kind_n of_o pleasure_n we_o pursue_v than_o in_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o our_o inclination_n to_o it_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o allure_v and_o draw_v yet_o not_o by_o the_o same_o but_o several_a object_n so_o that_o if_o lust_n prevail_v in_o one_o ambition_n as_o much_o prevail_v in_o another_o and_o covetousness_n in_o a_o three_o and_o in_o other_o intemperance_n or_o sloth_n so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n seem_v much_o the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n consist_v especial_o in_o our_o weakness_n not_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n we_o be_v take_v with_o but_o in_o our_o inclination_n to_o it_o hence_o be_v it_o as_o difficult_a for_o one_o man_n to_o overcome_v his_o covetousness_n as_o to_o another_o to_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o restless_a toilsome_a ambition_n be_v as_o luscious_a and_o take_v with_o some_o temper_n as_o lazy_a and_o delicious_a luxury_n with_o other_o if_o this_o be_v well-weighed_a it_o will_v make_v we_o more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a in_o our_o censure_n of_o other_o and_o not_o so_o soft_a and_o easy_a in_o excuse_v ourselves_o it_o be_v further_a worth_n our_o observe_v here_o that_o every_o man_n virtue_n derive_v some_o tincture_n from_o his_o constitution_n and_o temper_n so_o that_o general_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o guess_v a_o man_n natural_a constitution_n by_o the_o complexion_n of_o his_o religion_n however_o virtue_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v virtue_n nor_o will_v that_o slight_a alloy_n of_o the_o natural_a constitution_n extinguish_v its_o vigour_n and_o merit_n tho'_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o strict_a and_o jealous_a guard_n upon_o his_o inclination_n for_o nature_n soon_o revive_v even_o after_o it_o have_v be_v some_o time_n bury_v and_o to_o labour_v most_o after_o that_o perfection_n which_o do_v most_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v the_o particular_a vice_n of_o his_o constitution_n for_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o moral_o impossible_a to_o gain_v a_o conquest_n over_o it_o and_o as_o impossible_a to_o gain_v a_o rational_a peace_n and_o security_n without_o this_o conquest_n a_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o objection_n to_o incapacitate_v man_n for_o happiness_n be_v a_o unteachable_a stupidity_n consist_v in_o a_o slow_a conception_n and_o treacherous_a memory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v require_v in_o their_o scholar_n the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a matter_n as_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n skill_n in_o mathematics_n fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o epicuraean_a pretend_v his_o divine_a happiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v build_v and_o seneca_n reckon_v the_o unthinking_a crowd_n among_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v all_o of_o they_o do_v with_o one_o consent_n require_v three_o thing_n to_o complete_a a_o virtuous_a and_o happy_a man_n nature_n education_n or_o instruction_n and_o custom_n to_o the_o first_o they_o attribute_v the_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n to_o the_o second_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o three_o the_o easiness_n and_o constancy_n and_o to_o all_o three_o together_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v between_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a between_o political_n or_o social_n and_o philosophical_a virtue_n and_o do_v not_o deem_v every_o nature_n capable_a of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v perfect_a and_o philosophical_a but_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n require_v no_o such_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n all_o that_o he_o require_v be_v a_o humble_a and_o a_o honest_a mind_n free_v from_o proud_a prejudices_fw-la possess_v with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o according_o st._n paul_n observe_v that_o such_o be_v most_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v nor_o will_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o acute_a and_o eminent_a part_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v a_o christian_n who_o shall_v consider_v the_o brevity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o law_n do_v it_o require_v a_o deep_a and_o penetrate_a judgement_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o tenacious_a memory_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o remember_v that_o plain_a and_o short_a summary_n of_o christian_a practice_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n 2._o titus_n 2._o and_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n or_o that_o as_o brief_a and_o perspicuous_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n 17._o faith_n john_n 17._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v or_o that_o excellent_a abridgement_n of_o both_o by_o st._n paul_n 20._o paul_n act_n 20._o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v true_a all_o thing_n be_v now_o ravel_v and_o entangle_v and_o the_o faith_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o half_a so_o conspicuous_a among_o christian_n as_o their_o theological_a war_n tumult_n and_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o man_n not_o to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o pride_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o one_o not_o to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o may_v any_o one_o here_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n object_n that_o tho'_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_a yet_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v not_o so_o for_o who_o can_v ever_o imagine_v such_o a_o stupidity_n of_o nature_n as_o can_v disable_v any_o one_o to_o understand_v the_o proof_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n or_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n or_o what_o stupidity_n of_o nature_n can_v render_v it_o a_o impossible_a task_n to_o we_o to_o comprehend_v the_o two_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n namely_o the_o subserviency_n of_o it_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o and_o of_o another_o life_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o write_v this_o as_o if_o i_o mean_v hereby_o to_o represent_v industry_n in_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o superfluous_a and_o un-necessary_a but_o to_o assure_v all_o of_o how_o mean_a capacity_n soever_o of_o the_o success_n of_o it_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a how_o much_o some_o applaud_v themselves_o on_o the_o account_n of_o acquire_v knowledge_n of_o doubtful_a or_o abstruse_a thing_n how_o much_o other_o value_v themselves_o on_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o politic_n remote_a enough_o indeed_o from_o virtue_n and_o other_o on_o accomplishment_n as_o remote_a from_o reason_n as_o the_o other_o politic_n from_o virtue_n and_o how_o much_o all_o of_o they_o do_v despise_v the_o dulness_n of_o those_o who_o can_v and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o who_o strive_v not_o to_o equal_v they_o in_o these_o attainment_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o beget_v in_o i_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o suspicion_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v before_o assert_v i_o know_v that_o our_o duty_n be_v plain_a and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o compendious_a one_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o another_o for_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o take_v with_o god_n as_o a_o humble_a faith_n devout_a pure_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a religion_n as_o to_o worldly_a happiness_n i_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o virtue_n support_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o guide_v by_o his_o truth_n be_v the_o safe_a and_o the_o plain_a guide_n he_o can_v follow_v in_o dark_a and_o tempestuous_a time_n true_a policy_n consist_v not_o in_o that_o address_n or_o subtlety_n of_o spirit_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n at_o all_o time_n with_o plausible_a shift_n but_o in_o that_o integrity_n and_o virtue_n that_o need_v none_o and_o the_o beauty_n and_o life_n of_o conversation_n consist_v not_o in_o artificial_a face_n fantastic_a dress_n mechanic_n motion_n shrug_n and_o cringe_n
i_o once_o prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o stoop_v to_o they_o but_o when_o the_o toil_n and_o difficulty_n and_o meanness_n too_o of_o this_o attempt_n have_v give_v i_o a_o little_a disgust_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o friendship_n and_o fortune_n by_o neither_o of_o which_o have_v i_o ever_o be_v utter_o desert_v encounter_v my_o natural_a inclination_n to_o ease_v and_o softness_n i_o soon_o exchange_v my_o former_a notion_n of_o happiness_n for_o a_o more_o calm_a and_o quiet_a one_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v it_o wise_a to_o live_v to_o day_n and_o to_o prefer_v my_o present_a blessing_n in_o possession_n before_o the_o uncertain_a future_a one_o of_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n i_o wish_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o retire_v from_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v awaken_v my_o ambition_n or_o interrupt_v my_o quiet_n and_o think_v that_o in_o a_o lazy_a shade_n and_o obscure_a retreat_n i_o may_v with_o most_o freedom_n and_o true_a contentment_n enjoy_v myself_o a_o cheap_a pleasure_n and_o a_o humble_a friend_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o ambitious_a restless_a part_n of_o mankind_n sometime_o spring_v a_o thought_n of_o light_n and_o lose_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o speculation_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o devote_v myself_o entire_o to_o a_o studious_a life_n i_o adore_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o great_a soul_n who_o work_n have_v give_v they_o a_o immortality_n here_o below_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o learned_a as_o epicurus_n word_n it_o as_o god_n among_o man_n i_o do_v not_o question_n but_o contemplation_n which_o once_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o angel_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n but_o alas_o that_o i_o must_v say_v it_o all_o that_o learning_n which_o be_v purchase_v with_o toil_n and_o difficulty_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a uncertain_a amusement_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o have_v much_o of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n in_o it_o but_o be_v of_o very_o little_a use_n i_o will_v it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o those_o part_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v of_o most_o use_n have_v least_o of_o certainty_n and_o demonstration_n and_o those_o which_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o most_o certainty_n make_v man_n the_o worst_a return_n of_o their_o study_n and_o be_v of_o least_o use_n i_o have_v observe_v according_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n but_o also_o thoughtfulness_n and_o retirement_n render_v man_n very_o common_o as_o unfit_a for_o as_o a_o verse_n to_o business_n bereave_v they_o of_o that_o sufficiency_n and_o skill_n that_o address_v and_o presence_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o conversation_n and_o experience_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o remark_n that_o the_o active_a and_o busy_a man_n be_v not_o only_o more_o skilful_a but_o more_o eloquent_a too_o than_o the_o contemplative_a as_o have_v a_o much_o clear_a insight_n into_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o secret_a spring_n and_o interest_n by_o which_o they_o be_v move_v and_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v they_o with_o a_o more_o popular_a dexterity_n and_o more_o clean_o gentile_a insinuation_n and_o now_o i_o begin_v to_o esteem_v of_o learning_n as_o a_o pretty_a ornament_n of_o life_n but_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o support_n of_o it_o i_o think_v it_o may_v serve_v to_o fill_v the_o void_a and_o empty_a space_n but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o life_n i_o have_v be_v sometime_o ravish_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o noble_a action_n and_o resolve_v to_o lead_v a_o life_n severe_a and_o virtuous_a spend_v not_o in_o private_a ease_n and_o lazy_a divertion_n but_o in_o the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o do_v good_a but_o good_a god_n how_o weak_a be_v nature_n how_o slight_a be_v such_o impression_n how_o numerous_a the_o temptation_n how_o prevalent_a the_o inclination_n which_o carry_v we_o another_o way_n this_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n my_o state_n toss_v on_o uncertain_a sea_n and_o hoist_v sail_n to_o every_o wind_n that_o blow_v and_o i_o find_v that_o neither_o greatness_n of_o mind_n nor_o fortune_n do_v raise_v man_n above_o this_o inconstancy_n for_o i_o meet_v with_o my_o own_o reflection_n my_o own_o passion_n in_o the_o excellent_a animi_fw-la excellent_a de_fw-fr tranquillitate_fw-la animi_fw-la seneca_n only_o the_o character_n of_o himself_o he_o there_o present_v we_o with_o be_v express_v with_o more_o life_n and_o briskness_n and_o exalt_v as_o much_o above_o this_o of_o i_o as_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o station_n of_o that_o great_a man_n above_o i_o i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v yet_o make_v my_o port_n but_o i_o have_v discover_v it_o and_o i_o sail_v tho'_o slow_o yet_o in_o a_o direct_a line_n have_v my_o happiness_n my_o haven_n all_o along_o in_o ken_n from_o this_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o man_n misery_n infer_v the_o nature_n or_o universal_a and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o happiness_n infer_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v what_o it_o be_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n consist_v or_o at_o lest_o what_o the_o universal_a and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v namely_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o life_n to_o true_a reason_n and_o sound_a philosophy_n this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o last_a and_o rational_a delight_n this_o invest_v the_o understanding_n in_o its_o just_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o restore_v the_o will_n to_o it_o be_v true_a liberty_n this_o make_v our_o prospect_n of_o the_o future_a take_n and_o invite_v and_o our_o reflection_n on_o the_o time_n past_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a this_o lay_v a_o solid_a foundation_n for_o our_o reliance_n on_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o mediator_n and_o raise_v our_o hope_n as_o high_a as_o heaven_n this_o prevent_v our_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n or_o what_o be_v more_o happy_a enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v they_o in_o a_o word_n this_o make_v we_o great_a in_o life_n but_o much_o more_o great_a and_o venerable_a in_o death_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n reveal_v its_o beauty_n and_o glory_n must_v then_o when_o all_o thing_n else_o do_v shrink_v and_o fade_v infer_v two_o general_a rule_n for_o attain_v happiness_n infer_v we_o see_v the_o happiness_n that_o spring_v from_o our_o conformity_n and_o subjection_n to_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a from_o those_o two_o thing_n wherein_o especial_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o sinner_n deviation_n from_o reason_n to_o consist_v to_o infer_v what_o we_o must_v do_v if_o we_o will_v live_v rational_o first_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o a_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n of_o life_n second_o we_o must_v pursue_v this_o end_n with_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o constancy_n these_o i_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o first_o and_o most_o comprehensive_a rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o happiness_n i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o of_o each_o but_o brief_o and_o in_o general_a term_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o treatise_n require_v first_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o a_o rational_a and_o wise_a end_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o when_o our_o understanding_n be_v full_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o excellence_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o sacred_a reverence_n a_o firm_a and_o devout_a love_n for_o it_o this_o like_o the_o eastern_a star_n the_o magi_n will_v lead_v we_o through_o all_o the_o wind_n and_o turn_n of_o life_n to_o bethlehem_n and_o happiness_n this_o will_v soon_o disengage_v we_o from_o that_o labyrinth_n of_o contradictious_a desire_n and_o wild_a opinion_n in_o which_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n be_v endless_o entangle_v when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o place_n a_o school_n every_o one_o we_o converse_v with_o a_o tutor_n and_o every_o passage_n of_o our_o life_n or_o another_o full_a of_o instruction_n not_o a_o look_n whether_o cheerful_a or_o melancholy_a not_o a_o word_n whether_o wise_a or_o foolish_a not_o a_o sigh_n that_o a_o oppress_a heart_n vent_v not_o a_o joy_n that_o smile_v in_o the_o face_n but_o will_v teach_v we_o philosophy_n show_v we_o the_o use_n and_o beauty_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o divine_a virtue_n for_o in_o the_o vicious_a we_o shall_v see_v what_o false_a and_o fade_a pleasure_n what_o idle_a fear_n what_o vain_a sorrow_n false_a principle_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n fill_v their_o mind_n with_o in_o the_o good_a we_o shall_v see_v what_o true_a peace_n virtue_n create_v in_o the_o mind_n what_o constancy_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o life_n what_o
be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v this_o have_v in_o part_n be_v already_o answer_v and_o shall_v more_o full_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o chapter_n second_o such_o who_o assign_v a_o cause_n or_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v miserable_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o the_o number_n of_o these_o if_o man_n will_v talk_v coherent_o if_o they_o will_v be_v firm_a and_o steady_a to_o their_o principle_n will_v be_v very_o small_a for_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n destroy_v fate_n so_o do_v the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o its_o motion_n as_o determinate_a and_o necessary_a as_o that_o of_o fire_n or_o air_n or_o any_o inanimate_a body_n whatever_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o atheist_n only_o shall_v oppose_v this_o proposition_n and_o he_o who_o have_v exclude_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v exclude_v happiness_n too_o for_o if_o whatever_o be_v not_o voluntary_a i_o speak_v of_o humane_a misery_n be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidabe_n and_o whatever_o be_v so_o be_v fatal_a as_o needs_o it_o must_v for_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o fatal_a event_n and_o one_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a then_o it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o atheist_n only_o shall_v deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n as_o he_o who_o only_o assert_v fate_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o many_o man_n be_v wild_a and_o inconsistent_a and_o therefore_o some_o who_o wide_o differ_v in_o their_o principle_n do_v yet_o conclude_v and_o centre_n in_o one_o common_a error_n and_o thus_o it_o happen_v here_o theist_n as_o well_o as_o atheist_n endeavour_v to_o introduce_v fate_n into_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o to_o make_v the_o misery_n of_o such_o as_o be_v miserable_a involuntary_a fatal_a and_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o affirm_v some_o man_n to_o be_v unavoidable_o miserable_a do_v not_o deny_v that_o other_o may_v be_v happy_a but_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n discourage_v all_o who_o be_v not_o already_o happy_a from_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o must_v here_o be_v oppose_v by_o i_o now_o it_o be_v true_a that_o i_o may_v this_o way_n with_o one_o stroke_n cut_v off_o all_o objection_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o baffle_v the_o opinion_n of_o fate_n leave_v every_o man_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o prove_v his_o misery_n voluntary_a for_o that_o choice_n which_o man_n make_v be_v not_o necessary_o or_o fatal_o determine_v to_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a one_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n for_o first_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o in_o the_o world_n a_o few_o only_o except_v so_o addict_v to_o maintain_v a_o universal_a fate_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exempt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o its_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o which_o anon_o and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o any_o at_o this_o day_n do_v not_o as_o a_o philosopher_n once_o prove_v motion_n by_o walk_v so_o be_v it_o as_o easy_a and_o ready_a a_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n by_o some_o free_a choice_n or_o other_o but_o when_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v objection_n that_o method_n must_v be_v take_v not_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n invite_v to_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n propose_v their_o opinion_n compel_v to_o therefore_o because_o man_n do_v general_o impute_v their_o misery_n to_o either_o god_n fortune_n fate_n or_o their_o own_o incapacity_n of_o happiness_n i_o will_v speak_v distinct_o to_o each_o of_o these_o and_o first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o man_n misery_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o must_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n if_o what_o epictetus_n say_v with_o respect_n to_o many_o god_n have_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o nothing_o have_v ever_o be_v say_v with_o more_o exact_a truth_n or_o a_o better_o poise_v judgement_n 37._o epicteti_fw-la enchirid._n c._n 37._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v rational_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a that_o religion_n shall_v serve_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n for_o false_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o bereave_v god_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o he_o from_o his_o creature_n by_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o he_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o atheism_n and_o thus_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v design_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o manifestation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o advance_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n by_o influence_v his_o life_n and_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o security_n and_o cheerfulness_n shall_v be_v pervert_v to_o end_n direct_o contrary_a and_o prove_v instrumental_a to_o dishonour_v god_n and_o tender_a man_n miserable_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v too_o too_o evident_a in_o those_o visible_a effect_n the_o ignorance_n or_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n produce_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o want_n of_o conceive_v aright_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o immensity_n etc._n etc._n join_v with_o the_o numerous_a necessity_n of_o mankind_n do_v bring_v forth_o or_o at_o least_o confirm_v polytheism_n groundless_a apprehension_n of_o cruelty_n in_o god_n bring_v forth_o superstition_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o polytheism_n and_o superstition_n give_v be_v to_o atheism_n and_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v many_o mischief_n which_o i_o must_v impute_v either_o to_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o want_v of_o just_a consideration_n of_o the_o true_a one_o or_o at_o least_o to_o not_o argue_v clear_o and_o true_o from_o '_o they_o for_o from_o one_o of_o these_o reason_n it_o proceed_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o some_o man_n be_v so_o slight_a empty_a and_o trifle_a the_o religion_n of_o other_o so_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a and_o true_o superstitious_a and_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o atheistical_a looseness_n sensual_a carnal_a presumption_n and_o wretchless_n despair_n and_o many_o other_o evil_n owe_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n have_v man_n worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v ever_o fancy_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n of_o a_o communicant_a sit_v but_o not_o kneel_v after_o supper_n but_o not_o in_o the_o morning_n that_o the_o whiteness_n of_o the_o garment_n will_v pollute_v and_o unhallow_a the_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o such_o like_a will_v not_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n easy_o convince_v such_o a_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a trifler_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v please_v but_o by_o sincere_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n nor_o to_o be_v displease_v but_o by_o voluntary_a wickedness_n all_o thing_n else_o weigh_v nothing_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o not_o deserve_v the_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o tho'_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v suppose_v his_o scruple_n warrant_v by_o divine_a command_n and_o consequent_o because_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n render_v all_o his_o commandment_n indisputable_o authoritative_a and_o bind_a he_o shall_v therefore_o think_v himself_o as_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o reject_v these_o thing_n as_o to_o shun_v a_o sin_n yet_o even_o here_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_v soon_o instruct_v he_o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o divine_a command_n and_o teach_v he_o that_o those_o which_o do_v enjoin_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o stand_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n that_o those_o which_o do_v enjoin_v duty_n subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n and_o do_v bind_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o necessity_n and_o tendency_n that_o such_o as_o do_v enjoin_v or_o forbid_v thing_n of_o a_o more_o remote_a and_o distant_a nature_n circumstantial_a ritual_a etc._n etc._n be_v mere_o positive_a and_o arbitrary_a temporary_a and_o mutable_a and_o the_o interpose_v necessity_n of_o superior_a duty_n be_v at_o any_o time_n sufficient_a to_o supersede_n their_o obligation_n to_o proceed_v to_o other_o effect_n of_o mis_fw-fr conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o one_o who_o right_o understand_v the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v after_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v be_v torment_v with_o doubtful_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n
he_o write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o see_v not_o now_o that_o god_n by_o raise_v up_o such_o man_n and_o by_o assist_v they_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n which_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o in_o suffer_v for_o these_o truth_n and_o the_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o their_o write_n in_o those_o dark_a time_n do_v abundant_o testify_v be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o of_o his_o concern_v for_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o happiness_n why_o shall_v not_o this_o light_n which_o god_n lend_v the_o then-wandring_a benight_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v as_o kind_o interpret_v by_o man_n as_o it_o be_v design_v by_o god_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o priest_n and_o prophet_n well_o enough_o suit_v to_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n very_o excellent_a use_n have_v christian_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a make_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v as_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n they_o live_v in_o as_o they_o be_v then_o more_o necessary_a i_o think_v i_o have_v by_o this_o time_n say_v enough_o not_o only_o to_o extinguish_v in_o any_o man_n all_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o also_o to_o enkindle_v in_o he_o a_o grateful_a love_n of_o god_n and_o cheerful_a hope_n of_o true_a happiness_n by_o establish_v this_o persuasion_n upon_o unshaken_a foundation_n that_o god_n be_v a_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n that_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o further_o and_o assist_v every_o man_n in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n but_o now_o let_v not_o that_o doctrine_n be_v pervert_v to_o the_o betray_n of_o we_o into_o sloth_n which_o be_v design_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o fresh_a vigour_n to_o quicken_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o a_o industrious_a pursuit_n after_o our_o true_a happiness_n for_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o good_a and_o gracious_a but_o also_o holy_a too_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o this_o point_n god_n 2_o holiness_n of_o god_n because_o i_o think_v it_o be_v already_o prove_v holiness_n be_v as_o necessary_o imply_v in_o perfection_n as_o love_n or_o goodness_n i_o know_v some_o have_v talk_v as_o if_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a be_v as_o if_o his_o law_n be_v not_o the_o image_n or_o expression_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o mere_o the_o positive_a precept_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a will._n if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v love_v or_o hate_v without_o any_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o action_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v consonant_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o this_o by_o chance_n for_o mere_a arbitrary_a motion_n be_v blind_a and_o unguided_a such_o a_o one_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o uncapable_a as_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o instruction_n i_o can_v as_o soon_o believe_v lightning_n and_o thunder_n wind_z and_z storm_z a_o god_n as_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a be_v the_o heathen_n believe_v a_o god_n proteus_n that_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o all_o shape_n but_o these_o man_n believe_v what_o be_v infinite_o more_o absurd_a a_o god_n not_o of_o various_a and_o uncertain_a shape_n only_o but_o also_o of_o a_o unfixt_v uncertain_a indetermined_a nature_n for_o the_o will_n must_v always_o be_v agreeable_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v who_o will_v it_o be_v thus_o liberty_n and_o indetermination_n of_o will_n in_o man_n proceed_v from_o some_o contrariety_n in_o the_o principle_n which_o constitute_v he_o unsteady_a judgement_n produce_v unsteady_a will_n and_o brutish_a nature_n brutish_a will_v or_o inclination_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v there_o exhort_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n because_o god_n be_v light_a and_o to_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o be_v holy_a which_o holiness_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n but_o his_o nature_n this_o be_v give_v as_o a_o motive_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o his_o righteous_a precept_n because_o this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o can_v please_v a_o righteous_a god_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o can_v make_v we_o like_a and_o dear_a to_o he_o from_o this_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v holiness_n we_o may_v plain_o infer_v first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o assistance_n from_o he_o but_o then_o when_o that_o which_o we_o enterprise_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v his_o providence_n the_o refuge_n of_o laziness_n or_o impiety_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d superstitione_n plutarch_n de_fw-fr superstitione_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o virtue_n not_o the_o excuse_n of_o sloth_n and_o cowardice_n it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o well-weighed_a prayer_n which_o josephus_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n inaccessible_a rock_n and_o mountain_n deny_v the_o israelite_n passage_n one_o way_n the_o numerous_a host_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v fill_v all_o other_o only_o before_o they_o be_v the_o red_a sea_n who_o wave_n threaten_v as_o certain_a and_o more_o dreadful_a a_o destruction_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o egyptian_n there_o be_v no_o weapon_n for_o fight_n no_o provision_n for_o a_o camp_n no_o place_n for_o flight_n in_o this_o case_n moses_n pray_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o no_o contrivance_n industry_n nor_o force_n of_o we_o can_v here_o avail_v we_o it_o be_v in_o thou_o alone_o to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o this_o people_n who_o by_o thy_o command_n and_o under_o thy_o conduct_n have_v leave_v egypt_n despair_v of_o all_o other_o way_n we_o fly_v to_o thou_o alone_o for_o succour_n lord_n let_v it_o come_v speedy_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a proof_n of_o thy_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o be_v in_o great_a strait_n great_a to_o we_o but_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a to_o thou_o the_o sea_n be_v thou_o that_o stop_v our_o progress_n the_o mountain_n that_o shut_v we_o up_o be_v thou_o thou_o can_v divide_v this_o sea_n or_o turn_v its_o wave_n into_o firm_a land_n and_o make_v we_o find_v a_o safe_a passage_n through_o the_o devour_a deep_a or_o if_o thou_o think_v fit_a thou_o can_v make_v we_o march_v in_o triumph_n aloft_o through_o the_o open_a sky_n this_o be_v a_o noble_a faith_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o expectation_n almost_o as_o wonderful_a as_o the_o success_n it_o meet_v with_o but_o then_o it_o be_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o successful_a their_o condition_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o deliverance_n but_o a_o miraculous_a one_o and_o it_o be_v their_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n have_v reduce_v they_o to_o this_o condition_n this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o faith_n and_o reliance_n by_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n and_o difficulty_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o god_n for_o these_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o humane_a infirmity_n require_v the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o utmost_a strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v the_o shock_n and_o brunt_n of_o calamity_n alone_o 26._o max._n tyr._n disser_n 26._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o must_v be_v reinforce_v by_o power_n from_o above_o but_o then_o these_o difficulty_n must_v be_v such_o to_o which_o our_o vice_n have_v not_o betray_v we_o and_o our_o own_o courage_n and_o industry_n must_v be_v as_o vigorous_a as_o our_o prayer_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o beg_v new_a supply_n of_o strength_n if_o we_o use_v not_o what_o we_o enjoy_v before_o divine_a bounty_n do_v never_o supersede_n man_n industry_n fruitful_a shower_n and_o enliven_a ray_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o second_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o husbandman_n god_n observe_v the_o same_o method_n in_o the_o production_n of_o a_o noble_a sort_n of_o fruit_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o field_n of_o the_o sluggard_n shall_v be_v overrun_v with_o weed_n there_o only_o shall_v the_o divine_a fruit_n of_o philosophy_n and_o happiness_n grow_v where_o religious_a discipline_n till_v the_o ground_n and_o wakeful_a study_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o thrive_a truth_n among_o the_o furrow_n according_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o
and_o folly_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o which_o general_o speak_v we_o owe_v our_o temporal_a prosperity_n or_o adversity_n and_o consequent_o that_o those_o suppose_v the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o power_n these_o must_v be_v so_o too_o second_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n even_o in_o these_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o he_o shall_v see_v they_o true_o subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o good_n however_o because_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o usefulness_n nay_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o fortune_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v think_v little_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v unfortunate_a and_o happy_a so_o that_o even_o seneca_n himself_o have_v let_v fall_v one_o of_o the_o great_a paradox_n a_o stoic_a be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o such_o a_o expression_n as_o this_o better_a become_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o peasant_n than_o a_o philosopher_n beatâ_fw-la seneca_n de_fw-fr vit._n beatâ_fw-la sed_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la ad_fw-la virtutem_fw-la tendit_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la multum_fw-la processit_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la tamen_fw-la aliquâ_fw-la fortunae_fw-la indulgâ—ntiâ_fw-la adhuc_fw-la inter_fw-la humana_fw-la luctanti_fw-la dum_fw-la nodum_fw-la illum_fw-la exolvit_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la vinculum_fw-la mortal_a that_o not_o only_a beginner_n but_o proficient_n in_o virtue_n till_o they_o have_v put_v off_o mortality_n will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o some_o indulgence_n of_o fortune_n and_o few_o man_n find_v any_o belief_n with_o the_o world_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o the_o contempt_n of_o wealth_n it_o be_v general_o interpret_v either_o the_o laziness_n of_o a_o unactive_a and_o degenerous_a mind_n or_o the_o dissimulation_n of_o one_o who_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v to_o defy_v fortune_n while_o he_o do_v secret_o and_o inward_o repine_v and_o fret_v at_o the_o neglect_n and_o coldness_n she_o express_v towards_o he_o i_o will_v therefore_o bestow_v a_o little_a time_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o objection_n happiness_n fortune_n can_v prevent_v our_o happiness_n what_o do_v thou_o mean_v by_o fortune_n if_o mere_a chance_n then_o to_o envy_v the_o lot_n of_o other_o or_o murmur_v at_o thy_o own_o be_v folly_n if_o providence_n then_o it_o be_v impiety_n for_o whatever_o goodness_n guide_v by_o unerring_a wisdom_n do_v must_v be_v so_o well_o do_v that_o it_o can_v be_v mend_v and_o whatever_o be_v mere_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o blind_a giddy_a and_o inconstant_a humour_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n by_o which_o man_n choose_v to_o express_v fortune_n can_v neither_o be_v prevent_v fix_v nor_o regulate_v but_o what_o be_v it_o second_o thou_o do_v put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o fortune_n the_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n of_o man_n mind_n wisdom_n temperance_n industry_n courage_n and_o in_o one_o word_n virtue_n if_o not_o she_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o thy_o happiness_n she_o can_v prevent_v thy_o attainment_n of_o it_o nor_o bereave_v thou_o of_o it_o when_o attain_v if_o thou_o do_v thou_o do_v enlarge_v the_o empire_n of_o fortune_n too_o too_o far_o let_v she_o rule_v and_o insult_v over_o soldier_n courtier_n lover_n factious_a demagogue_n and_o time-servers_a but_o not_o over_o philosopher_n let_v those_o who_o be_v her_o minion_n be_v her_o slave_n let_v she_o dispose_v of_o money_n land_n farm_n commission_n benefice_n honour_n grace_n fame_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v crown_n and_o sceptre_n too_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o soul_n be_v too_o precious_a commodity_n to_o be_v the_o sport_n and_o traffic_n of_o fortune_n solomâ—â—_n observe_v long_o ago_o wisdom_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n 1_o prov._n 1_o 〈◊〉_d cry_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o concourse_n 〈◊〉_d the_o open_n of_o the_o gate_n in_o the_o city_n she_o utter_v her_o word_n 7._o john_n 7._o our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n which_o be_v a_o invitation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o in_o the_o prophet_n 55._o isaiah_n 55._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o with_o out_o price_n this_o ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v true_a a_o great_a fortune_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o faith_n hope_n or_o charity_n and_o he_o that_o be_v endow_v with_o these_o can_v be_v miserable_a you_o may_v learn_v the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o divine_a and_o important_a truth_n you_o may_v acquaint_v yourself_o with_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o virtue_n at_o a_o very_a cheap_a rate_n and_o you_o may_v learn_v temperance_n fortitude_n justice_n modesty_n constancy_n patience_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o much_o more_o wealth_n than_o will_v serve_v â—o_o feed_v and_o clothe_v you_o and_o can_v â—hou_n not_o be_v content_a with_o these_o possession_n be_v not_o this_o a_o sort_n of_o merchandise_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o fine_a gold_n i_o kow_n the_o great_a part_n of_o â—hose_n who_o accuse_v their_o fortune_n of_o their_o misery_n do_v at_o least_o pretend_v that_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v so_o incommodious_a that_o they_o have_v not_o time_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o at_o least_o not_o with_o that_o application_n which_o they_o shall_v alas_o thus_o not_o the_o mean_a only_a but_o almost_o all_o talk_n from_o the_o porter_n to_o the_o prince_n the_o circumstance_n of_o one_o be_v too_o straight_o too_o narrow_a of_o another_o too_o full_a of_o trouble_n because_o too_o full_a of_o state_n one_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v withdraw_v from_o his_o great_a end_n by_o the_o many_o allurement_n &_o sensual_a temptation_n to_o which_o his_o rank_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o world_n expose_v he_o another_o that_o he_o be_v daily_o fret_v and_o indispose_v by_o the_o little_a cross_a accident_n and_o the_o rugged_a conversation_n which_o he_o be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o complain_v of_o too_o much_o business_n another_o of_o too_o little_a the_o hurry_n and_o multitude_n of_o thing_n distract_v the_o one_o infidel_n fear_n and_o anxious_a despondency_n the_o other_o one_o complain_v that_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o friend_n be_v too_o numerous_a and_o entrench_v too_o far_o upon_o his_o precious_a hour_n another_o querulous_a melancholy_n and_o peevish_a because_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o either_o for_o his_o meanness_n neglect_v or_o for_o his_o misfortune_n desert_v and_o forsake_v company_n be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o one_o and_o solitude_n to_o the_o other_o thus_o all_o condition_n be_v full_a of_o complaint_n from_o he_o that_o trudge_v on_o his_o clout_a shoe_n to_o he_o who_o can_v scarce_o mention_v the_o manner_n or_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o multitude_n without_o some_o expression_n of_o contumely_n and_o disdain_n thou_o fool_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v that_o all_o these_o complaint_n be_v idle_a and_o contradiction_n for_o shame_n correct_v the_o wantonness_n of_o thy_o humour_n and_o thou_o will_v soon_o correct_v thy_o fortune_n learn_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n and_o every_o place_n learn_v to_o enjoy_v thyself_o to_o know_v and_o value_v the_o wealth_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o power_n i_o mean_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n learn_v to_o assert_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o dignity_n of_o thy_o soul_n methinks_v that_o if_o philosophy_n can_v not_o pride_n and_o indignation_n may_v conquer_v fortune_n it_o be_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v but_o a_o grain_n of_o sense_n to_o make_v chance_n and_o wind_n and_o wave_n the_o arbitrary_a disposer_n of_o his_o happiness_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o to_o depend_v upon_o some_o mushroom_n upstart_n which_o a_o chance-smile_a raise_v out_o of_o his_o turf_n and_o rottenness_n to_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o his_o mean_a soul_n be_v so_o unequal_a that_o he_o himself_o fear_v and_o wonder_n at_o his_o own_o height_n o_o how_o i_o hug_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o honest_a heathen_n who_o in_o a_o rugged_a gown_n and_o homely_a cottage_n bid_v defiance_n to_o fortune_n and_o laugh_v at_o those_o pain_n and_o hazard_n the_o vanity_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n not_o their_o misfortune_n drive_v they_o to_o man_n may_v call_v this_o pride_n or_o spite_n in_o they_o as_o the_o beggarly_a rabble_n do_v usual_o envy_v the_o fortune_n which_o it_o do_v despair_n of_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o who_o lay_v by_o envy_v greatness_n to_o enjoy_v this_o quiet_a tho'_o generally-despicable_a meanness_n but_o let_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v what_o it_o
power_n i_o attribute_v to_o man_n i_o acknowledge_v derive_v from_o god_n i_o will_v therefore_o with_o good_a assurance_n proceed_v and_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v take_v in_o and_o demolish_v this_o fort_n which_o stop_v our_o way_n to_o happiness_n they_o who_o affirm_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n incapable_a of_o virtue_n forget_v that_o they_o dishonour_n god_n whilst_o they_o reproach_v their_o nature_n for_o be_v it_o so_o to_o what_o end_n can_v we_o imagine_v such_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n not_o to_o worship_v but_o defy_v their_o maker_n and_o be_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o be_v make_v immortal_a too_o have_v god_n make_v man_n only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n in_o the_o world_n like_o the_o leviathan_n in_o the_o wave_n such_o a_o soul_n as_o that_o which_o move_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o sensitive_a soul_n have_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o end_n then_o may_v he_o have_v enjoy_v himself_o without_o reluctancy_n without_o control_v without_o remorse_n without_o shame_n what_o can_v be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o which_o you_o allow_v not_o a_o capacity_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n till_o you_o can_v show_v i_o this_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v endow_v man_n with_o a_o rational_a and_o immortal_a mind_n out_o of_o any_o other_o design_n than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v become_v such_o a_o be_v create_v after_o his_o own_o image_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o wonder_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o their_o contradict_a reason_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v insensible_a of_o that_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o so_o many_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o good_a manner_n found_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o so_o many_o treatise_n of_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n write_v to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o wakeful_a parent_n strive_v to_o inculcate_v the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n into_o the_o child_n and_o train_v he_o up_o by_o a_o wise_a discipline_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o custom_n of_o virtue_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o proposal_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n if_o either_o they_o do_v not_o raise_v those_o hope_n and_o fear_n they_o aim_v at_o or_o if_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a if_o no_o instruction_n no_o discipline_n can_v mould_n and_o fashion_v rough_a unpolished_a crooked_a incorrigible_a nature_n now_o here_o tho'_o any_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o disparage_v the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n and_o attribute_v all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n or_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o ripe_a year_n to_o custom_n not_o to_o right_a reason_n yet_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o so_o far_o disparage_v his_o own_o observation_n and_o knowledge_n as_o utter_o to_o deny_v the_o success_n of_o these_o mean_n for_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o any_o one_o the_o least_o verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o have_v be_v national_a virtue_n as_o well_o as_o vice_n that_o there_o have_v be_v time_n wherein_o learning_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v as_o much_o in_o fashion_n and_o reputation_n as_o wickedness_n and_o barbarism_n in_o other_o shall_v we_o say_v those_o nation_n those_o time_n breed_v none_o of_o those_o nature_n which_o the_o objector_n affirm_v be_v uncapable_a of_o virtue_n let_v they_o show_v what_o heavenly_a influence_n what_o miraculous_a power_n produce_v this_o change_n in_o nature_n what_o shall_v i_o urge_v the_o power_n of_o vain_a and_o false_a principle_n the_o mighty_a force_n even_o of_o irrational_a custom_n vanquish_a those_o inclination_n which_o be_v more_o deep_o root_v more_o close_o interweave_v with_o our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n than_o any_o inclination_n to_o vice_n and_o folly_n can_v be_v such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o pain_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o contempt_n of_o death_n be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o the_o most_o timorous_a sex_n as_o in_o the_o indian_a woman_n what_o a_o contempt_n of_o pain_n even_o in_o the_o weak_a age_n as_o in_o the_o spartan_a youth_n and_o all_o this_o have_v no_o strong_a foundation_n than_o irrational_a custom_n and_o vain_a fantastic_a principle_n why_o shall_v we_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o attribute_v to_o excellent_a principle_n and_o virtuous_a custom_n bless_a and_o aid_v by_o heaven_n as_o much_o power_n and_o virtue_n as_o we_o do_v to_o such_o as_o these_o if_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o man_n to_o wickedness_n can_v be_v curb_v if_o his_o most_o furious_a and_o violent_a passion_n can_v be_v restrain_v and_o stifle_v than_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o divine_a truth_n religious_a discipline_n together_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v effect_v this_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a if_o the_o press_a necessity_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o state_n can_v change_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o otho_n into_o military_a hardship_n and_o courage_n i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o rational_a sense_n of_o the_o true_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o innumerable_a other_o consideration_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v before_o we_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o wonder_n if_o the_o reverence_n of_o seneca_n or_o the_o senate_n or_o any_o other_o motive_n can_v produce_v a_o quinquennium_fw-la neronis_n can_v restrain_v the_o violent_a inclination_n of_o that_o wretched_a man_n so_o that_o his_o government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n shall_v be_v as_o gentle_a and_o just_a as_o that_o of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o virtuous_a prince_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o eternity_n be_v able_a to_o awe_v and_o curb_v the_o most_o vicious_a nature_n this_o methinks_v aught_o well_o to_o be_v weigh_v by_o all_o who_o assert_v man_n impotence_n and_o incapacity_n of_o virtue_n they_o disparage_v the_o gospel_n and_o reproach_n grace_n as_o well_o as_o man_n with_o impotence_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n do_v you_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o suppose_v man_n by_o nature_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o then_o deny_v he_o and_o utter_o debar_v he_o from_o god_n grace_n you_o introduce_v fate_n for_o what_o more_o fatal_a necessity_n can_v a_o wretched_a creature_n lie_v under_o than_o natural_a impotence_n utter_o destitute_a and_o for_o ever_o forsake_v of_o divine_a assistance_n or_o if_o you_o bereave_v not_o man_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o bereave_v grace_n of_o its_o sufficiency_n do_v you_o not_o understand_v that_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n continue_v still_o the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o man_n condition_n only_o in_o this_o hypothesis_n grace_n be_v dishonour_v and_o reproach_v as_o well_o as_o nature_n and_o this_o reflect_v very_o rude_o too_o upon_o god_n it_o call_v the_o wisdom_n the_o goodness_n the_o sincerity_n the_o power_n of_o god_n into_o dispute_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o spirit_n and_o truth_n to_o subdue_v and_o overpower_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o aid_v his_o poor_a creature_n when_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o sincerity_n to_o afford_v they_o such_o aid_n as_o must_v tend_v to_o their_o great_a mischief_n not_o good_a as_o grace_v its_o self_n will_v if_o it_o be_v only_o sufficient_a to_o increase_v their_o gild_n but_o not_o to_o subdue_v their_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o when_o a_o child_n ask_v bread_n to_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n 7._o matth._n 7._o and_o when_o he_o ask_v fish_n to_o gie_n he_o a_o scorpion_n it_o be_v last_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o confer_v grace_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o goodness_n to_o confer_v it_o to_o a_o ill_a one_o these_o with_o many_o other_o be_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o attend_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o universality_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v grant_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v every_o man_n who_o call_v on_o he_o in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o his_o assistance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o
be_v this_o god_n who_o make_v we_o make_v we_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o what_o other_o design_n can_v infinite_a love_n propose_v to_o itself_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o propose_v to_o himself_o this_o end_n he_o endow_v we_o with_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n that_o may_v fit_v we_o for_o the_o contemplation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o work_n the_o world_n provide_v by_o he_o for_o our_o entertainment_n he_o fill_v with_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v minister_v either_o to_o our_o necessity_n or_o delight_n here_o god_n have_v plant_v we_o not_o as_o inhabitant_n but_o sojourner_n for_o this_o be_v but_o our_o state_n of_o probation_n angel_n have_v their_o time_n of_o trial_n so_o have_v man_n here_o he_o will_v have_v we_o aspire_v after_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v that_o life_n angel_n lead_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v one_o day_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o here_o he_o will_v have_v we_o learn_v and_o practice_v those_o virtue_n which_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o society_n &_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o kingdom_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n for_o that_o be_v the_o bless_a end_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n desire_n and_o hope_n but_o when_o we_o make_v heaven_n the_o abide_v the_o seat_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n we_o do_v not_o thereby_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o earth_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o that_o state_n be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o every_o step_n we_o advance_v near_o to_o it_o we_o mount_v and_o ascend_v high_o into_o bright_a calm_a and_o pure_a region_n heaven_n be_v like_o a_o glorious_a building_n who_o access_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n and_o beauty_n for_o as_o that_o youth_n which_o precede_v our_o manhood_n have_v its_o sweetness_n its_o beauty_n its_o natural_a perfection_n and_o pleasure_n so_o have_v this_o mortal-state_n which_o precede_v our_o angelical_a its_o proper_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a one_o neither_o for_o as_o we_o be_v create_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o sure_o our_o happiness_n begin_v near_o to_o approach_v and_o resemble_v they_o when_o our_o mind_n fill_v with_o divine_a truth_n charity_n and_o hope_n become_v free_a generous_n resolve_v constant_a cheerful_a meek_a gentle_a devout_a heavenly_a when_o it_o have_v so_o accustom_a itself_o to_o virtue_n and_o familiar_o acquaint_v itself_o with_o heaven_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o the_o world_n look_v like_o the_o manner_n and_o entertainment_n not_o only_o of_o a_o foreign_a but_o barbarous_a and_o impoverish_v country_n and_o when_o last_o by_o its_o frequent_a retirement_n from_o the_o body_n and_o daily_a commerce_n with_o rational_a and_o spiritual_a pleasure_n it_o not_o only_o assert_n its_o sovereignty_n over_o it_o but_o begin_v to_o live_v so_o independent_a of_o it_o that_o at_o the_o last_o when_o it_o shall_v in_o death_n mount_v up_o upon_o the_o wing_n of_o pure_a flame_n to_o heaven_n it_o shall_v not_o suffer_v as_o if_o the_o body_n need_v to_o be_v tear_v from_o it_o but_o shall_v let_v it_o fall_v as_o elijah_n do_v his_o mantle_n those_o complaint_n therefore_o which_o we_o make_v against_o our_o present_a state_n and_o those_o reproach_n with_o which_o we_o outrage_n and_o vilify_v our_o nature_n be_v false_a and_o unjust_a for_o we_o be_v by_o god_n create_v and_o design_v for_o happiness_n and_o this_o happiness_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o place_n within_o our_o reach_n there_o be_v no_o fate_n but_o what_o god_n have_v make_v we_o ourselves_o arbiter_n of_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessity_n no_o fatality_n but_o what_o our_o own_o vice_n betray_v we_o to_o nor_o do_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o indulgence_n of_o fortune_n the_o tranquillity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v a_o image_n of_o god_n own_o it_o spring_v from_o within_o not_o from_o without_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v our_o progress_n to_o happiness_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v conquer_v it_o be_v true_a nature_n labour_v under_o its_o infirmity_n that_o be_v sensual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n but_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o support_v by_o reason_n by_o revelation_n by_o grace_n we_o may_v fall_v it_o be_v true_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n wrath_n but_o it_o must_v be_v after_o we_o have_v live_v long_o in_o contempt_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o obstinate_a defiance_n of_o his_o grace_n methinks_v these_o consideration_n shall_v raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o desire_n and_o hope_n worthy_a of_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n like_o the_o israelite_n when_o they_o march_v out_o of_o egypt_n we_o shall_v dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o triumph_n glory_n and_o happiness_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n misery_n the_o deviation_n of_o our_o life_n from_o right_a reason_n the_o true_a and_o universal_a cause_n of_o man_n misery_n this_o deviation_n discover_v itself_o first_o in_o our_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o some_o false_a and_o irrational_a end_n of_o life_n second_o in_o our_o insincerity_n in_o pursue_v our_o true_a and_o rational_a end_n the_o reason_n of_o both_o these_o be_v 1._o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o our_o nature_n 2._o vicious_a education_n 3._o a_o vicious_a conversation_n and_o course_n of_o life_n from_o whence_o proceed_v inconsideration_n insincerity_n false_a notion_n vngovernable_a passion_n remissness_n and_o inconstancy_n a_o representation_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n from_o all_o infer_v first_o what_o happiness_n in_o general_n be_v second_o two_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o be_v the_o happy_a like_o 2._o like_o quem_fw-la adhuc_fw-la nos_fw-la quidem_fw-la vidimus_fw-la neminem_fw-la sed_fw-la phylosophorum_fw-la sententiis_fw-la qualis_fw-la futurus_fw-la sit_fw-la si_fw-la modo_fw-la aliquando_fw-la fuerit_fw-la exponitur_fw-la tusc_n quest_n l._n 2._o tully_n wise_a man_n a_o mere_a idea_n something_o no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o character_n and_o description_n which_o philosopher_n give_v we_o of_o he_o this_o be_v a_o unconquerable_a discouragement_n no_o briskness_n of_o wit_n no_o charm_n of_o fancy_n no_o force_n of_o eloquence_n no_o height_n of_o spirit_n or_o heat_n of_o confidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o and_o to_o engage_v man_n in_o such_o a_o desperate_a and_o unaccountable_a enterprise_n as_o this_o supposition_n will_v render_v the_o pursuit_n of_o happiness_n for_o how_o fond_a and_o groundless_a a_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o pursue_v that_o which_o all_o mankind_n have_v ever_o as_o unsuccessful_o as_o earnest_o and_o indefatigable_o attempt_v i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v with_o all_o my_o might_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o free_a man_n mind_n from_o any_o suspicion_n or_o fear_n of_o this_o kind_a answer_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o represent_v misery_n fatal_a or_o happiness_n unattainable_a and_o by_o undeniable_a proof_n confirm_v the_o opposite_a truth_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o happiness_n be_v attainable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v that_o there_o need_v no_o eloquence_n to_o enkindle_v in_o any_o man_n the_o desire_v of_o happiness_n or_o to_o incite_v and_o spur_v he_o on_o to_o endeavour_v its_o attainment_n all_o mankind_n be_v carry_v on_o towards_o it_o by_o natural_a and_o therefore_o constant_a and_o passionate_a inclination_n will_v it_o not_o be_v natural_a to_o demand_v whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o few_o be_v happy_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o misery_n and_o trouble_v affliction_n and_o sorrow_n fill_v almost_o every_o place_n and_o every_o bosom_n not_o only_o no_o kingdom_n or_o city_n but_o no_o town_n no_o village_n no_o family_n i_o may_v almost_o add_v no_o one_o particular_a person_n be_v exempt_a and_o free_a no_o place_n or_o person_n be_v privilege_v against_o grief_n and_o trouble_n it_o invade_v the_o tribunal_n of_o judge_n the_o throne_n of_o prince_n and_o what_o be_v almost_o as_o sacred_a as_o either_o the_o retirement_n and_o closet_n of_o the_o devout_a and_o learned_a nay_o scarce_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o altar_n a_o secure_a sanctuary_n against_o it_o this_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o comprehend_v if_o we_o do_v thorough_o weigh_v and_o sober_o consider_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o man_n misery_n but_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a discussion_n of_o each_o of_o these_o will_v fall_v in_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_n of_o they_o here_o only_o general_o and_o brief_o as_o