and_o one_o as_o much_o elevate_v above_o the_o other_o as_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o flow_v from_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o do_v not_o import_n much_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v like_o seed_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a soil_n it_o be_v sow_o in_o produces_z fruit_n more_o or_o less_o rich_a and_o succulent_a more_o or_o less_o luscious_a and_o beautiful_a here_o it_o sprout_n forth_o like_o the_o seven_o poor_a and_o lean_a there_o like_o the_o seven_o plump_a and_o rich_a ear_n of_o corn_n in_o pharaoh_n dream_n and_o shall_v it_o by_o way_n of_o fiction_n be_v suppose_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n do_v communicate_v life_n to_o man_n beast_n and_o vegetable_n however_o life_n in_o each_o will_v be_v equal_a in_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o original_a it_o will_v vast_o differ_v in_o its_o effect_n and_o operation_n so_o whether_o life_n in_o man_n flow_v from_o one_o or_o two_o distinct_a 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renounce_v the_o much_o more_o valuable_a and_o delightful_a part_n of_o it_o to_o banish_v ourselves_o the_o much_o better_a world_n and_o to_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o a_o thousand_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a capacity_n and_o endowment_n of_o our_o nature_n tho'_o this_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o evince_v that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o sensuality_n yet_o this_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o (null)_o happiness_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o argument_n against_o it_o that_o be_v second_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o being_n conspicuous_a in_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n who_o that_o ever_o consider_v what_o sensuality_n be_v how_o narrow_a the_o extent_n of_o sense_n how_o mean_a and_o brutish_a the_o pleasure_n that_o terminate_v in_o it_o what_o a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o end_v in_o who_o i_o say_v that_o have_v ever_o consider_v these_o and_o a_o thousand_o thing_n more_o can_v believe_v that_o sensuality_n be_v a_o employment_n worthy_a of_o man_n be_v this_o the_o business_n of_o a_o vast_a and_o comprehensive_a mind_n be_v this_o consistent_a with_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o immortality_n with_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o truth_n with_o a_o capacity_n of_o discover_v spiritual_a excellency_n and_o moral_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n be_v it_o for_o this_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o propension_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v a_o deity_n what_o can_v be_v as_o much_o as_o fancy_v the_o use_n of_o wisdom_n magnanimity_n conscience_n sagacity_n caution_n fear_v foresight_n and_o anxious_a inquiry_n into_o future_a thing_n and_o time_n if_o sensuality_n have_v be_v the_o only_a employment_n design_v man_n how_o much_o more_o fit_a have_v we_o be_v form_v for_o this_o end_n if_o there_o have_v be_v in_o we_o no_o reason_n to_o check_v and_o control_v we_o no_o conscience_n that_o can_v fill_v we_o with_o regret_n for_o the_o past_a or_o fear_v for_o the_o future_a no_o wisdom_n that_o can_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n above_o we_o nor_o greatness_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v reproach_v we_o for_o stoop_v to_o any_o thing_n below_o we_o three_o it_o be_v almost_o superfluous_a here_o to_o add_v that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o care_n and_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o employ_v our_o time_n or_o faculty_n in_o this_o alone_a be_v not_o to_o live_v but_o at_o best_a to_o provide_v for_o life_n necessity_n may_v sometime_o subject_v we_o to_o the_o drudgery_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o voluntary_a choice_n never_o shall_v i_o know_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o a_o mean_a fortune_n and_o a_o great_a one_o than_o this_o that_o the_o great_a one_o set_v a_o man_n above_o those_o care_n and_o toil_v which_o the_o mean_a one_o force_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o the_o one_o put_v the_o fortunate_a man_n into_o the_o immediate_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o life_n improvement_n and_o fruition_n and_o of_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o the_o latter_a oblige_v the_o less_o fortunate_a man_n to_o purchase_v these_o advantage_n with_o toil_n and_o sweat_n solicitude_n and_o care_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o unpardonable_a wilfulness_n or_o blindness_n whenever_o that_o vassalage_n which_o be_v the_o infelicity_n of_o the_o mean_a man_n be_v the_o choice_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o fortunate_a one_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o more_o pardonable_a error_n in_o any_o who_o continue_v the_o drudgey_a and_o care_n when_o the_o necessity_n be_v over_o and_o voluntary_o suffer_v all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o narrow_a fortune_n even_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o plentiful_a one_o who_o never_o think_v it_o time_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o success_n of_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n this_o be_v a_o absurdity_n as_o gross_a as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v plough_v and_o sow_v shall_v refuse_v to_o reap_v or_o he_o who_o have_v with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n furnish_v out_o a_o plentiful_a table_n shall_v not_o at_o length_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o fall_v too_o and_o eat_v life_n then_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n possess_v much_o less_o in_o the_o vexation_n or_o toil_n of_o acquire_v secure_v or_o increase_v they_o which_o be_v that_o i_o intend_v by_o worldliness_n but_o least_o of_o all_o can_v life_n consist_v in_o devilishness_n that_o be_v wrath_n strife_n revenge_n pride_n and_o such_o like_a this_o can_v be_v
inseparable_o have_v thou_o unite_v virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o how_o natural_a be_v the_o assent_n from_o a_o rational_a life_n here_o to_o a_o glorious_a life_n hereafter_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o life_n they_o who_o handle_v moral_n nice_o and_o abstract_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o forget_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o subject_n which_o require_v to_o be_v handle_v after_o its_o own_o way_n that_o be_v practical_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v gross_o and_o corporeal_o for_o the_o mixture_n and_o variety_n the_o complication_n and_o confusion_n the_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o (null)_o affair_n and_o action_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o moral_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o speculative_a exactness_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o will_v follow_v the_o receive_a division_n of_o life_n into_o active_a and_o contemplative_a as_o square_n exact_o with_o my_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o design_n under_o these_o head_n to_o treat_v of_o all_o the_o various_a kind_n or_o state_n of_o life_n i_o touch_v not_o the_o military_a the_o sacerdotal_a the_o scholastic_a life_n nor_o do_v i_o here_o use_v the_o word_n active_a and_o contemplative_a strict_o and_o nice_o but_o by_o the_o first_o i_o understand_v any_o sort_n of_o public_a life_n and_o any_o sort_n of_o private_a one_o by_o the_o last_o nor_o do_v i_o much_o concern_v myself_o whether_o the_o life_n of_o a_o trader_n or_o artisan_n be_v logical_o reducible_a under_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a kind_n of_o life_n by_o itself_o but_o accommodate_v myself_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o pursue_v my_o own_o design_n without_o any_o scrupulous_a regard_n to_o word_n or_o form_n i_o will_v discourse_v first_o of_o a_o civil_a second_o of_o a_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v and_o three_o of_o a_o private_a and_o retire_a life_n have_v first_o in_o a_o preliminary_a chapter_n say_v something_o in_o general_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n and_o the_o reason_n or_o ground_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v and_o determine_v man_n in_o his_o election_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o chap._n i._n the_o convenience_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o active_a more_o necessary_a the_o several_a ground_n on_o which_o man_n determine_v their_o choice_n that_o be_v interest_n providence_n inclination_n etc._n etc._n the_o felicity_n or_o infelicity_n of_o man_n depend_v not_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o his_o course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o kind_n the_o active_a or_o contemplative_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v if_o they_o be_v compare_v in_o themselves_o the_o active_a seem_v to_o have_v more_o in_o it_o of_o glory_n but_o also_o more_o of_o hazard_n it_o seem_v more_o serviceable_a to_o other_o but_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o a_o man_n self_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v render_v each_o state_n perfect_a and_o remove_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o each_o must_v study_v how_o to_o relieve_v the_o toil_n and_o obviate_v the_o hazard_n of_o the_o active_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o barrenness_n and_o ingloriousness_n of_o the_o contemplative_a life_n but_o which_o soever_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o indispensible_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o (null)_o society_n such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o various_a necessity_n it_o require_v the_o various_a relief_n of_o manifold_a assistance_n to_o which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o contribute_v his_o share_n we_o have_v mind_n that_o must_v be_v cultivate_v body_n that_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o the_o state_n either_o of_o war_n or_o peace_n have_v its_o several_a want_n all_o which_o call_v for_o several_a art_n to_o wage_v the_o one_o and_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v the_o other_o without_o these_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o defence_n in_o war_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o peace_n without_o these_o (null)_o life_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o savage_a and_o (null)_o nature_n will_v be_v uncultivated_a and_o unsociable_a without_o these_o our_o house_n have_v still_o be_v cave_n and_o grot_n our_o food_n acorn_n and_o water_n our_o clothing_n the_o spoil_n of_o beast_n and_o the_o speculative_a man_n will_v soon_o suffer_v those_o necessity_n which_o will_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o live_v in_o a_o world_n and_o in_o a_o body_n which_o require_v more_o at_o his_o hand_n than_o mere_a muse_n and_o think_v and_o will_v soon_o force_v he_o to_o give_v over_o his_o speculation_n for_o the_o more_o necessary_a inquiry_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v content_a with_o that_o provision_n which_o nature_n unay_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n will_v yield_v he_o and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o promise_v himself_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o mighty_a blessing_n without_o law_n and_o arm_n the_o undisciplined_a rabble_n will_v disturb_v his_o muse_n avarice_n and_o violence_n will_v invade_v his_o walk_n and_o drive_v he_o from_o his_o little_a cottage_n and_o brook_n where_o he_o have_v choose_v his_o retreat_n for_o these_o and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o reason_n the_o world_n have_v enroll_v the_o author_n and_o inventor_n of_o law_n and_o art_n among_o their_o god_n and_o have_v grateful_o record_v the_o memory_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n and_o holy_a writ_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o do_v honour_n to_o all_o such_o for_o it_o have_v register_v the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o have_v excel_v in_o any_o thing_n beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a but_o however_o this_o be_v whatever_o be_v the_o excellence_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o active_a above_o a_o contemplative_a life_n either_o consider_v in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n general_o speak_v be_v not_o determine_v to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o by_o these_o consideration_n but_o by_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o often_o render_v that_o which_o be_v less_o excellent_a in_o itself_o more_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o thus_o sometime_o education_n train_v man_n up_o shall_v i_o say_v or_o condemn_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a kind_n of_o life_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o other_o prevent_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o own_o sometime_o the_o solicitation_n of_o friend_n carry_v we_o against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n and_o sometime_o a_o lucky_a and_o unexpected_a providence_n free_v we_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o perplex_a deliberation_n and_o lead_v we_o on_o in_o method_n which_o (null)_o prudence_n can_v not_o have_v contrive_v but_o most_o common_o of_o all_o we_o take_v counsel_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o state_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o fortune_n how_o much_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v decide_v against_o necessity_n we_o can_v dispute_v against_o the_o invitation_n of_o providence_n we_o ought_v not_o if_o we_o have_v but_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v too_o too_o often_o that_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o courage_n make_v we_o call_v that_o necessity_n which_o be_v not_o and_o the_o flattery_n of_o our_o hope_n make_v we_o interpret_v our_o dream_n or_o fancy_n divine_a augury_n or_o presage_n as_o to_o friend_n and_o interest_n i_o confess_v with_o the_o ingenious_a sir_n henry_n wotton_n that_o a_o expert_a man_n do_v more_o easy_o get_v up_o into_o the_o saddle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o stirrup_n than_o a_o much_o strong_a by_o mere_a force_n yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v unequal_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o friend_n render_v their_o patronage_n very_o difficult_a but_o his_o own_o life_n more_o as_o to_o the_o bent_n or_o inclination_n of_o nature_n so_o mutable_a be_v the_o temper_n or_o at_o least_o the_o fancy_n of_o mankind_n that_o this_o be_v a_o discovery_n not_o soon_o to_o be_v presume_v upon_o or_o else_o i_o shall_v as_o soon_o advise_v to_o give_v up_o one_o self_n to_o this_o as_o to_o any_o other_o guide_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o true_a measure_n in_o this_o enquiry_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o different_a course_n of_o life_n about_o which_o we_o deliberate_v but_o alas_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o a_o propitious_a providence_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o this_o deliberation_n and_o few_o
let_v other_o final_o depend_v on_o fortune_n i_o only_o on_o myself_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o right_a husband_n or_o prolong_v life_n have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a section_n first_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o solid_a good_a a_o considerable_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o next_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n and_o mischief_n to_o which_o it_o be_v liable_a by_o state_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n and_o by_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a conduct_n of_o the_o active_a trading_n and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n be_v the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o blessing_n this_o be_v that_o that_o pussle_v the_o wit_n and_o baffle_v the_o courage_n of_o man_n the_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o attempt_v of_o (null)_o philosophy_n have_v dash_v and_o split_v themselves_o for_o to_o say_v truth_n whatever_o complaint_n man_n make_v against_o the_o trouble_n yet_o have_v they_o ever_o make_v more_o and_o sharp_a against_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n it_o be_v true_a no_o cure_n have_v ever_o yet_o be_v find_v of_o our_o mortality_n yet_o as_o wise_a man_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o a_o enjoyment_n tho'_o it_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v or_o fancy_n so_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n it_o will_v behoove_v we_o to_o do_v with_o this_o to_o nourish_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o flame_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v tho'_o we_o know_v it_o must_v go_v out_o at_o last_o now_o life_n like_o enjoyment_n be_v capable_a of_o accession_n or_o increase_v two_o way_n that_o be_v either_o in_o its_o continuance_n or_o perfection_n either_o by_o lengthen_v its_o duration_n or_o by_o raise_v improve_n or_o as_o it_o be_v ripen_v the_o joy_n and_o fruit_n of_o life_n or_o life_n itself_o i_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o prolong_v life_n and_o here_o i_o will_v first_o demonstrate_v that_o life_n may_v be_v prolong_v second_o i_o will_v treat_v of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v it_o but_o before_o i_o do_v either_o it_o may_v be_v no_o very_o wide_a digression_n from_o my_o purpose_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o little_a artifices_fw-la and_o imposture_n by_o which_o many_o endeavour_n to_o evade_v the_o stroke_n of_o time_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o imaginary_a immortality_n chap._n i._n the_o usual_a art_n of_o prevent_v or_o retard_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o lessenin_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n explode_v and_o better_o substitute_v in_o their_o room_n physic_n instead_o of_o which_o courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n paint_v etc._n etc._n instead_o of_o which_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n child_n instead_o of_o which_o good_a work_n and_o so_o forth_o survive_v honour_n not_o whole_o reject_v but_o a_o true_a immortality_n prefer_v some_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o physic_n for_o which_o they_o expect_v at_o least_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o nature_n if_o not_o the_o lengthen_v the_o date_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v whether_o this_o art_n have_v deserve_v so_o well_o of_o mankind_n as_o to_o justify_v the_o gentile_n in_o enrol_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o among_o the_o god_n or_o some_o christian_n in_o attribute_v its_o original_a to_o guardian-angel_n i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o possibility_n of_o that_o elixir_n by_o which_o artefius_n be_v report_v by_o the_o adept_n to_o have_v live_v a_o thousand_o year_n nor_o what_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n who_o have_v live_v long_a whether_o they_o who_o have_v make_v most_o or_o they_o who_o have_v make_v least_o use_n of_o physic_n or_o however_o these_o question_n be_v resolve_v i_o be_o sure_a our_o time_n be_v better_a spend_v in_o labour_v to_o contemn_v than_o to_o prevent_v death_n and_o that_o those_o excellent_a principle_n which_o fortify_v the_o mind_n contribute_v more_o to_o the_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n than_o the_o most_o sovereign_a cordial_n that_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n some_o be_v willing_a to_o conceal_v those_o decay_n which_o they_o can_v not_o prevent_v and_o can_v remedy_v have_v devise_v many_o way_n to_o counterfeit_v and_o supply_v that_o youth_n and_o beauty_n which_o time_n and_o various_a accident_n have_v wash_v and_o wear_v away_o but_o alas_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o deck_v and_o varnish_v wither_a nature_n and_o paint_v the_o spring_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o winter_n what_o purpose_n be_v it_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v incurable_a to_o suffer_v one_o self_n to_o be_v flatter_v and_o impose_v upon_o and_o try_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v a_o break_a fortune_n not_o only_o from_o the_o world_n but_o from_o one_o self_n alas_o we_o must_v feel_v what_o we_o will_v not_o see_v nature_n droop_v and_o decay_v as_o fast_v within_o as_o it_o do_v without_o and_o we_o lose_v the_o life_n and_o briskness_n of_o our_o blood_n as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v the_o elegancy_n of_o feature_n or_o the_o floridness_n of_o complexion_n in_o a_o word_n as_o to_o this_o perish_a body_n physic_n washes_n and_o fucosis_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o but_o paint_v and_o patch_v a_o ruinous_a fabric_n which_o can_v never_o be_v make_v strong_a and_o beautiful_a till_o death_n have_v take_v it_o quite_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o a_o resurrection_n build_v it_o up_o quite_o a_o new_a if_o therefore_o you_o will_v take_v my_o advice_n you_o shall_v lay_v in_o a_o stock_n of_o sprightly_a generous_a pleasure_n which_o may_v be_v ever_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o entertain_v you_o when_o youth_n and_o strentgth_n be_v past_a you_o shall_v take_v pain_n to_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v the_o mind_n who_o beauty_n will_v more_o than_o supply_v the_o loss_n of_o those_o of_o the_o body_n wisdom_n magnanimity_n bounty_n modesty_n sweetness_n humility_n be_v charm_n able_a to_o recommend_v a_o deform_a or_o a_o decrepit_a body_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a may_v be_v purchase_v at_o a_o much_o cheap_a rate_n than_o false_a or_o counterfeit_a beauty_n be_v by_o those_o who_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o let_v then_o the_o morning_n and_o noon_n of_o your_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o acquire_v virtue_n honour_n knowledge_n and_o good_a humour_n and_o in_o your_o evening_n you_o will_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o youth_n and_o beauty_n these_o will_v be_v solid_a riches_n and_o most_o amiable_a charm_n that_o will_v provide_v you_o both_o delight_n and_o support_v at_o home_n and_o command_v both_o love_n and_o reverence_n abroad_o and_o time_n will_v do_v you_o no_o other_o injury_n than_o it_o do_v a_o tree_n when_o it_o change_v its_o blossom_n into_o fruit_n or_o than_o it_o do_v statue_n medal_n and_o picture_n who_o price_n and_o value_n be_v enhance_v by_o their_o antiquity_n convince_v that_o the_o decay_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v long_o conceal_v or_o prop_v up_o some_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o survive_v in_o their_o posterity_n as_o if_o man_n by_o generation_n do_v but_o multiply_v himself_o and_o life_n do_v not_o like_o a_o flame_n end_n with_o its_o fuel_n but_o be_v convey_v and_o transmit_v from_o father_n to_o son_n grandchild_n and_o so_o on_o like_o a_o stream_n that_o be_v still_o the_o same_o tho'_o it_o pass_v through_o numerous_a pipe_n well_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v fool_v myself_o with_o a_o vain_a jingle_n of_o word_n i_o can_v flatter_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v live_v in_o he_o who_o probable_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n forget_v i_o however_o he_o owe_v his_o be_v and_o fortune_n to_o i_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v proud_a and_o ungrateful_a will_v wish_v that_o other_o do_v forget_v i_o too_o like_o a_o stream_n run_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o enlarge_v itself_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v from_o its_o little_a fountain_n and_o labour_v as_o it_o be_v by_o its_o circling_n and_o wander_n to_o conceal_v the_o meanness_n of_o its_o rise_n i_o can_v flatter_v myself_o that_o i_o can_v live_v in_o they_o who_o hope_n and_o fear_n desire_n and_o joy_n will_v differ_v it_o may_v be_v no_o less_o from_o i_o whatever_o they_o now_o be_v than_o the_o dead_a do_v from_o the_o live_n fool_n that_o we_o be_v to_o talk_v so_o wild_o as_o if_o when_o dead_a we_o live_v in_o our_o child_n do_v we_o when_o live_v share_n in_o their_o distant_a joy_n or_o do_v our_o pulse_n beat_v by_o their_o passion_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o design_v to_o oppose_v or_o extinguish_v nature_n i_o know_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o for_o wise_a and_o excellent_a purpose_n have_v implant_v in_o we_o kind_a inclination_n towards_o posterity_n but_o then_o these_o
their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n sect._n 1_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n just_a as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v do_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o that_o of_o hear_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o ear_n so_o much_o and_o much_o more_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o (null)_o action_n and_o the_o gust_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n depend_v upon_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o render_v this_o argument_n yet_o more_o visible_a and_o palpable_a let_v we_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o thing_n man_n be_v and_o how_o contemptible_a life_n without_o cultivation_n or_o improvement_n the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n something_o there_o needs_o to_o stamp_v a_o value_n upon_o it_o something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o give_v sweetness_n to_o the_o eye_n charm_v to_o the_o tongue_n and_o grace_n to_o motion_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n alike_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n or_o mercy_n of_o lust_n or_o chastity_n of_o avarice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v religion_n must_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v it_o it_o be_v wisdom_n must_v conduct_v and_o guide_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a action_n the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o volatile_a mutable_a unsteady_a thing_n capable_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o impression_n suspend_v as_o it_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n float_v between_o the_o different_a shore_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n form_n it_o into_o angel_n stamp_v a_o sort_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v great_a it_o be_v wisdom_n that_o imprint_n it_o with_o bright_a idea_n that_o impregnate_v it_o with_o noble_a passion_n and_o determine_v its_o tendency_n towards_o its_o true_a good_a and_o supreme_a felicity_n our_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dull_a intercourse_n of_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o civility_n a_o nauseous_a circulation_n of_o the_o same_o tasteless_a and_o superficial_a entertainment_n a_o tedious_a and_o repeat_v pursuit_n of_o vain_a mistake_v end_n and_o often_o baffle_v design_n it_o be_v virtue_n and_o knowledge_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o our_o action_n that_o lead_v we_o on_o towards_o excellent_a end_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a hope_n our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o a_o fluctuate_a unstable_a agitation_n make_v up_o of_o a_o confuse_a and_o motley_n variety_n of_o event_n knowledge_n and_o virtue_n fix_v the_o float_a island_n and_o give_v light_a and_o beauty_n to_o the_o chaos_n i_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o argument_n too_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particulary_a consider_v what_o accession_n or_o increase_n of_o life_n we_o derive_v from_o perfect_v our_o nature_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n true_a life_n than_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o active_a and_o industrious_a the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a motion_n of_o the_o sluggard_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a imitation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a languish_a thing_n a_o compound_n or_o mixture_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o of_o death_n than_o life_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o fruition_n how_o dark_a and_o dismal_a be_v those_o of_o the_o wicked_a compare_v to_o the_o calm_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o the_o good_a for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v like_o enjoyment_n to_o that_o man_n who_o dare_v make_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o past_a nor_o can_v entertain_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v
call_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n but_o storm_n and_o agony_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o darkness_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v ignorance_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o passion_n be_v but_o fury_n unchained_a and_o let_v loose_a four_o have_v thus_o by_o resolve_v particular_o concern_v life_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o either_o in_o sloth_n or_o sensuality_n worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n point_v out_o those_o fatal_a error_n which_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o it_o be_v wherein_o life_n do_v more_o immediate_o and_o particular_o consist_v that_o be_v in_o a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a employment_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n when_o i_o make_v reason_n the_o director_n and_o guide_n of_o (null)_o life_n when_o i_o constitute_v it_o dictator_n over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n i_o do_v no_o more_o mean_a to_o exclude_v the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o when_o i_o affirm_v the_o eye_n to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o body_n i_o intend_v to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o light_n to_o good_a eye_n or_o of_o spectacle_n and_o collyrium_n to_o dim_v or_o disturb_a one_o the_o proposition_n thus_o guard_v will_v appear_v indisputable_a to_o any_o who_o shall_v consider_v the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n be_v a_o truth_n never_o hitherto_o controvert_v and_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a faculty_n in_o we_o appear_v from_o the_o universal_a appeal_n of_o all_o side_n and_o all_o sect_n to_o its_o tribunal_n not_o the_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a only_o but_o the_o loose_a and_o the_o vicious_a plead_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o action_n and_o in_o all_o the_o numberless_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n tho'_o only_o one_o side_n can_v have_v the_o warrant_n and_o countenance_n of_o reason_n yet_o all_o do_v pretend_v to_o it_o so_o that_o tho'_o there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v more_o frequent_o oppose_v and_o violate_v there_o be_v also_o none_o which_o be_v more_o unanimous_o own_v and_o universal_o acknowledge_v as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v before_o that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o as_o plain_a that_o in_o this_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o natural_a gift_n which_o distinguish_v man_n from_o beast_n and_o man_n from_o one_o another_o the_o hero_n from_o the_o caitiff_n and_o villain_n the_o philosopher_n from_o the_o fool_n and_o the_o saint_n from_o the_o sinner_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o order_n and_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n in_o this_o the_o beauty_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o in_o this_o the_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a to_o whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o office_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o rank_n we_o hold_v among_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n what_o station_n we_o fill_v in_o the_o world_n what_o our_o relation_n and_o dependency_n be_v what_o the_o duty_n and_o what_o the_o hope_n what_o the_o benefit_n and_o what_o the_o pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o each_o it_o be_v this_o which_o prescribe_v all_o our_o power_n and_o passion_n their_o order_n place_n and_o work_v it_o be_v this_o which_o distinguish_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v this_o which_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o inflame_v we_o with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o final_o it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o set_v a_o true_a rate_n and_o value_n upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o promote_v or_o obstruct_v our_o sovereign_a good_a happy_a therefore_o be_v that_o life_n where_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a arbitrator_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o where_o the_o imagination_n and_o passion_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v yet_o servant_n and_o instrument_n of_o reason_n happy_a this_o life_n for_o it_o can_v neither_o want_v pleasure_n to_o entertain_v it_o nor_o business_n to_o employ_v it_o happy_a the_o soul_n which_o thus_o live_v for_o it_o shall_v never_o want_v comfort_n to_o support_v it_o hope_n to_o encourage_v it_o nor_o crown_n to_o reward_v it_o for_o as_o it_o grow_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o must_v it_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o its_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n its_o joy_n and_o expectation_n must_v receive_v a_o proportionable_a increase_n too_o chap._n iii_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n first_o to_o cultivate_v our_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o insist_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o bear_v evil_n and_o enjoy_v good_n second_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o as_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n four_o that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n consider_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o life_n thus_o state_v it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o business_n be_v to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v reason_n for_o this_o as_o you_o have_v see_v be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n and_o superintendent_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o arbiter_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n matth._n 6.23_o vigour_n and_o activity_n if_o reason_n do_v not_o steer_v they_o will_v but_o prove_v mischievous_a and_o fatal_a to_o we_o diligence_n and_o industry_n themselves_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o corrupt_v our_o nature_n and_o embroyl_n our_o life_n every_o deviation_n from_o reason_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o our_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n the_o fool_n and_o the_o sinner_n do_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o do_v sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o those_o mischief_n which_o infest_v the_o world_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v our_o complaint_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o bitter_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v we_o so_o weak_a and_o soft_a in_o adversity_n so_o restless_a and_o little_a satisfy_v even_o in_o prosperity_n itself_o it_o be_v this_o create_v all_o those_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n which_o make_v we_o often_o quarrel_n at_o providence_n and_o curse_v our_o fortune_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o god_n prov._n 19.3_o well_o therefore_o do_v the_o wiseman_n advise_v prov._n 4.7_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o withal_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o do_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o slight_a reflection_n upon_o the_o work_n or_o office_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a and_o general_a account_n before_o much_o more_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o three_o great_a point_n the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o bear_v evil_a first_o the_o employ_v etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n like_o a_o fertile_a field_n seem_v alike_o apt_a to_o produce_v either_o herb_n or_o weed_n the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a evil_a or_o the_o great_a good_a the_o great_a good_a if_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n the_o great_a evil_n if_o blind_o and_o rash_o lead_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n what_o be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o fool_n but_o a_o shop_n of_o toy_n and_o trinket_n not_o the_o laboratory_n of_o a_o philosopher_n where_o a_o thousand_o vain_a trifle_n and_o empty_a idea_n flutter_v confuse_o up_o and_o down_o what_o his_o memory_n but_o a_o receptacle_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o mean_a and_o shameful_a thing_n and_o action_n not_o a_o treasury_n of_o excellent_a truth_n lay_v up_o like_o ammunition_n and_o provision_n for_o
fortune_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v to_o (null)_o nature_n these_o be_v the_o ability_n that_o constitute_v gentleman_n true_o great_a that_o make_v they_o the_o prop_n of_o a_o sink_a state_n or_o the_o star_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o flourish_a one_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o safety_n and_o glory_n of_o your_o country_n and_o your_o own_o happiness_n and_o posterity_n demand_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o if_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n as_o once_o those_o of_o the_o best_a constitute_v kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v exact_a virtue_n and_o industry_n with_o the_o great_a rigour_n and_o punish_v idleness_n and_o riot_n with_o infamy_n banishment_n and_o death_n nor_o have_v any_o one_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o to_o oblige_v the_o gentleman_n to_o a_o active_a and_o industrious_a life_n be_v to_o debase_v his_o quality_n or_o to_o invade_v his_o liberty_n much_o less_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v bear_v to_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a a_o active_a virtue_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o gentleman_n this_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a foundation_n the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o country_n can_v be_v build_v on_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o fortune_n do_v but_o adorn_v he_o as_o a_o pageant_n to_o be_v the_o sport_n and_o gaze_v of_o the_o crowd_n and_o all_o that_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v between_o merit_n and_o fortune_n will_v inward_o despise_v the_o fool_n and_o sluggard_n whatever_o courtship_n and_o compliment_n they_o may_v make_v to_o the_o esquire_n and_o landlord_n and_o as_o business_n can_v be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o honour_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v of_o his_o liberty_n for_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o service_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o only_a freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o man_n not_o to_o mind_v you_o that_o the_o business_n of_o man_n of_o wealth_n and_o birth_n be_v always_o a_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n they_o be_v ever_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o retire_v when_o they_o shall_v judge_v their_o privacy_n and_o leisure_n more_o valuable_a than_o their_o employment_n this_o one_o single_a consideration_n can_v but_o silence_v this_o suggestion_n that_o no_o man_n be_v less_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o time_n than_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o ample_a fortune_n and_o no_o business_n for_o he_o be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o form_n and_o impertinence_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o sottishness_n of_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o idle_a and_o ignorant_a as_o himself_o and_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o servitude_n so_o wretched_a as_o that_o to_o luxury_n and_o vanity_n nor_o any_o confinement_n or_o attendance_n so_o tedious_a as_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o folly_n with_o the_o trifle_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o business_n be_v at_o all_o time_n a_o comely_a excuse_n and_o never_o fail_v of_o put_v a_o man_n handsome_o in_o possession_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o own_o time_n and_o action_n but_o of_o all_o the_o aspersion_n with_o which_o address_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v assault_v there_o be_v none_o more_o palpable_o injurious_a than_o this_o that_o to_o condemn_v a_o gentleman_n to_o business_n be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o pleasure_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v business_n and_o employment_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o pleasure_n it_o be_v this_o that_o prevent_v the_o disease_n of_o pleasure_n surfeit_n and_o satiety_n and_o make_v diversion_n always_o new_a and_o nature_n always_o vigorous_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o rational_a and_o manly_a employment_n so_o raise_v and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v above_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o so_o entertain_v it_o that_o it_o need_v not_o make_v vicious_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n a_o refuge_n against_o the_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n of_o life_n but_o after_o all_o tho'_o all_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o consideration_n more_o important_a still_o which_o be_v that_o the_o business_n of_o a_o gentleman_n if_o dischare_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v always_o attend_v with_o pleasure_n and_o that_o a_o more_o brisk_a and_o sensible_a one_o than_o he_o can_v find_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o whether_o he_o protect_v the_o oppress_a or_o oppose_v the_o violent_a and_o the_o unjust_a by_o his_o power_n whether_o he_o steer_v the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o simple_a to_o their_o harbour_n by_o his_o wisdom_n or_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o his_o wealth_n whether_o he_o support_v a_o sink_a friend_n or_o raise_v a_o deserve_a creature_n whether_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o maintain_v the_o right_n of_o his_o country_n in_o a_o word_n whether_o he_o assist_v the_o public_a or_o the_o private_a by_o his_o fortune_n his_o ability_n or_o virtue_n all_o these_o work_n have_v something_o in_o they_o so_o great_a so_o generous_a that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n of_o these_o the_o high_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o a_o fortunate_a birth_n it_o be_v the_o sabbath_n the_o rest_n of_o god_n when_o he_o behold_v all_o his_o work_n that_o they_o be_v exceed_o good_a nor_o can_v i_o believe_v god_n take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o creation_n than_o he_o do_v in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n how_o please_v then_o must_v be_v the_o reflection_n upon_o these_o godlike_a work_n for_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o create_v a_o new_a world_n it_o be_v certain_o to_o embellish_v govern_v and_o support_v the_o old_a there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v why_o the_o work_n of_o virtue_n shall_v procure_v their_o author_n less_o pleasure_n than_o those_o of_o fancy_n wit_n and_o learning_n do_v they_o why_o the_o poet_n shall_v feel_v a_o big_a joy_n rise_v from_o a_o witty_a poem_n the_o painter_n from_o a_o well_o finish_v piece_n the_o architect_n from_o a_o well_o contrive_v building_n the_o scholar_n from_o a_o just_a and_o regular_a discourse_n than_o a_o gentleman_n shall_v from_o the_o happy_a and_o honourable_a effect_n of_o wisdom_n courage_n bounty_n and_o magnanimity_n these_o sure_a be_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o as_o the_o original_a be_v more_o noble_a so_o be_v the_o issue_n too_o for_o certain_o to_o preserve_v the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o man_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o make_v they_o seem_v to_o live_v in_o imagery_n to_o raise_v a_o family_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o contrive_v and_o build_v a_o house_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o actual_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o afflict_a by_o a_o present_a and_o vigorous_a remedy_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o treat_v the_o fancy_n of_o the_o soft_a and_o vain_a and_o in_o one_o word_n actual_o to_o compose_v the_o division_n allay_v the_o heat_n govern_v the_o impetuosity_n and_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o man_n by_o the_o force_n of_o law_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o example_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o ascendant_n which_o the_o fortune_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o great_a one_o give_v they_o over_o their_o inferior_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n a_o much_o more_o signal_n service_n to_o god_n and_o man_n than_o it_o can_v ever_o be_v to_o debate_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o most_o distinguish_a judgement_n or_o write_v a_o exhortation_n with_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n have_v thus_o demonstrate_v that_o person_n of_o rank_n and_o fortune_n lie_v under_o many_o and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o activity_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o confute_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o oppose_v against_o it_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o lay_v before_o they_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n such_o rule_n as_o may_v guard_v they_o against_o that_o envy_n and_o danger_n that_o toil_n and_o discontent_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o great_a as_o dirt_n or_o dust_n or_o heat_v that_o of_o their_o chariot_n and_o which_o on_o the_o other_o side_n may_v render_v their_o activity_n a_o great_a instrument_n of_o their_o felicity_n for_o i_o will_v not_o that_o such_o as_o be_v the_o common_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n shall_v meet_v with_o no_o other_o recompense_n but_o trouble_n and_o hazard_n as_o if_o like_o cloud_n they_o can_v not_o refresh_v and_o impregnate_n the_o earth_n unless_o they_o be_v themselves_o dissolve_v and_o waste_v into_o shower_n i_o will_v have_v every_o worthy_a action_n be_v a_o accession_n to_o their_o greatness_n and_o every_o honourable_a performance_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o reward_n which_o shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o levity_n of_o the_o people_n sect._n 2._o