offend_v at_o the_o blemish_n and_o want_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o they_o do_v live_v and_o have_v go_v so_o far_o in_o this_o humour_n as_o not_o to_o hold_v these_o assembly_n for_o church_n though_o otherwise_o have_v the_o word_n sound_o preach_v and_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v wherein_o they_o see_v so_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o loose_a liver_n and_o in_o the_o end_n have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n and_o seek_v unto_o themselves_o new_a conventicle_n as_o they_o think_v pure_a and_o holy_a wherein_o as_o they_o do_v great_a wrong_n unto_o christian_a charity_n and_o unity_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o cause_n to_o be_v break_v so_o find_v they_o not_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v for_o and_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v that_o in_o this_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o visible_a church_n so_o pure_a as_o they_o dream_v of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o it_o wheat_n without_o tare_n sheep_n without_o goat_n for_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o draw_v net_n which_o gather_v fish_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o society_n wherein_o be_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o order_v all_o thing_n wise_o that_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a shall_v not_o live_v asunder_o part_v with_o great_a sea_n and_o mountain_n but_o mingle_v one_o with_o the_o other_o in_o this_o life_n which_o make_v much_o for_o the_o better_n of_o the_o good_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o wicked_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n if_o all_o the_o good_a shall_v live_v together_o how_o shall_v their_o patience_n charity_n integrity_n of_o life_n constancy_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v exercise_v or_o appear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o the_o wicked_a shall_v live_v all_o together_o what_o mean_n may_v there_o be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o but_o as_o they_o be_v now_o bad_a so_o they_o will_v daily_o grow_v worse_a one_o encourage_v another_o and_o have_v none_o among_o they_o who_o good_a example_n may_v reprove_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o good_a be_v to_o the_o bad_a like_o a_o piece_n of_o leaven_n the_o leaven_n be_v the_o least_o part_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o powerful_a force_n to_o turn_v the_o whole_a lump_n into_o his_o own_o quality_n so_o be_v the_o good_a very_a few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bad_a yet_o converse_v among_o they_o daily_o they_o draw_v the_o world_n by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o their_o disposition_n and_o make_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o their_o manner_n for_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o virtue_n above_o vice_n that_o though_o vice_n can_v root_v out_o virtue_n out_o of_o a_o mind_n well_o settle_v nor_o do_v any_o hurt_n at_o all_o save_v unto_o itself_o yet_o virtue_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o drive_v vice_n out_o of_o that_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v thereunto_o and_o do_v good_a not_o only_o to_o itself_o but_o to_o many_o other_o which_o walk_v as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o show_n thereof_o be_v man_n bad_a the_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v live_v among_o they_o none_o have_v so_o much_o need_n of_o the_o physician_n as_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a it_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o last_o day_n to_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o sheep_n and_o goat_n and_o not_o for_o man_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o sin_n and_o hell_n by_o christ_n uncharitable_o to_o forsake_v their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o perchance_o this_o separation_n be_v because_o those_o which_o shall_v execute_v good_a law_n be_v corrupt_v or_o that_o certain_a ceremony_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n which_o at_o other_o time_n have_v be_v abuse_v unto_o superstitious_a use_n or_o in_o that_o where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v condemn_v as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n certain_a rite_n of_o indifferency_n tolerate_v by_o authority_n be_v not_o therewithal_o abolish_v but_o what_o partiality_n be_v this_o to_o hate_v the_o good_a condition_n in_o any_o man_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o bad_a quality_n and_o what_o disorder_n will_v this_o be_v in_o religion_n to_o teach_v obedience_n unto_o prince_n and_o to_o reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o ourselves_o of_o infringe_v his_o equal_a law_n what_o breach_n of_o charity_n be_v this_o to_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n in_o deny_v habit_n and_o ceremony_n suppose_v they_o be_v use_v by_o idolater_n yet_o be_v asa_n and_o other_o king_n of_o israel_n commend_v for_o pious_a neither_o do_v the_o prophet_n forsake_v their_o country_n or_o charge_n although_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o with_o the_o abuse_n oh_o my_o soul_n disdain_v not_o the_o church_n for_o her_o spot_n neither_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o bad_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o good_a look_v well_o into_o thyself_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v more_o amiss_o there_o than_o thou_o be_v aware_a of_o at_o first_o wherefore_o begin_v to_o amend_v thy_o own_o fault_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o after_o be_v as_o leaven_n to_o season_v other_o for_o such_o as_o think_v otherwise_o pity_v their_o weakness_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o amendment_n meditation_n 34._o resolve_a constancy_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o man_n bear_v in_o one_o town_n bring_v up_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o master_n keep_v like_o company_n use_v the_o same_o diet_n air_n and_o exercise_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o like_a as_o may_v be_v yet_o one_o of_o these_o two_o give_v place_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n follow_v his_o own_o passion_n lead_v away_o by_o vice_n and_o a_o loose_a kind_n of_o life_n to_o wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o the_o other_o obey_v reason_n and_o frame_v himself_o earnest_o after_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o education_n to_o prove_v better_a and_o better_o whence_o be_v this_o difference_n if_o from_o outward_a cause_n as_o god_n providence_n the_o star_n evil_a spirit_n or_o our_o own_o unhappy_a condition_n which_o be_v past_o all_o recovery_n why_o be_v they_o not_o both_o bad_a see_v they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o affection_n set_v forward_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o education_n &_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o company_n the_o wicked_a indeed_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v their_o own_o fault_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o themselves_o notwithstanding_o this_o do_v plain_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o main_a difference_n that_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v idle_a variable_a inconstant_a careless_a and_o so_o easy_o carry_v away_o with_o vanity_n the_o other_o well_o settle_v constant_a resolute_a in_o his_o purpose_n and_o determination_n industrious_a laborious_a and_o so_o overcome_a all_o difficulty_n take_v courage_n to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o course_n of_o virtue_n the_o course_n than_o which_o good_a man_n take_v do_v depend_v on_o their_o own_o godly_a choice_n of_o mind_n purpose_n resolution_n and_o the_o ill_a grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o because_o they_o do_v not_o wish_v unto_o themselves_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a they_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o be_v virtuous_a but_o be_v altogether_o careless_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o carriage_n mark_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_o for_o in_o this_o cause_n example_n be_v more_o pregnant_a proof_n than_o demonstration_n from_o reason_n far_o fetch_v have_v you_o live_v sometime_o in_o any_o populous_a city_n there_o may_v you_o have_v observe_v a_o world_n of_o course_n which_o the_o citizen_n follow_v some_o go_v about_o their_o own_o business_n some_o attend_v their_o neighbour_n occasion_n some_o go_n to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v sermon_n or_o to_o be_v at_o divine_a service_n and_o all_o these_o be_v well_o employ_v if_o they_o deal_v honest_o pray_v devout_o and_o hear_v submissive_o other_o again_o be_v there_o idle_o walk_v about_o the_o street_n or_o drop_v into_o a_o tipple_a house_n or_o frequent_v the_o theatre_n or_o make_v fray_n with_o they_o they_o meet_v or_o drink_v and_o carouse_v in_o tavern_n or_o sport_v away_o the_o time_n in_o game_a place_n or_o solicit_v their_o quean_n in_o lewd_a house_n and_o these_o be_v ill_o employ_v now_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v ask_v whence_o there_o be_v such_o odds_o between_o the_o man_n that_o live_v within_o the_o same_o wall_n under_o the_o same_o law_n and_o in_o the_o same_o time_n what_o may_v be_v say_v more_o likely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o the_o better_a sort_n amove_v by_o grace_n out_o of_o the_o honest_a choice_n purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o follow_v virtue_n with_o all_o diligence_n do_v take_v these_o commendable_a course_n and_o the_o worse_a sort_n addict_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n
law_n have_v figure_n for_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n come_v by_o moses_n so_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v come_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n what_o division_n and_o strife_n be_v rise_v up_o about_o it_o as_o be_v foretell_v how_o many_o enemy_n have_v it_o which_o with_o open_a force_n resist_v it_o how_o many_o false_a brethren_n which_o undermine_v it_o how_o many_o loose_a libertine_n which_o live_v under_o the_o shadow_n but_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o how_o do_v faith_n waver_v and_o charity_n wax_v cold_a the_o world_n sway_n and_o the_o church_n suffer_v heresy_n prosper_v and_o truth_n pine_v if_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hitherto_o have_v have_v their_o just_a course_n and_o time_n will_v he_o fail_v trow_v you_o in_o the_o last_o act_n nay_o some_o part_n of_o this_o act_n be_v begin_v already_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o flesh_n for_o after_o this_o come_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v already_o but_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o full_a consummation_n be_v he_o come_v in_o humility_n to_o suffer_v and_o save_v and_o will_v he_o not_o come_v in_o glory_n to_o put_v down_o all_o his_o enemy_n i_o will_v not_o say_v oh_o foolish_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n that_o be_v too_o mild_a for_o such_o mocker_n but_o oh_o hard_a heart_a and_o desperate_a wretch_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o now_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o final_a judgement_n shall_v hereafter_o feel_v the_o terror_n and_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n meditation_n 36._o affliction_n affliction_n be_v ever_o profitable_a to_o the_o godly_a but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o such_o and_o it_o be_v common_o see_v that_o man_n after_o a_o long_a and_o strong_a disease_n be_v much_o worse_a than_o before_o so_o that_o the_o fire_n of_o naughtiness_n which_o for_o a_o while_o lay_v cover_v under_o the_o ember_n of_o their_o disease_n have_v get_v but_o a_o little_a vent_n break_v forth_o the_o more_o forcible_o and_o the_o flood_n of_o their_o corruption_n stop_v for_o a_o while_n by_o the_o opposition_n of_o their_o pain_n have_v get_v some_o small_a passage_n do_v recover_v his_o course_n with_o the_o great_a violence_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o in_o our_o trouble_n we_o can_v call_v ourselves_o to_o account_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o many_o vow_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n but_o no_o soon_o do_v he_o remove_v his_o hand_n than_o we_o start_v aside_o from_o our_o new_a resolution_n and_o follow_v our_o old_a by_o as_o and_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v because_o we_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o constraint_n we_o do_v complain_v and_o cry_v but_o more_o for_o feel_v of_o anguish_n and_o pain_n like_o beast_n than_o any_o inward_a remorse_n or_o touch_v of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o our_o sin_n but_o we_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o health_n and_o liberty_n we_o humble_v not_o ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n but_o it_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o that_o his_o hand_n be_v heavy_a on_o we_o we_o long_v not_o after_o the_o health_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o we_o inquire_v after_o all_o mean_n to_o remove_v the_o disease_n from_o our_o body_n therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v our_o will_n satisfy_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o seel_v our_o strength_n return_v we_o get_v cut_v as_o man_n shut_v up_o long_o in_o prison_n and_o forget_v all_o the_o good_a thought_n which_o come_v to_o we_o in_o extremity_n and_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o because_o they_o be_v near_o the_o good_a land_n and_o may_v have_v enter_v into_o it_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o therefore_o return_v they_o back_o again_o and_o their_o carcase_n perish_v in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o in_o this_o cause_n because_o we_o be_v near_o to_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o may_v have_v be_v partaker_n thereof_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o therefore_o fall_v we_o back_o to_o our_o old_a sin_n and_o in_o they_o we_o perish_v a_o godly_a mind_n may_v thrive_v well_o in_o trouble_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o prepare_v before_o hand_n shall_v find_v little_a comfort_n in_o it_o the_o sun_n which_o melt_v the_o wax_n harden_v the_o clay_n spice_n when_o they_o be_v beat_v smell_v the_o better_a but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o never_o smell_v so_o ill_o as_o when_o they_o be_v most_o handle_v these_o sudden_a flash_n terrify_v many_o but_o they_o enlighten_v none_o but_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o inward_a light_n alas_o what_o a_o interest_n have_v sin_n in_o we_o when_o we_o have_v once_o yield_v unto_o it_o we_o bear_v not_o only_o the_o guilt_n of_o what_o be_v past_a but_o we_o be_v ever_o after_o the_o more_o prone_a to_o do_v the_o like_a again_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o purgation_n so_o strong_a no_o affliction_n of_o such_o force_n to_o cleanse_v we_o of_o it_o without_o the_o special_a gift_n of_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n which_o no_o soon_o say_v but_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o look_v to_o our_o very_a beginning_n and_o if_o we_o have_v make_v any_o entrance_n to_o draw_v back_o with_o speed_n for_o sin_n of_o custom_n be_v like_o a_o old_a gout_n which_o know_v no_o remedy_n yet_o despair_v not_o at_o any_o time_n rather_o resist_v then_o give_v place_n if_o the_o tempter_n suggest_v unto_o thou_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o sin_n let_v it_o serve_v this_o way_n to_o make_v thou_o humble_v thyself_o more_o and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n if_o thou_o desire_v hearty_o to_o amend_v and_o commit_v thy_o cause_n to_o he_o which_o die_v for_o thou_o thy_o sin_n can_v hurt_v thou_o for_o he_o which_o give_v the_o desire_n will_v bring_v it_o to_o effect_v but_o herein_o beware_v of_o hypocrisy_n if_o god_n point_n unto_o thou_o particular_o by_o any_o affliction_n take_v it_o as_o a_o medicine_n from_o thy_o heavenly_a physician_n for_o thy_o soul_n health_n and_o let_v it_o be_v more_o displease_v that_o thou_o have_v offend_v god_n then_o that_o the_o cross_n be_v offensive_a to_o thou_o seek_v the_o health_n of_o thy_o soul_n more_o than_o the_o remove_n of_o outward_a cross_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o in_o health_n as_o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o be_v in_o sickness_n in_o all_o affliction_n look_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o rod_n as_o to_o the_o smiter_n who_o if_o thou_o take_v it_o patitient_o do_v correct_v thou_o in_o love_n if_o otherwise_o in_o anger_n and_o indignation_n meditation_n 37._o humane_a society_n man_n be_v by_o nature_n sociable_a and_o frame_v thereunto_o by_o reason_n and_o speech_n whereunto_o he_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o apply_v himself_o though_o with_o some_o particular_a disadvantage_n because_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v society_n for_o many_o commodity_n necessary_a to_o life_n be_v have_v in_o a_o society_n not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v obtain_v this_o have_v draw_v man_n from_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o to_o certain_a place_n of_o abode_n from_o den_n to_o house_n from_o wood_n to_o town_n and_o city_n from_o barbarous_a manner_n to_o civility_n and_o rather_o to_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o orderly_a government_n by_o law_n for_o their_o safety_n then_o to_o languish_v in_o a_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a looseness_n without_o the_o use_n of_o one_o another_o help_n and_o society_n hence_o have_v be_v erect_v so_o many_o state_n and_o commonweal_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o age_n but_o yet_o this_o society_n how_o agreeable_a soever_o to_o man_n nature_n do_v not_o full_o content_v it_o neither_o do_v man_n find_v in_o man_n that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v his_o desire_n for_o man_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o his_o maker_n do_v take_v more_o delight_n to_o see_v himself_o in_o the_o pattern_n of_o his_o first_o beauty_n then_o to_o see_v his_o own_o face_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o though_o he_o need_v not_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o use_n of_o his_o eye_n so_o much_o yet_o do_v the_o soul_n more_o perfect_o discourse_n and_o understand_v when_o it_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o god_n then_o when_o it_o do_v converse_v with_o man_n again_o the_o happiness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v in_o a_o humane_a society_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o society_n which_o we_o must_v first_o seek_v for_o with_o god_n and_o from_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o he_o we_o right_o learn_v how_o to_o frame_v ourselves_o in_o all_o inferior_a duty_n
batter_v and_o shake_v that_o consent_n who_o be_v captain_n of_o the_o place_n fall_v to_o a_o parley_n and_o yield_v on_o any_o condition_n to_o my_o loss_n how_o far_o better_a have_v it_o be_v for_o i_o to_o have_v avoid_v the_o fury_n of_o saul_n by_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n bar_v myself_o of_o those_o betwitch_a vanity_n meditation_n 24._o presumption_n and_o despair_n presumption_n and_o despair_n the_o two_o extremity_n of_o faith_n faith_n ground_n itself_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n presumption_n assume_v unto_o itself_o god_n mercy_n without_o promise_n desperation_n take_v no_o comfort_n by_o the_o promise_n presumption_n intrude_v itself_o into_o the_o promise_n desperation_n exclude_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o promise_n faith_n hold_v the_o promise_n fast_o as_o his_o proper_a right_n presumption_n be_v more_o bold_a with_o god_n then_o wise_a desperation_n put_v a_o man_n more_o in_o fear_n then_o be_v safe_a faith_n without_o boldness_n or_o fear_n be_v confident_a presumption_n hurt_v the_o conscience_n most_o and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o sin_n desperation_n wrong_v god_n most_o as_o though_o he_o will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o be_v merciful_a to_o a_o sinner_n faith_n do_v keep_v the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n to_o come_v and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o god_n mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n past_a presumption_n have_v a_o eye_n only_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n desperation_n on_o his_o justice_n and_o faith_n do_v behold_v in_o god_n both_o justice_n and_o mercy_n presumption_n be_v feed_v by_o prosperity_n impunity_n god_n long_a sufferance_n desperation_n strengthen_v by_o some_o special_a cross_n and_o adversity_n at_o what_o time_n sin_n appear_v great_a and_o more_o in_o number_n then_o before_o faith_n stand_v on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o do_v see_v both_o the_o greatness_n and_o grievousnesse_n of_o sin_n and_o find_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o danger_n presumption_n do_v despise_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o fear_n whereof_o may_v make_v he_o fit_a for_o mercy_n desperation_n can_v apply_v unto_o itself_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o time_n of_o need_n the_o help_n whereof_o may_v cause_v he_o to_o avoid_v justice_n presumption_n do_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o think_v well_o of_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o to_o prefer_v himself_o before_o other_o desperation_n do_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o think_v ill_o of_o god_n and_o no_o otherwise_o then_o of_o a_o tyrant_n presumption_n be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi despair_v a_o devil_n faith_n the_o penitent_a publican_n final_o presumption_n be_v a_o steep_a cliff_n without_o footing_n desperation_n a_o deep_a pit_n without_o bottom_n and_o faith_n jacobs_n ladder_n by_o which_o god_n come_v down_o to_o man_n and_o man_n go_v up_o to_o god_n oh_o my_o soul_n thou_o best_o know_v thy_o own_o wander_v there_o lie_v danger_n on_o both_o side_n the_o common_a way_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o that_o the_o safe_a which_o few_o find_v let_v thy_o guide_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n walk_v by_o faith_n purpose_v not_o to_o offend_v though_o pardon_n be_v grant_v thou_o before_o hand_n have_v thou_o offend_v seek_v for_o mercy_n not_o consider_v so_o much_o how_o great_a thy_o sin_n be_v but_o how_o great_a be_v his_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v presume_v of_o mercy_n when_o it_o have_v no_o feel_n expect_v god_n leisure_n with_o patience_n and_o this_o be_v to_o hope_v above_o hope_n and_o despair_n of_o she_o own_o sufficiency_n when_o it_o do_v most_o good_a so_o learn_v to_o depend_v ever_o on_o god_n alone_o meditation_n 25._o society_n with_o god_n man_n by_o nature_n be_v sociable_a and_o of_o all_o society_n none_o better_o for_o he_o if_o it_o may_v be_v have_v then_o that_o with_o god_n for_o if_o we_o enter_v into_o a_o common_a right_n with_o they_o of_o who_o society_n we_o be_v how_o much_o shall_v we_o by_o this_o society_n be_v bless_v above_o all_o other_o which_o possess_v god_n who_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v so_o possess_v of_o he_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o part_v we_o from_o he_o now_o behold_v how_o thou_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o near_a and_o inward_a society_n with_o god_n he_o which_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n a_o holy_a flame_n burn_v with_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n the_o father_n love_v the_o son_n eternal_o and_o the_o son_n the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o incomprehensible_a love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n three_o person_n but_o one_o love_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o this_o inferior_a love_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o a_o beam_n a_o stream_n of_o that_o love_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a between_o the_o creature_n themselves_o that_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v maintain_v without_o it_o how_o much_o more_o between_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n for_o both_o the_o be_v and_o well-being_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o these_o creature_n be_v the_o less_o happy_a how_o excellent_a so_o ever_o otherwise_o as_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o other_o glorious_a body_n which_o be_v love_v of_o god_n can_v love_v he_o again_o oh_o man_n what_o cause_n have_v thou_o to_o love_n god_n which_o be_v not_o content_v only_o to_o make_v thou_o a_o creature_n who_o he_o will_v love_v but_o endue_v thou_o also_o with_o a_o nature_n to_o love_v he_o again_o that_o so_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v he_o the_o more_o and_o certain_o as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v love_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a perfection_n in_o man_n then_o to_o love_v god_n god_n do_v give_v most_o glorious_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o heaven_n but_o out_o of_o doubt_v the_o heaven_n of_o his_o delight_n and_o where_o he_o be_v always_o present_a be_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a lover_n love_n be_v a_o quiet_a thing_n yet_o not_o idle_a active_a as_o heat_n and_o nourish_a goodness_n like_o a_o natural_a heat_n it_o be_v much_o in_o give_v much_o in_o forgive_n in_o give_v to_o god_n his_o honour_n to_o man_n convenient_a help_n and_o succour_v in_o forgive_a wrong_n and_o injury_n love_n kindred_n be_v not_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o christian_a unto_o it_o be_v more_o dear_a than_o a_o brother_n and_o a_o brother_n the_o more_o dear_a if_o a_o good_a christian_n love_n soar_v over_o all_o the_o pleasure_n the_o riches_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o stoop_v down_o to_o none_o of_o these_o because_o with_o the_o eagle_n it_o find_v nothing_o worth_a the_o look_v on_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o privilege_n of_o love_n be_v this_o where_o there_o be_v love_v it_o be_v accept_v not_o according_a to_o the_o work_n but_o for_o the_o worker_n according_a to_o that_o one_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o many_o oversight_n be_v bear_v with_o where_o there_o be_v love_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o love_n the_o great_a diligence_n be_v reject_v oh_o my_o soul_n fail_v in_o any_o other_o thing_n rather_o than_o in_o love_n though_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n must_v content_v thou_o yet_o love_n god_n out_o of_o measure_n above_o thyself_o for_o himself_o do_v good_a unfaigned_o if_o not_o strong_o and_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ready_a when_o it_o have_v make_v thy_o hand_n empty_a meditation_n 26._o of_o peace_n i_o will_v that_o all_o they_o which_o be_v of_o one_o opinion_n be_v of_o one_o affection_n how_o well_o do_v it_o become_v they_o that_o profess_v one_o truth_n to_o maintain_v peace_n as_o one_o man_n because_o the_o author_n of_o their_o truth_n have_v commend_v peace_n unto_o they_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o they_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n now_o because_o they_o which_o be_v one_o in_o opinion_n be_v many_o time_n differ_v in_o affection_n truth_n itself_o which_o be_v but_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v rend_v in_o part_n and_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o by_o adversary_n which_o agree_v with_o true_a professor_n neither_o in_o opinion_n nor_o affection_n and_o shall_v i_o wish_v likewise_o that_o they_o which_o be_v of_o one_o affection_n as_o man_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n brother_n and_o sister_n master_n and_o servant_n be_v of_o one_o opinion_n how_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o they_o which_o agree_v in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o life_n shall_v in_o the_o great_a much_o more_o and_o that_o they_o which_o have_v vow_v to_o be_v true_a to_o one_o another_o shall_v be_v both_o true_a to_o christ_n but_o now_o because_o
conclusion_n may_v more_o special_o be_v deduce_v but_o the_o life_n of_o action_n lie_v in_o circumstance_n the_o soul_n where_o of_o be_v consideration_n wherefore_o contemplation_n read_v i_o over_o a_o lesson_n which_o consideration_n do_v make_v i_o perfect_a in_o by_o observation_n experience_n correction_n blessedness_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n have_v his_o beginning_n from_o contemplation_n but_o his_o consummation_n in_o we_o by_o consideration_n for_o as_o by_o that_o i_o know_v god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o cause_n so_o by_o this_o i_o love_v god_n who_o be_v the_o last_o end_n the_o soul_n do_v perform_v some_o action_n without_o discourse_n so_o do_v it_o move_v the_o body_n receive_v digest_v bestow_v the_o meat_n for_o nourishment_n and_o in_o those_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o because_o the_o end_n be_v as_o present_v as_o the_o mean_n namely_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n but_o those_o action_n which_o tend_v unto_o she_o own_o proper_a end_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o whole_a she_o do_v not_o produce_v without_o discourse_n because_o the_o mean_n be_v near_o and_o the_o end_n far_o of_o angel_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n do_v all_o their_o action_n without_o discourse_n but_o as_o the_o angel_n herein_o be_v above_o man_n so_o man_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o discourse_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n for_o as_o in_o a_o mill_n the_o stone_n know_v not_o what_o thing_n meal_n be_v nor_o to_o what_o end_n neither_o the_o wheel_n nor_o the_o water_n which_o drive_v they_o about_o but_o the_o miller_n only_o which_o set_v the_o mill_n to_o work_v so_o none_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o world_n know_v their_o own_o worth_n or_o employment_n but_o only_a man_n which_o be_v lord_n over_o they_o and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o use_n of_o particular_a object_n but_o of_o common_a notion_n also_o and_o behold_v cause_n in_o their_o effect_n and_o aim_v at_o a_o far_o by_o the_o next_o do_v sort_n convenient_a mean_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o all_o end_n to_o the_o chief_a end_n what_o a_o high_a art_n be_v consideration_n which_o do_v effect_v such_o wonderful_a thing_n out_o of_o one_o good_a it_o multiply_v many_o and_o make_v her_o advantage_n of_o evil_a it_o take_v on_o she_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o weak_a and_o worst_a part_n and_o add_v both_o comeliness_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o best_a where_o consideration_n be_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v orderly_o but_o they_o which_o by_o chance_n do_v a_o good_a without_o it_o do_v lose_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o work_n for_o want_v of_o it_o yea_o of_o such_o force_n be_v it_o that_o action_n not_o speed_v in_o the_o end_n yet_o set_v a_o foot_n by_o consideration_n retain_v still_o the_o praise_n of_o virtue_n it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v the_o true_a touch_n of_o that_o stone_n whereby_o gold_n be_v know_v from_o other_o metal_n for_o so_o by_o it_o we_o discern_v between_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a profitable_a and_o please_v prefer_v honesty_n to_o the_o rest_n as_o gold_n to_o other_o metal_n it_o do_v cause_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n to_o give_v place_n to_o honesty_n and_o out_o of_o honesty_n requite_v we_o with_o true_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n but_o if_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n strive_v with_o honesty_n to_o have_v their_o turn_n serve_v first_o or_o without_o it_o than_o it_o show_v they_o to_o be_v base_a metal_n and_o nothing_o worth_a that_o such_o profit_n be_v but_o loss_n such_o pleasure_n but_o sorrow_n and_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o profitable_a or_o pleasant_a which_o agree_v not_o with_o honesty_n as_o they_o which_o behold_v other_o man_n building_n walk_v in_o other_o man_n park_n solace_n themselves_o in_o other_o man_n garden_n make_v a_o use_n to_o themselves_o though_o the_o possession_n belong_v to_o another_o so_o do_v we_o neither_o hear_v any_o thing_n speak_v or_o see_v any_o thing_n do_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o object_n propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o by_o consideration_n we_o may_v not_o make_v some_o use_n unto_o ourselves_o though_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o other_o and_o herein_o be_v the_o busy_a body_n faulty_a which_o meddle_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o matter_n do_v desire_n to_o be_v a_o party_n in_o possession_n where_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v whereas_o if_o he_o have_v consideration_n he_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o any_o man_n deal_v for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o do_v no_o wrong_n for_o he_o can_v be_v account_v a_o busibody_n which_o out_o of_o consideration_n observe_v for_o his_o own_o use_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o he_o excess_n of_o anger_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o consideration_n and_o the_o promoter_n of_o all_o hasty_a and_o forward_a attempt_n which_o end_n in_o sorrowful_a event_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o other_o misery_n be_v lessen_v by_o consideration_n meditation_n 30._o subjection_n better_o well_o mark_v than_o a_o whole_a ear_n be_v the_o husbandman_n proverb_n for_o the_o beast_n which_o stray_v away_o be_v the_o soon_o own_v and_o bring_v home_o again_o with_o a_o mark_n but_o without_o it_o lose_v better_a to_o be_v under_o government_n then_o to_o follow_v a_o loose_a and_o lawless_a life_n better_a to_o be_v train_v up_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n then_o to_o range_v at_o liberty_n as_o a_o ethnic_a it_o be_v the_o better_a for_o the_o prodigal_a youth_n that_o he_o go_v out_o a_o son_n though_o he_o return_v a_o sinner_n and_o he_o receive_v more_o liberty_n by_o his_o come_n home_o than_o he_o find_v abroad_o his_o father_n know_v he_o the_o house_n receive_v he_o the_o fat_a calf_n be_v provide_v for_o he_o and_o all_o make_v merry_a with_o he_o the_o church_n do_v exercise_v authority_n over_o they_o which_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o it_o do_v correct_v they_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o fault_n sometime_o by_o word_n chide_v they_o sometime_o by_o deed_n suspend_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n perceive_v that_o any_o have_v enter_v through_o hypocrisy_n and_o be_v now_o discover_v by_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o cast_v off_o of_o christ_n mark_n such_o a_o one_o it_o do_v remove_v by_o the_o eternal_a curse_n atha_n maranatha_n and_o for_o such_o a_o one_o indeed_o have_v it_o be_v better_a never_o to_o have_v receive_v that_o mark_n and_o for_o those_o also_o which_o in_o the_o end_n do_v fall_v from_o the_o church_n contemn_v the_o order_n thereof_o though_o not_o curse_v but_o they_o which_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n take_v great_a profit_n by_o those_o censure_n for_o though_o they_o fall_v oft_o time_n through_o humane_a frailty_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o her_o own_o because_o they_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o they_o do_v by_o this_o discipline_n bring_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o be_v convert_v they_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v confirm_v more_o than_o before_o and_o the_o church_n be_v glad_a of_o they_o as_o a_o woman_n of_o the_o child_n wherewith_o she_o have_v long_o travail_v howbeit_o with_o they_o which_o be_v without_o the_o church_n meddle_v not_o therefore_o run_v they_o on_o still_o in_o sin_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n as_o they_o which_o be_v utter_o lose_v in_o the_o waste_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o christ_n count_v it_o thy_o great_a good_a in_o this_o life_n that_o christ_n have_v mark_v thou_o for_o his_o own_o by_o baptism_n that_o thou_o live_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o therefore_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v rebuke_v private_o open_o and_o if_o any_o great_a correction_n befall_v thou_o humble_a thy_o self_n repent_v amend_v and_o this_o privilege_n that_o thou_o be_v mark_v by_o christ_n shall_v restore_v thou_o again_o to_o thy_o former_a estate_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v his_o more_o than_o before_o only_o beware_v of_o hypocrisy_n which_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v discover_v and_o turn_v not_o back_o like_o a_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n for_o such_o have_v their_o end_n worse_o than_o their_o beginning_n and_o it_o be_v better_a never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o afterward_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n by_o a_o wilful_a heart_n into_o which_o extremity_n they_o be_v at_o last_o lead_v which_o use_v not_o their_o most_o honourable_a profession_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o fall_n of_o a_o star_n be_v fearful_a