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 to_o decide_v as_o to_o bury_v they_o at_o least_o to_o make_v they_o give_v place_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_a and_o much_o more_o requisite_a and_o beneficial_a and_o here_o again_o i_o may_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v this_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o best_a guide_n of_o soul_n for_o either_o she_o meddle_v not_o with_o many_o dispute_n or_o else_o she_o always_o stand_v on_o the_o much_o sure_a side_n of_o the_o question_n hold_v that_o which_o even_o her_o adversary_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n and_o never_o amuse_v her_o child_n with_o unnecessary_a speculation_n or_o unprofitable_a contest_v but_o as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a design_n to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o all_o holy_a virtue_n so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o preface_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o thou_o will_v serious_o and_o often_o 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
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
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
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
by_o pride_n except_o he_o be_v always_o mindful_a of_o his_o peril_n and_o his_o infirmity_n and_o except_o diffident_a of_o himself_o he_o still_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o safety_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o learn_v to_o be_v humble_a chap._n xxvi_o from_o god_n we_o turn_v away_o by_o pride_n to_o he_o we_o must_v return_v by_o humility_n 1._o pride_n the_o first_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n take_v begin_v when_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n proud_a of_o their_o excellency_n listen_v up_o themselves_o against_o god_n say_v in_o their_o curse_a ambitious_a thought_n as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v think_v to_o mean_v isa_n 14.13_o i_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n i_o will_v exalt_v my_o throne_n above_o the_o star_n of_o god_n i_o will_v ascend_v above_o the_o height_n of_o the_o cloud_n i_o will_v be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a with_o the_o same_o wickedness_n mankind_n come_v to_o be_v infect_v when_o by_o the_o serpent_n fraud_n adam_n be_v persuade_v to_o aspire_v to_o the_o be_v like_o his_o maker_n happy_a in_o himself_o without_o dependence_n for_o the_o beginning_n of_o pride_n be_v when_o one_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o his_o maker_n ecclus._n 10.12_o and_o so_o pride_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o with_o its_o appendant_a misery_n be_v the_o inheritance_n we_o all_o derive_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o seek_v and_o regard_v ourselves_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o aim_n at_o our_o own_o glory_n and_o excellency_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v therefore_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o we_o be_v fall_v by_o pride_n we_o must_v go_v back_o in_o the_o way_n of_o humility_n the_o basis_n or_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o frailty_n and_o misery_n the_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n that_o we_o owe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o be_v nothing_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o for_o god_n create_v man_n body_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o breathe_v into_o he_o a_o soul_n make_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o man_n be_v adorn_v with_o many_o grace_n and_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a but_o by_o sin_n he_o deface_v god_n workmanship_n forfeit_v all_o his_o gift_n and_o so_o foul_o defile_v himself_o that_o nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v make_v he_o clean_o again_o nay_o though_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o redemption_n man_n have_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o possibility_n of_o bliss_n and_o holiness_n yet_o by_o his_o choice_n and_o his_o freewill_n he_o will_v remain_v in_o his_o former_a state_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n shall_v not_o the_o divine_a grace_n actual_o bring_v he_o out_o of_o that_o unhappy_a condition_n sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 3._o for_o who_o but_o christ_n by_o his_o freegrace_n can_v choose_v and_o bring_v a_o man_n out_o of_o that_o mass_n or_o heap_n of_o perdition_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o involve_a by_o nature_n if_o any_o one_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n answer_v that_o his_o faith_n his_o prayer_n be_v righteousness_n have_v make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o that_o remain_v in_o their_o corruption_n the_o apostle_n reply_v upon_o he_o but_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v now_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o again_o say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n 2_o cor._n 3.5_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v before_o he_o but_o as_o it_o write_v he_o that_o glory_n shall_v glory_v in_o the_o lord_n sinner_n can_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o themselves_o neither_o can_v the_o just_a glory_n but_o in_o he_o to_o who_o they_o sing_v with_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v my_o glory_n and_o the_o lifter_n up_o of_o my_o head_n psal_n 3.3_o 4._o but_o may_v not_o a_o man_n glory_n that_o he_o have_v not_o reject_v god_n gracious_a offer_n this_o if_o he_o do_v will_v be_v the_o same_o folly_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v boast_v that_o whereas_o he_o can_v have_v make_v himself_o miserable_a and_o drown_v himself_o if_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o but_o yet_o even_o our_o receive_a god_n free_a benefit_n proceed_v from_o a_o new_a mercy_n which_o be_v it_o deny_v we_o and_o shall_v grace_n withdraw_v from_o we_o her_o light_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v neither_o value_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n nor_o know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o aright_o we_o must_v therefore_o mortify_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o glory_n as_o we_o desire_v god_n will_v make_v and_o account_v we_o righteous_a let_v the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n make_v we_o despise_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n let_v truth_n take_v place_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n for_o nothing_o good_a be_v our_o own_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a virtue_n to_o know_v and_o be_v true_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v and_o have_v and_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v therefore_o let_v we_o fear_v and_o beware_v for_o god_n who_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a do_v take_v it_o away_o from_o the_o proud_a chap._n xxvii_o the_o character_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n 1._o pride_n be_v a_o swell_a or_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o the_o man_n will_v reach_v and_o stretch_v himself_o beyond_o his_o narrow_a bound_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o his_o own_o this_o be_v join_v with_o a_o high_a conceit_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o great_a worth_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v to_o other_o boast_v upon_o all_o occasion_n his_o birth_n dignity_n and_o riches_n and_o those_o accomplishment_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n which_o he_o think_v make_v he_o great_a and_o mighty_a and_o much_o superior_a to_o other_o this_o opinion_n get_v strength_n and_o the_o man_n spirit_n grow_v more_o high_a and_o arrogant_a if_o he_o have_v withal_o great_a riches_n and_o a_o great_a retinue_n stately_a house_n and_o garment_n gold_n jewel_n and_o all_o such_o ornament_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o man_n vanity_n then_o he_o must_v have_v great_a titlet_n loud_a applause_n and_o much_o reverence_n from_o other_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o their_o superior_a and_o these_o he_o count_v the_o sovereign_a happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o as_o for_o life_n eternal_a he_o mind_v it_o not_o and_o he_o care_v not_o for_o it_o 2._o hence_o proceed_v a_o great_a aversion_n and_o hatred_n against_o all_o thing_n that_o betray_v his_o weakness_n and_o defect_n and_o this_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n inferior_a to_o other_o hence_o anger_n and_o sullen_a discontent_n when_o any_o thing_n happen_v or_o be_v discover_v which_o reflect_v some_o disgrace_n and_o lessen_v his_o excellency_n hence_o a_o perpetual_a fear_n lest_o what_o he_o undertake_v shall_v not_o succeed_v to_o his_o credit_n for_o indeed_o all_o man_n general_o seek_v to_o be_v see_v and_o to_o be_v commend_v even_o ordinary_a people_n in_o the_o mean_a employment_n seek_v to_o excel_v other_o of_o the_o same_o call_n and_o to_o make_v a_o ostentation_n of_o their_o skill_n nay_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o affect_v praise_v whilst_o they_o speak_v against_o it_o and_o they_o aim_v at_o glory_n write_v brave_a thing_n for_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o the_o infection_n of_o pride_n run_v secret_o and_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v and_o when_o the_o best_a of_o man_n think_v to_o have_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n that_o curse_a plant_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n yet_o there_o remain_v small_a slip_n and_o string_n which_o will_v bud_v forth_o though_o they_o can_v be_v find_v out_o we_o must_v therefore_o love_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n and_o utter_o despise_v vain_a show_n and_o false_a praise_n and_o with_o a_o strict_a observation_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o just_a and_o all-seeing_a god_n we_o must_v kill_v and_o stifle_v all_o proud_a and_o vainglorious_a thought_n as_o smoke_v rise_v out_o of_o a_o furnace_n become_v a_o great_a cloud_n and_o darken_v the_o sun_n but_o be_v but_o smoke_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o so_o he_o mount_v up_o aloft_o that_o be_v high-minded_a and_o proud_a and_o diffuse_v himself_o to_o obscure_v other_o and_o thereby_o grow_v thin_a and_o
puff_v up_o with_o wind_n and_o want_v the_o solidness_n of_o virtue_n he_o soon_o pass_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o i_o have_v see_v the_o wicked_a in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_a himself_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n yet_o he_o pass_v away_o and_z lo_o he_o be_v not_o yea_o i_o seek_v he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v psal_n 37.35_o chap._n xxviii_o motive_n and_o reason_n for_o humility_n 1._o our_o station_n be_v very_o slippery_a and_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n do_v perpetual_o weigh_v we_o down_o so_o that_o without_o god_n right_a hand_n uphold_v we_o we_o can_v neither_o stand_v nor_o yet_o walk_v firm_o we_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v if_o we_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o grievous_a crime_n it_o be_v god_n gracious_a providence_n have_v remove_v the_o occasion_n from_o we_o else_o we_o too_o well_o know_v by_o experience_n how_o weak_a we_o be_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n or_o under_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o temptation_n if_o any_o good_a thing_n be_v in_o we_o it_o be_v very_o small_a and_o imperfect_a and_o if_o the_o least_o detect_v can_v mar_v the_o best_a work_n who_o who_o then_o can_v say_v he_o have_v ever_o do_v any_o thing_n altogether_o good_a and_o without_o any_o mixture_n of_o evil_a who_o be_v there_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n and_o be_v as_o careful_a of_o his_o salvation_n as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n for_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o be_v we_o not_o all_o conscious_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o pardon_n whereof_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v certain_a because_o that_o depend_v upon_o our_o repentance_n which_o still_o remain_v many_o way_n imperfect_a nay_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v past_a yet_o have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o fear_v for_o the_o future_a lest_o we_o fall_v and_o perish_v 2._o whoever_o shall_v due_o consider_v all_o this_o how_o little_a be_v our_o virtue_n and_o our_o assurance_n how_o great_a our_o danger_n and_o frailty_n will_v hardly_o pride_n or_o trust_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o will_v find_v much_o cause_n to_o tremble_v and_o tremble_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v nothing_o and_o of_o himself_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o when_o the_o sun_n go_v away_o the_o air_n immediate_o become_v dark_a so_o do_v the_o soul_n grow_v blind_a and_o impotent_a as_o soon_o as_o god_n withdraw_v his_o light_n and_o gracious_a assistance_n he_o that_o right_o understand_v this_o truth_n can_v but_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o other_o also_o and_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v from_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n can_v refuse_v to_o bear_v contempt_n without_o oppose_v the_o know_a truth_n truth_n and_o humility_n be_v inseparable_a and_o he_o therefore_o be_v always_o most_o humble_a that_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rise_v again_o after_o he_o be_v fall_v if_o he_o will_v soon_o repair_v to_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n and_o from_o he_o receive_v help_n and_o direction_n but_o whilst_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n that_o they_o will_v not_o see_v their_o distemper_n or_o they_o fancy_v they_o can_v cure_v it_o themselves_o they_o remain_v for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o fall_v and_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n till_o they_o die_v and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o flee_v to_o god_n for_o succour_n and_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o they_o count_v the_o prescription_n of_o the_o physician_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n flatter_v themselves_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o enough_o and_o by_o their_o own_o application_n make_v the_o evil_a desperate_a for_o no_o man_n be_v more_o unhappy_a and_o sure_a to_o perish_v than_o he_o who_o be_v blind_a yet_o fancy_n he_o can_v clear_o see_v because_o the_o conceit_n he_o want_v no_o man_n assistance_n to_o guide_v he_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v into_o every_o ditch_n and_o into_o the_o great_a precipice_n itself_o but_o let_v a_o man_n learn_v to_o know_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v from_o heaven_n nosce_fw-la teipsum_fw-la know_v thyself_o for_o than_o he_o shall_v know_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o fall_v and_o perish_v but_o that_o in_o god_n be_v his_o strength_n and_o sufficiency_n many_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o bondage_n and_o faint_a under_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v help_v and_o they_o will_v not_o by_o humble_a prayer_n seek_v to_o god_n for_o help_v and_o in_o he_o trust_v of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o 4._o to_o yield_v and_o lose_v heart_n be_v despondency_n but_o true_a humility_n will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o make_v we_o cheerful_o undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n confide_v in_o his_o gracious_a help_n who_o for_o we_o become_v man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o iron_n red_a hot_a burn_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o penetrate_v its_o substance_n and_o not_o of_o itself_o so_o a_o man_n become_v fervent_a and_o inflame_v not_o of_o his_o dull_a nature_n but_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a charity_n which_o god_n kindle_v in_o he_o as_o also_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v before_o man_n it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o god_n send_v in_o his_o heart_n man_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v nothing_o he_o be_v but_o a_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v power_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v for_o if_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o light_n and_o wisdom_n depart_v from_o a_o man_n he_o present_o become_v dark_a cold_a and_o unactive_a useless_a as_o a_o instrument_n without_o a_o artist_n man_n of_o himself_o be_v nothing_o and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o nothingness_n as_o in_o his_o centre_n for_o than_o he_o be_v most_o strong_a in_o god_n when_o he_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n chap._n xxix_o that_o the_o humble_a man_n judge_v himself_o and_o not_o other_o with_o a_o character_n of_o he_o 1._o humility_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o make_v man_n vile_a his_o own_o eye_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o attain_v by_o self-examination_n for_o when_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n be_v open_v and_o our_o past_a sinful_a life_n search_v into_o the_o soul_n must_v stand_v as_o criminal_a before_o her_o own_o tribunal_n and_o there_o be_v by_o herself_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v and_o happy_a they_o that_o thus_o judge_v themselves_o for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o woe_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o soar_v high_a in_o lofty_a conceit_n and_o dwell_v much_o abroad_o in_o vain_a inquiry_n for_o than_o she_o remain_v unknown_a to_o herself_o unacquainted_a with_o her_o own_o misery_n and_o those_o her_o error_n and_o fail_n she_o shall_v watch_v over_o and_o amend_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o and_o a_o sad_a case_n it_o be_v to_o see_v wretched_a ignorant_a and_o vicious_a person_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n but_o pray_v into_o other_o infirmity_n and_o observe_v their_o least_o miscarriage_n and_o this_o common_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o most_o loose_a and_o negligent_a they_o be_v the_o more_o busy_a to_o censure_v other_o that_o they_o do_v not_o reprove_v nor_o correct_v themselves_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o upright_a man_n that_o endeavour_v to_o know_v themselves_o for_o the_o great_a proficient_o they_o be_v in_o that_o knowledge_n the_o more_o humble_a they_o be_v and_o concern_v for_o themselves_o perceive_v their_o great_a distance_n from_o perfection_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o find_v so_o much_o work_n at_o home_n the_o less_o they_o mind_n other_o except_o where_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 2._o this_o be_v the_o true_a discipline_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o exercise_v their_o zeal_n against_o themselves_o and_o to_o bear_v patient_o with_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o for_o he_o that_o can_v bear_v with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o other_o be_v himself_o the_o most_o imperfect_a as_o god_n in_o nature_n produce_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o so_o in_o grace_n he_o produce_v all_o virtue_n out_o of_o a_o man_n hearty_a persuasion_n of_o be_v nothing_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n that_o be_v true_a virtue_n that_o will_v bear_v with_o scorn_n contempt_n and_o injury_n be_v