oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o divine_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o precept_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n faith_n oblige_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n by_o hope_n we_o trust_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v and_o use_v all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n at_o last_o all_o which_o in_o this_o assurance_n we_o hearty_o beg_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o charity_n require_v of_o we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o a_o christian_a by_o these_o three_o virtue_n be_v make_v a_o new_a and_o holy_a creature_n faith_n inlighten_v and_o direct_v his_o understanding_n hope_n raise_v he_o up_o and_o set_v his_o will_n at_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o god_n charity_n unite_v he_o whole_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v all_o divine_a institution_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v for_o except_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o except_o we_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o we_o joh._n 6.53_o and_o as_o for_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n we_o have_v for_o the_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v make_v clean_o again_o 2._o last_o there_o be_v also_o human_a law_n enact_v by_o the_o church_n or_o the_o state_n we_o live_v in_o and_o they_o we_o be_v also_o to_o know_v and_o to_o observe_v with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v all_o these_o law_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v upon_o we_o none_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o the_o true_a light_n from_o above_o enlighten_v and_o guide_v he_o as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 94.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastne_v o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o in_o thy_o law_n for_o ever_o since_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n man_n without_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o deprave_a passion_n we_o must_v therefore_o earnest_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n that_o he_o that_o command_v what_o he_o will_v will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v heal_v our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n destroy_v self-love_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o devout_a love_n to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n and_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n without_o hypocrisy_n or_o reservation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n 1._o our_o christian_a hope_n be_v not_o for_o this_o world_n nor_o for_o this_o present_a time_n and_o we_o be_v not_o create_v to_o enjoy_v that_o earthly_a happiness_n which_o the_o world_n only_o seek_v but_o god_n make_v we_o for_o that_o eternal_a bliss_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o who_o excellency_n we_o can_v as_o yet_o understand_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o be_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o we_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o only_o by_o human_a reason_n and_o live_v by_o natural_a instinct_n after_o the_o common_a manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a grace_n but_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o wise_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n who_o live_v to_o god_n and_o common_a with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o range_v and_o dwell_v abroad_o 2._o these_o man_n live_v a_o inward_a life_n they_o be_v recollect_v and_o dwell_v at_o home_n always_o dispose_v to_o hear_v god_n voice_n within_o they_o and_o to_o understand_v his_o secret_n whereas_o they_o live_v a_o outward_a life_n that_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o outward_a thing_n have_v fair_a pretence_n for_o their_o worldly-mindedness_a be_v greedy_a of_o news_n and_o curious_a sight_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n walk_v say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 4.17_o in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n profit_v in_o carnal_a wisdom_n the_o more_o ignorant_a he_o become_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o we_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o much_o we_o lessen_v our_o love_n to_o the_o creator_n chap._n xxxv_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o opinion_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o weigh_v thing_n just_o and_o then_o esteem_v they_o according_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a value_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o twofold_a aspect_n or_o a_o double_a face_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o real_a and_o the_o other_o disguise_v and_o fallacious_a the_o first_o be_v what_o god_n judge_v and_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o second_o depend_v on_o man_n passion_n and_o false_a opinion_n thus_o for_o example_n the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v in_o effect_n and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n a_o high_a and_o angelic_a office_n of_o such_o a_o weight_n as_o shall_v make_v human_a strength_n tremble_v and_o shrink_v under_o it_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n but_o also_o it_o require_v the_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n entrust_v with_o the_o dignify_a prelate_n who_o shall_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n for_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o world_n account_n a_o bishopric_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n which_o promote_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o to_o riches_n and_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a advantage_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o right_o apprehend_v what_o the_o office_n be_v fear_v and_o avoid_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v that_o they_o refuse_v it_o when_o offer_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o follow_v the_o world_n judgement_n and_o seek_v themselves_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o the_o object_n of_o their_o passionate_a desire_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o dignity_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n in_o church_n and_o state_n generally_n man_n have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o understand_v not_o their_o definition_n and_o hence_o the_o confusion_n and_o malvorsation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n mistake_v thing_n and_o hate_v truth_n and_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o follow_v divine_a light_n but_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a heart_n 2._o such_o name_n be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n as_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a virtue_n of_o his_o great_a saint_n as_o that_o some_o be_v call_v bishop_n priest_n deacon_n monk_n or_o hermit_n some_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o all_o together_o christian_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o due_o consider_v the_o great_a worth_n the_o strength_n and_o true_a signification_n of_o those_o name_n what_o virtue_n what_o perpetual_a care_n what_o duty_n they_o require_v from_o such_o as_o bear_v they_o the_o bare_a title_n with_o a_o vain_a shadow_n of_o the_o thing_n remain_v but_o the_o reality_n and_o significancy_n of_o they_o be_v vanish_v few_o man_n be_v in_o truth_n what_o they_o call_v themselves_o few_o live_v according_a to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a because_o few_o make_v it_o their_o first_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n this_o unhappy_a deceit_n be_v also_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o and_o worst_a of_o evil_n self-love_n the_o most_o crafty_a deceiver_n hardly_o find_v out_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o seldom_o quite_o conquer_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v so_o mix_v and_o confuse_a that_o if_o we_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v hardly_o discern_v the_o one_o
and_o well-being_n have_v set_v these_o bound_n to_o our_o affection_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o love_n our_o understanding_n our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o that_o if_o we_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o that_o deserve_v all_o our_o love_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o master_n and_o disposer_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v therefore_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o what_o else_o we_o shall_v love_v it_o must_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o then_o we_o can_v love_v nor_o do_v amiss_o chap._n xxxv_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o measure_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n 1._o we_o can_v love_v god_n as_o we_o shall_v without_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n neither_o can_v we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n except_o we_o love_v god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v and_o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o the_o commandment_n make_v no_o exception_n though_o the_o man_n be_v poor_a though_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n nay_o though_o he_o be_v vicious_a and_o thy_o enemy_n yet_o he_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o thy_o brother_n and_o he_o must_v be_v love_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o love_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o his_o need_n and_o thy_o opportunity_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v hearty_a real_a and_o effective_a for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o we_o must_v not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o joh._n 3.18_o 2._o as_o christ_n love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o not_o that_o we_o deserve_v any_o love_n but_o because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o we_o in_o god_n to_o who_o he_o purchase_v we_o so_o must_v we_o love_v all_o man_n not_o for_o we_o or_o their_o sake_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n have_v no_o further_a regard_n to_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o than_o only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n true_a christian_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v together_o by_o love_n that_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o with_o joy_n find_v it_o in_o other_o and_o what_o one_o have_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n he_o willing_o impart_v it_o to_o all_o as_o by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o be_v unite_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o so_o by_o the_o mutual_a love_n of_o man_n of_o christian_n especial_o they_o become_v one_o among_o themselves_o so_o that_o what_o one_o have_v to_o himself_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o have_v and_o enjoy_v in_o other_o thus_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o righteousness_n according_a as_o be_v the_o man_n charity_n in_o the_o beginning_n progress_n or_o perfection_n so_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o most_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n when_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v part_v with_o for_o love_n 3._o the_o modus_fw-la or_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v twofold_a positive_a and_o negative_a first_o to_o do_v to_o he_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o second_o and_o not_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o every_o one_o therefore_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v must_v consider_v serious_o what_o he_o will_v other_o shall_v do_v or_o not_o do_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o desire_v other_o shall_v he_o patient_a towards_o he_o and_o bear_v with_o his_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o etc._n etc._n then_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v so_o to_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a indication_n of_o a_o perverse_a heart_n for_o a_o man_n in_o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o do_v that_o to_o another_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v sorry_a to_o suffer_v himself_o a_o good_a christian_n do_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o his_o view_n and_o correction_n to_o who_o all_o judgement_n be_v give_v he_o examine_v judge_v and_o punish_v himself_o and_o make_v self-reformation_n his_o serious_a and_o constant_a business_n whatever_o he_o see_v or_o hear_v his_o mind_n be_v undisturbed_a and_o abide_v in_o peace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a he_o praise_v god_n if_o evil_a he_o turn_v it_o to_o good_a by_o turn_v his_o mind_n from_o it_o towards_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o resignation_n 4._o if_o his_o office_n and_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o reprove_v and_o to_o correct_v other_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o zeal_n sweet_a and_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a to_o his_o brother_n infirmity_n for_o roughness_n and_o ungoverned_a passion_n can_v consist_v with_o charity_n if_o the_o ill_a action_n of_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o excuse_n he_o excuse_v they_o however_o he_o censure_v not_o know_v that_o nothing_o human_a be_v so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a but_o may_v be_v ill_o interpret_v and_o at_o the_o best_a may_v be_v some_o way_n defectuous_a enough_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o reprehension_n if_o carp_a man_n let_v loose_v their_o censorious_a humour_n whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v have_v some_o imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a against_o they_o be_v under_o pretence_n of_o preciseness_n to_o give_v way_n to_o peevish_a impatience_n or_o proud_a censoriousness_n he_o that_o be_v too_o busy_a to_o tax_v and_o judge_v other_o will_v never_o grow_v better_a himself_o chap._n xxxvi_o true_a friendship_n and_o the_o true_a office_n of_o it_o 1._o friendship_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o friend_n have_v common_a now_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_o good_a but_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o eternal_a true_a friendship_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o carnal_a friendship_n be_v soon_o dissolve_v because_o thing_n of_o sense_n can_v last_v nor_o always_o confine_v the_o spirit_n whereas_o spiritual_a friendship_n be_v never_o break_v for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v interrupt_v by_o little_a anger_n and_o contention_n yet_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n sweeten_v the_o harshness_n of_o they_o and_o keep_v the_o knot_n indissoluble_a as_o for_o that_o friendship_n which_o too_o much_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o any_o person_n and_o may_v be_v call_v dote_v it_o shall_v be_v stifle_v and_o avoid_v as_o be_v mischievous_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o token_n when_o the_o party_n belove_v be_v always_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v well_o without_o he_o when_o we_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n above_o all_o thing_n when_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v as_o in_o our_o centre_n and_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o all_o our_o action_n and_o most_o important_a concern_v and_o let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v pure_a innocent_a friendship_n without_o any_o self-interest_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o sensual_a it_o deprave_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o wisdom_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o friendship_n be_v never_o betwixt_o person_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a 2._o man_n of_o real_a worth_n be_v always_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o sweet_a deportment_n they_o be_v courteous_a to_o all_o but_o they_o be_v familiar_a to_o few_o and_o they_o flatter_v none_o in_o their_o conversation_n modesty_n discretion_n a_o exact_a justice_n and_o a_o unaffected_a severity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v they_o seek_v not_o to_o make_v a_o show_n outward_o their_o life_n be_v inward_a and_o secret_a they_o live_v to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o fair_o converse_v with_o man_n outward_o when_o it_o be_v fit_v but_o their_o heart_n cleave_v to_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v themselves_o with_o the_o silly_a impertinency_n or_o petty_a concern_v of_o the_o world_n their_o design_n and_o affection_n differ_v much_o from_o the_o vulgar_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v guide_v with_o
principia_fw-la et_fw-la documenta_fw-la vitæ_fw-la christianae_n golgotha_n matthew_n 16_o ver_n 24_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o f._n h._n van._n hove_n feciâ—_n 〈…〉_o precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o excellent_a direction_n to_o follow_v the_o narrow_a way_n to_o bliss_n in_o two_o part_n write_a original_o in_o latin_a by_o john_n bona_z english_v by_o l._n b._n london_n print_v by_o m._n clark_n for_o h._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxviii_o to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n thomas_n ken_n prebendary_a of_o the_o church_n of_o winton_n etc._n etc._n sir_n you_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o very_a charitable_a and_o generous_a spirit_n ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o oblige_v the_o public_a yet_o have_v you_o be_v aware_a your_o commendation_n of_o this_o book_n will_v have_v draw_v upon_o you_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o address_n it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o you_o will_v not_o have_v keep_v it_o secret_a to_o yourself_o without_o promote_a its_o being_n divulge_v in_o our_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o but_o sir_n that_o you_o may_v not_o repent_v this_o good_a deed_n i_o will_v spare_v you_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o leave_v it_o still_o to_o public_a fame_n to_o proclaim_v your_o great_a worth_n only_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o offer_v that_o to_o you_o to_o which_o you_o have_v most_o right_a it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o a_o kindness_n also_o to_o they_o that_o love_v good_a book_n for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a this_o be_v one_o when_o they_o shall_v know_v so_o pious_a and_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n have_v recommend_v it_o for_o such_o and_o i_o may_v well_o expect_v this_o will_v prevail_v with_o other_o to_o read_v it_o glad_o when_o it_o be_v that_o make_v i_o undertake_v the_o great_a trouble_n of_o translate_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v deprecate_v for_o the_o more_o than_o usual_a liberty_n i_o have_v in_o some_o place_n take_v but_o sir_n either_o i_o can_v not_o follow_v my_o reader_n in_o his_o too_o lofty_a flight_n or_o else_o i_o think_v plainness_n may_v be_v of_o a_o more_o general_a usefulness_n or_o it_o may_v be_v i_o judge_v it_o convenient_a that_o speak_v another_o language_n he_o shall_v somewhat_o alter_v his_o sentiment_n it_o may_v be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o win_v a_o jansenist_n not_o now_o biased_n by_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o however_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a party_n so_o that_o i_o be_o almost_o confident_a that_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o this_o will_v not_o only_o have_v your_o pardon_n but_o your_o approbation_n also_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v fear_v the_o censure_n of_o any_o judicious_a reader_n sir_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v your_o name_n will_v more_o than_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o this_o book_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o if_o my_o translation_n be_v but_o tolerable_a it_o can_v but_o do_v good_a and_o be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o good_a christian_n i_o know_v it_o be_v your_o design_n it_o shall_v and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v and_o that_o this_o dedication_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o great_a respect_n for_o you_o worthy_a sir_n who_o unknown_a i_o honour_v as_o a_o person_n well_o know_v to_o deserve_v it_o remain_v sir_n your_o humble_a servant_n l._n b._n the_o translator_n preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o know_v we_o have_v great_a plenty_n of_o good_a book_n already_o but_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bad_a one_o increase_v daily_a and_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o tare_n to_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n for_o the_o new_a one_o be_v read_v and_o inquire_v after_o though_o for_o nothing_o but_o mere_o novelty_n i_o know_v likewise_o that_o for_o the_o best_a of_o modern_a author_n we_o need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o stranger_n we_o have_v many_o of_o our_o own_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o can_v come_v from_o abroad_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v greedy_a of_o such_o foreign_a thing_n as_o minister_v to_o vanity_n and_o neglect_v such_o as_o advance_v true_a goodness_n why_o shall_v we_o teach_v poet_n and_o romancer_n to_o speak_v the_o english_a tongue_n and_o not_o acquaint_v christian_a philosopher_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o if_o i_o want_v apology_n for_o this_o translation_n such_o as_o these_o will_v sufficient_o plead_v for_o it_o but_o indeed_o i_o rather_o want_v word_n to_o set_v forth_o its_o due_a praise_n for_o it_o be_v very_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o design_v to_o a_o good_a end_n i_o mean_v the_o instruction_n of_o it_o which_o if_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v very_o serviceable_a in_o promote_a holiness_n and_o true_a religion_n i_o know_v some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v with_o nathaniel_n john_n 1.46_o can_v there_o any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n but_o i_o answer_v with_o st._n philip_n come_v and_o see_v believe_v not_o my_o report_n but_o come_v and_o satisfy_v thyself_o and_o judge_v as_o thou_o shall_v find_v cause_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v not_o go_v to_o school_v to_o the_o devil_n but_o we_o may_v receive_v truth_n from_o whencesoever_o it_o come_v i_o mean_v only_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o seek_v to_o dissenter_n to_o learn_v from_o they_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o disagree_v but_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v true_a we_o may_v use_v their_o counsel_n and_o their_o assistance_n and_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o unfeigned_a holiness_n and_o christian_a virtue_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o make_v we_o true_a christian_n and_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o may_v therefore_o use_v all_o such_o mean_n as_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n without_o inquire_v whence_o they_o come_v israelites_n may_v go_v down_o to_o the_o philistine_n to_o sharpen_v their_o mattock_n their_o share_n and_o their_o axe_n and_o where_o we_o know_v the_o right_a way_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o be_v forward_v therein_o by_o any_o stranger_n help_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v many_o doctrine_n very_o injurious_a to_o god_n and_o destructive_a of_o holiness_n and_o true_a piety_n but_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o her_o member_n admit_v not_o of_o the_o direful_a consequent_n but_o still_o believe_v and_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel-precept_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o good_a man_n to_o live_v in_o so_o erroneous_a and_o so_o corrupt_a a_o society_n but_o however_o fear_v not_o to_o read_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o christian_a direction_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n for_o it_o have_v pass_v through_o such_o hand_n as_o will_v not_o have_v make_v it_o public_a but_o for_o a_o public_a advantage_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o author_n composure_n as_o his_o collection_n from_o ancient_a and_o more_o orthodox_n writer_n but_o bless_a god_n how_o different_a be_v the_o temper_n and_o procedure_v of_o man_n not_o a_o few_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v grieve_v for_o and_o very_o sensible_a of_o the_o corruption_n creep_v in_o and_o establish_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v meek_a and_o peaceable_a silent_a and_o subject_a under_o their_o worst_a constitution_n and_o this_o pure_a of_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o which_o nothing_o reasonable_a can_v be_v object_v be_v clamour_v against_o tear_v and_o distract_v even_o by_o some_o that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o best_a of_o protestant_n there_o they_o impose_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o teach_v thing_n apparent_o design_v to_o gratify_v their_o pride_n and_o their_o ambition_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v obey_v here_o the_o church_n be_v indulgent_a and_o plain_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v rebel_v against_o and_o persecute_v and_o i_o profess_v but_o that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v slight_v and_o heaven_n not_o care_v for_o i_o must_v eternal_o wonder_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o love_v and_o reverence_v and_o most_o glad_o follow_v by_o all_o that_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o live_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o her_o enclosure_n but_o i_o say_v this_o wonder_n must_v cease_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o man_n can_v stand_v out_o against_o the_o mercy_n of_o their_o
redemption_n the_o infinite_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o promise_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v true_a christian_n while_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o neglect_v these_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o mean_n be_v despise_v where_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v disregard_v until_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o first_o and_o chief_a business_n to_o secure_v a_o bless_a eternity_n by_o live_v holy_a life_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v wise_a and_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o disputable_a and_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o mix_n secular_a interest_n with_o thing_n of_o religion_n first_o make_v and_o still_o maintain_v the_o error_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n many_o controversy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o 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consider_v that_o thy_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o that_o thou_o resolve_v thereupon_o not_o to_o lose_v not_o to_o venture_v thy_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n above_o for_o any_o earthly_a enjoyment_n that_o thou_o will_v bear_v eternity_n in_o mind_n and_o weigh_v the_o importance_n of_o these_o two_o word_n which_o conclude_v our_o creed_n life_n everlasting_a and_o that_o afterward_o thou_o resolve_v careful_o to_o follow_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o follow_v he_o live_v therefore_o as_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o king_n of_o eternity_n to_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o despise_v the_o world_n use_v diligent_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v make_v thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o encourage_v and_o assist_v thou_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o among_o they_o good_a book_n which_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o make_v their_o goodness_n our_o own_o be_v very_o useful_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v somewhat_o conduce_v to_o their_o advancement_n nay_o i_o be_o sure_a thou_o shall_v be_v much_o better_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o will_v transcribe_v it_o with_o thy_o life_n as_o i_o have_v with_o my_o pen_n and_o make_v it_o thy_o hearty_a endeavour_n as_o i_o do_v my_o prayer_n l._n b._n the_o author_n dedication_n to_o all_o true_a christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n i_o offer_v this_o small_a volume_n to_o you_o bless_a soul_n vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o mercy_n elect_v and_o holy_a child_n of_o god_n predestinate_v to_o glory_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o death_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o despise_a cross_n of_o your_o redeemer_n for_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n you_o be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n to_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o sight_n in_o love_n and_o in_o christ_n you_o be_v choose_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o for_o your_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n for_o you_o the_o bless_a jesus_n pray_v when_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n he_o say_v i_o have_v manifest_v thy_o name_n unto_o the_o man_n who_o thou_o give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n thy_o they_n be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o i_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n hear_v not_o or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o regard_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n see_v he_o not_o nor_o know_v he_o neither_o can_v it_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o this_o will_v be_v ground_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v a_o light_n in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o do_v shine_v on_o the_o cross_n most_o glorious_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o tree_n of_o death_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tie_v become_v his_o pulpit_n whence_o he_o preach_v his_o divine_a sermon_n teach_v we_o that_o great_a lesson_n die_v which_o he_o set_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a he_o that_o do_v not_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n therefore_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n be_v our_o great_a safety_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n our_o sure_a title_n to_o glory_n the_o cross_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o christian_a learning_n to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n may_v have_v sanctify_v affection_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n that_o by_o the_o divine_a grace_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n and_o my_o prayer_n for_o they_o be_v that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o love_n may_v abound_v in_o they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o unblameable_a replenish_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n please_v to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o offence_n i_o also_o beg_v for_o myself_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n may_v enlighten_v and_o guide_v my_o mind_n and_o that_o his_o strength_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o my_o weakness_n lest_o after_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o my_o own_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o also_o beseech_v you_o good_a friend_n of_o god_n bless_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n remember_v i_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o what_o i_o teach_v i_o may_v fulfil_v that_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v be_v my_o practice_n by_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n live_v and_o reign_v one_o ever_o glorious_a and_o adore_a god_n amen_n imprimatur_fw-la geo._n hooper_n r._n p._n d._n gil_n ep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n may_v 29._o 1677._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n part_n i._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o of_o its_o end_n and_o office_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o all_o christian_n into_o three_o rank_n good_a middle-sort_n and_o bad_a ibid._n chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o
up_o to_o god_n thus_o at_o least_o he_o intend_v it_o but_o by_o our_o depravation_n and_o folly_n they_o become_v obstacle_n in_o our_o way_n to_o he_o they_o turn_v we_o from_o the_o path_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n say_v wisd_v 14.11_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n become_v stumble_a block_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o unwise_a of_o the_o unwise_a he_o say_v such_o as_o will_v not_o take_v god_n for_o their_o guide_n such_o as_o turn_v their_o eye_n from_o his_o glorious_a light_n to_o enjoy_v the_o shade_n and_o obscurity_n of_o creature_n thereby_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n and_o so_o become_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o abide_v the_o divine_a save_a light_n 2._o now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v create_v for_o this_o to_o be_v as_o help_v and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v our_o end_n then_o be_v we_o to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v love_v and_o desire_v without_o end_n and_o without_o competitor_n in_o goodness_n be_v independent_a supreme_a and_o alone_o satisfactory_a whereas_o mean_n have_v no_o far_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o help_v to_o obtain_v the_o end_n a_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o refer_v to_o god_n all_o his_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o not_o lazy_o or_o verbal_o only_a but_o with_o a_o strong_a affection_n and_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n avoid_v thereby_o the_o cheat_n man_n often_o put_v upon_o themselves_o in_o be_v deceive_v with_o their_o own_o formality_n and_o specious_a pretence_n when_o even_o in_o religion_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o often_o seek_v and_o please_v themselves_o rather_o than_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o scripture_n call_v the_o way_n to_o life_n straight_o and_o narrow_a because_o deprave_a man_n refer_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o can_v hardly_o follow_v the_o pure_a and_o direct_a way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v be_v natural_o averse_a to_o a_o upright_a intention_n but_o when_o this_o aversion_n be_v once_o overcome_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o divine_a commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v wide_a and_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v light_a and_o pleasant_a chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v earnest_a about_o the_o world_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o attain_v not_o their_o main_a end_n 1._o that_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n be_v past_a number_n be_v right_o affirm_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o indeed_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n trifle_v away_o their_o day_n so_o simple_o act_n so_o childish_o or_o rather_o so_o much_o like_o mad_a man_n that_o their_o intolerable_a folly_n can_v be_v sufficient_o deplore_v they_o set_v the_o flesh_n above_o the_o spirit_n they_o prefer_v time_n to_o eternity_n and_o earth_n to_o heaven_n till_o the_o unhappy_a comedy_n of_o their_o sinful_a lifâ—_n end_v in_o a_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o death_n and_o they_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n in_o a_o moment_n if_o a_o suit_n at_o law_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v or_o a_o estate_n gain_v or_o a_o place_n of_o honour_n obtain_v than_o they_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o labour_n no_o search_n no_o diligence_n no_o study_n but_o if_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v purchase_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n make_v sure_a than_o no_o man_n stir_v they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o unactive_a no_o regard_n no_o care_n be_v have_v of_o it_o 2._o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v and_o afflict_v the_o body_n as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n heat_n and_o cold_a pain_n and_o infirmity_n our_o sense_n be_v quick_a and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o industry_n we_o present_o occur_v to_o those_o evil_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o but_o if_o our_o soul_n suffer_v under_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a spiritual_a evil_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o we_o care_v no_o more_o than_o if_o that_o noble_a part_n of_o we_o whereby_o we_o live_v and_o be_v rational_a and_o like_a to_o angel_n have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o and_o this_o because_o the_o flesh_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o we_o value_v this_o sport_n uncertain_a life_n more_o than_o life_n eternal_a and_o we_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o sole_a employment_n to_o rescue_v that_o carcase_n from_o death_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o certain_o must_v soon_o become_v its_o prey_n 3._o one_o cause_n of_o these_o preposterous_a do_n be_v the_o gross_a and_o brutish_a ignorance_n or_o rather_o inconsideration_n of_o too_o too_o many_o who_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v to_o what_o end_n man_n be_v create_v what_o it_o be_v he_o shall_v seek_v and_o design_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o way_n he_o shall_v take_v that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o his_o great_a aim_n jer._n 12.11_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolate_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n consider_v wise_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o power_n of_o those_o enemy_n that_o perpetual_o assault_v we_o who_o snare_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o avoid_v without_o god_n break_v they_o and_o deliver_v he_o for_o we_o be_v continual_o besiege_v by_o a_o frail_a flesh_n a_o flatter_a world_n and_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o 4._o last_o our_o folly_n and_o misery_n proceed_v partly_o from_o our_o blindness_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o darkness_n we_o want_v light_a to_o guide_v we_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n and_o pray_v he_o devout_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o aright_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o sloth_n and_o inconstancy_n for_o we_o be_v virtuous_a in_o wish_n and_o not_o in_o effect_n because_o we_o be_v lazy_a to_o work_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o practice_n we_o find_v difficulty_n and_o be_v soon_o tire_v and_o dishearten_v hasty_o give_v over_o before_o we_o have_v effect_v any_o thing_n all_o christian_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o come_v after_o he_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o care_v not_o to_o imitate_v he_o fain_o will_v they_o come_v to_o he_o but_o not_o follow_v he_o man_n will_v obtain_v riches_n without_o labour_n and_o crown_n without_o fight_v they_o like_v well_o of_o reward_n but_o they_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n ghap._n xii_o how_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o fair_a outside_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a 1._o this_o world_n felicity_n put_v all_o together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o whole_a be_v but_o like_o a_o coarse_a picture_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v something_o please_v and_o invite_v when_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o false_a light_n or_o in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o obscure_a or_o with_o a_o small_a blind_a candle_n such_o as_o be_v the_o dim_a and_o deceitful_a light_n of_o present_a time_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v forth_o the_o picture_n and_o view_v it_o before_o that_o glorious_a sun_n that_o shine_v for_o ever_o the_o radiant_a brightness_n of_o eternity_n there_o it_o will_v appear_v deform_v and_o unfinished_a a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a shadow_n which_o represent_v nothing_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stroke_n and_o line_n draw_v without_o order_n or_o design_n for_o though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o it_o remain_v in_o darkness_n man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a discovery_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o 3._o yet_o that_o light_n it_o be_v and_o none_o else_o that_o clear_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n btwixt_a vile_a and_o precious_a betwixt_o truth_n and_o appearance_n how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o christianity_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o instruct_v it_o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o by_o it_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n because_o of_o their_o attractive_a beauty_n but_o so_o to_o consider_v their_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v by_o they_o lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o glorious_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o divine_a light_n it_o be_v make_v i_o see_v
eye_n and_o mind_n on_o that_o original_a which_o he_o mean_v to_o copy_n so_o shall_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n set_v before_o himself_o his_o master_n life_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a exemplar_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o imitate_v and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o 2._o now_o he_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o remain_v in_o he_o shall_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v careful_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o his_o new_a and_o better_a lord_n for_o as_o while_o we_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v its_o instinct_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v slave_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n so_o now_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o unhappy_a slavery_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n we_o must_v careful_o follow_v he_o who_o member_n we_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15.47_o the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o second_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a make_v that_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o high_a call_n as_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o high_a title_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o 3._o now_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o outward_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o be_v who_o â—_z and_o affection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n bless_a example_n who_o endeavour_v always_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n be_v create_v anew_o in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v look_v unto_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v not_o live_v after_o the_o method_n of_o deprave_a man_n but_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o righteous_a god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v own_a to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o certain_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n chap._n xviii_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o faith_n be_v to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n and_o the_o spring_n to_o the_o fountain_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o we_o must_v first_o begin_v and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o commendation_n job_n give_v to_o wisdom_n chap._n 28._o be_v just_o due_a to_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o solomon_n high_a encomium_n of_o wisdom_n do_v but_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o faith_n wisd_v 7._o gold_n in_o respect_n of_o she_o be_v as_o little_a sand_n and_o silver_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o clay_n before_o she_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n she_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n teach_v we_o all_o truth_n inform_v our_o soul_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v what_o to_o shun_v and_o what_o to_o pursue_v it_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o the_o world_n count_v good_a be_v evil_a and_o that_o worldly_a calamity_n be_v good_a if_o endure_v patient_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a and_o all_o that_o which_o be_v for_o no_o use_n but_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n and_o the_o high_a of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o from_o its_o wretched_a slavery_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o set_v we_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o great_a contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o then_o christ_n who_o deliver_v the_o first_o be_v ever_o true_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v clear_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o follow_v the_o holy_a light_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n not_o the_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o deprave_v as_o we_o now_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o altogether_o destructive_a of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a dictate_v and_o endeavour_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a a_o well-being_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o present_a world_n without_o take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n this_o evil_a man_n have_v from_o adam_n and_o from_o those_o lust_n which_o reign_n in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v still_o some_o cause_n to_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o rom._n 7._o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n st._n paul_n answer_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v deliver_v we_o for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v from_o our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n and_o enable_v to_o see_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o new_a life_n from_o he_o chap._n xix_o that_o faith_n work_v in_o a_o christian_a self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o great_a be_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v the_o faithful_a christian_n to_o be_v as_o itself_o be_v unshaken_a and_o unmovable_a the_o true_a believer_n who_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a regard_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o find_v light_n and_o peace_n delight_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o find_v neither_o rest_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o in_o time_n of_o need_n there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o they_o be_v like_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n perish_v and_o unstable_a so_o that_o he_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o same_o destiny_n whereas_o he_o that_o trust_v on_o god_n who_o be_v unmoveable_a be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n express_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o belief_n our_o action_n shall_v be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o what_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v glory_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o to_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o offence_n 2._o the_o first_o man_n indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocence_n may_v have_v come_v to_o bliss_n by_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o those_o good_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n but_o after_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o infect_v his_o unborn_a posterity_n with_o sin_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n appoint_v another_o way_n to_o bliss_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o self-denial_n through_o which_o christ_n himself_o pass_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n say_v luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o 33._o
if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o the_o true_a institution_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o natural_a man_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o high_a philosophy_n which_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o the_o certain_a way_n to_o bliss_n to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v to_o hate_v one_o self_n and_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o love_v poverty_n contempt_n sorrow_n and_o tribulation_n but_o to_o understand_v well_o this_o plain_a lesson_n or_o first_o principle_n require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o yet_o to_o relish_v it_o with_o pleasure_n most_o of_o all_o to_o practice_v it_o to_o live_v according_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n chap._n xx._n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n who_o willing_o run_v to_o ruin_n by_o their_o inconsideration_n 1._o eternal_a torment_n be_v prepare_v for_o none_o but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v miserable_a and_o by_o their_o free_a and_o wilful_a wickedness_n choose_v hell_n for_o their_o portion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n eternal_a joy_n above_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v partake_v of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o think_v the_o prison_n of_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v whole_o empty_a and_o heaven_n infinite_o full_a and_o throng_v who_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o desperate_o mad_a as_o to_o choose_v eternal_a misery_n when_o he_o can_v easy_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n insomuch_o that_o the_o first_o compare_v to_o these_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n who_o our_o bless_a saviour_n call_v the_o little_a flock_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o prefer_v eternal_a woe_n to_o bliss_n eternal_a though_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o how_o thirsty_a soever_o that_o will_v sip_v of_o that_o cup_n he_o shall_v suspect_v to_o be_v poison_v yet_o many_o every_o where_o may_v be_v find_v who_o greedy_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o not_o doubt_n or_o opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a faith_n assure_v they_o must_v be_v punish_v with_o ever-burning_a flame_n 2._o this_o unheard_a of_o madness_n many_o attribute_n to_o want_v of_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a of_o some_o among_o we_o yet_o daily_a experience_n and_o observation_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o perish_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o consideration_n for_o though_o they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o therein_o none_o shall_v suffer_v but_o such_o as_o will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n while_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o soon_o forget_v this_o important_a truth_n their_o fancy_n and_o their_o affection_n be_v fix_v to_o this_o earth_n they_o only_o please_v their_o appetite_n and_o live_v so_o sensual_o that_o their_o reason_n can_v hardly_o look_v beyond_o the_o present_a the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v keep_v out_o and_o their_o understanding_n make_v uncapable_a and_o unwilling_a to_o consider_v wise_o that_o their_o short_a joy_n and_o delight_n will_v soon_o end_v into_o bitterness_n and_o endless_a sorrow_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o we_o while_o we_o live_v to_o avoid_v that_o dreadful_a misery_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o will_v to_o god_n man_n will_v serious_o mind_v and_o observe_v this_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o will_v understand_v and_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o live_v according_o it_o be_v man_n property_n and_o his_o privilege_n to_o think_v and_o meditate_v and_o sure_a his_o thought_n and_o meditation_n shall_v of_o themselves_o run_v first_o of_o all_o to_o his_o chief_a end_n to_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o great_a interest_n no_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o neglect_v one_o own_o salvation_n chap._n xxi_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 1._o he_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o that_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o precept_n and_o follow_v his_o bless_a example_n for_o to_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o christian_a profession_n to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o these_o earthly_a thing_n to_o live_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n because_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tit._n 2.11_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o this_o present_a world_n sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n therefore_o as_o he_o can_v just_o be_v call_v doctor_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o scholar_n as_o he_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o captain_n who_o understand_v not_o soldiery_n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o a_o artist_n that_o have_v not_o the_o skill_n of_o it_o no_o more_o can_v he_o with_o truth_n be_v call_v a_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o a_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o therefore_o only_o be_v true_o christian_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o vanity_n and_o sinful_a desire_n of_o this_o world_n love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o their_o neighbour_n altogether_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n prefer_v not_o themselves_o to_o any_o other_o because_o that_o in_o our_o second_o and_o better_a birth_n we_o be_v all_o make_v equal_a they_o that_o strict_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n in_o all_o thing_n behave_v themselves_o so_o innocent_o as_o not_o to_o give_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n they_o that_o use_v the_o creature_n for_o necessity_n as_o sick_a man_n do_v physic_n covet_v nothing_o but_o that_o only_a which_o can_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o they_o that_o seek_v not_o to_o please_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o displease_v any_o but_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o hate_v their_o own_o flesh_n in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o daily_o chastise_v and_o keep_v it_o under_o lest_o it_o grow_v petulant_a and_o masterless_a they_o that_o be_v ever_o constant_a to_o their_o resolution_n and_o be_v above_o the_o world_n can_v be_v terrify_v by_o any_o threat_n or_o persecution_n they_o that_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n be_v always_o the_o same_o peaceable_a and_o even_a able_a clear_o to_o see_v and_o to_o follow_v truth_n they_o that_o long_v after_o thing_n eternal_a despise_v thing_n present_a and_o live_v upon_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n believe_v therefore_o what_o they_o see_v not_o hope_v what_o they_o have_v not_o and_o love_n that_o which_o as_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o possess_v they_o that_o so_o love_n god_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o refuse_v no_o labour_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o any_o danger_n without_o any_o other_o design_n but_o only_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n they_o that_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n cheerful_o expect_v christ_n come_v in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o can_v joyful_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n they_o alone_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o title_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v all_o these_o with_o sincerity_n 3._o such_o man_n as_o these_o rejoice_v when_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o they_o count_v that_o day_n lose_v in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o endure_v something_o upon_o his_o
the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a as_o their_o christian_a faith_n require_v and_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a but_o want_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a power_n with_o they_o than_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o moral_a virtue_n which_o nature_n itself_o recommend_v be_v common_o make_v sin_n or_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o by_o the_o deprave_a judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n we_o therefore_o that_o live_v in_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o corrupt_a and_o deceive_v person_n ought_v serious_o and_o often_o to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v know_v the_o right_a way_n and_o whether_o we_o true_o follow_v it_o now_o that_o way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v one_o and_o altogether_o unchangeable_a and_o they_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o without_o change_n must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o world_n but_o up_o to_o heaven_n must_v not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o must_v direct_o follow_v god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 1._o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o we_o have_v not_o the_o principal_n concern_v in_o our_o good_a work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o sense_n in_o our_o action_n for_o sense_n be_v the_o great_a deceiver_n the_o fountain_n of_o error_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mortification_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v be_v confident_a ever_o to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n perfect_o good_a and_o without_o defect_n because_o that_o we_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o our_o best_a work_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o we_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o imperfection_n although_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o god_n account_n and_o by_o the_o impulse_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o any_o other_o for_o our_o prayer_n fast_n and_o alm_n and_o such_o like_a good_a work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v complete_a before_o man_n who_o see_v nothing_o but_o the_o outside_n yet_o before_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v defective_a and_o can_v be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o least_o except_o they_o be_v do_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a intention_n to_o please_v he_o 2._o of_o ten_o virgin_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n five_o foolish_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o wedding_n not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v virgin_n and_o have_v lamp_n that_o be_v work_n but_o because_o they_o want_v the_o oil_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o holy_a affection_n this_o may_v well_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o work_n will_v be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o unpleasing_a to_o he_o except_o we_o breath_n life_n into_o they_o by_o our_o inward_a sanctify_a spirit_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n in_o outward_a act_n and_o appearance_n all_o christian_n be_v almost_o alike_o but_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o watch_n be_v move_v by_o the_o hide_a spring_n and_o as_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o face_n depend_v on_o the_o secret_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o good_a be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o bad_a by_o their_o inward_a spirit_n or_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 1._o as_o many_o that_o eat_v much_o yet_o be_v feeble_a and_o infirm_a and_o lean_a because_o they_o overcharge_v their_o stomach_n so_o that_o their_o nourishment_n be_v not_o well_o concoct_v and_o as_o many_o that_o eat_v very_o moderate_o yet_o because_o they_o digest_v well_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a and_o long-lived_a so_o likewise_o some_o christian_n there_o be_v that_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o themselves_o become_v little_o better_o because_o they_o go_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o work_v they_o think_v that_o by_o do_v much_o they_o must_v become_v great_a proficient_o though_o they_o do_v it_o remissly_a and_o incurious_o whereas_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n every_o day_n with_o great_a fervency_n and_o exactness_n be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o perfection_n a_o few_o thing_n well_o do_v profit_n more_o than_o heap_n of_o work_n do_v negligent_o 2._o for_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o compare_v to_o these_o first_o do_v but_o little_a and_o yet_o increase_v much_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o they_o endeavour_v always_o to_o work_v with_o great_a affection_n and_o a_o more_o upright_a intention_n so_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o good_a action_n they_o may_v in_o some_o manner_n use_v that_o expression_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n joh._n 19.30_o it_o be_v finish_v i_o have_v in_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o i_o as_o perfect_o as_o my_o infirmity_n will_v allow_v and_o his_o free_a grace_n enable_v i_o who_o give_v we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o so_o spend_v each_o day_n that_o at_o night_n they_o can_v say_v it_o be_v finish_v and_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n that_o when_o it_o be_v end_v they_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a confidence_n i_o have_v now_o perfect_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v i_o to_o do_v he_o that_o live_v so_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n chap._n xxvii_o how_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n be_v always_o present_a 1._o nothing_o will_v more_o prevail_v to_o make_v perfect_a our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o be_v power_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v always_o act_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n that_o god_n see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o he_o never_o forsake_v we_o till_o we_o forsake_v he_o to_o turn_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o creature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o please_v with_o material_a thing_n present_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o thing_n as_o yet_o invisible_a whereas_o if_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o bear_v too_o great_a a_o sway_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v god_n in_o every_o place_n holy_a affection_n will_v always_o see_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n 2._o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o lay_v up_o it_o be_v none_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o they_o that_o love_v god_n they_o alone_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o treasure_n we_o must_v know_v we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o we_o must_v know_v the_o use_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o now_o such_o a_o treasure_n we_o have_v within_o we_o as_o be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a infinite_a value_n and_o yet_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v it_o for_o we_o run_v after_o mote_n and_o shadow_n and_o catch_v at_o paint_a drop_n that_o can_v quench_v our_o thirst_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v o_o you_o son_n of_o man_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lie_n thus_o we_o be_v cheat_v and_o understand_v not_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o god_n be_v present_a to_o we_o every_o moment_n and_o we_o can_v always_o enjoy_v he_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o we_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o we_o can_v if_o we_o will_v anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n we_o can_v now_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o beatified_a saint_n but_o that_o we_o indulge_v sense_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o
from_o the_o other_o for_o they_o be_v all_o vain_a and_o uncertain_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n they_o come_v to_o nothing_o wherefore_o david_n the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n pass_v by_o all_o temporal_a thing_n entertain_v his_o meditation_n with_o thing_n eternal_a i_o have_v consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o the_o year_n of_o eternity_n psal_n 77.5_o and_o solomon_n his_o son_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n after_o a_o long_a and_o comprehensive_a enumeration_n of_o all_o thing_n good_a and_o bad_a under_o the_o sun_n conclude_v that_o all_o be_v vanity_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n eccles_n 1.2_o chap._n xxxvi_o three_o thing_n very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o every_o christian_a 1._o that_o we_o may_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n as_o we_o be_v oblige_v we_o must_v of_o necessity_n attend_v to_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o watch_v and_o observe_v ourselves_o and_o our_o action_n at_o all_o time_n that_o we_o turn_v not_o aside_o out_o of_o the_o right_a path_n into_o byway_n difficult_a and_o unpassable_a seek_v for_o happiness_n where_o it_o be_v not_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o admonition_n by_o reason_n a_o christian_n differ_v from_o the_o brute_n and_o by_o faith_n from_o unbeliever_n so_o that_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o and_o base_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v his_o unruly_a passion_n and_o his_o appetite_n so_o far_o he_o become_v a_o beast_n and_o cease_v to_o act_v as_o man_n and_o likewise_o when_o for_o vainglory_n or_o self-interest_n he_o be_v draw_v to_o action_n in_o this_o he_o act_n like_o a_o heathen_a faith_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o as_o art_n be_v attain_v and_o perfect_v by_o work_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o so_o a_o man_n become_v wise_a just_a sober_a and_o patient_a by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o those_o virtue_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n recommend_v be_v a_o good_a and_o careful_a use_n of_o our_o time_n on_o which_o depend_v eternity_n philosopher_n will_v have_v we_o not_o only_o know_v thing_n useful_a but_o also_o be_v studious_a and_o watchful_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o virtue_n because_o time_n pass_v away_o and_o come_v not_o again_o and_o once_o lose_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o time_n fly_v away_o and_o the_o unwise_a man_n consider_v not_o that_o it_o be_v never_a to_o be_v recall_v and_o that_o with_o time_n he_o lose_v more_o than_o he_o can_v think_v or_o ever_o recover_v it_o may_v be_v pleasant_a indeed_o to_o pass_v away_o the_o time_n in_o sport_n and_o merry_a company_n but_o so_o do_v our_o day_n go_v away_o and_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o we_o lose_v the_o acceptable_a time_n that_o time_n that_o be_v give_v we_o to_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o every_o idle_a word_n much_o more_o for_o that_o time_n which_o be_v spend_v idle_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o mind_n be_v to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o if_o frequent_o and_o devout_o receive_v will_v be_v to_o we_o a_o fountain_n of_o grace_n profitable_a beyond_o expression_n and_o the_o more_o in_o that_o penitence_n as_o a_o sacramental_a be_v join_v to_o it_o whereby_o we_o be_v humble_v and_o cleanse_v and_o our_o heart_n prepare_v to_o entertain_v christ_n who_o we_o receive_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v increase_v of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n as_o a_o covetous_a man_n mind_v nothing_o but_o gain_n and_o money_n and_o be_v always_o gasp_v after_o it_o so_o the_o devout_a christian_a due_o and_o often_o receive_v the_o bless_a eucharist_n always_o pant_v and_o belong_v after_o god_n and_o can_v without_o trouble_v mind_n any_o thing_n but_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n to_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n chap._n xxxvii_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n 1._o every_o christian_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o such_o continual_a regret_n and_o mortification_n as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v he_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_n who_o endeavour_v to_o make_v what_o satisfaction_n he_o can_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o entire_o to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n mark_v 1.4_o john_n do_v baptize_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n himself_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n make_v it_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o his_o preach_n verse_n 14._o jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o say_n the_o time_n be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n repent_v you_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n or_o as_o saint_n matthew_n relate_v it_o 4.17_o jesus_n begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o say_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n repentance_n be_v first_o send_v to_o prepare_v man_n due_o to_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v purify_v and_o fit_v to_o receive_v divine_a grace_n which_o never_o enter_v wicked_a heart_n nor_o abide_v with_o they_o that_o yield_v their_o body_n to_o be_v instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n 2._o but_o penitence_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v to_o god_n when_o a_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n and_o confess_v it_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o with_o a_o break_a contrite_a heart_n beg_v pardon_n of_o his_o offend_a god_n for_o the_o great_a evil_n in_o sin_n be_v a_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v to_o live_v in_o enmity_n and_o defiance_n against_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o this_o desperate_a impiety_n man_n be_v betray_v by_o infidelity_n and_o by_o inconsideration_n for_o who_o be_v there_o so_o mad_a and_o presumptuous_a that_o will_v dare_v transgress_v the_o divine_a law_n if_o he_o believe_v and_o understand_v that_o god_n be_v almighty_a and_o infinite_o good_a and_o glorious_a and_o that_o a_o offence_n against_o so_o high_a a_o majesty_n be_v heinous_a beyond_o expression_n but_o to_o this_o height_n of_o wretched_a folly_n man_n be_v carry_v by_o original_a depravation_n that_o as_o be_v seize_v on_o by_o a_o unhappy_a frenzy_n they_o have_v a_o secret_a aversion_n to_o god_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o delight_v themselves_o in_o impure_a shadow_n in_o base_a and_o false_a enjoyment_n and_o this_o because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o truth_n or_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o follow_v it_o 3._o how_o great_a and_o deplorable_a be_v this_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n we_o can_v well_o understand_v except_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o the_o guilt_n and_o malignancy_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o extreme_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v expiation_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a son_n of_o god_n this_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o pass_v our_o day_n in_o sorrow_n and_o to_o spend_v our_o year_n in_o mourning_n thereby_o to_o own_v ourselves_o guilty_a and_o that_o we_o have_v deserve_v the_o worst_a the_o great_a of_o evil_n for_o god_n ready_o forgive_v those_o sin_n which_o penitence_n and_o amendment_n endeavour_v to_o undo_v chap._n xxxviii_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o true_a repentance_n 1._o we_o shall_v never_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o avoid_v sin_n when_o the_o temptation_n come_v except_o the_o soul_n have_v conceive_v a_o great_a horror_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o our_o penitential_a exercise_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n except_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n so_o as_o never_o to_o be_v satiate_v without_o it_o therefore_o when_o we_o humble_a and_o punish_v ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o make_v our_o confession_n to_o god_n or_o his_o minister_n we_o shall_v beside_o contrition_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o general_a to_o sin_v no_o more_o design_v the_o extirpation_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a sin_n to_o avoid_v and_o prevent_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o one_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o importunate_a hence_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o a_o great_a advantage_n of_o our_o penitence_n and_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n such_o as_o these_o fear_v to_o offend_v and_o displease_v god_n any_o way_n a_o great_a dread_n of_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o check_v and_o reprove_v ourselves_o
i_o rejoice_v in_o they_o all_o because_o she_o go_v before_o they_o and_o i_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o they_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n for_o indeed_o prayer_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o grace_n a_o parent_n and_o nurse_n to_o all_o virtue_n it_o increase_v the_o joy_n of_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o give_v comfort_n to_o sad_a heart_n it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o procurer_n of_o all_o happiness_n prayer_n appease_v god_n wrath_n obtain_v pardon_n for_o our_o fault_n overcome_v our_o sin_n deliver_v we_o from_o danger_n inkindle_v the_o holy_a fire_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v a_o act_n of_o all_o virtue_n together_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o thereby_o we_o declare_v our_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v present_a ready_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n able_a and_o willing_a to_o grant_v our_o devout_a petition_n hope_v also_o be_v quicken_v and_o confirm_v for_o by_o prayer_n we_o rely_v upon_o god_n and_o profess_v our_o trust_n in_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o charity_n likewise_o be_v increase_v while_o we_o consider_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o divine_a incomprehensible_a goodness_n we_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o other_o thing_n lose_v their_o esteem_n with_o we_o 2._o devotion_n teach_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o weigh_v thing_n wise_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o courage_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n while_o we_o resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o it_o be_v also_o a_o act_n of_o temperance_n for_o the_o devout_a heart_n have_v a_o foretaste_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n despise_v the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n prayer_n give_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n by_o it_o the_o soul_n approach_v god_n be_v penetrate_v by_o his_o light_n and_o so_o learn_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o it_o we_o exercise_v our_o charity_n while_o we_o pray_v for_o other_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o our_o love_n and_o constancy_n to_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n while_o we_o profess_v we_o will_v die_v rather_o than_o displease_v or_o deny_v he_o and_o so_o prayer_n be_v a_o abstract_n of_o many_o virtue_n and_o he_o that_o pray_v much_o be_v much_o a_o christian_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o excellent_a direction_n to_o follow_v the_o narrow_a way_n to_o bliss_n part_n ii_o write_a original_o in_o latin_a by_o john_n bona_z english_v by_o l._n b._n london_n print_v by_o a._n c._n for_o h._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxviii_o precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o study_n and_o endeavour_v after_o true_a virtue_n chap._n i._o that_o voluptuousness_n and_o vanity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o truth_n seek_v for_o in_o thing_n eternal_a after_o christ_n example_n 1._o all_o man_n general_o commend_v and_o desire_v truth_n but_o few_o know_v where_o it_o dwell_v and_o shall_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v love_v and_o pursue_v nothing_o else_o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o thing_n earthly_a and_o perish_a because_o they_o soon_o decay_v into_o nothing_o whereas_o truth_n alter_v not_o but_o abide_v for_o ever_o we_o must_v seek_v it_o therefore_o in_o thing_n immortal_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a be_v and_o remain_v to_o eternity_n truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o image_n or_o transcript_n of_o it_o and_o vary_v not_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o human_a life_n but_o continue_v the_o same_o in_o all_o condition_n always_o above_o vanity_n always_o absolute_a regent_n over_o all_o passion_n and_o sensual_a desire_n 2._o that_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o truth_n who_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v guide_v by_o reason_n and_o his_o reason_n by_o revelation_n by_o faith_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v a_o caitif_a to_o his_o lust_n and_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o passion_n be_v altogether_o vain_a be_v toss_v by_o continual_a trouble_n and_o contrary_a perturbation_n sometime_o fear_n and_o sometime_o desire_v sometime_o anxious_a thought_n or_o perhaps_o vain_a joy_n now_o grief_n for_o loss_n by_o and_o by_o greedy_a pursuit_n after_o new_a acquist_n grievous_a vexation_n now_o for_o be_v injure_v worse_a soon_o after_o in_o seek_v for_o revenge_n these_o unruly_a passion_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o vanity_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o great_a disturber_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o tormentor_n of_o our_o unhappy_a soul_n vanity_n beget_v impatient_a desire_n of_o be_v honour_v and_o esteem_v high_a conceit_n of_o ourselves_o contempt_n of_o other_o and_o a_o secret_a aversion_n to_o truth_n voluptuousness_n incline_v man_n to_o ease_n and_o sport_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o palate_n and_o the_o low_a belly_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v please_v the_o body_n and_o gratify_v a_o sensual_a mind_n hence_o looseness_n and_o dissolution_n and_o worldly_a mindedness_n while_o the_o soul_n estrange_v from_o god_n pursue_v after_o outward_a comfort_n seek_v after_o vainglory_n idle_a talk_n and_o idle_a pastime_n and_o be_v altogether_o take_v up_o with_o toy_n and_o vanity_n 3._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o christian_a law_n the_o gospel-rule_n unacceptable_a to_o the_o world_n to_o all_o carnal_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v nothing_o more_o than_o humility_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n incline_v they_o to_o pride_n the_o gospel_n require_v break_v penitent_a heart_n and_o reformation_n and_o man_n abhor_v nothing_o more_o so_o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o and_o embrace_v those_o great_a and_o save_a truth_n faith_n be_v our_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n confirm_v it_o by_o his_o life_n and_o example_n as_o well_o as_o by_o miracle_n for_o whereas_o man_n labour_v to_o be_v rich_a he_o choose_v to_o be_v poor_a whereas_o they_o aspire_v after_o dominion_n and_o high_a dignity_n he_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n man_n think_v it_o most_o grievous_a to_o bear_v injury_n and_o he_o patient_o suffer_v the_o great_a they_o will_v not_o abide_v to_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o and_o he_o be_v most_o false_o and_o unjust_o condemn_v his_o suffering_n and_o his_o conversation_n be_v our_o lesson_n and_o instruction_n and_o we_o never_o sin_v but_o when_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n he_o despise_v and_o flee_v from_o that_o which_o he_o willing_o endure_v he_o doubtless_o be_v much_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v that_o think_v felicity_n consist_v in_o what_o christ_n teach_v we_o to_o despise_v chap._n ii_o that_o to_o attain_v perfection_n nothing_o must_v be_v neglect_v 1._o you_o shall_v hardly_o find_v a_o perfect_a christian_a because_o they_o common_o that_o have_v overcome_v the_o great_a sin_n neglect_v the_o lesser_a they_o will_v not_o watch_v and_o offer_v violence_n to_o themselves_o for_o small_a matter_n as_o they_o count_v it_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o approach_v the_o brink_n of_o the_o precipice_n and_o perchance_o afterward_o get_v a_o grievous_a fall_n heinous_a and_o cry_a sin_n affect_v we_o with_o horror_n at_o first_o sight_n but_o we_o easy_o admit_v of_o ordinary_a fail_n none_o will_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o spend_v his_o whole_a stock_n of_o grace_n at_o a_o time_n as_o none_o will_v be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o send_v his_o whole_a estate_n go_v in_o one_o day_n no_o man_n use_v to_o say_v this_o be_v no_o great_a cost_n this_o will_v hardly_o at_o all_o sink_v the_o bag_n or_o in_o another_o case_n it_o be_v but_o one_o glass_n one_o bit_n more_o that_o can_v do_v i_o no_o hurt_n but_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o at_o last_o spend_v all_o and_o come_v to_o poverty_n or_o else_o they_o surfeit_v and_o be_v drink_v and_o likewise_o the_o same_o fate_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n attend_v the_o same_o neglect_n and_o unwariness_n occasion_n of_o heroic_a virtue_n and_o do_v god_n extraordinary_a service_n do_v seldom_o occur_v but_o almost_o every_o moment_n we_o have_v
who_o have_v overcome_v divers_a temptation_n and_o mortify_v their_o other_o lust_n yet_o fall_v here_o and_o can_v bridle_v their_o unruly_a tongue_n the_o last_o gin_n the_o devil_n set_v to_o catch_v soul_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o man_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o great_a experience_n that_o a_o great_a talker_n be_v never_o very_o good_a or_o never_o persevere_v to_o be_v so_o 2._o silence_z therefore_o which_o sequester_v we_o from_o man_n vain_a converse_n that_o we_o may_v entertain_v ourselves_o with_o god_n silence_n which_o sanctify_v all_o our_o persecution_n sorrow_n and_o infirmity_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o every_o one_o that_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o for_o when_o in_o any_o case_n we_o suffer_v wrongful_o and_o yet_o hold_v our_o tongue_n we_o then_o offer_v to_o god_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n good_n and_o good_a name_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n but_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o we_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o free_v ourselves_o from_o clamour_n and_o perturbation_n sometime_o indeed_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v requisite_a but_o we_o must_v be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o exceed_v not_o the_o due_a bound_n of_o christian_a meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v happen_v but_o seldom_o as_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o answer_v by_o the_o magistrate_n when_o the_o slander_n will_v make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o exercise_v or_o useless_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o public_a office_n or_o when_o it_o will_v be_v other_o detriment_n in_o these_o case_n we_o may_v speak_v with_o truth_n and_o meekness_n in_o other_o we_o have_v best_o hold_v our_o tongue_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o purpose_n we_o must_v also_o refrain_v and_o quell_v our_o inward_a passion_n that_o the_o tumult_n within_o make_v not_o the_o outward_a peace_n insignificant_a i_o keep_v silence_n even_o from_o good_a word_n say_v the_o psalmist_n if_o from_o good_a word_n sometime_o we_o must_v refrain_v much_o more_o always_o from_o vain_a and_o ill_a language_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o can_v hold_v his_o tongue_n for_o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a to_o knâ—â—_n how_o to_o speak_v well_o than_o how_o to_o be_v silent_a chap._n ix_o of_o true_a and_o false_a delight_n and_o of_o self-complacency_a in_o virtue_n 1._o virtue_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o last_a pleasure_n of_o rational_a creature_n other_o thing_n be_v pleasant_a but_o in_o appearance_n and_o for_o a_o short_a uncertain_a time_n and_o according_a to_o man_n various_a opinion_n for_o worldly_a pleasure_n proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n which_o be_v constant_a and_o common_a to_o all_o but_o from_o corrupt_a appetite_n which_o always_o do_v change_n and_o differ_v as_o a_o sick_a palate_n can_v right_o discern_v of_o the_o relish_n of_o meat_n no_o more_o can_v a_o vicious_a man_n feel_v and_o understand_v what_o be_v true_a pleasure_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o virtue_n to_o which_o he_o be_v too_o much_o a_o stranger_n sensible_n delight_n indeed_o by_o nature_n instinct_n be_v please_v to_o all_o and_o few_o just_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o when_o to_o refuse_v they_o but_o man_n be_v create_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n than_o only_o to_o gratify_v sense_n he_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sight_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n the_o last_o and_o sovereign_a good_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o can_v contemplate_v truth_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o idea_n and_o representation_n which_o we_o have_v from_o sense_n and_o our_o rational_a faculty_n can_v well_o discharge_v their_o function_n when_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n be_v discompose_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o care_n of_o our_o body_n as_o may_v render_v they_o fit_a instrument_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o preserve_v they_o so_o 2._o but_o we_o sin_v grievous_o and_o pervert_v the_o order_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v appoint_v if_o we_o make_v bodily_a pleasure_n the_o end_n of_o our_o natural_a action_n whereas_o we_o shall_v design_v they_o and_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o those_o noble_a office_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v after_o god_n image_n i_o confess_v we_o can_v long_o subsist_v without_o some_o pleasure_n corporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o we_o can_v divide_v our_o soul_n equal_o betwixt_o both_o but_o then_o this_o oblige_v we_o to_o aspire_v the_o more_o after_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o to_o delight_v ourselves_o so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o disrelish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o vanity_n 3._o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v also_o that_o some_o love_n virtue_n more_o for_o its_o glory_n than_o its_o goodness_n sake_n they_o aspire_v after_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_a and_o transcendent_a they_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a life_n because_o it_o denote_v a_o brave_a and_o generous_a spirit_n they_o preserve_v inward_a peace_n because_o it_o be_v pleasant_a they_o inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n consult_v many_o book_n that_o they_o may_v enlarge_v their_o knowledge_n and_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o perfection_n that_o they_o may_v delight_v in_o themselves_o and_o admire_v their_o own_o excellency_n all_o this_o these_o man_n do_v for_o to_o please_v and_o magnify_v themselves_o when_o they_o think_v most_o of_o all_o to_o serve_v god_n they_o only_o serve_v to_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o when_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v expect_v great_a reward_n they_o shall_v find_v their_o hand_n empty_a of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o heart_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o self-love_n god_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v with_o humility_n with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o sincere_a spirit_n he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n this_o life_n be_v the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n a_o state_n of_o warfare_n a_o place_n of_o perpetual_a labour_n rest_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n eternal_a be_v reserve_v for_o a_o better_a life_n chap._n x._o that_o we_o be_v lead_v too_o much_o by_o opinion_n 1._o that_o we_o general_o live_v by_o opinion_n be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o how_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o well_o understand_v opinion_n in_o many_o case_n and_o after_o a_o strange_a way_n do_v exercise_v a_o great_a power_n or_o rather_o tyranny_n over_o man_n it_o make_v they_o as_o it_o please_v healthy_a or_o sickly_a poor_a or_o rich_a miserable_a or_o happy_a for_o no_o man_n be_v either_o of_o these_o but_o as_o he_o think_v himself_o opinion_n bring_v joy_n or_o sorrow_n not_o so_o much_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n for_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o we_o wish_v or_o fear_v be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a or_o grievous_a as_o we_o imagine_v more_o than_o that_o opinion_n not_o only_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o present_a be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v future_a but_o also_o unite_v together_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o distant_a and_o make_v we_o feel_v in_o one_o moment_n the_o good_n or_o evil_n of_o many_o year_n to_o come_v and_o which_o perhaps_o shall_v never_o be_v opinion_n alone_a for_o the_o most_o part_n bring_v credit_n and_o praise_n to_o man_n and_o their_o action_n and_o if_o all_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v together_o they_o can_v not_o content_v one_o single_a man_n except_o his_o opinion_n be_v also_o satisfy_v hamans_n wealth_n be_v exceed_v great_a and_o he_o be_v first_o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n ahasuerus_n and_o yet_o he_o think_v himself_o the_o unhappy_a of_o man_n because_o mordecai_n a_o poor_a captive_n will_v not_o stand_v up_o and_o honour_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o palace_n 2._o another_o great_a mischief_n of_o opinion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lengthen_v the_o present_a time_n and_o make_v its_o duration_n in_o some_o manner_n interminable_a as_o if_o our_o life_n and_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v to_o have_v no_o end_n and_o that_o contrariwise_o it_o contract_v eternity_n and_o lessen_v to_o almost_o nothing_o those_o incomprehensible_a amaze_a everlasting_a age_n that_o follow_v this_o uncertain_a life_n man_n also_o common_o take_v a_o account_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o opinion_n and_o whilst_o they_o seek_v to_o avoid_v one_o extreme_a they_o too_o often_o fall_v into_o another_o as_o some_o from_o a_o dull_a lazy_a life_n become_v
too_o restless_a and_o busy_a from_o prodigality_n many_o fall_n to_o covetousness_n and_o from_o superstition_n to_o profaneness_n and_o irreverence_n the_o last_o cheat_n of_o opinion_n i_o shall_v now_o reckon_v be_v that_o it_o general_o make_v we_o judge_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o consciousness_n but_o according_a to_o the_o vain_a thought_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o man_n we_o defer_v so_o much_o not_o only_o to_o our_o own_o but_o also_o to_o other_o opinion_n that_o except_o they_o will_v count_v we_o happy_a we_o can_v be_v so_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v also_o entertain_v a_o troublesome_a imaginary_a life_n to_o please_v we_o know_v not_o who_o people_n that_o perhaps_o know_v we_o not_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a care_v not_o for_o we_o who_o judgement_n we_o ourselves_o slight_a in_o other_o thing_n thus_o neglect_v that_o true_a and_o real_a life_n which_o we_o ourselves_o enjoy_v we_o make_v it_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v that_o life_n which_o depend_v on_o other_o and_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o in_o we_o and_o other_o man_n fancy_n and_o so_o far_o do_v this_o delusion_n prevail_v that_o what_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v nothing_o to_o we_o except_o other_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o from_o all_o these_o mischievous_a error_n and_o deception_n of_o opinion_n we_o can_v be_v free_v by_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n enlighten_v our_o mind_n for_o our_o opinion_n become_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o be_v the_o light_n that_o guide_v we_o chap._n xi_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v much_o slight_v even_o by_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o 1._o all_o knowledge_n be_v good_a that_o agree_v with_o truth_n but_o he_o that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a have_v need_n learn_v first_o what_o concern_v it_o because_o our_o time_n be_v short_a and_o great_a learning_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v great_a trouble_n and_o great_a vanity_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o s._n james_n that_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n 4.17_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v ill_o to_o eat_v and_o not_o digest_v for_o as_o indigested_a meat_n nourish_v not_o but_o rather_o hurt_v so_o much_o knowledge_n not_o concoct_v and_o convert_v to_o use_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o holy_a charity_n fill_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o such_o peccant_a humour_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o death_n these_o two_o thing_n man_n be_v to_o care_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n first_o to_o keep_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o second_o to_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a life_n but_o for_o the_o first_o many_o be_v unconcern_v let_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o soul_n their_o study_n and_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o the_o body_n and_o so_o they_o run_v blindfold_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n be_v wise_a indeed_o as_o child_n of_o this_o world_n but_o have_v none_o of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o they_o that_o speak_v doubtful_o and_o deceitful_o be_v odious_a to_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n much_o more_o be_v they_o odious_a to_o god_n that_o live_v so_o who_o very_a life_n be_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o their_o word_n they_o pretend_v to_o know_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o vain_o boast_v to_o follow_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o go_v quite_o contrary_a they_o reprove_v and_o tutor_v other_o not_o themselves_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v their_o vice_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o those_o virtue_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o but_o they_o can_v deceive_v god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o their_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o who_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v bring_v all_o to_o light_n and_o o_o that_o man_n will_v view_v their_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a light_n of_o that_o terrible_a day_n for_o than_o they_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o as_o easy_o cleanse_v and_o amend_v they_o we_o have_v but_o these_o two_o way_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o defect_n and_o deformity_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n compare_v they_o to_o ourselves_o or_o in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n bring_v they_o forth_o before_o the_o bright_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o first_o be_v like_o a_o winter_n day_n light_a dim_a and_o cold_a but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o sunshine_n of_o a_o summer-day_n so_o clear_a as_o to_o make_v the_o least_o mote_n visible_a and_o hot_a enough_o to_o burn_v and_o consume_v all_o our_o dross_n but_o to_o see_v this_o save_a divine_a light_n a_o man_n must_v come_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o go_v to_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n and_o out_o of_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o folly_n chap._n xii_o that_o selfwill_a be_v a_o great_a evil_a and_o must_v be_v renounce_v 1._o all_o our_o action_n contrary_a to_o god_n will_n and_o in_o compliance_n to_o our_o own_o be_v the_o fuel_n for_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v unquenchable_a for_o self-will_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o leader_n to_o it_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o eternal_o afflict_v all_o the_o wicked_a that_o rebel_v against_o god_n as_o likewise_o even_o in_o time_n the_o less_o a_o man_n follow_v his_o own_o will_n the_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v miserable_a the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o true_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v whole_o renounce_v to_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o inclination_n have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v here_o of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v follow_v i_o for_o he_o himself_o as_o he_o testify_v come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o so_o that_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v follow_v his_o obedience_n forsake_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o he_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v take_v up_o and_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o his_o cross_n which_o to_o the_o flesh_n be_v indeed_o hard_a and_o afflictive_a but_o to_o the_o spirit_n be_v comfortable_a and_o delicious_a 2._o this_o our_o christian_a profession_n do_v require_v from_o we_o that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n and_o undertake_n we_o may_v hearty_o say_v not_o my_o will_n but_o god_n will_v be_v do_v this_o also_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o supreme_a eternal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o preserve_v man_n will_n that_o they_o may_v free_o serve_v he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n fulfil_v his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a freedom_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o be_v able_a from_o our_o heart_n to_o say_v in_o all_o event_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a before_o thou_o my_o only_a will_n be_v god_n will_v may_v be_v do_v he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a i_o free_o resign_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o desire_v evermore_o to_o have_v a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o to_o be_v content_v with_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o bless_a name_n may_v be_v glorify_v all_o man_n trouble_n and_o vexation_n proceed_v from_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pain_n or_o grief_n than_o to_o be_v what_o we_o will_v not_o be_v chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o solitariness_n and_o retirement_n 1._o to_o be_v much_o alone_a in_o quiet_a silence_n and_o there_o to_o examine_v and_o instruct_v one_o self_n be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o sense_n and_o our_o thought_n well_o compose_v therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n hate_v much_o talk_n and_o much_o company_n keep_v his_o eye_n close_o to_o curiosity_n and_o his_o ear_n to_o fly_a report_n and_o cumber_v not_o himself_o with_o too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o wise_a ben-sirach_a that_o he_o shall_v become_v wise_a that_o have_v little_a business_n ecclus._n 38.24_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o can_v best_o commune_v with_o god_n that_o dwell_v by_o himself_o and_o if_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v call_v
upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n as_o perish_v and_o soon_o end_v and_o therefore_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o the_o riches_n above_o which_o be_v true_a and_o everlasting_a there_o he_o seek_v for_o honour_n where_o it_o be_v give_v to_o none_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o he_o expect_v that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v obtain_v expel_v all_o fear_n and_o all_o danger_n all_o his_o possession_n here_o he_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o himself_o be_v ready_a free_o to_o be_v in_o want_n if_o providence_n shall_v please_v 3._o now_o by_o these_o token_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o mammon_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v a_o cumbrance_n and_o a_o heavy_a burden_n if_o we_o slight_v they_o and_o be_v very_o well_o please_v to_o be_v without_o they_o if_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v not_o pu_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o fine_a house_n and_o rich_a furniture_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o vain_a monument_n of_o man_n vanity_n and_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o their_o salvation_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o be_v free_a from_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o those_o thing_n they_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o safety_n and_o trouble_v and_o fear_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o sleep_v well_o in_o a_o mean_a narrow_a couch_n than_o to_o be_v sick_a and_o restless_a in_o a_o stately_a bed_n so_o be_v it_o much_o better_a to_o be_v content_a and_o quiet_a with_o a_o little_a than_o to_o have_v much_o and_o therewith_o much_o of_o vexation_n he_o that_o be_v content_a be_v rich_a and_o happy_a chap._n xvi_o of_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assign_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n mat._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n such_o be_v they_o that_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v rich_a nor_o place_v their_o peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o riches_n who_o wish_n and_o possession_n can_v never_o fail_v nor_o be_v take_v from_o they_o who_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o have_v their_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n than_o other_o be_v of_o be_v poor_a and_o who_o heart_n raise_v above_o all_o create_a thing_n can_v true_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o be_o rich_a praise_v be_v god_n and_o have_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o my_o need_n and_o more_o than_o i_o desire_v and_o my_o affection_n cleave_v not_o to_o what_o i_o have_v i_o have_v the_o use_n but_o not_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v free_o part_v with_o it_o without_o pain_n or_o regret_n i_o be_o true_o enrich_v with_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v from_o above_o in_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v and_o it_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o itself_o for_o in_o it_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o have_v right_a to_o nothing_o that_o i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o myself_o that_o bless_a truth_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o place_v my_o contentment_n in_o earthly_a transitory_a thing_n which_o like_a shadow_n will_v soon_o pass_v away_o and_o will_v deceive_v i_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v to_o i_o but_o by_o that_o gracious_a providence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n which_o bring_v i_o naked_a from_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a will_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o dust_n again_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a infuse_v from_o above_o there_o be_v only_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o they_o only_o despise_v this_o earth_n 2._o will_v to_o god_n christian_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o do_v well_o understand_v this_o truth_n for_o than_o none_o of_o they_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o perish_a riches_n of_o this_o world_n and_o none_o will_v love_v they_o but_o as_o few_o be_v choose_v few_o be_v wise_a and_o but_o few_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_a be_v the_o rich_a that_o be_v find_v without_o blemish_n and_o that_o be_v not_o go_v after_o gold_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n who_o be_v he_o and_o we_o will_v call_v he_o bless_v for_o wonderful_a thing_n have_v he_o do_v among_o his_o people_n ecclus._n 31.8_o for_o indeed_o you_o shall_v hardly_o find_v one_o man_n that_o can_v possess_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o that_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o content_a under_o poverty_n few_o they_o be_v that_o come_v to_o this_o perfection_n because_o man_n love_v the_o vanity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v purchase_v with_o riches_n and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o regard_n the_o precept_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o be_v not_o solicitous_a for_o it_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o want_v those_o thing_n why_o then_o do_v it_o we_o believe_v our_o love_a saviour_n and_o trust_v the_o providence_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n because_o we_o suffer_v our_o desire_n to_o run_v over_o the_o world_n and_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o because_o we_o give_v ear_n to_o our_o lust_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v for_o they_o that_o carry_v the_o world_n before_o they_o or_o at_o least_o carry_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v for_o the_o naked_a such_o who_o spirit_n be_v free_a from_o the_o cumbersome_a riches_n of_o the_o world_n what_o will_v the_o false_a mammon_n avail_v if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a riches_n we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n travel_v homeward_o through_o a_o straight_a and_o difficult_a way_n and_o great_a load_n can_v be_v but_o great_a hindrance_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o almsgiving_n 1._o such_o riches_n as_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o a_o moderate_a supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n according_a to_o our_o quality_n may_v not_o be_v keep_v niggardly_a nor_o spend_v profuse_o upon_o pride_n or_o luxury_n but_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a they_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o good_a work_n and_o pious_a use_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o much_o endanger_v his_o salvation_n that_o do_v not_o dispose_v of_o they_o on_o this_o wise_a money_n keep_v in_o bag_n be_v but_o dress_v its_o worth_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o serve_v not_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o gather_a treasure_n in_o heaven_n than_o it_o become_v mischievous_a and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o do_v exceed_v its_o weight_n land_n money_n and_o other_o moveable_n be_v general_o call_v good_n not_o that_o they_o make_v a_o man_n good_a of_o themselves_o but_o because_o the_o owner_n may_v do_v good_a with_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o better_o and_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 112.9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v his_o riches_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.8_o and_o as_o water_n will_v quench_v a_o flame_a fire_n so_o alm_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n say_v the_o wise_a ben-sirach_a ecclus._n 3.30_o nothing_o suit_v better_a with_o our_o christian_a profession_n than_o to_o pity_n and_o help_v the_o afflict_a remember_v and_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o common_a nature_n in_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o antichristian_a than_o to_o refuse_v comfort_n and_o assistance_n to_o other_o or_o even_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o want_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v our_o wealth_n and_o enrich_v our_o heir_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o share_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o damn_v our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o shall_v seize_v upon_o our_o riches_n may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o be_v prodigal_a and_o vicious_a 2._o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v when_o and_o how_o far_o every_o one_o that_o can_v shall_v deprive_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v spare_v for_o charity_n this_o can_v have_v no_o other_o measure_n than_o such_o as_o piety_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v assign_v only_o i_o say_v that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o ability_n and_o we_o must_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o i_o hear_v