life_n so_o the_o most_o happy_a but_o that_o it_o may_v become_v happy_a unless_o something_o more_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n virtue_n than_o the_o stoic_n peripatetic_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o other_o moralist_n understand_v by_o it_o for_o with_o they_o it_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o only_o such_o a_o firm_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o habitude_n of_o the_o will_n to_o good_a whereby_o we_o be_v constant_o dispose_v notwithstanding_o the_o contrary_a tendency_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o perform_v the_o necessary_a office_n of_o life_n this_o they_o call_v moral_a or_o civil_a virtue_n and_o although_o this_o bring_v always_o happiness_n enough_o with_o it_o to_o make_v ample_a amends_o for_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o great_a happiness_n attainable_a by_o man_n in_o this_o life_n consist_v in_o it_o but_o there_o be_v another_o and_o a_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o frequent_o occur_v in_o the_o pythagorean_n and_o platonic_a write_n viz._n contemplation_n and_o the_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o they_o call_v divine_a virtue_n i_o allow_v of_o the_o distinction_n but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o derive_v it_o from_o the_o principle_n as_o if_o moral_a virtue_n be_v acquire_v and_o this_o infuse_v for_o to_o speak_v ingenious_o infuse_v virtue_n seem_v ever_o to_o i_o as_o great_a a_o paradox_n in_o divinity_n as_o occult_a quality_n in_o philosophy_n but_o from_o the_o nobleness_n of_o the_o object_n the_o object_n of_o the_o former_a be_v moral_a good_a and_o the_o object_n of_o the_o latter_a god_n himself_o the_o former_a be_v a_o state_n of_o proficiency_n the_o latter_a of_o perfection_n the_o former_a be_v a_o state_n of_o difficulty_n and_o contention_n the_o latter_a of_o ease_n and_o ferenity_n the_o former_a be_v employ_v in_o master_v the_o passion_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o common_a life_n the_o latter_a in_o divine_a meditation_n and_o the_o ecstasy_n of_o seraphic_a love._n he_o that_o have_v only_o the_o former_a be_v like_o moses_n with_o much_o difficulty_n climb_v up_o to_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o latter_a be_v like_o the_o same_o person_n converse_v with_o god_n on_o the_o serene_a top_n of_o it_o and_o shine_v with_o the_o ray_n of_o anticipate_v glory_n so_o that_o this_o latter_a suppose_v the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o former_a and_o consequent_o have_v all_o the_o happiness_n retain_v to_o the_o other_o beside_o what_o it_o add_v of_o its_o own_o this_o be_v the_o last_o stage_n of_o human_a perfection_n the_o utmost_a round_n of_o the_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n one_o step_n high_o be_v glory_n here_o then_o will_v i_o build_v my_o tabernacle_n for_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o here_o will_v i_o set_v up_o my_o pillar_n of_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o fix_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o travel_v on_o far_a in_o pursuit_n of_o any_o great_a happiness_n since_o man_n in_o this_o station_n be_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n one_o remove_n from_o heaven_n here_o certain_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n as_o well_o as_o perfection_n attainable_a by_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n for_o since_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o complete_a consist_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o intimate_a vision_n and_o most_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v our_o measure_n and_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n attainable_a in_o this_o state_n which_o be_v the_o great_a participation_n of_o the_o other_o and_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o god._n i_o shall_v say_v something_o of_o each_o of_o these_o several_o and_o something_o of_o the_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o both_o and_o so_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n 27._o by_o contemplation_n in_o general_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o understand_v a_o application_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o some_o truth_n but_o here_o in_o this_o place_n we_o take_v the_o word_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a sense_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o habitual_a attentive_a steady_a application_n or_o conversion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n of_o this_o the_o master_n of_o mystic_n theology_n common_o make_v fifteen_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v intuition_n of_o truth_n the_o second_o be_v a_o retirement_n of_o all_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o faculty_n into_o the_o innermost_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o three_o be_v spiritual_a silence_n the_o four_o be_v rest_n the_o five_o be_v union_n the_o six_o be_v the_o hear_v of_o the_o still_a voice_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o be_v spiritual_a slumber_n the_o eight_o be_v ecstacy_n the_o nine_o be_v rapture_n the_o ten_o be_v the_o corporeal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n the_o eleven_o be_v the_o imaginary_a appearance_n of_o the_o same_o the_o twelve_o be_v the_o intellectual_a vision_n of_o god_n the_o thirteen_o be_v the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o obscurity_n the_o fourteen_o be_v a_o admirable_a manifestation_n of_o god_n the_o fifteen_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o intuitive_a vision_n of_o he_o such_o as_o st._n austin_n and_o tho._n aquinas_n attribute_n to_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n other_o of_o they_o reckon_v seven_o degree_n only_o viz._n taste_v desire_v satiety_n ebriety_n security_n tranquillity_n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o they_o say_v be_v know_v only_o to_o god._n 28._o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o examine_v the_o scale_n of_o this_o division_n perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o pythagoric_a superstition_n in_o the_o number_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v affirm_v in_o general_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v wind_v up_o to_o a_o most_o strange_a degree_n of_o abstraction_n by_o a_o silent_a and_o steady_a contemplation_n of_o god._n plato_n define_v contemplation_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o solution_n and_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n and_o some_o of_o the_o severe_a platonist_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n by_o mere_a intention_n of_o thought_n not_o only_o to_o withdraw_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o commerce_n with_o the_o sense_n but_o even_o real_o to_o separate_v it_o from_o the_o body_n to_o untwist_v the_o ligament_n of_o his_o frame_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o resolve_v himself_o into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o the_o jew_n express_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n call_v it_o osculum_fw-la oris_n dei_fw-la the_o kiss_n of_o god_n mouth_n that_o be_v that_o he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o energy_n of_o contemplation_n and_o expire_v in_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o maker_n a_o happy_a way_n of_o die_v how_o ambitious_a shall_v i_o be_v of_o such_o a_o conveyance_n be_v it_o practicable_a how_o passionate_o shall_v i_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n cant._n 1._o 2._o 29._o but_o however_o this_o be_v determine_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v exceed_o great_a measure_n of_o abstraction_n in_o contemplation_n so_o great_a that_o sometime_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o himsel_n can_v hardly_o tell_v and_o consequent_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o praeludium_n of_o death_n these_o neighbourhood_n of_o separation_n must_v needs_o have_v bright_a glimpse_n and_o more_o beatific_a idea_n of_o god_n than_o in_o a_o state_n void_a of_o these_o elevation_n and_o consequent_o must_v love_v he_o with_o great_a ardency_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v 30._o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o general_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o intellectual_a or_o as_o it_o be_v a_o passion_n the_o first_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a delectable_a and_o agreeable_a object_n join_v herself_o to_o he_o by_o the_o will._n the_o latter_a be_v when_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o sensible_a commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o estuation_n of_o the_o blood._n some_o i_o know_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o sensitive_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o passion_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n which_o fall_v under_o our_o imagination_n and_o consequent_o the_o imagination_n be_v the_o only_a medium_fw-la
thou_o by_o degree_n waste_v teach_v to_o know_v which_o lessen_v thy_o surprise_n below_o but_o knowledge_n all_o at_o once_o will_v overflow_v thou_o there_o that_o world_n as_o the_o first_o man_n do_v this_o thou_o will_v see_v ripe-grown_a in_o full_a maturity_n iv._o there_o with_o bright_a splendour_n must_v thou_o dwell_v and_o be_v what_o only_o those_o pure_a form_n can_v tell_v there_o must_v thou_o live_v a_o while_n gaze_v and_o admire_v till_o the_o great_a angel_n trump_n this_o fabric_n shike_a and_o all_o the_o slumber_a dead_a awake_a then_o to_o thy_o old_a forget_a state_n must_v thou_o retire_v this_o union_n than_o will_v seem_v as_o strange_a or_o more_o than_o thy_o new_a liberty_n before_o v._o now_o for_o the_o great_a change_n prepare_v to_o see_v the_o only_a great_a the_o only_a fair._n veil_n now_o thy_o feeble_a eye_n gaze_n and_o be_v blessed_v here_o all_o thy_o turn_n and_o revolution_n cease_v here_o be_v all_o serenity_n and_o peace_n thou_o be_v to_o the_o centre_n come_v the_o native_a seat_n of_o rest_n there_o be_v now_o no_o further_a change_n nor_o need_v there_o be_v when_o one_o shall_v be_v variety_n the_o return_n i._o dear_o contemplation_n my_o divine_a joy_n when_o i_o thy_o sacred_a mount_n ascend_v what_o heavenly_a sweet_n my_o soul_n employ_v why_o can_v i_o there_o my_o day_n for_o ever_o spend_v when_o i_o have_v conquer_v thy_o steep_a height_n with_o pain_n what_o pity_n it_o be_v that_o i_o must_v down_o again_o ii_o and_o yet_o i_o must_v my_o passion_n will_v rebel_v shall_v i_o too_o long_o continue_v here_o no_o here_o i_o must_v not_o think_v to_o dwell_v but_o mind_n the_o duty_n of_o my_o proper_a sphere_n so_o angel_n though_o they_o heaven_n glory_n know_v forget_v not_o to_o attend_v their_o charge_n below_o the_o 137_o psalm_n paraphrase_a to_o the_o 7_o verse_n i._o beneath_o a_o reverend_a gloomy_a shade_n where_o tigris_n and_o euphrates_n cut_v their_o way_n with_o fold_a arm_n and_o head_n supine_o lay_v we_o sit_v and_o weep_v out_o all_o the_o tedious_a day_n within_o its_o bank_n grief_n can_v not_o be_v contain_a when_o zion_n we_o remember_v thou_o ii_o our_o harp_n with_o which_o we_o oft_o have_v sing_v in_o solemn_a strain_n the_o great_a jehovah_n praise_n our_o warble_a harp_n upon_o the_o tree_n we_o hang_v too_o deep_o our_o grief_n to_o hear_v their_o please_a lay_n our_o harp_n be_v sad_a as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o tho_o by_o angel_n touch_v will_v yield_v no_o harmony_n iii_o but_o they_o who_o force_v we_o from_o our_o seat_n the_o happy_a land_n and_o sweet_a abode_n of_o rest_n have_v one_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v more_o cruel_a yet_o and_o ask_v a_o song_n from_o heart_n with_o grief_n oppress_v let_v we_o hear_v say_v they_o upon_o the_o lyre_n one_o of_o the_o anthem_n of_o your_o hebrew_n quire._n iv._o how_o can_v we_o frame_v our_o voice_n to_o sing_v the_o hymn_n of_o joy_n festivity_n and_o praise_n to_o those_o who_o be_v alien_n to_o our_o heavenly_a king_n and_o want_v a_o taste_n for_o such_o exalt_a lay_n our_o harp_n will_v here_o refuse_v to_o sound_v a_o holy_a song_n be_v due_a to_o holy_a ground_n v._o no_o dear_a zion_n if_o we_o can_v so_o far_o forget_v thy_o melancholy_a state_n as_o now_o thou_o mourn_v to_o sing_v one_o cheerful_a strain_n this_o ill_a be_v add_v to_o our_o ebb_n of_o fate_n let_v neither_o harp_n nor_o voice_n ere_o try_v one_o haleluia_o more_o but_o ever_o silent_a lie_n the_o 139_o psalm_n paraphrase_a to_o the_o 14_o verse_n i._o in_o vain_a great_a god_n in_o vain_a i_o try_v to_o escape_v thy_o quick_a all-searching_a eye_n thou_o with_o one_o undivided_a view_n do_v look_v the_o whole_a creation_n through_o the_o unshaped_a embryo_n of_o my_o mind_n not_o yet_o to_o form_n or_o likeness_n wrought_v the_o tender_a rudiment_n of_o thought_n thou_o se_v before_o she_o can_v her_o own_o conception_n find_v ii_o my_o private_a walk_n to_o thou_o be_v know_v in_o solitude_n i_o be_o not_o alone_o thou_o round_o my_o bed_n a_o guard_n do_v keep_v thy_o eye_n be_v open_a while_o my_o sleep_n my_o soft_a whisper_n reach_v thy_o ear_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o fancy_v secrecy_n which_o way_n so_o ere_o i_o turn_v thou_o be_v there_o i_o be_o all_o round_o beset_v with_o thy_o immensity_n iii_o i_o can_v wade_v through_o this_o depth_n i_o find_v it_o drown_v and_o swallow_v up_o my_o mind_n it_o be_v like_o thy_o immense_a deity_n i_o can_v fathom_v that_o or_o thou_o where_o then_o shall_v i_o a_o refuge_n find_v from_o thy_o bright_a comprehensive_a eye_n whither_o o_o whither_o shall_v i_o fly_v what_o place_n be_v not_o possess_v by_o thy_o all-filling_a mind_n iv._o if_o to_o the_o heavenly_a orb_n i_o fly_v there_o be_v thy_o seat_n of_o majesty_n if_o down_o to_o hell_n abyss_n i_o go_v there_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o meet_v thou_o too_o shall_v i_o with_o the_o swift_a wing_n of_o light_n seek_v some_o remote_a and_o unknown_a land_n thou_o soon_o will_v overtake_v my_o flight_n and_o all_o my_o motion_n rule_v with_o thy_o long-reaching_a hand_n v._o shall_v i_o to_o avoid_v thy_o pierce_a sight_n retire_v behind_o the_o screen_n of_o night_n thou_o can_v with_o one_o celestial_a ray_n dispel_v the_o shade_n and_o make_v it_o day_n nor_o need_v thou_o by_o such_o medium_n see_v the_o force_n of_o thy_o clear_a radiant_a sight_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o grosser_n light_n on_o light_n thou_o sit_v enthrone_v it_o be_v ever_o day_n with_o thou_o vi_o the_o spring_n which_o life_n and_o motion_n give_v be_v thou_o by_o thou_o i_o move_v and_o live_v my_o frame_n have_v nothing_o hide_v from_o thou_o thou_o know_v my_o whole_a anatomy_n to_o a_o hymn_n of_o praise_n i_o will_v tune_v my_o lyre_n how_o amaze_a be_v this_o work_n of_o thou_o with_o dread_n i_o into_o my_o self_n retire_v for_o though_o the_o metal_n be_v base_a the_o stamp_n be_v all_o divine_a to_o dr._n plot_n on_o his_o natural_a history_n of_o stafford-shire_n i._o what_o strange_a perversity_n be_v this_o of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o taste_v the_o enlighten_v tree_n he_o can_v not_o then_o his_o hand_n refrain_v none_o then_o so_o inquisitive_a so_o curious_a as_o he._n but_o now_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o try_v and_o know_v god_n whole_a plantation_n below_o now_o the_o angelic_a fruit_n may_v be_v taste_v by_o all_o who_o arm_n can_v reach_v the_o tree_n he_o be_v now_o by_o licence_n careless_a make_v the_o tree_n neglect_v to_o climb_v and_o sleep_v beneath_o the_o shade_n ii_o such_o drowsy_a sedentary_a soul_n have_v they_o who_o can_v to_o patriarchal_a year_n live_v on_o fix_v to_o hereditary_a clay_n and_o know_v no_o climate_n but_o their_o own_o contract_a to_o their_o narrow_a sphere_n rest_v before_o knowledge_n they_o prefer_v and_o of_o this_o globe_n wherein_o they_o dwell_v no_o more_o than_o of_o the_o heavenly_a orb_n can_v tell_v as_o if_o by_o nature_n place_v below_o not_o on_o this_o earth_n to_o dwell_v but_o to_o take_v root_n and_o grow_v iii_o dull_a soul_n why_o do_v great_a nature_n take_v such_o care_n to_o write_v in_o such_o a_o splendid_a character_n if_o man_n the_o only_a thing_n below_o that_o can_v pretend_v her_o hand_n to_o know_v her_o fair-writ_a volumn_n do_v despise_v and_o though_o design_v for_o wisdom_n will_v be_v wise_a the_o almighty_a get_v no_o praise_n from_o this_o dull_a kind_n the_o sun_n be_v never_o worship_v by_o the_o blind_a such_o ignorance_n can_v never_o devotion_n raise_v they_o will_v want_v wisdom_n and_o their_o maker_n praise_n iv._o they_o only_o can_v this_o tribute_n due_o yield_v who_o active_a spirit_n range_v abroad_o who_o traverse_v over_o all_o nature_n field_n and_o view_v the_o great_a magnificence_n of_o god._n they_o see_v the_o hide_a wealth_n of_o nature_n store_n fall_v down_o and_o learned_o adore_v but_o they_o most_o just_o yet_o this_o tribute_n pay_v who_o do_v it_o contemplate_v only_a but_o display_v comment_n on_o nature_n text_n and_o to_o the_o sense_n expose_v she_o latent_fw-la excellence_n who_o like_o the_o sun_n not_o only_o travel_v over_o the_o world_n but_o give_v it_o light_v that_o other_o may_v adore_v v._o in_o the_o head_n of_o these_o heroic_a few_n our_o learned_a author_n first_o appear_v in_o view_n who_o search_a genius_n like_o the_o lamp_n of_o day_n do_v the_o earth_n furniture_n display_v nor_o suffer_v to_o lie_v bury_v and_o unknown_a nature_n rich_a talon_n or_o his_o own_o drake_n and_o columbus_n do_v in_o thou_o revive_v and_o we_o from_o thy_o research_n as_o much_o receive_v thou_o be_v as_o great_a as_o they_o for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o new_a world_n to_o find_v or_o nice_o to_o describe_v the_o know_v vi_o on_o
another_o case_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v remove_v thou_o lord_n of_o thy_o goodness_n have_v make_v my_o hill_n so_o strong_a it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o turn_v the_o perspective_n and_o give_v he_o a_o more_o near_o full_a and_o distinct_a view_n of_o his_o condition_n that_o instead_o of_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o â—ed_n of_o security_n he_o may_v learn_v to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a which_o we_o shall_v do_v by_o advance_v to_o the_o 2d_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v that_o although_o man_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o persevere_v if_o he_o will_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n navigate_fw-la enim_fw-la adhuc_fw-la for_o he_o be_v still_o upon_o the_o water_n and_o though_o with_o the_o use_n of_o diligence_n and_o prudent_a conduct_n he_o may_v decline_v both_o rock_n and_o shallows_o yet_o if_o he_o venture_v to_o sleep_v within_o the_o vessel_n which_o he_o shall_v govern_v upon_o a_o groundless_a presumption_n that_o a_o angel_n will_v be_v his_o pilot_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v infallible_o steer_v to_o the_o right_a point_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o omnipotence_n he_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o past_a success_n of_o his_o voyage_n and_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o future_a be_v shipwrack_v even_o within_o sight_n of_o the_o haven_n 6._o i_o confess_v when_o i_o consider_v with_o what_o strength_n and_o combination_n of_o argument_n christianity_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n do_v approve_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o original_a god_n be_v its_o author_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o and_o perfective_a of_o our_o best_a faculty_n its_o wholesome_a effect_n and_o operation_n the_o interest_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n as_o well_o as_o of_o private_a person_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o last_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o end_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o conclude_v it_o the_o most_o prodigious_a thing_n in_o nature_n that_o so_o very_a few_o shall_v be_v in_o love_n with_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n be_v i_o not_o immediate_o surprise_v with_o a_o great_a miracle_n which_o be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o few_o after_o some_o considerable_a progress_n in_o virtue_n retract_v their_o best_a choice_n and_o after_o the_o good_a angel_n have_v bring_v they_o within_o sight_n of_o the_o mountain_n of_o safety_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o region_n of_o wickedness_n 7._o this_o certain_o be_v a_o condition_n no_o less_o strange_a than_o deplorable_a and_o call_v for_o our_o wonder_n as_o well_o as_o our_o pity_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o ignorance_n of_o the_o sweet_n of_o religion_n may_v something_o lessen_v the_o wonder_n of_o not_o embrace_v it_o and_o the_o food_n of_o angel_n may_v lie_v neglect_v on_o the_o ground_n so_o long_o as_o man_n wist_v not_o what_o it_o be_v but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v one_o will_v think_v it_o as_o difficult_a for_o such_o to_o fall_v away_o as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n 8._o but_o such_o be_v the_o imperfection_n and_o unsteddiness_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n there_o have_v be_v instance_n of_o this_o kind_n paradise_n can_v not_o preserve_v man_n in_o his_o innocence_n and_o the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n degenerate_v into_o a_o wilderness_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o be_v observe_v only_o in_o man_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o intellectual_a being_n but_o the_o very_a angel_n also_o who_o be_v great_a in_o power_n and_o might_n 18._o be_v charge_v with_o folly_n for_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n those_o bright_a son_n of_o the_o morning_n can_v not_o long_o endure_v to_o be_v happy_a but_o grow_v giddy_a with_o the_o sublimity_n of_o their_o station_n and_o fall_v from_o the_o height_n of_o glory_n and_o although_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o serene_a and_o peaceful_a mansion_n be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v pious_o believe_v full_o confirm_v in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n yet_o man_n like_o this_o sublunary_a region_n which_o fall_v to_o his_o lot_n to_o inherit_v be_v still_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o scene_n of_o change_n and_o revolution_n but_o in_o nothing_o so_o changeable_a as_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o fix_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o narrow_a and_o a_o rugged_a path_n and_o he_o that_o tread_v sure_a be_v not_o secure_a from_o fall_v 9_o this_o will_v plain_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o no_o habit_n though_o contract_v by_o never_o so_o great_a a_o repetition_n of_o act_n do_v necessitate_v the_o faculty_n but_o only_o dispose_v it_o to_o act_v with_o great_a facility_n and_o consequent_o leave_v it_o still_o indifferent_a to_o opposite_a operation_n whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o habit_n of_o holiness_n may_v by_o degree_n be_v abolish_v by_o contrary_a action_n for_o as_o this_o habit_n be_v at_o first_o beget_v by_o frequent_a act_n so_o may_v it_o be_v destroy_v by_o opposite_a one_o and_o what_o be_v more_o a_o contrary_a habit_n may_v be_v at_o length_n produce_v 10._o this_o i_o say_v be_v very_o possible_a in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v interpose_v here_o with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v it_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o expect_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o intolerable_a presumption_n to_o rely_v upon_o it_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o be_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o consolation_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o choose_a vessel_n he_o have_v god_n faithfulness_n engage_v for_o it_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o his_o strength_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o sufficiency_n it_o must_v have_v be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v fall_v from_o his_o own_o steadfastness_n otherwise_o i_o can_v imagine_v to_o what_o purpose_n he_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n and_o all_o for_o this_o reason_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n 11._o what_o do_v the_o angel_n let_v fall_v their_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v man_n pretend_v to_o indefectibility_n indeed_o the_o platonist_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o order_n of_o being_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mind_n unit_v and_o self-goodness_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o close_a draught_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o the_o masterpiece_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o these_o they_o say_v be_v essential_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n immutable_a and_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v pure_a uncompounded_a spirit_n and_o utter_o abstract_a from_o matter_n and_o although_o these_o be_v the_o only_a creature_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v essential_o immutable_a yet_o they_o allow_v a_o gift_n or_o privilege_n of_o perseverance_n to_o certain_a man_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o as_o according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n of_o pre-existence_n be_v not_o send_v down_o into_o these_o body_n for_o any_o fault_n commit_v in_o another_o state_n but_o who_o come_v hither_o either_o out_o of_o generosity_n or_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n to_o be_v guide_n and_o example_n of_o heroic_a virtue_n in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o they_o say_v be_v secure_a of_o remain_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o return_v to_o their_o native_a country_n again_o 12._o now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o opinion_n of_o they_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n make_v it_o part_n of_o my_o creed_n for_o to_o be_v essential_o immutable_a i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o no_o creature_n how_o excellent_a soever_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o this_o divine_a prerogative_n and_o this_o i_o find_v acknowledge_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o one_o who_o in_o other_o point_n be_v very_o platonical_o give_v but_o here_o he_o have_v desert_v his_o master_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o his_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
in_o the_o subject_a whether_o as_o to_o person_n state_n or_o condition_n which_o may_v render_v it_o capable_a of_o friendship_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a idea_n now_o i_o say_v what_o these_o be_v may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o the_o idea_n itself_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o distinct_o according_a to_o those_o three_o modification_n and_o by_o apply_v the_o genus_fw-la to_o each_o of_o they_o for_o one_a whereas_o friendship_n be_v say_v to_o be_v charity_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n intense_a hence_o i_o collect_v one_a that_o it_o can_v be_v but_o between_o good_a man_n because_o a_o ill_a man_n can_v have_v any_o true_a charity_n much_o less_o such_o an_z intense_a degree_n of_o it_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o friendship_n so_o that_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v one_o requisite_a 2_o hence_o i_o collect_v that_o a_o friend_n must_v not_o be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o character_n lucan_n give_v of_o cato_n rigidi_fw-la servator_fw-la honesti_fw-la rigid_o virtuous_a and_o honest_a but_o he_o must_v be_v also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o a_o liberal_a sweet_a oblige_v temper_n one_o of_o those_o good_a man_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o righteous_a or_o rigid_o honest_a that_o some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v for_o they_o for_o though_o i_o may_v have_v common_a charity_n nay_o more_o a_o great_a esteem_n for_o a_o man_n of_o plain_a honesty_n and_o integrity_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o love_v he_o with_o that_o special_a intenseness_n of_o affection_n which_o belong_v to_o friendship_n unless_o he_o be_v also_o of_o a_o beneficent_a kind_a and_o obsequious_a temper_n so_o that_o good_a nature_n be_v another_o requisite_a 3_o hence_o i_o collect_v that_o there_o must_v be_v also_o at_o least_o in_o a_o competent_a proportion_n a_o agreeableness_n of_o humour_n and_o manner_n for_o unless_o the_o material_n be_v of_o a_o apt_a and_o correspondent_a figure_n the_o building_n can_v neither_o be_v compact_v nor_o last_a so_o that_o likeness_n of_o disposition_n be_v another_o requisite_a 4._o hence_o i_o collect_v that_o true_a friendship_n can_v be_v among_o many_o for_o since_o our_o faculty_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a energy_n it_o be_v impossible_a our_o love_n can_v be_v very_a intense_a when_o divide_v among_o many_o no_o the_o ray_n must_v be_v contract_v to_o make_v they_o burn_v so_o that_o another_o requisite_a be_v that_o the_o term_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v few_o in_o number_n 4._o these_o be_v all_o the_o requisite_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o at_o present_a deducible_a from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o idea_n viz._n charity_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n intense_a as_o for_o fidelity_n in_o retain_v secret_n constancy_n of_o adherence_n and_o the_o like_a i_o think_v they_o be_v virtual_o include_v in_o the_o first_o requisite_a it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a that_o want_v they_o but_o if_o you_o think_v the_o reduction_n not_o so_o obvious_a you_o may_v if_o you_o please_v add_v they_o here_o in_o the_o five_o place_n as_o distinct_a requisite_n it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o requisite_n deducible_a from_o the_o first_o part_n 5._o to_o proceed_v whereas_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o friendship_n be_v a_o benevolence_n that_o be_v mutual_a there_o be_v but_o one_o general_a requisite_a deducible_a from_o this_o which_o be_v that_o all_o the_o other_o be_v find_v in_o both_o or_o if_o more_o in_o all_o the_o person_n suppose_v to_o be_v friend_n the_o three_o of_o which_o import_v relation_n will_v of_o necessity_n be_v so_o for_o all_o similitude_n be_v mutual_a last_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o friendship_n be_v a_o benevolence_n mutual_o know_v all_o that_o will_v be_v requisite_a upon_o this_o head_n be_v that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v confederated_a in_o this_o union_n have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n or_o correspondence_n that_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o degree_n and_o reality_n of_o each_o other_o love_n 6._o have_v thus_o state_v the_o idea_n of_o friendship_n and_o from_o thence_o deduce_v all_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o the_o subject_n for_o its_o entertainment_n i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o from_o the_o premise_n venture_v to_o affirm_v that_o there_o may_v be_v strict_a friendship_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n for_o which_o of_o these_o requisite_n be_v it_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o want_v as_o for_o your_o objection_n take_v from_o their_o inequality_n i_o grant_v equality_n be_v want_v both_o as_o to_o sex_n and_o as_o to_o conjugal_a relation_n but_o neither_o be_v all_o equality_n necessary_a it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o friend_n shall_v stand_v upon_o a_o level_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o fortune_n state_n or_o condition_n this_o sort_n of_o equality_n i_o grant_v be_v a_o good_a preparative_a for_o a_o more_o easy_a introduction_n of_o friendship_n and_o it_o be_v also_o advantageous_a to_o the_o lastingness_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v dispensable_a it_o be_v like_a level_v the_o ground_n betwixt_o two_o river_n it_o make_v way_n for_o a_o more_o easy_a union_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o earthquake_n flood_n or_o other_o contingency_n they_o may_v be_v unite_v without_o it_o the_o only_a equality_n that_o be_v necessary_a be_v a_o equality_n of_o disposition_n a_o harmony_n of_o affection_n but_o this_o may_v be_v in_o person_n of_o unequal_a fortune_n and_o condition_n i_o confess_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o friendship_n between_o person_n of_o different_a quality_n if_o the_o superior_a take_v advantage_n of_o his_o pre-eminence_n or_o authority_n for_o then_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o poet_n say_v si_fw-mi vis_fw-fr sexte_n coli_fw-la non_fw-la amabo_fw-la 7._o but_o then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v invest_v with_o superiority_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o friendship_n for_o then_o king_n who_o have_v no_o equal_n but_o those_o of_o other_o kingdom_n be_v with_o who_o they_o can_v intimate_o converse_v will_v be_v the_o miserable_a creature_n alive_a but_o the_o habitual_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o and_o the_o stand_n upon_o its_o privilege_n 8._o but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o friendship_n may_v level_v those_o who_o fortune_n have_v make_v unequal_a and_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n may_v find_v opportunity_n to_o descend_v from_o the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n to_o the_o familiar_a caress_n of_o a_o dear_a favourite_n and_o unk_v himself_o a_o while_n for_o the_o more_o glorious_a title_n of_o friend_n it_o be_v but_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n in_o hand_n and_o you_o have_v a_o solution_n to_o your_o question_n and_o now_o sir_n from_o the_o theory_n of_o friendship_n i_o shall_v most_o ready_o descend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o when_o ever_o you_o please_v to_o employ_v the_o service_n of_o dear_a sir_n your_o most_o real_a friend_n and_o servant_n j._n norris_n the_o copy_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o my_o friend_n f._n b._n concern_v the_o death_n of_o my_o dear_a niece_n m._n c._n my_o dear_a friend_n 1._o since_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o friendship_n to_o communicate_v sorrow_n as_o well_o as_o to_o share_v in_o joy_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v increase_v and_o the_o other_o diminish_v i_o can_v but_o betake_v myself_o to_o this_o easy_a refuge_n be_v at_o present_a in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o will_v need_v more_o relief_n and_o support_v than_o i_o can_v either_o give_v to_o myself_o or_o receive_v from_o other_o 2._o the_o truth_n be_v shall_v i_o indulge_v my_o passion_n i_o may_v find_v perhaps_o as_o much_o cause_n as_o he_o that_o do_v it_o to_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o my_o nativity_n my_o pretty_a little_a dear_a niece_n and_o scholar_n she_o who_o i_o love_v admire_a and_o delight_v in_o she_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o once_o think_v life_n as_o now_o i_o think_v death_n a_o blessing_n she_o how_o shall_v i_o bring_v out_o that_o dismal_a word_n be_v dead_a 3._o she_o be_v and_o have_v leave_v a_o strange_a emptiness_n in_o my_o soul_n so_o large_a be_v the_o room_n she_o take_v up_o there_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a can_v ever_o fill_v i_o must_v needs_o own_o that_o i_o never_o be_v so_o deep_o affect_v with_o any_o trouble_n in_o my_o life_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o think_v that_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o temporal_a loss_n so_o much_o to_o discompose_v and_o unspirit_v my_o soul._n it_o be_v not_o a_o transient_a gust_n of_o passion_n which_o like_o a_o little_a cloud_n will_v either_o soon_o blow_v over_o or_o spend_v itself_o in_o a_o