury_n of_o excellent_a truth_n lay_v up_o like_o ammunition_n and_o provision_n for_o
life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o he_o who_o lose_v his_o soul_n or_o to_o be_v intent_n in_o preserve_v or_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a for_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o disorder_n and_o gild_n i_o do_v therefore_o suppose_v all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n so_o conduct_v as_o to_o become_v instance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n i_o suppose_v justice_n and_o integrity_n courage_n and_o bounty_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n mingle_v themselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o civil_a business_n and_o then_o the_o religion_n for_o which_o i_o demand_v some_o vacant_a moment_n be_v that_o of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a man_n either_o to_o preserve_v reputation_n without_o or_o peace_n within_o public_a devotion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n but_o in_o a_o gentleman_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o community_n he_o be_v of_o and_o a_o expression_n of_o charity_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n nor_o be_v private_a devotion_n less_o necessary_a than_o public_a not_o only_o least_o public_a without_o private_a degenerate_a into_o formality_n into_o a_o mere_a show_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n nor_o yet_o because_o every_o man_n reputation_n flow_v first_o from_o his_o domestic_n who_o can_v have_v no_o great_a veneration_n for_o he_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v none_o for_o his_o god_n tho'_o even_o these_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v but_o especial_o because_o every_o man_n have_v particular_a want_n and_o particular_a obligation_n and_o none_o more_o than_o the_o great_a one_o and_o therefore_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n his_o particular_a petition_n and_o prayer_n i_o can_v therefore_o tell_v how_o to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o begin_v and_o close_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n to_o god_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o he_o that_o do_v not_o invoke_v providence_n seem_v to_o defy_v it_o and_o he_o who_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o god_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o sacrifice_v only_o to_o his_o own_o net_n as_o to_o meditation_n it_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o indispensible_a a_o preparative_n for_o devotion_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v place_v it_o here_o by_o itself_o do_v i_o not_o extend_v its_o design_n something_o further_o meditation_n be_v that_o act_n which_o of_o all_o other_o do_v most_o delight_n and_o nourish_v the_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o raise_v and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o in_o other_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o move_v mechanical_o in_o this_o alone_a rational_o in_o all_o other_o our_o reason_n seem_v confine_v and_o fetter_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o prescription_n custom_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o alone_a it_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v its_o native_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n ramble_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a impetus_fw-la and_o with_o delight_n stretch_v and_o delate_v itself_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o mind_n seem_v to_o be_v impress_v and_o mould_v by_o the_o matter_n and_o business_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a but_o in_o this_o it_o give_v what_o form_n and_o circumstance_n it_o please_v to_o both_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o creative_a or_o productive_a power_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sort_n of_o despotic_a sovereignty_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n to_o the_o most_o useful_a take_n and_o natural_a act_n of_o the_o (null)_o soul_n but_o i_o forget_v what_o i_o main_o intend_v which_o be_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o use_n of_o meditation_n consist_v either_o in_o reflection_n or_o preparation_n as_o regard_v alike_o yesterday_o and_o to_o morrow_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o he_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o day_n past_a who_o lie_v under_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o waste_v it_o that_o he_o who_o action_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a importance_n than_o those_o of_o private_a man_n and_o fall_v avoidable_a under_o a_o more_o general_a and_o severe_a censure_n do_v the_o more_o careful_o scan_v they_o over_o nor_o be_v preparation_n less_o necessary_a than_o reflection_n for_o this_o give_v order_n to_o your_o affair_n and_o form_n the_o mind_n into_o a_o fit_a and_o just_a disposition_n it_o prevent_v surprise_v remove_v difficulty_n and_o give_v beauty_n and_o steadiness_n to_o your_o whole_a conduct_n as_o to_o friendship_n and_o diversion_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o full_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v but_o a_o word_n of_o they_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v for_o great_a man_n to_o have_v sincere_a friend_n but_o this_o be_v a_o purchase_n of_o so_o great_a a_o value_n deserve_v they_o shall_v lay_v out_o all_o their_o art_n and_o interest_n upon_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n in_o every_o condition_n that_o it_o clear_v our_o notion_n correct_v our_o error_n confirm_v our_o virtue_n enlarge_v our_o joy_n and_o lessen_v our_o trouble_n it_o be_v to_o man_n in_o a_o eminent_a station_n more_o peculiarly_a necessary_a both_o as_o the_o ornament_n and_o support_v of_o their_o fortune_n as_o to_o diversion_n it_o ever_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o urgency_n of_o his_o employment_n such_o as_o may_v not_o lessen_v his_o character_n or_o waste_v his_o time_n such_o as_o may_v refresh_v and_o recruit_v nature_n and_o from_o which_o he_o may_v return_v to_o his_o business_n with_o new_a vigour_n and_o new_a appetite_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o diversion_n be_v so_o wise_o contrive_v that_o they_o may_v at_o once_o delight_n and_o improve_v the_o mind_n i_o shall_v therefore_o think_v that_o physic_n or_o husbandry_n the_o principle_n of_o any_o curious_a mechanic_n performance_n music_n architecture_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v proper_a entertainment_n of_o vacant_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v aim_v at_o in_o diversion_n it_o be_v well_o to_o have_v always_o ready_a some_o wise_a friend_n by_o who_o help_n and_o conversation_n the_o time_n you_o bestow_v upon_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n may_v not_o be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o mind_n i_o be_o sensible_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o all_o who_o write_v moral_n with_o any_o spirit_n do_v general_o fall_v into_o that_o be_v propose_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v common_o attainable_a and_o of_o form_v my_o model_n and_o idea_n rather_o by_o speculation_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o mankind_n but_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o pardon_v by_o such_o as_o remember_v that_o the_o copy_n will_v ever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o original_a and_o that_o man_n will_v easy_o of_o themselves_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v the_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o (null)_o life_n nor_o do_v i_o again_o forget_v when_o i_o press_v gentleman_n to_o the_o noble_a height_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o violent_a solicitation_n to_o vice_n than_o other_o man_n i_o know_v it_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o always_o pretend_v to_o a_o high_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o refine_a education_n that_o their_o virtue_n always_o shine_v with_o a_o double_a lustre_n it_o be_v own_o and_o that_o of_o their_o fortune_n so_o that_o moderate_a attainment_n in_o they_o make_v a_o great_a show_n than_o the_o more_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v in_o man_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n and_o final_o that_o those_o advantage_n and_o prerogative_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o their_o birth_n and_o station_n do_v put_v they_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o other_o man_n to_o defend_v their_o true_a liberty_n and_o to_o pursue_v those_o method_n which_o reason_n and_o virtue_n dictate_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v life_n sect._n 1_o rule_n relate_v to_o success_n in_o trade_n first_o that_o the_o trader_n be_v industrious_a second_o that_o he_o be_v not_o above_o his_o profession_n sect._n 2._o rule_n relate_v to_o his_o religion_n first_o the_o trade_n must_v be_v a_o lawful_a one_o second_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n three_o it_o must_v not_o interfere_v with_o religion_n four_o the_o trader_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n such_o be_v a_o competency_n for_o himself_o and_o family_n the_o charitable_a assistance_n of_o other_o a_o timely_a retirement_n or_o
be_v lay_v upon_o this_o qualification_n than_o this_o it_o be_v convenient_a but_o not_o essential_a tho'_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v make_v a_o excellent_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v happy_a without_o it_o both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a for_o second_o the_o pleasure_n and_o success_n of_o retirement_n depend_v much_o more_o upon_o a_o man_n temper_n and_o genius_n that_o it_o be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a that_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o so_o it_o must_v be_v make_v so_o for_o a_o proud_a and_o ambitious_a a_o restless_a and_o turbulent_a person_n will_v in_o vain_a seek_v for_o that_o rest_n and_o repose_v in_o sequester_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o subdue_a his_o passion_n and_o reform_v his_o nature_n he_o that_o be_v fond_a of_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n he_o that_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o fancy_n and_o humour_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o fashion_n and_o custom_n will_v find_v much_o to_o torment_v he_o but_o nothing_o to_o improve_v or_o delight_v he_o in_o his_o retirement_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o meek_a and_o humble_a man_n will_v find_v his_o garden_n a_o paradise_n and_o his_o solitude_n a_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o heaven_n he_o will_v enjoy_v the_o present_a without_o any_o further_a prospect_n or_o ambition_n meditate_v without_o any_o distraction_n worship_n and_o praise_n god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o business_n or_o design_n and_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v in_o his_o little_a sphere_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o life_n he_o have_v choose_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o retirement_n to_o be_v able_a to_o neglect_v fantastic_a and_o imaginary_a good_a and_o pursue_v after_o that_o only_a which_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a to_o be_v the_o master_n of_o our_o own_o time_n and_o action_n and_o to_o model_n life_n by_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o inclination_n not_o the_o fancy_n and_o humour_n of_o other_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o retirement_n that_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o pleasure_n his_o soul_n desire_v within_o his_o own_o reach_n that_o all_o of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v grateful_a to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v find_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o private_a abide_v he_o therefore_o who_o mind_n gad_v abroad_o and_o hanker_n after_o foreign_a pleasure_n who_o be_v taint_v with_o envy_n or_o emulation_n who_o hunt_v after_o esteem_n and_o be_v discompose_v by_o the_o fancy_n and_o censure_n of_o other_o muddy_n the_o pure_a stream_n corrupt_v and_o adulterate_v the_o true_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o a_o retire_a life_n this_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o first_o endeavour_n of_o he_o who_o seek_v happiness_n in_o a_o retreat_n to_o free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o those_o busy_a or_o ambitious_a passion_n which_o will_v disturb_v his_o repose_n and_o corrupt_v his_o taste_n and_o to_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n in_o which_o it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o relish_v the_o blessing_n of_o true_a liberty_n of_o easy_a and_o innocent_a pleasure_n of_o true_a and_o artless_a friendship_n of_o regular_a and_o undisturbed_a devotion_n and_o final_o of_o calm_a and_o elevate_a meditation_n three_o a_o good_a understanding_n be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o retirement_n it_o require_v no_o little_a prudence_n to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o those_o evil_n or_o impertinence_n which_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o invade_v or_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o our_o solitude_n decent_o to_o decline_v business_n acquaintance_n ceremony_n diversion_n i_o mean_v superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a which_o will_v rob_v we_o of_o our_o time_n and_o liberty_n and_o obstruct_v we_o in_o all_o the_o wise_a end_n we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o ordinary_a dexterity_n and_o address_n nor_o do_v it_o require_v less_o understanding_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o a_o private_a family_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o shun_v the_o infection_n that_o be_v abroad_o if_o more_o fatal_a and_o stubborn_a malledy_n reign_v at_o home_n nay_o further_o the_o family_n of_o the_o contemplative_a man_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o give_v he_o no_o disturbance_n but_o if_o possible_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v mould_v and_o compose_v to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o animate_v by_o inclination_n somewhat_o at_o least_o a_o kin_n to_o he_o nay_o after_o all_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o man_n so_o entire_o seque_v as_o to_o be_v utter_o disengage_v from_o all_o other_o interest_n but_o his_o own_o to_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o other_o motion_n to_o have_v none_o but_o himself_o to_o regard_v no_o other_o to_o please_v no_o other_o to_o improve_v even_o here_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o so_o absolute_a a_o liberty_n do_v not_o need_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o moderate_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o require_v a_o large_a capacity_n to_o find_v a_o proper_a and_o wise_a employment_n for_o one_o who_o fortune_n have_v tie_v he_o to_o none_o at_o all_o they_o be_v no_o ordinary_a endowment_n which_o will_v enable_v one_o loose_a and_o free_a from_o all_o business_n to_o spend_v his_o time_n profitable_o and_o pleasant_o and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n he_o will_v dissolve_v and_o putrify_v in_o sloth_n or_o else_o turn_v sour_a and_o savage_a churlish_a and_o brutish_a through_o ignorance_n disgust_n and_o discontent_n nauseated_a with_o a_o life_n that_o afford_v he_o nothing_o new_a nothing_o take_v but_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n lie_v open_a to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a but_o he_o can_v read_v it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o vulgar_a eye_n that_o discern_v the_o delicate_a touch_n of_o a_o skilful_a pencil_n the_o curious_a and_o subtle_a mixture_n of_o light_n and_o shade_n in_o a_o well_o draw_v piece_n it_o be_v not_o every_o spectator_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o beauty_n strength_n and_o convenience_n of_o a_o well_o contrive_v building_n but_o his_o cabinet_n may_v be_v well_o furnish_v it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o the_o man_n have_v nothing_o bookish_a in_o he_o if_o he_o have_v no_o genius_n for_o eloquence_n no_o ear_n for_o the_o music_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n no_o judgement_n for_o history_n no_o comprehension_n for_o art_n or_o science_n what_o be_v a_o cabinet_n to_o he_o tho'_o furnish_v ever_o so_o well_o either_o for_o use_n or_o rarity_n it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v show_v or_o to_o sleep_v in_o for_o after_o all_o the_o cost_n and_o skill_n lay_v out_o upon_o it_o the_o couch_n be_v the_o best_a furniture_n in_o it_o but_o there_o be_v friendship_n there_o be_v the_o name_n indeed_o there_o be_v but_o the_o thing_n be_v too_o divine_a a_o low_a and_o grovel_a soul_n a_o dull_a and_o impenetrable_a temper_n can_v discern_v the_o charm_n nor_o taste_v the_o sweet_n of_o friendship_n what_o be_v that_o familiarity_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o tenderness_n or_o passion_n what_o be_v that_o conversation_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o variety_n or_o depth_n of_o wit_n or_o judgement_n but_o there_o be_v religion_n there_o be_v devotion_n a_o boundless_a field_n of_o profit_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v true_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o strong_a able_a to_o move_v the_o man_n of_o low_a capacity_n to_o decline_v evil_a follow_v his_o call_v and_o do_v good_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o sense_n and_o ability_n but_o as_o to_o seraphic_a contemplative_a religion_n for_o this_o to_o be_v the_o life_n and_o business_n of_o man_n it_o require_v a_o vast_a capacity_n raise_v and_o refine_a notion_n and_o little_o less_o than_o real_a enthusiasm_n i_o mean_v a_o true_o divine_a impetus_fw-la or_o ardour_n impress_v or_o enkindle_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o exuberant_a influx_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o in_o his_o retreat_n be_v entire_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o time_n have_v need_n of_o talent_n to_o employ_v and_o divert_v he_o to_o find_v he_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o reap_v benefit_n from_o the_o one_o and_o to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n in_o the_o other_o and_o without_o this_o degree_n of_o understanding_n a_o solitary_a life_n must_v be_v very_o dull_a and_o barren_a nor_o can_v i_o think_v of_o any_o cure_n for_o this_o but_o to_o increase_v a_o man_n task_n and_o business_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o understanding_n that_o so_o employment_n may_v fill_v those_o vacuity_n which_o contemplation_n never_o can_v this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o advance_v
on_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v sect._n 3_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n which_o regard_v either_o first_o the_o time_n second_o the_o place_n or_o three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o retirement_n first_o as_o to_o time_n tho'_o contemplation_n more_o or_o less_o aught_o to_o enter_v into_o every_o part_n of_o our_o life_n yet_o the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n of_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o it_o be_v the_o evening_n of_o life_n the_o declension_n of_o our_o age_n we_o have_v then_o have_v our_o fill_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v like_a to_o hanker_v after_o it_o we_o have_v see_v the_o emptiness_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o like_a to_o fix_v upon_o solid_a good_a we_o shall_v value_v our_o peace_n and_o calm_a the_o more_o after_o we_o have_v be_v long_o toss_v by_o storm_n beside_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o more_o serious_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n when_o we_o be_v come_v within_o ken_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o examine_v the_o intrinsic_a good_a and_o evil_n of_o thing_n with_o more_o impartiality_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o boiling_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v cool_v and_o slack_v and_o final_o this_o be_v a_o seasonable_a time_n to_o correct_v and_o repair_v the_o error_n of_o the_o past_a life_n and_o to_o state_n our_o account_n for_o the_o last_o audit_n but_o tho'_o i_o thus_o prefer_v age_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o retire_a life_n i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v the_o young_a from_o it_o provide_v it_o be_v virtue_n not_o softness_n the_o love_n of_o another_o world_n not_o a_o cowardly_a decline_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o which_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v sure_o much_o better_a that_o the_o young_a sort_n through_o the_o vigorous_a season_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v engage_v and_o take_v up_o by_o business_n nay_o shall_v contend_v even_o with_o the_o care_n trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o make_v choice_n of_o retirement_n to_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o a_o voluptuous_a lazy_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n something_o be_v every_o day_n learn_v something_o do_v in_o the_o other_o nothing_o in_o the_o one_o the_o man_n live_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o himself_o nor_o unuseful_a to_o his_o country_n but_o in_o the_o other_o herot_n and_o consume_v away_o inglorious_o and_o unprofitable_o second_o as_o to_o place_n solitude_n have_v ever_o be_v deem_v a_o friend_n to_o meditation_n and_o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n very_o serviceable_a to_o a_o conversation_n with_o heaven_n and_o this_o opinion_n be_v much_o strengthen_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o nazerite_n prophet_n and_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o best_a time_n it_o be_v remark_v of_o isaac_n that_o when_o he_o will_v meditate_v he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n and_o when_o moses_n meet_v god_n it_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n without_o question_n a_o private_a retreat_n afford_v we_o many_o convenience_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n leisure_n and_o silence_n settle_v and_o compose_v the_o thought_n and_o the_o mind_n augment_v its_o strength_n and_o vigour_n by_o rest_n complacency_n and_o collection_n within_o itself_o and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o serenity_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o or_o enter_v into_o a_o survey_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o peace_n of_o glorify_a spirit_n and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o own_o hope_n by_o retirement_n we_o at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n free_a and_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o soften_v or_o disturb_v we_o and_o to_o breed_v in_o we_o either_o vanity_n or_o vexation_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o the_o fineness_n of_o air_n the_o openness_n of_o prospect_n the_o regularity_n and_o moderation_n of_o diet_n rest_v and_o exercise_n may_v have_v that_o influence_n upon_o our_o body_n as_o to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v they_o to_o be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o variety_n beauty_n and_o use_v of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n do_v insensible_o and_o almost_o unaware_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o invite_v we_o to_o adore_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v remember_v that_o retirement_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o solitude_n of_o place_n as_o in_o freedom_n from_o secular_a business_n and_o trouble_n from_o the_o allurement_n distraction_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o if_o we_o put_v these_o off_o we_o may_v find_v retirement_n enough_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n but_o if_o we_o carry_v these_o with_o we_o into_o the_o country_n we_o shall_v reap_v little_a benefit_n from_o change_n of_o place_n or_o air_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o retirement_n we_o shall_v be_v persecute_v with_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n with_o which_o vanity_n disorder_n and_o distraction_n be_v wont_a to_o disquiet_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a life_n this_o be_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o circumstance_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o in_o choose_v the_o place_n of_o our_o retreat_n but_o especial_o a_o regard_n to_o such_o duty_n wherein_o we_o propose_v to_o spend_v the_o big_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o these_o several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o my_o thought_n business_n diversion_n friendship_n meditation_n as_o comprise_v all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n and_o measure_v out_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o ascetick_n time_n first_o of_o business_n i_o have_v before_o say_v that_o a_o life_n of_o mere_a contemplation_n be_v above_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o man_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o long_a or_o regular_a contemplation_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o wise_a way_n for_o most_o be_v not_o to_o discharge_v and_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o temporal_a engagement_n but_o only_o from_o such_o as_o will_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o their_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o main_a business_n and_o employment_n so_o many_o indeed_o be_v our_o error_n and_o sin_n so_o frail_a tender_a and_o weak_a our_o virtue_n that_o to_o correct_v the_o one_o and_o confirm_v the_o other_o be_v business_n enough_o and_o may_v of_o itself_o easy_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o life_n if_o we_o pursue_v diligent_o all_o the_o method_n of_o the_o improvement_n and_o advancement_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o art_n or_o employment_n to_o spend_v or_o divert_v our_o time_n he_o that_o beside_o a_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o public_a devotion_n sacrament_n and_o sermon_n bestow_v some_o time_n each_o day_n on_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o blessing_n god_n for_o his_o mercy_n on_o examine_v his_o present_a state_n and_o establish_v his_o future_a hope_n he_o that_o spend_v each_o day_n but_o a_o few_o thought_n on_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o redeemer_n on_o the_o vanity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o final_o on_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o withal_o on_o the_o various_a art_n by_o which_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v wont_a to_o cheat_v or_o surprise_v he_o to_o tempt_v or_o deceive_v he_o will_n i_o believe_v find_v but_o few_o hour_n to_o waste_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o much_o time_n the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o some_o relative_n or_o other_o take_v up_o and_o this_o call_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o own_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o office_n of_o charity_n to_o which_o humanity_n and_o our_o christian_a profession_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o church-membership_n do_v oblige_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n the_o preservation_n of_o law_n the_o promote_a public_a piety_n the_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a the_o relief_n of_o the_o needy_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o injure_v these_o and_o such_o like_a occasion_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o rouse_v our_o zeal_n and_o employ_v our_o charity_n and_o these_o be_v work_n which_o will_v turn_v to_o as_o good_a if_o not_o a_o better_a account_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v than_o solitary_a virtue_n and_o certain_o they_o turn_v to_o
therefore_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o crowd_v my_o thought_n without_o method_n together_o lest_o order_n and_o connection_n shall_v take_v up_o more_o paper_n than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o good_a beginning_n be_v more_o than_o half_a the_o work_n be_v a_o proverb_n no_o where_n true_a than_o here_o for_o meditation_n will_v be_v like_a to_o end_v very_o unprofitable_o if_o we_o enter_v not_o upon_o it_o in_o a_o good_a disposition_n and_o devout_a frame_n and_o if_o we_o do_v it_o seldom_o succeed_v ill_a the_o soul_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v sedate_n calm_a untouched_a by_o any_o worldly_a concern_v pure_a and_o unsullied_a by_o any_o carnal_a image_n fill_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o spiritual_a influence_n possess_v with_o the_o awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n yet_o may_v sudden_a and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o meditation_n be_v ingraft_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o our_o natural_a passion_n however_o first_o raise_v thus_o a_o trouble_a mind_n betake_v itself_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o upon_o the_o error_n of_o life_n and_o corruption_n of_o nature_n may_v enlarge_v itself_o in_o a_o great_a many_o very_a fine_a affect_v and_o edify_a thought_n till_o the_o storm_n dissolve_v into_o a_o soft_a and_o fruitful_a shower_n thus_o the_o mind_n a_o little_a gay_a with_o satisfaction_n or_o joy_n will_v easy_o overflow_v into_o halelujah_n if_o it_o enter_v into_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o love_n and_o beauty_n of_o god_n the_o triumph_n of_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o meditation_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o edification_n than_o learning_n to_o charity_n than_o knowledge_n to_o devout_a passion_n than_o fancy_n or_o curiosity_n let_v none_o despise_v pious_a heat_n and_o transport_v because_o these_o short_a passion_n often_o repeat_v will_v grow_v into_o habitual_a holiness_n and_o steady_a devotion_n those_o argument_n which_o we_o find_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o repress_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n or_o to_o the_o cherish_v a_o weak_a and_o pine_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v often_o ruminate_v not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v always_o ready_a but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v general_o more_o successful_a than_o other_o which_o may_v yet_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a strength_n and_o force_n for_o sin_n like_o the_o slave_n in_o justin_n be_v often_o more_o easy_o defeat_v by_o whip_n and_o scourge_v than_o by_o sword_n the_o principle_n which_o do_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n be_v few_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a but_o a_o vast_a body_n of_o sentence_n notion_n argument_n untried_a undigested_a be_v like_o the_o armour_n of_o saul_n upon_o david_n unmanagable_a and_o cumbersome_a disputable_a or_o intricate_a point_n do_v yield_v little_a or_o no_o nourishment_n wit_n and_o fancy_n be_v also_o for_o ornament_n not_o food_n yet_o weak_a stomach_n must_v be_v feed_v with_o easy_a and_o digestable_a diet_n and_o this_o may_v be_v make_v too_o as_o pleasant_a and_o invite_v as_o it_o can_v god_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n have_v mingle_v beauty_n with_o use_n pleasure_n with_o profit_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v this_o unlawful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n variety_n also_o may_v be_v call_v in_o to_o prevent_v languor_n and_o drowsiness_n nay_o if_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o man_n be_v such_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v exalt_v and_o as_o it_o be_v purify_v by_o they_o i_o know_v not_o why_o notional_a and_o thin_a or_o mysterious_a and_o deep_a speculation_n shall_v be_v forbid_v he_o only_o in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a instance_n two_o error_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v first_o that_o we_o do_v not_o study_v more_o for_o delight_n and_o entertainment_n than_o for_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o virtue_n second_o that_o we_o do_v not_o obtrude_v our_o fancy_n as_o oracle_n our_o dream_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o world_n if_o i_o can_v indulge_v or_o abound_v in_o both_o give_v i_o the_o luxury_n of_o love_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o fancy_n and_o let_v i_o excel_v in_o humility_n and_o modesty_n rather_o than_o knowledge_n and_o notion_n st._n peter_n in_o those_o few_o word_n 1_o epist_n 2.2_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o seem_v to_o have_v excellent_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o contemplation_n comprise_v at_o once_o the_o matter_n design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n qualify_a we_o for_o it_o write_v may_v serve_v to_o marshal_n and_o preserve_v our_o thought_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v stock_v with_o notion_n which_o may_v always_o be_v ready_a matter_n and_o argument_n for_o we_o to_o expatiate_v on_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o first_o or_o last_o we_o be_v move_v or_o affect_v by_o what_o we_o write_v or_o else_o this_o will_v be_v rather_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o invention_n than_o devotion_n and_o all_o the_o product_n of_o it_o will_v be_v rather_o essay_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n than_o of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v rather_o apt_a to_o be_v please_v with_o our_o part_n than_o improve_v by_o this_o practice_n they_o who_o be_v unable_a to_o start_v proper_a matter_n for_o contemplation_n or_o to_o carry_v it_o on_o regular_o and_o coherent_o and_o by_o consequence_n can_v reap_v little_a fruit_n by_o this_o kind_n of_o exercise_n may_v supply_v these_o defect_n by_o read_v and_o such_o reflection_n and_o application_n of_o it_o as_o be_v most_o easy_o and_o obvious_o make_v for_o example_n matth._n 5._o and_o see_v the_o multitude_n he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n and_o when_o he_o be_v set_v his_o disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o open_v his_o mouth_n and_o teach_v they_o say_v o_o bless_a jesus_n thou_o the_o true_a doctor_n and_o teacher_n who_o word_n be_v life_n and_o light_n spirit_n and_o truth_n i_o will_v leave_v the_o multitude_n i_o quit_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o disciple_n i_o approach_v near_o thou_o o_o do_v thou_o open_v thy_o mouth_n and_o speak_v to_o i_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n speak_v thou_o only_o to_o i_o speak_v thou_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o to_o my_o conscience_n and_o let_v i_o hear_v and_o feel_v that_o voice_n that_o speak_v purity_n to_o the_o leprous_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a blessed_n be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o blessedness_n indeed_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n dazzle_v and_o astonish_v i_o my_o fancy_n can_v comprehend_v my_o ambition_n can_v aspire_v after_o their_o grandeur_n and_o glory_n ah_o what_o then_o must_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o o_o my_o lord_n be_o i_o of_o 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contribute_v more_o to_o the_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n than_o the_o most_o sovereign_a cordial_n that_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n some_o be_v willing_a to_o conceal_v those_o decay_n which_o they_o can_v not_o prevent_v and_o can_v remedy_v have_v devise_v many_o way_n to_o counterfeit_v and_o supply_v that_o youth_n and_o beauty_n which_o time_n and_o various_a accident_n have_v wash_v and_o wear_v away_o but_o alas_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o deck_v and_o varnish_v wither_a nature_n and_o paint_v the_o spring_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o winter_n what_o purpose_n be_v it_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v incurable_a to_o suffer_v one_o self_n to_o be_v flatter_v and_o impose_v upon_o and_o try_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v a_o break_a fortune_n not_o only_o from_o the_o world_n but_o from_o one_o self_n alas_o we_o must_v feel_v what_o we_o will_v not_o see_v nature_n droop_v and_o decay_v as_o fast_v within_o as_o it_o do_v without_o and_o we_o lose_v the_o life_n and_o briskness_n of_o our_o blood_n as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v the_o elegancy_n of_o feature_n or_o the_o floridness_n of_o complexion_n in_o a_o word_n as_o to_o this_o perish_a body_n physic_n washes_n and_o fucosis_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o but_o paint_v and_o patch_v a_o ruinous_a fabric_n which_o can_v never_o be_v make_v strong_a and_o beautiful_a till_o death_n have_v take_v it_o quite_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o a_o resurrection_n build_v it_o up_o quite_o a_o new_a if_o therefore_o you_o will_v take_v my_o advice_n you_o shall_v lay_v in_o a_o stock_n of_o sprightly_a generous_a pleasure_n which_o may_v be_v ever_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o entertain_v you_o when_o youth_n and_o strentgth_n be_v past_a you_o shall_v take_v pain_n to_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v the_o mind_n who_o beauty_n will_v more_o than_o supply_v the_o loss_n of_o those_o of_o the_o body_n wisdom_n magnanimity_n bounty_n modesty_n sweetness_n humility_n be_v charm_n able_a to_o recommend_v a_o 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assault_v second_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v three_o i_o will_v remove_v those_o objection_n with_o which_o this_o advice_n be_v encounter_v either_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n happen_v alike_o to_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o from_o the_o early_a and_o immature_n death_n of_o some_o righteous_a person_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o it_o have_v be_v too_o general_o teach_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o date_n of_o (null)_o life_n can_v be_v protract_v that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a period_n decree_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v go_v but_o this_o opinion_n direct_o defeat_v the_o force_n of_o all_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o virtue_n derive_v from_o temporal_a consideration_n and_o undermine_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o redicules_a our_o address_n to_o he_o as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o life_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o how_o 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opinion_n less_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a than_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o multitude_n self_n preservation_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o (null)_o law_n but_o how_o foppish_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o the_o grave_a and_o sagacious_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o enter_v into_o deep_a consultation_n to_o frame_v solemn_a law_n and_o devise_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o fence_n and_o secure_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v invade_v one_o minute_n before_o its_o fatal_a hour_n nor_o prolong_v one_o minute_n beyond_o it_o nor_o have_v man_n only_o but_o god_n himself_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v this_o temporal_a life_n by_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o solemn_a law_n nor_o this_o only_a but_o he_o have_v make_v life_n and_o death_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n this_o opinion_n therefore_o be_v a_o manifest_a calumny_n against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n against_o his_o wisdom_n if_o he_o raise_v up_o the_o pallizado_n and_o bulwark_n of_o law_n to_o guard_n and_o defend_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v violate_v before_o nor_o extend_v beyond_o its_o minute_n his_o sincerity_n for_o his_o promise_n will_v be_v ludicrous_a and_o insignificant_a and_o so_o will_v his_o threat_n too_o if_o neither_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o virtuous_a can_v lengthen_v nor_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o sinner_n can_v shorten_v life_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.10_o 11._o invite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o religion_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o prosperity_n if_o in_o the_o bottom_n and_o truth_n life_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o behaviour_n but_o our_o fate_n and_o be_v not_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o open_a proposal_n but_o the_o secret_a and_o unconditional_a the_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a decree_n of_o the_o almighty_a i_o will_v not_o stop_v here_o but_o heap_v together_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o argument_n against_o this_o error_n do_v i_o not_o remark_n that_o as_o it_o have_v prevail_v too_o much_o to_o be_v despise_v so_o have_v it_o too_o little_a to_o be_v laborious_o refute_v and_o that_o it_o have_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n that_o few_o of_o those_o that_o defend_v it_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o at_o leastwise_o so_o hearty_o as_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o counsel_n or_o action_n turk_n astrologer_n and_o the_o most_o superstitious_a assertor_n of_o fate_n be_v no_o more_o free_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o a_o concern_v for_o life_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mortal_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v thus_o make_v out_o by_o unanswerable_a reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o superstitious_a imagination_n by_o any_o obscure_a or_o subtle_a objection_n or_o by_o any_o mere_a colour_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o be_v once_o clear_a and_o evident_a aught_o to_o remain_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a tho'_o we_o can_v unravel_v every_o objection_n against_o it_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v this_o doctrine_n with_o some_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o certainty_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o with_o some_o particular_a prediction_n of_o man_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o read_v the_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n in_o the_o scheme_n of_o heaven_n yet_o ought_v its_o authority_n to_o be_v preserve_v as_o build_v upon_o plain_a text_n and_o solid_a reason_n and_o attest_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o daily_a observation_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o object_v here_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a easy_a answer_n the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v a_o appoint_a time_n for_o man_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a personal_a fate_n but_o of_o a_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o nature_n not_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n life_n but_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o man_n in_o general_n or_o of_o the_o mortality_n of_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n residence_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o that_o man_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o species_n of_o animal_n and_o indeed_o of_o vegetable_n for_o so_o far_o job_n extend_v the_o comparison_n have_v his_o time_n appoint_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o life_n or_o abide_v here_o set_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v pass_v psalm_n 90.10_o the_o day_n of_o our_o age_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o tho'_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o come_v to_o fourscore_o year_n yet_o be_v their_o strength_n then_o but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n so_o soon_o pass_v it_o away_o and_o we_o be_v go_v as_o to_o astrological_a prediction_n if_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o unquestionable_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o prophecy_n of_o poet_n make_v of_o mend_v after_o the_o event_n yet_o methinks_v be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n very_o prone_a to_o superstition_n a_o thousand_o error_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discredit_v and_o disparage_v one_o good_a guest_n and_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v have_v a_o value_n for_o a_o pretend_a science_n who_o ground_n and_o principle_n be_v evident_o uncertain_a and_o precarious_a no_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o that_o which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v condemn_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n for_o tho'_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o idolatry_n which_o be_v ever_o blend_v with_o it_o seem_v especial_o to_o have_v draw_v down_o
a_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o it_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o isaiah_n 47._o jeremiah_n 10._o and_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o no_o very_a favourable_a or_o benign_a aspect_n as_o to_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n clash_v with_o this_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a he_o seem_v to_o i_o injurious_o to_o limit_v and_o retrain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o think_v he_o foreknow_v nothing_o but_o because_o he_o peremptory_o predetermine_v it_o this_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v sense_n be_v to_o magnify_v his_o power_n but_o to_o reduce_v and_o confine_v his_o knowledge_n or_o at_o leastwise_o to_o depress_v and_o debase_v it_o for_o thus_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o primary_n and_o essential_a perfection_n but_o will_v result_v from_o or_o depend_v upon_o a_o arbitrary_a will_n a_o unguided_a power_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a if_o i_o can_v not_o reconcile_v god_n foreknowledge_n with_o contingency_n in_o event_n therefore_o with_o the_o socinian_n to_o deny_v the_o one_o or_o with_o the_o fatalist_n the_o other_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o i_o learn_v from_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o god_n who_o can_v err_v that_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o creator_n and_o contingency_n to_o the_o creature_n the_o measure_n and_o bound_n of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v any_o let_v who_o will_v seek_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o but_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o if_o any_o man_n will_v contend_v for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o fate_n as_o be_v not_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a but_o submit_v to_o the_o interposal_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o the_o labour_n virtue_n and_o prayer_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v it_o not_o nature_n have_v its_o law_n but_o such_o as_o god_n whenever_o he_o please_v overrule_v the_o government_n of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o order_n and_o method_n much_o less_o the_o government_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n with_o different_a constitution_n but_o yet_o the_o unhealthy_a one_o may_v be_v rectify_v and_o mend_v by_o virtue_n the_o healthy_a corrupt_v by_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n such_o a_o sort_n of_o fate_n or_o destiny_n as_o this_o that_o be_v flexible_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o evil_a may_v be_v correct_v or_o the_o good_a pervert_v such_o a_o fate_n as_o this_o tho'_o the_o word_n be_v improper_a i_o ready_o admit_v but_o no_o other_o no_o other_o i_o say_v in_o the_o general_a for_o as_o to_o those_o particular_a exception_n and_o reservation_n which_o at_o any_o time_n god_n may_v and_o often_o do_v make_v from_o any_o general_a rule_n or_o law_n for_o cause_n always_o weighty_a and_o importent_fw-la and_o general_o hide_v and_o inscrutable_a these_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o have_v thus_o evince_v that_o the_o period_n of_o (null)_o life_n be_v not_o fatal_o fix_v that_o no_o peremptory_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n no_o insuperable_a connection_n or_o concatination_n of_o cause_n do_v supersede_n our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o blessing_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v and_o consider_v which_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n it_o be_v obvious_a and_o manifest_a to_o every_o one_o that_o life_n depend_v upon_o these_o three_o thing_n the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o favourable_a providence_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o none_o will_v deny_v who_o admit_v of_o providence_n we_o may_v at_o least_o be_v protect_v from_o violence_n and_o unlucky_a accident_n such_o as_o (null)_o prudence_n can_v foresee_v and_o to_o these_o three_o may_z for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v add_v the_o good_a will_n of_o man_n who_o ministry_n and_o service_n be_v very_o often_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n first_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v brief_o what_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o then_o more_o full_o how_o we_o may_v possess_v ourselves_o of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o morose_n and_o sour_a the_o froward_a the_o passionate_a and_o the_o sullen_a those_o stain_n and_o blot_n of_o (null)_o nature_n do_v often_o prolong_v their_o life_n to_o a_o great_a age_n as_o if_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o repair_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o fermentation_n or_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n keep_v sweet_a like_o water_n by_o a_o perpetual_a agitation_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o loose_a and_o debauch_a the_o intemporate_a and_o incontinent_a do_v sometime_o tho'_o rare_o live_v long_o and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a rather_o oppress_v by_o their_o year_n than_o their_o excess_n and_o if_o from_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o form_v rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o contradict_v know_v and_o receive_v truth_n we_o shall_v ever_o live_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o fancy_n and_o never_o find_v any_o sure_a and_o firm_a foot_n to_o rest_n upon_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o these_o rare_a instance_n but_o that_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o very_a propitious_a its_o discontent_n a_o very_a malign_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o contentment_n of_o the_o mind_n preserve_v the_o balsam_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n raise_v the_o spirit_n actuate_v and_o invigorate_v all_o our_o power_n so_o that_o when_o the_o mind_n shine_v serene_a and_o bright_a it_o seem_v to_o impart_v a_o new_a warmth_n and_o new_a life_n to_o the_o body_n a_o new_a spring_n and_o new_a verdure_n to_o this_o earth_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disease_a mind_n do_v as_o it_o be_v scatter_v its_o contagion_n through_o the_o body_n discontent_n and_o melancholy_n sour_v the_o blood_n and_o clog_v the_o spirit_n envy_n pine_v away_o and_o passion_n fret_v and_o wear_v out_o our_o strength_n and_o life_n in_o few_o word_n there_o be_v a_o intimate_a conjunction_n between_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o so_o close_o be_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o latter_a upon_o the_o former_a that_o the_o face_n of_o inferior_a nature_n do_v evident_o vary_v wither_v or_o flourish_v according_a to_o that_o variety_n of_o wether_n it_o make_v in_o the_o sky_n about_o it_o as_o the_o mind_n smile_n or_o lowr_n upon_o it_o and_z according_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o observation_n i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o pronounce_v that_o general_o such_o live_v long_a who_o either_o think_v very_o little_a or_o who_o thought_n be_v always_o calm_a and_o cheerful_a such_o who_o be_v stupid_a and_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o have_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v regular_a and_o delightful_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o part_n be_v that_o of_o solomon_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v all_o this_o i_o think_v be_v not_o contest_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n man_n seek_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v diometrical_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o do_v each_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o it_o atheism_n and_o religion_n philosophy_n and_o ignorance_n worldly_a prudence_n or_o policy_n and_o a_o affect_a contempt_n of_o it_o which_o i_o know_v no_o name_n for_o do_v all_o promise_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o art_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n when_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o each_o to_o resolve_v which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v ignorance_n lust_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o blind_a rash_a and_o violent_a for_o we_o to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o their_o conduct_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o giddy_a and_o inconstant_a in_o themselves_o than_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o odd_a accident_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o shall_v they_o lead_v we_o on_o to_o pleasure_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v pain_n the_o next_o moment_n and_o at_o best_a they_o leave_v we_o not_o in_o a_o condition_n either_o rational_o to_o approve_v our_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o worldly_n policy_n be_v build_v whole_o upon_o mistake_v it_o propose_v to_o we_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o great_a and_o good_a which_o when_o we_o have_v examine_v we_o find_v not_o worth_a our_o
seek_n and_o of_o these_o it_o can_v give_v we_o no_o assurance_n whether_o we_o respect_v their_o acquisition_n or_o possession_n and_o the_o way_n it_o prescribe_v to_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o result_v from_o these_o thing_n have_v something_o in_o they_o so_o mean_v so_o laborious_a so_o uncertain_a so_o vexatious_a that_o no_o success_n can_v compensate_a that_o trouble_n and_o shame_n which_o the_o canvas_n for_o they_o put_v we_o to_o atheism_n pretend_v indeed_o to_o extinguish_v our_o gild_n and_o fear_n but_o it_o do_v also_o deface_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o (null)_o action_n it_o pretend_v indeed_o to_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o pleasure_n but_o withal_o it_o leave_v we_o no_o support_n under_o evil_a it_o take_v off_o indeed_o many_o restraint_n but_o withal_o it_o unchain_v and_o let_v loose_v our_o passion_n in_o a_o word_n it_o leave_v we_o nothing_o true_o great_a or_o lovely_a to_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n or_o hope_v for_o in_o another_o and_o if_o its_o tenet_n be_v useful_a to_o we_o yet_o have_v they_o no_o certainty_n no_o foundation_n it_o derive_v all_o its_o credit_n from_o the_o confidence_n not_o reason_n of_o man_n who_o under_o colour_n of_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a philosophy_n advance_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o lust_n to_o which_o they_o be_v entire_o enslave_v religion_n then_o only_o remain_v to_o be_v follow_v this_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n and_o dispel_v our_o error_n and_o rout_v those_o army_n of_o imaginary_a evil_n which_o terrify_v and_o torment_v the_o world_n much_o more_o than_o spirit_n and_o ghost_n do_v this_o discover_v to_o we_o object_n worthy_a of_o all_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o expiate_v our_o gild_n and_o extinguish_v our_o fear_n this_o show_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o open_v we_o a_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o our_o future_a one_o this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a tendancy_n of_o temporal_a evil_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o in_o one_o word_n teach_v we_o both_o to_o enjoy_v and_o suffer_v it_o moderate_v our_o desire_n of_o thing_n uncertain_a and_o out_o of_o our_o power_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o can_v be_v responsible_a it_o raise_v the_o mind_n clear_v the_o reason_n and_o final_o form_v we_o into_o such_o a_o unite_a settle_a and_o compact_a state_n of_o strength_n that_o neither_o the_o judgement_n be_v easy_o shake_v nor_o the_o affection_n hurry_v by_o any_o violent_a transport_n or_o emotion_n but_o do_v i_o not_o here_o imitate_v physician_n who_o attend_v only_o to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a symptom_n and_o neglect_v other_o whether_o i_o do_v or_o no_o they_o who_o read_v such_o general_a direction_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v so_o in_o their_o application_n of_o they_o and_o most_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o design_v only_o to_o redress_v substantial_a and_o formidable_a evil_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o the_o mind_n as_o with_o the_o body_n tho'_o fevors_n imposthume_n defluxion_n etc._n etc._n kill_v the_o anger_n of_o a_o pustle_n the_o pain_n of_o a_o tooth_n do_v strange_o disorder_v and_o disturb_v and_o thus_o tho'_o pain_n and_o death_n and_o such_o like_a evil_n overthrow_n and_o overwhelm_v the_o mind_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o crowd_n of_o slight_a and_o trifle_a evil_n which_v disquiet_n and_o discompose_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o to_o be_v contemn_v especial_o by_o i_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o design_n i_o be_o here_o upon_o since_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o great_a and_o formidable_a evil_n gild_n pain_n poverty_n sickness_n death_n or_o the_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o do_v but_o very_o rare_o afflict_v the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o there_o be_v other_o evil_n of_o a_o slight_a nature_n which_o like_a pirate_n be_v perpetual_o cruise_v on_o our_o coast_n and_o tho'_o they_o can_v invade_v and_o destroy_v do_v much_o disturb_v and_o annoy_v we_o nay_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a to_o see_v man_n acquit_v themselves_o very_o honourable_o under_o true_a and_o substantial_a evil_n who_o come_v off_o very_o poor_o from_o the_o encounter_n of_o slight_a and_o despicable_a one_o how_o common_a be_v it_o for_o one_o who_o maintain_v brave_o his_o courage_n and_o judgement_n amid_o sword_n and_o bullet_n to_o lose_v all_o patience_n prudence_n and_o government_n when_o attack_v by_o a_o rude_a jest_n a_o brisk_a or_o it_o may_v be_v a_o bold_a and_o senseless_a reflection_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o hear_v very_o calm_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o ship_n or_o a_o considerable_a sum_n of_o money_n transport_v into_o strange_a indecency_n upon_o the_o break_n of_o a_o glass_n or_o the_o spoil_n of_o a_o dish_n of_o meat_n and_o he_o who_o sit_v very_o tame_o and_o unconcerned_o down_o under_o a_o disgraceful_a character_n sweat_n and_o rave_v if_o rob_v but_o of_o a_o cabbage_n or_o a_o apricock_n these_o and_o such_o like_a remark_n one_o may_v make_v every_o day_n and_o almost_o in_o every_o company_n and_o what_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n our_o hate_n and_o anger_n be_v as_o violent_a and_o uneasy_a when_o they_o spring_v from_o cause_n of_o the_o least_o as_o of_o the_o high_a moment_n we_o bewail_v fantastic_a and_o true_a misfortune_n with_o the_o same_o sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o resent_v imaginary_a and_o substantial_a injury_n with_o the_o same_o disorder_a pulse_n and_o deform_a look_n when_o i_o have_v reflect_v on_o all_o this_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o (null)_o life_n to_o guard_v myself_o against_o dust_n and_o fly_n as_o against_o storm_n and_o tempest_n to_o arm_v myself_o against_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o swarm_n of_o vexatious_a accident_n as_o against_o pestilence_n and_o war_n and_o poverty_n and_o blindness_n or_o deafness_n and_o to_o this_o end_n these_o three_o or_o four_o follow_a rule_n have_v often_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o i_o first_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n i_o never_o take_v more_o to_o my_o share_n than_o be_v real_o my_o own_o i_o never_o travel_v abroad_o to_o find_v out_o foreign_a mischief_n to_o torment_v myself_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o the_o native_a growth_n of_o my_o country_n my_o own_o mind_n my_o own_o body_n my_o own_o house_n be_v province_n wide_a enough_o for_o i_o and_o a_o little_a too_o fruitful_a too_o nay_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v i_o decline_v if_o i_o can_v a_o evil_a even_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o do_v a_o bustle_n or_o a_o fray_n by_o pass_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o street_n i_o will_v never_o split_v upon_o a_o shelf_n or_o rock_n if_o i_o have_v sea-room_n enough_o and_o as_o a_o little_a distance_n of_o place_n so_o a_o little_a distance_n of_o time_n serve_v my_o turn_n to_o make_v i_o reckon_v such_o evil_n as_o none_o of_o i_o i_o will_v no_o more_o distract_v or_o disturb_v myself_o with_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v fancy_v teem_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o time_n than_o with_o those_o that_o be_v now_o in_o be_v in_o peru_n or_o mexico_n this_o be_v the_o very_a lecture_n religion_n read_v i_o for_o sure_a to_o incorporate_v distant_a evil_n or_o to_o anticipate_v future_a one_o be_v far_o from_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o do_v once_o own_o business_n or_o from_o think_v with_o our_o saviour_n sufficient_a for_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o and_o be_v indeed_o to_o suffer_v as_o busy_a body_n fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n if_o any_o man_n will_v impute_v this_o to_o i_o as_o brutality_n and_o uncharitableness_n i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o thank_v god_n that_o i_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o practise_v caution_n without_o fear_n care_v without_o anxiety_n and_o charity_n without_o distress_n or_o agony_n of_o mind_n second_o as_o to_o those_o evil_n i_o speak_v still_o of_o slight_a and_o daily_a one_o which_o do_v real_o fall_v to_o my_o share_n and_o i_o can_v avoid_v my_o next_o care_n be_v to_o weaken_v their_o force_n to_o disarm_v they_o of_o their_o sting_n their_o tooth_n and_o venom_n if_o they_o have_v any_o i_o take_v from_o they_o all_o the_o terror_n that_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n have_v give_v they_o and_o will_v no_o more_o if_o i_o can_v help_v it_o suffer_v my_o imagination_n than_o my_o taste_n or_o feel_v to_o be_v abuse_v or_o impose_v upon_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o careful_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v myself_o see_v that_o my_o state_n be_v healthy_a and_o my_o nature_n firm_a lest_o i_o shall_v complain_v of_o the_o meat_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o my_o stomach_n or_o think_v
their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n 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future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v
exchange_v false_a for_o true_a and_o irrational_a for_o rational_a pleasure_n if_o i_o be_o in_o the_o right_a if_o my_o condition_n be_v true_o good_a and_o safe_a it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v nothing_o further_a to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o maintain_v my_o ground_n but_o if_o i_o be_o in_o the_o wrong_n if_o the_o foundation_n be_v unsound_a and_o rot_a and_o whilst_o i_o dream_v not_o of_o it_o my_o health_n and_o fortune_n i_o mean_v my_o imaginary_a happiness_n consume_v inward_o waste_n and_o decay_v insensible_o why_o be_o i_o fond_a of_o the_o cheat_n why_o be_o i_o unwilling_a to_o be_v undeceive_v and_o disabused_a and_o why_o not_o present_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a they_o acknowledge_v the_o representation_n i_o have_v make_v to_o they_o of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o rational_a life_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o take_a but_o to_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o new_a state_n to_o come_v forth_o into_o this_o moral_a light_n be_v as_o troublesome_a as_o the_o infant_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o natural_a they_o love_v the_o ease_n and_o wealth_n of_o a_o prosperous_a trader_n but_o not_o the_o hardship_n of_o his_o apprenticeship_n the_o thrift_n and_o confinement_n of_o his_o beginning_n they_o love_v laurel_n and_o triumphal_a arch_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o victory_n but_o can_v endure_v the_o toil_n and_o hazard_n of_o war._n or_o plain_o thus_o they_o admire_v liberty_n of_o mind_n serenity_n and_o rational_a joy_n but_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o purchase_v it_o thus_o the_o wretched_a man_n fear_v the_o regiment_n of_o physic_n wear_v out_o a_o miserable_a life_n in_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o disease_n and_o one_o that_o have_v a_o cancer_n or_o gangrene_n choose_v to_o waste_v and_o rot_v in_o pain_n by_o piecemeal_n rather_o than_o undergo_v the_o short_a pain_n of_o amputation_n or_o absition_n nay_o what_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o this_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o their_o disease_n love_v the_o thing_n that_o 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you_o bring_v forth_o what_o honour_n may_v you_o do_v god_n what_o service_n may_v you_o render_v your_o relation_n and_o your_o country_n and_o what_o joy_n and_o blessing_n may_v you_o not_o heap_v upon_o yourselves_o time_n and_o tide_n seem_v to_o wait_v upon_o you_o even_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n be_v it_o say_v seem_v to_o attend_v and_o court_v you_o but_o ah_o remember_v they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o ever_o these_o smile_n and_o invitation_n of_o heaven_n and_o nature_n will_v not_o last_v continual_o your_o infidelity_n or_o ingratitude_n your_o folly_n and_o sensuality_n will_v soon_o blast_v and_o wither_v all_o these_o fair_a hope_n turn_v all_o your_o pleasure_n into_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o all_o your_o bless_a advantage_n into_o the_o instrument_n of_o your_o ruin_n and_o aggravation_n of_o it_o too_o grace_n will_v soon_o retire_v nature_n degenerate_a time_n grow_v old_a the_o world_n despise_v you_o the_o god_n of_o it_o frown_v upon_o you_o and_o conscience_n guilty_a conscience_n will_v be_v either_o stupefy_v and_o benume_v or_o fester_v and_o rage_n within_o you_o and_o death_n will_v come_v and_o then_o judgement_n and_o how_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v ah_o who_o know_v sudden_a and_o early_a death_n ought_v to_o convince_v you_o on_o what_o uncertain_a ground_n you_o stand_v the_o scythe_n of_o death_n stay_v not_o always_o till_o the_o harvest_n be_v ripe_a but_o promiscuous_o mow_v down_o the_o young_a and_o old_a ah_o begin_v begin_v then_o to_o live_v seize_v upon_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n while_o they_o stand_v court_v and_o invite_v you_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o glory_n immediate_o while_o the_o difficulty_n be_v few_o your_o strength_n and_o aid_n great_a your_o judgement_n be_v not_o yet_o corrupt_v by_o the_o maxim_n or_o rather_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o your_o will_n yet_o disable_v and_o enslave_v by_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_n ah_o venture_v not_o to_o devote_v your_o youth_n to_o vanity_n and_o folly_n on_o presumption_n of_o devote_v your_o age_n to_o repentance_n and_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o just_a design_n in_o itself_o yet_o be_v it_o to_o you_o a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o doubtful_a one_o for_o which_o way_n can_v you_o ensure_v life_n or_o on_o what_o ground_n can_v you_o confide_v on_o the_o morrow_n boast_v not_o of_o to_o morrow_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o i_o know_v what_o opposition_n will_v be_v raise_v against_o this_o kind_n of_o exhortation_n and_o with_o what_o rude_a reflection_n they_o will_v be_v treat_v come_v say_v they_o this_o be_v our_o spring_n let_v we_o enjoy_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o have_v time_n and_o vigour_n religion_n look_v too_o grave_a and_o formal_a for_o these_o year_n we_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o he_o dull_a and_o melancholy_a come_v on_o then_o let_v we_o enjoy_v ourselves_o as_o become_v our_o youth_n this_o be_v our_o portion_n and_o our_o lot_n be_v this_o and_o whatever_o they_o who_o have_v now_o outlive_v themselves_o who_o blood_n be_v four_o and_o spirit_n low_a may_v grave_o talk_v against_o these_o thing_n they_o too_o when_o time_n be_v admire_v what_o they_o now_o will_v have_v we_o despise_v as_o vanity_n and_o commit_v themselves_o what_o they_o now_o condemn_v in_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v we_o pass_v over_o the_o briskness_n and_o the_o flourish_n and_o examine_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o talk_n the_o substance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n one_a youth_n be_v the_o season_n of_o pleasure_n i._n e._n sin_n and_o folly_n inclination_n and_o opportunity_n conspire_v to_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o therefore_o you_o indulge_v it_o what_o a_o strange_a argument_n be_v this_o be_v there_o any_o period_n of_o our_o life_n from_o our_o cradle_n almost_o to_o burr_n coffin_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o moment_n we_o arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o our_o grave_n wherein_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o be_v not_o in_o season_n may_v not_o manhood_n defend_v ambition_n and_o old_a age_n covetousness_n by_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o which_o you_o do_v your_o sinful_a pleasure_n if_o inclination_n to_o a_o folly_n will_v justify_v our_o commission_n of_o it_o in_o what_o part_n of_o life_n shall_v we_o begin_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v the_o time_n wherein_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o inclination_n to_o any_o sin_n or_o folly_n or_o rather_o if_o this_o be_v so_o who_o can_v be_v guilty_a the_o adulterer_n will_v impute_v his_o uncleanness_n to_o the_o impetus_fw-la of_o his_o lust_n the_o murderer_n his_o bloodshed_n to_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o rage_n i._n e._n each_o of_o they_o their_o sin_n