Selected quad for the lemma: state_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
state_n darkness_n light_n shine_v 1,758 5 9.8256 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44699 The vanity of this mortal life, or, Of man, considered only in his present mortal state by J. Howe ... Howe, John, 1630-1705. 1672 (1672) Wing H3045; ESTC R9662 57,187 180

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

praise_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v that_o have_v stamp_v so_o lively_a signature_n and_o print_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n upon_o all_o his_o work_n if_o it_o be_v say_v man_n may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o kind_a serviceable_a to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o angel_n though_o he_o be_v himself_o never_o to_o know_v any_o other_o than_o this_o mortal_a state_n it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o may_v so_o but_o yet_o the_o incongruity_n be_v no_o way_n salve_v of_o god_n put_v a_o capacity_n and_o expectation_n into_o his_o nature_n of_o a_o better_a state_n of_o his_o deal_n so_o hardly_o with_o they_o that_o he_o have_v procure_v to_o love_v he_o of_o his_o never_o vindicate_a their_o high_a contempt_n that_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o beside_o that_o these_o be_v ill_a precedent_n and_o no_o pleasant_a theme_n for_o the_o view_n of_o a_o angelical_a mind_n and_o if_o they_o see_v a_o nature_n extinct_a capable_a of_o their_o state_n what_o may_v they_o suspect_v of_o their_o own_o so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o thought_n we_o still_o see_v that_o man_n mortality_n and_o liableness_n to_o a_o unavoidable_a death_n abstract_v from_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o state_n carry_v that_o constant_a aspect_n as_o if_o all_o man_n be_v make_v in_o vain_a what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o conclude_v hence_o we_o ought_v not_o too_o much_o o●_n too_o long_o thus_o to_o abstract_n no●_n too_o close_o confine_v our_o eye_n to_o this_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a theme_n death_n and_o the_o grave_a or_o withhold_v it_o from_o look_v further_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v the_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n have_v give_v be_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o exercise_v a_o long_a continue_a series_n of_o providence_n through_o so_o many_o successive_a age_n towards_o he_o in_o vain_a nothing_o but_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o state_n can_v solve_v the_o knot_n and_o work_v through_o the_o present_a difficulty_n can_v give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o man_n and_o what_o he_o be_v make_v for_o therefore_o since_o it_o will_v be_v profane_a and_o impious_a sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a a_o blasphemy_n to_o our_o maker_n and_o a_o torture_n to_o ourselves_o to_o speak_v it_o as_o our_o settle_a apprehension_n and_o judgement_n that_o god_n have_v make_v man_n to_o no_o purpurpose_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o concern_v bo●●_n 〈…〉_z to_o he_o and_o compossion_n to_o ourselves_o so_o to_o represent_v the_o ●a●e_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v so_o unworthy_a and_o black_a a_o thought_n to_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o both_o in_o itself_o and_o whatsoever_o practice_n will_v be_v consequent_a thereto_o that_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o certain_o there_o must_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o and_o according_o steer_v our_o course_n the_o improvement_n then_o of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n will_v have_v a_o double_a aspect_n on_o our_o judgement_n practice_n 1._o on_o our_o judgement_n to_o settle_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o the_o certain_a futurity_n of_o another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o unto_o which_o this_o present_a state_n be_v only_o preparatory_a and_o introductive_a for_o whereas_o we_o can_v never_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n why_o such_o a_o creature_n as_o man_n be_v make_v if_o we_o confine_v all_o ou●_n apprehension_n concern_v he_o to_o his_o present_a state_n on_o earth_n let_v they_o once_o transcend_v those_o narrow_a limit_n fly_v over_o into_o eternity_n and_o behold_v he_o make_v for_o a_o everlasting_a state_n hereafter_o and_o the_o difficulty_n now_o vanish_v the_o whole_a affair_n look_v with_o a_o com●ly_a and_o besit_a aspect_n for_o we_o may_v now_o represent_v the_o case_n thus_o to_o ourselves_o that_o man_n be_v put_v into_o this_o terrestrial_a state_n and_o dwelling_n by_o the_o wise_a and_o righteous_a designation_n of_o his_o great_a creator_n and_o lord_n that_o his_o loyalty_n to_o he_o amid_o the_o temptation_n and_o enticement_n of_o sensible_a thing_n may_v be_v try_v a_o while_n that_o revolt_n from_o he_o he_o be_v only_o leave_v to_o feel_v here_o the_o just_a smart_n of_o his_o causeless_a defection_n that_o yet_o such_o far_a method_n be_v use_v for_o his_o recovery_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o so_o impair_v state_n a_o allay_v light_n shine_v to_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n that_o his_o feeble_a eye_n may_v receive_v a_o gradual_a illumination_n and_o behold_v god_n in_o those_o more_o obscure_a discovery_n which_o he_o now_o vouchsafe_v of_o himself_o till_o by_o degree_n he_o be_v win_v to_o take_v up_o good_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o return_v into_o a_o acquaintance_n and_o friendship_n with_o he_o which_o once_o begin_v here_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o perfect_v in_o eternal_a fruition_n the_o offence_n and_o wrong_n do_v to_o his_o maker_n he_o in_o a_o strange_a unthought_a of_o way_n make_v compensation_n of_o to_o himself_o and_o testify_v his_o reconcileableness_n and_o persuade_v a_o reconciliation_n upon_o such_o term_n and_o by_o so_o endear_n mediu●●s_v as_o may_v melt_v and_o mollitie_v heart_n of_o adamant_n and_o shall_v effectual_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o yield_v themselves_o the_o subject_n and_o instance_n of_o his_o admire_a goodness_n for_o ever_o while_o other_o lie_v only_o under_o the_o natur●l_a consequent_n and_o just_a resentment_n of_o their_o unremedy_v enmity_n and_o ●olly_n so_o be_v the_o glorious_a issue_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o man_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o merciful_a conduct_n of_o his_o equal_a government_n worthy_o celebrate_v through_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n with_o just_a acclamation_n and_o praise_n we_o can_v fasten_v upon_o nothing_o exceptionable_a or_o unaccountable_a yea_o or_o that_o be_v not_o high_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a in_o this_o course_n of_o procedure_v therefore_o though_o now_o we_o behold_v a_o dark_a cloud_n of_o mortality_n hang_v over_o the_o whole_a humane_a race_n though_o we_o see_v the_o grave_n still_o devour_a and_o still_o unsatisfied_a and_o that_o all_o be_v successive_o draw_v down_o into_o it_o and_o we_o puzzle_v ourselves_o to_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o creature_n be_v make_v a_o reasonable_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a duration_n to_o visit_v the_o world_n only_o and_o vanish_v to_o converse_v a_o short_a space_n with_o object_n and_o affair_n so_o far_o beneath_o it_o and_o retire_v we_o know_v not_o whither_o if_o yet_o our_o eye_n follow_v he_o through_o the_o dark_a path_n of_o the_o region_n of_o death_n till_o at_o the_o next_o appearance_n we_o behold_v he_o clothe_v with_o immortality_n and_o fit_v to_o a_o endless_a state_n the_o wonder_n be_v over_o and_o our_o amusement_n quick_o cease_v wherefore_o l●t_v we_o thus_o bethink_v ourselves_o and_o consider_v sure_o he_o that_o m●●●e_v this_o great_a universe_n and_o dispose_v all_o the_o sort_n station_n and_o motion_n o●_n creature_n in_o it_o in_o so_o exquisite_a order_n and_o method_n can_v but_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_o wise_a and_o intellectual_a agent_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o no_o purpose_n much_o less_o when_o all_o the_o inferior_a creature_n have_v end_n visible_o answer_v the_o exigency_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o have_v make_v so_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n the_o noble_a part_n of_o his_o low_a creation_n in_o vain_a that_o he_o only_o shall_v be_v without_o his_o proportionable_a end_n and_o after_o a_o short_a continuance_n in_o be_v return_v to_o nothing_o without_o leave_v it_o conjecturable_a what_o he_o be_v make_v for_o this_o be_v so_o intolerable_a a_o incongruity_n and_o so_o unlike_o the_o footstep_n that_o every_o where_o else_o appear_v of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o can_v but_o inquire_v further_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o conclude_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v make_v for_o some_o high_a purpose_n than_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o sight_n and_o have_v his_o principal_a ●●●t_n yet_o to_o act_v upon_o another_o stage_n within_o the_o vail_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v down_o the_o future_a immortality_n of_o man_n seen●s_v therefore_o so_o certain_o ground_v upon_o what_o be_v discover_v and_o general_o acknowledge_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o most_o peculiar_a and_o essential_a per●ections_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v further_o put_v to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n which_o to_o they_o that_o be_v rational_a need_v not_o and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a there_o can_v no_o reasonable_a doubt_n remain_v concern_v it_o 2._o wherefore_o the_o further_a use_n we_o have_v to_o make_v of_o the_o matter_n propose_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o practice_n which_o it_o may_v fi●ly_o serve_v both_o to_o
folly_n than_o they_o who_o have_v only_o this_o plea_n for_o their_o action_n that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v especial_o when_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o sudden_a reflection_n will_v discover_v the_o iniquity_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o one_o will_v think_v nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o obvious_a or_o more_o ready_o occur_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n than_o to_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o take_v notice_n there_o be_v such_o a_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n furnish_v with_o such_o ability_n and_o power_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v i_o make_v for_o what_o be_o i_o to_o pitch_v upon_o as_o my_o proper_a end_n nor_o any_o thing_n appear_v more_o horrid_a to_o he_o than_o to_o cross_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n 2._o it_o may_v also_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o direct_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o may_v hence_o take_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n for_o what_o else_o be_v leave_v we_o since_o in_o our_o present_a state_n we_o behold_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n we_o see_v thus_o stand_v our_o case_n that_o we_o must_v measure_v ourselves_o by_o one_o of_o these_o apprehension_n either_o we_o be_v make_v in_o vain_a or_o we_o be_v make_v for_o a_o future_a state_n and_o can_v we_o endure_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o former_a as_o if_o we_o be_v impertinency_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o have_v no_o proper_a business_n in_o it_o what_o ingenuous_a person_n will_v not_o blush_v to_o be_v always_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o a_o useless_a hangby_a to_o be_v still_o hang_v on_o where_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v that_o if_o he_o be_v ask_v sir_n what_o be_v your_o business_n here_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v or_o how_o can_v we_o bear_v it_o to_o live_v as_o if_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o chance_n or_o rather_o by_o mistake_n as_o though_o our_o creation_n have_v be_v a_o misadventure_n a_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v have_v it_o be_v better_o think_v on_o and_o that_o our_o maker_n have_v overshoot_v himself_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o oversight_n in_o give_v we_o such_o a_o be_v who_o that_o have_v either_o just_a value_n for_o himself_o or_o any_o reverence_n for_o his_o maker_n can_v endure_v either_o to_o undergo_v the_o reproach_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blasphemy_n which_o this_o will_v import_v and_o who_o can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o that_o live_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n agreeable_o to_o the_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o beyond_o this_o present_a life_n let_v we_o therefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o set_v our_o face_n as_o person_n design_v for_o another_o world_n so_o shape_a our_o course_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v concur_v to_o signify_v to_o man_n the_o greatness_n of_o our_o expectation_n we_o otherwise_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n to_o our_o own_o and_o our_o creator_n wrong_n that_o we_o have_v reasonable_a soul_n give_v we_o to_o no_o purpose_n we_o be_v therefore_o concern_v and_o oblige_v both_o to_o aim_v at_o that_o worthy_a end_n and_o to_o discover_v and_o make_v it_o visible_a that_o we_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v a_o design_n for_o a_o immortal_a state_n so_o mean_a and_o inglorious_a or_o so_o irrational_a and_o void_a of_o a_o solid_a ground_n that_o we_o have_v any_o cause_n either_o to_o decline_v or_o conceal_v it_o either_o not_o to_o retain_v or_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o hope_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o prosecution_n of_o it_o so_o unworthy_a as_o to_o need_v a_o corner_n or_o merit_n to_o be_v do_v as_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n neither_o yet_o be_v it_o a_o vainglorious_a ostentation_n or_o the_o affectation_n of_o make_v show_n of_o a_o excellency_n above_o the_o vulgar_a pitch_n that_o i_o persuade_v to_o but_o a_o modest_a sober_a avow_v of_o our_o high_a design_n and_o hope_n neither_o make_v any_o near_a approach_n to_o a_o proud_a arrogance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n nor_o a_o mean_a pusillanimity_n on_o the_o other_o true_o great_a and_o generous_a spirit_n know_v how_o to_o carry_v under_o secular_a honour_n with_o that_o prudent_a and_o graceful_a decorum_n as_o shall_v signify_v a_o just_a own_n of_o themselves_o without_o insolence_n towards_o other_o real_a worth_n though_o it_o do_v not_o vaunt_v will_v show_v itself_o and_o while_o it_o do_v not_o glare_v yet_o can_v forbear_v to_o shine_v we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o spirit_n refine_v from_o earth_n and_o dross_n and_o aspire_v towards_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n may_v express_v itself_o and_o shine_v in_o its_o native_a lustre_n with_o its_o own_o not_o with_o borrow_a beam_n with_o a_o constant_a even_o natural_a not_o with_o a_o unequal_a artificial_a light_n that_o all_o that_o will_v may_v see_v by_o the_o steady_a tendency_n of_o our_o course_n that_o we_o be_v aim_v at_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n though_o we_o all_o the_o while_n be_v not_o so_o much_o solicitous_a to_o have_v our_o end_n and_o purpose_n know_v as_o to_o obtain_v it_o and_o very_o since_o the_o vile_a son_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o man_n of_o sense_n that_o aim_v at_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o gratify_v their_o brutal_a appetite_n with_o such_o pleasure_n as_o be_v only_o to_o be_v compass_v within_o a_o short_a li●●s-time_n in_o this_o world_n and_o who_o live_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o of_o mankind_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o hide_v the_o infamy_n of_o their_o low_a design_n or_o conceal_v the_o degenerous_a baseness_n of_o their_o mean_a spirit_n but_o while_o they_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n and_o only_a mind_n earthly_a thing_n do_v also_o glory_v in_o their_o shame_n how_o much_o be_v it_o beneath_o the_o state_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v worthy_o design_v for_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o glory_n or_o think_v of_o steal_v a_o passage_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o dark_a no_o let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o only_o too_o mean_a a_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o common_a spirit_n of_o the_o sensual_a world_n but_o even_o to_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o soul_n and_o ignominious_a a_o thing_n as_o whereof_o they_o be_v concern_v not_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n only_o but_o the_o suspicion_n 11._o those_o worthy_a soul_n that_o in_o former_a and_o darker_n day_n be_v engage_v in_o seek_v the_o heavenly_a country_n think_v it_o become_v they_o to_o confess_v themselves_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o therein_o to_o declare_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v seek_v that_o better_a country_n which_o confession_n and_o plain_a declaration_n we_o need_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v mere_o verbal_a but_o practical_a and_o real_a also_o such_o as_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o language_n of_o their_o life_n and_o of_o a_o constant_a uniform_a course_n of_o action_n agreeable_a to_o such_o a_o design_n let_v we_o therefore_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o temper_n of_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v be_v most_o conformable_a to_o this_o design_n and_o best_a become_v person_n pretend_v to_o it_o whereupon_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v our_o own_o thought_n instruct_v we_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o will_v be_v most_o become_v and_o fit_a in_o reference_n thereto_o and_o which_o we_o may_v therefore_o take_v as_o so_o many_o particular_a direction_n how_o to_o govern_v our_o spirit_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o answerable_o to_o so_o great_a a_o expectation_n 1._o that_o we_o endeavour_v for_o a_o calm_a indifferency_n and_o dispassionate_a temper_n of_o mind_n towards_o the_o various_a object_n and_o affair_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o present_a life_n there_o be_v very_o narrow_a limit_n already_o set_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o all_o the_o real_a objective_n value_n that_o such_o thing_n have_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n to_o set_v the_o proportionable_a bound_n to_o all_o the_o thought_n care_n and_o passion_n we_o will_v suffer_v to_o stir_v in_o our_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o nothing_o be_v a_o more_o evident_a acknowledge_v character_n of_o a_o fool_n than_o upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o be_v in_o a_o transport_n to_o be_v much_o take_v with_o empty_a thing_n betoken_v a_o empty_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o manly_a fortitude_n to_o have_v a_o soul_n so_o fence_v against_o foreign_a impression_n as_o little_a to_o be_v move_v with_o thing_n that_o have_v little_a in_o they_o to_o keep_v our_o passion_n
〈…〉_z own_o spirit_n we_o defeat_v not_o our_o 〈◊〉_d expectation_n how_o pleasant_a and_o delectable_a that_o danger_n be_v provide_v against_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o compare_v our_o present_n with_o our_o expect_a state_n what_o we_o be_v with_o what_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v ere_o long_o to_o think_v of_o exchange_v short_o infirmity_n pollution_n darkness_n deformity_n trouble_n complaint_n for_o power_n purity_n light_n beauty_n rest_n and_o praise_n how_o pleasant_a if_o our_o spirit_n be_v fit_v to_o that_o state_n the_o endeavour_n whereof_o be_v a_o further_a congruity_n in_o the_o present_a case_n viz._n 4_o that_o we_o make_v it_o our_o principal_a business_n to_o intend_v our_o spirit_n to_o adorn_v and_o cultivate_v our_o inward_a man_n what_o can_v more_o become_v we_o if_o we_o reckon_v we_o have_v somewhat_o about_o we_o make_v for_o immortality_n than_o to_o bestow_v our_o chief_a care_n upon_o that_o immortal_a part_n therefore_o to_o neglect_v our_o spirit_n confessed_o capable_a of_o so_o high_a a_o estate_n to_o let_v th●m_n languish_v under_o w●●●ing_a distemper_n or_o lie_v as_o the_o s●uggard's_n field_n overgrow_v with_o thorus_n and_o brier_n be_v as_o vile_a a_o slur_n as_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o profession_n we_o shall_v therefore_o make_v this_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o earnest_a study_n what_o will_v be_v the_o proper_a improvement_n and_o ornament_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o will_v most_o fit_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o state_n we_o be_v go_v into_o and_o of_o our_o daily_a observation_n how_o such_o thing_n thrive_v and_o grow_v in_o we_o especial_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v till_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o refinedness_n from_o this_o earth_n a_o thorough_a purgation_n from_o all_o undue_a degree_n of_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o affection_n the_o consumption_n of_o our_o dross_n by_o a_o sacred_a fire_n from_o heaven_n a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o burn_v a_o aptitude_n to_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n high_a complacency_n in_o god_n fervent_a love_n a_o worship_a posture_n of_o soul_n form_v to_o the_o veneration_n of_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n goodness_n power_n holiness_n profound_a humility_n and_o abnegation_n of_o ourselves_o a_o praiseful_a frame_n of_o spirit_n much_o use_v to_o gratulation_n and_o thanksgiving_n a_o large_a and_o universal_a love_n imitate_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o divine_a a_o proneness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o a_o steady_a composure_n and_o serene_a temper_n of_o spirit_n the_o repose_n and_o rest_n of_o a_o content_a mind_n not_o boisterous_a not_o apt_a unto_o disquiet_n or_o to_o create_v storm_n to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o world_n every_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o blissful_a region_n where_o nothing_o but_o perfect_a purity_n entire_a devotedness_n to_o god_n love_n goodness_n benignity_n well-pleasedness_a order_n and_o peace_n shall_v have_v place_n for_o ever_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_o intent_n upon_o as_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n our_o daily_a work_n to_o get_v our_o spirit_n so_o attemper_v and_o fi●ted_v to_o heaven_n that_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v what_o design_n we_o drive_v what_o be_v we_o do_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o true_a answer_n we_o be_v dress_v ourselves_o for_o eternity_n and_o since_o nothing_o be_v require_v hereto_o that_o be_v simple_o impossible_a nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v be_v a_o perfection_n to_o they_o how_o worthy_a and_o commendable_a a_o ambition_n be_v it_o to_o be_v always_o aspire_v not_o to_o rest_v or_o take_v up_o beneath_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o attainable_a excellency_n in_o these_o kind_n reckon_v every_o degree_n thereof_o a_o due_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o while_o any_o thing_n of_o real_a intrinsic_a moral_a goodness_n be_v yet_o want_v and_o not_o only_o due_a but_o necessary_a and_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n we_o be_v short_o to_o enter_v upon_o that_o except_o such_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v we_o can_v have_v a_o abundant_a entrance_n into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v we_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o expectation_n omit_v such_o endeavour_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o it_o be_v alike_o thing_n as_o if_o a_o unbred_a peasant_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o thrust_v himself_o with_o a_o expectation_n of_o high_a honour_n and_o preferment_n into_o the_o prince_n court_n or_o as_o if_o a_o distract_a man_n shall_v expect_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o intricate_a affair_n of_o state_n or_o a_o uninstructed_a idiot_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o profess_v and_o teach_v philosophy_n therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v be_v we_o conscious_a of_o no_o unfitness_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n to_o be_v associate_v with_o the_o h●au●nly_a assembly_n of_o pure_a intellectual_a spirit_n to_o consort_v and_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o celebration_n and_o triumphant_a song_n can_v we_o espy_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o as_o a_o earthy_a mind_n aversation_n to_o god_n as_o pride_n disdain_n wrath_n or_o envy_n admiration_n of_o ourselves_o aptness_n to_o seek_v our_o own_o thing_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o other_o or_o the_o like_a and_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n then_o misgive_v and_o tell_v we_o we_o be_v unready_a not_o yet_o prepare_v to_o approach_v the_o divine_a presence_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o glory_n and_o what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o do_v but_o set_v ourselves_o to_o our_o preparatory_a work_n to_o set_v our_o watch_n make_v our_o observation_n take_v strict_a notice_n of_o all_o the_o deflection_n and_o obliquity_n of_o our_o spirit_n settle_v our_o method_n and_o hasten_v a_o redress_n do_v not_o we_o know_v this_o be_v the_o time_n and_o state_n of_o preparation_n and_o since_o we_o know_v it_o how_o will_v the_o folly_n torture_v we_o by_o reflection_n of_o have_v betray_v ourselves_o to_o a_o surprisal_n none_o be_v ever_o wont_a to_o enter_v upon_o any_o new_a state_n without_o some_o forego_n preparation_n every_o more_o remarkable_a turn_n or_o change_v in_o our_o life_n be_v common_o if_o at_o all_o foreknown_a introduce_v by_o many_o serious_a fore-thought_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o change_v his_o dwell_n employment_n condition_n common_a discretion_n will_v put_v he_o upon_o think_v how_o to_o comport_v with_o the_o place_n business_n converse_n and_o way_n of_o live_v he_o be_v next_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o and_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v the_o more_o intense_a by_z how_o much_o more_o momentous_a the_o change_n if_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v his_o country_n with_o no_o probability_n of_o return_v if_o he_o be_v design_v to_o a_o station_n the_o circumstance_n whereof_o carry_v any_o thing_n of_o awfulness_n in_o they_o if_o to_o public_a business_n if_o to_o court-attendance_n with_o what_o solemnity_n and_o address_n be_v such_o thing_n undertake_v how_o loath_a and_o ashamed_a will_v one_o be_v to_o go_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v total_o unapt_a not_o at_o all_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o it_o but_o what_o so_o great_a change_n as_o this_o can_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n admit_v that_o a_o soul_n long_o shut_v up_o in_o flesh_n be_v now_o to_o go_v forth_o from_o its_o earthly_a mansion_n and_o return_v no_o more_o expect_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a king_n and_o go_v act_v its_o part_n among_o the_o perfect_v spirit_n that_o attend_v his_o throne_n how_o solicitous_a endeavour_n of_o a_o very_a through_o preparation_n do_v this_o case_n call_v for_o but_o how_o ill_o do_v the_o common_a course_n of_o man_n agree_v to_o this_o who_o never_o have_v such_o matter_n in_o their_o thought_n who_o so_o much_o neglect_v not_o their_o very_a hog_n as_o they_o do_v their_o spirit_n 5._o that_o we_o have_v much_o conversation_n with_o god_n he_o be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o permanent_a good_a therefore_o the_o endeavour_n of_o become_v very_o inward_a with_o he_o do_v best_a agree_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o state_n perfect_o good_a and_o happy_a to_o expect_v this_o and_o converse_v only_o with_o shadow_n and_o vanish_v thing_n be_v to_o expect_v to_o be_v happy_a without_o a_o happiness_n or_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v betide_v we_o as_o a_o casual_a thing_n or_o be_v force_v upon_o we_o at_o last_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n but_o since_o our_o happiness_n in_o god_n be_v on_o his_o part_n not_o necessary_a but_o vouchsafe_v and_o gratuitous_a depend_v on_o mere_a good_a pleasure_n be_v it_o our_o best_a way_n of_o ingratiate_v ourselves_o with_o he_o to_o neglect_v he_o and_o live_v as_o
of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o david_n as_o we_o see_v v_o 1._o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n what_o so_o great_a joy_n and_o solace_n can_v a_o die_a man_n take_v in_o a_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o when_o he_o have_v do_v with_o this_o world_n and_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o more_o in_o it_o if_o he_o take_v it_o not_o to_o concern_v a_o future_a blessedness_n in_o another_o world_n be_v it_o only_o for_o the_o hope_a prosperity_n of_o his_o house_n and_o family_n when_o he_o be_v go_v this_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o can_v fasten_v on_o he_o plain_o seclude_v in_o the_o next_o word_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v therefore_o it_o be_v his_o reflection_n upon_o those_o lovingkindness_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o psalm_n contain_v in_o god_n covenant_n and_o confirm_v by_o his_o oath_n but_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o import_v already_o declare_v that_o cause_v this_o sudden_a turn_n in_o david_n spirit_n and_o make_v he_o that_o late_o speak_v as_o out_o of_o a_o golgotha_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o but_o death_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o thought_n to_o speak_v now_o in_o so_o different_a a_o strain_n and_o after_o some_o additional_a plead_n in_o which_o his_o faith_n further_o recover_v itself_o to_o conclude_v this_o psalm_n with_o solemn_a praise_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o evermore_o amen_o and_o amen_o we_o see_v then_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o all_o man_n mortality_n abstract_o and_o alone_o consider_v clothe_v his_o soul_n with_o black_a wrap_v it_o up_o in_o gloomy_a darkness_n make_v the_o whole_a kind_a of_o humane_a creature_n seem_v to_o he_o a_o obscure_a shadow_n a_o empty_a vanity_n but_o his_o recall_v into_o his_o thought_n a_o succeed_a state_n of_o immortal_a life_n clear_v up_o the_o day_n make_v he_o and_o all_o thing_n appear_v in_o another_o hue_n give_v a_o fair_a account_n why_o such_o a_o creature_n as_o man_n be_v make_v and_o therein_o make_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o inferior_a world_n look_v with_o a_o comely_a and_o well-composed_a aspect_n as_o the_o product_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o rational_a design_n whence_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o ground_n of_o discourse_n fair_o before_o we_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o that_o the_o short_a time_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n limit_v by_o a_o certain_a unavoidable_a death_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o abstract_o by_o itself_o without_o respect_n to_o a_o future_a state_n carry_v that_o appearance_n and_o aspect_n with_o it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n in_o vain_a that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v vain_a according_a to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n here_o use_v 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v ●ither_o false_a a_o fiction_n a_o appearance_n only_o a_o shadow_n or_o evanid_v thing_n or_o which_o be_v vseless_a unprofitable_a and_o to_o no_o valuable_a purpose_n the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o the_o case_n now_o suppose_v may_v be_v true_o style_v vain_a ●ither_o way_n and_o we_o shall_v say_v somewhat_o to_o each_o but_o to_o the_o former_a more_o brief_o 1._o it_o be_v vain_a i._n e._n little_a other_o than_o a_o show_n a_o mere_a shadow_n a_o semblance_n of_o be_v we_o must_v indeed_o in_o the_o present_a case_n even_a abstract_n he_o from_o himself_o and_o consider_v he_o only_o as_o a_o mortal_a die_a thing_n and_o as_o to_o that_o of_o he_o which_o be_v so_o what_o a_o contemptible_a nothing_o be_v he_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o somewhat_o but_o search_v a_o little_a and_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o it_o vanish_v into_o a_o mere_a nothing_o be_v find_v a_o lie_n a_o piece_n of_o falsehood_n as_o if_o he_o do_v but_o feign_v a_o be_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n speak_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o common_a case_n of_o man_n how_o fast_o all_o be_v hasten_v out_o of_o life_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o be_v which_o they_o rather_o seem_v to_o have_v assume_v and_o borrow_v than_o to_o possess_v and_o own_v lord_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v man_n such_o a_o fictitious_a thing_n give_v he_o such_o a_o mock-beeing_a why_o have_v thou_o bring_v forth_o into_o the_o light_n of_o this_o world_n such_o a_o sort_n of_o creature_n that_o rather_o seem_v to_o be_v than_o be_v that_o have_v so_o little_a of_o solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v and_o so_o little_o deserve_v to_o be_v take_v for_o reality_n that_o only_o serve_v to_o cheat_v one_o another_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o true_a existence_n and_o present_o vanish_v and_o confess_v their_o falsehood_n what_o hover_v shadow_n what_o uncertain_a entity_n be_v they_o in_o a_o moment_n they_o be_v and_o be_v not_o i_o know_v not_o when_o to_o say_v i_o have_v see_v a_o man_n it_o seem_v as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o such_o thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o see_v they_o move_v and_o walk_v to_o and_o fro_o that_o i_o talk_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o but_o instant_o my_o own_o sense_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v my_o sense_n the_o lie_n they_o be_v on_o the_o sudden_a dwindle_a away_o and_o force_v i_o almost_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o delusion_n i_o be_o but_o mock_v with_o a_o show_n and_o what_o seem_v a_o reality_n prove_v a_o imposture_n their_o pretence_n to_o be_v be_v but_o fiction_n and_o falsehood_n a_o cozenage_n of_o over-credulous_a unwary_a sense_n they_o only_o personate_v what_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v and_o quick_o put_v off_o their_o very_a self_n as_o a_o disguise_n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n elsewhere_o sure_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n 9_o and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n etc._n etc._n in_o two_o respect_n may_v the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o approach_v near_o to_o nothingness_n and_o so_o admit_v this_o rhetorication_n of_o the_o psalmist_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o vain_a thing_n a_o figment_n or_o a_o lie_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o minuteness_n and_o instability_n of_o this_o his_o material_a and_o perishable_a be●ing_n 1._o the_o minuteness_n the_o small_a portion_n or_o degree_n of_o be_v which_o this_o mortal_a part_n of_o man_n have_v in_o it_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o all_o create_a thing_n their_o non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v more_o than_o their_o esse_fw-la they_o have_v more_o no-beeing_a than_o be_v it_o be_v only_o some_o limit_a portion_n that_o they_o have_v but_o there_o be_v a_o infinitude_n of_o be_v which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o so_o come_v infinite_o near_a to_o nothingness_n than_o fullness_n of_o be_v they_o may_v well_o enough_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o nothing_o wherefore_o the_o first_o and_o fountain-beeing_a just_o appropriate_n to_o himself_o the_o name_n i_o be_o yea_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o therein_o leave_v no_o other_o name_n than_o that_o of_o nothing_o unto_o creature_n and_o how_o much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o material_a and_o mortal_a part_n this_o outside_n of_o man_n whatever_o of_o he_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n which_o alone_o abstract_o look_v on_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o psalmist_n present_a consideration_n and_o discourse_n by_o how_o much_o any_o thing_n have_v more_o of_o matter_n it_o have_v the_o less_o of_o actual_a essence_n matter_n be_v rather_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v than_o be_v itself_o or_o a_o dark_a umbrage_n or_o shadow_n of_o it_o actual_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o a_o noble_a philosopher_n a_o mere_a semblance_n 6_o or_o a_o lye_n and_o it_o be_v the_o language_n not_o o●_n philosopher_n only_o but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n concern_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v as_o nothing_o less_o than_o nothing_o 40._o and_o vanity_n what_o a_o scarcity_n then_o and_o penury_n of_o be_v must_v we_o suppose_v in_o each_o individual_a especial_o if_o we_o look_v alone_o upon_o the_o outer_a part_n or_o rather_o the_o umbrage_n or_o shadow_n of_o the_o man_n 2._o the_o instability_n and_o fluidness_n of_o it_o the_o visible_a and_o corporal_a be_v of_o man_n have_v nothing_o steady_a or_o consistent_a in_o it_o consider_v his_o exterior_a frame_n and_o composition_n he_o be_v no_o time_n all_o himself_o at_o once_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a defluence_n and_o access_n of_o part_n so_o that_o some_o account_n each_o climacterick_n of_o his_o age_n change_v his_o whole_a fabric_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o beside_o his_o