all_o their_o train_n or_o retinue_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o soul_n now_o because_o all_o morality_n consist_v in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o our_o great_a and_o bountiful_a author_n confer_v upon_o we_o therefore_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n the_o true_a life_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n a_o active_a employ_v it_o in_o its_o due_a function_n and_o office_n a_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o being_n to_o live_v then_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n be_v to_o know_v and_o contemplate_v to_o love_v and_o pursue_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a good_a of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o we_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o conversant_a about_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o (null)_o life_n but_o deviation_n from_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o pause_v a_o little_a to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o almighty_a architect_n who_o have_v contrive_v a_o inseparable_a connection_n and_o necessary_a dependence_n between_o life_n perfection_n and_o fruition_n every_o rational_a act_n every_o right_a use_n or_o exertion_n of_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o moral_a life_n so_o do_v it_o contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o being_n and_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o felicity_n of_o our_o state_n for_o perfection_n be_v the_o result_n of_o such_o repeat_v act_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o entertain_a ourselves_o with_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a object_n happy_a man_n to_o who_o to_o live_v improve_v and_o enjoy_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o can_v defeat_v god_n goodness_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o by_o pervert_v his_o nature_n and_o deprave_v his_o faculty_n but_o by_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n or_o none_o at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o we_o examine_v this_o notion_n of_o life_n more_o close_o and_o distinct_o and_o resolve_v this_o general_a account_n of_o it_o into_o several_a particular_n we_o shall_v easy_o arrive_v at_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o it_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n of_o life_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o sloth_n in_o the_o mere_a marriage_n or_o cohabitation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o mere_a duration_n or_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n solomon_n indeed_o out_o of_o a_o natural_a abhorrence_n of_o death_n tell_v we_o true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n eccl._n 2.7_o something_o it_o be_v if_o we_o must_v call_v it_o pleasure_n it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o low_a one_o such_o as_o all_o the_o irrational_a creature_n but_o bat_n and_o owl_n and_o mole_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o according_a to_o my_o philosophy_n it_o can_v never_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n he_o that_o possess_v vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o life_n but_o he_o only_o that_o exert_v they_o life_n to_o live_v be_v not_o to_o spend_v or_o waste_v our_o time_n but_o to_o employ_v it_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a history_n of_o life_n when_o it_o can_v all_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o few_o syllable_n of_o a_o funeral_n ring_n he_o live_v to_o or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v he_o die_v such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o month_n such_o a_o year_n of_o his_o age_n for_o indeed_o he_o live_v not_o at_o all_o life_n be_v a_o mere_a dream_n not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o shortness_n but_o also_o of_o its_o night_n and_o lethargy_n when_o stupid_a ignorance_n confine_n and_o dim_v the_o prospect_n and_o sluggishness_n enfeeble_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n vigour_n and_o activity_n fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n make_v up_o life_n without_o these_o life_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n a_o mingle_a twilight_n that_o never_o will_v be_v day_n the_o image_n the_o slothful_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v faint_a and_o obscure_a like_a picture_n draw_v in_o watery_a colour_n and_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a stroke_n and_o vanish_v as_o easy_a as_o those_o half_a sound_n and_o imperfect_a form_n which_o we_o take_v in_o between_o sleep_n and_o wake_v all_o their_o passion_n move_v drowsy_o and_o heavy_o and_o all_o their_o entertainment_n have_v no_o more_o relish_n than_o abortive_a fruit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v ripen_v into_o sweetness_n or_o beauty_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v any_o one_o thus_o waste_v away_o a_o whole_a life_n without_o ever_o be_v once_o well_o awake_a in_o it_o pass_v through_o the_o world_n like_o a_o heedless_a traveller_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o observation_n without_o any_o design_n or_o purpose_n beseem_v a_o man_n ah_o think_v i_o be_v this_o that_o creature_n for_o which_o this_o great_a theatre_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o adorn_v and_o so_o enrich_v be_v this_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o the_o world_n the_o top_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n a_o little_a inferior_a to_o angel_n and_o ally_v to_o god_n be_v this_o machine_n act_v by_o a_o move_a flame_n and_o by_o a_o wise_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n ah_o how_o much_o be_v this_o poor_a useless_a stupid_a thing_n sink_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n of_o its_o nature_n how_o far_o short_a be_v it_o fall_v of_o the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v destine_v it_o shall_v this_o contemplative_a thing_n ever_o be_v admit_v to_o eternal_a life_n who_o have_v so_o wretched_o fool_v away_o this_o temporal_a one_o or_o can_v crown_n and_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v for_o one_o who_o have_v be_v so_o ill_a a_o steward_n of_o all_o these_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o i_o can_v upon_o the_o first_o think_v imagine_v his_o sluggish_a soul_n will_v vanish_v like_o those_o of_o brute_n or_o as_o the_o stoic_n fancy_n those_o of_o fool_n i_o can_v easy_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v sleep_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n all_o soul_n do_v to_o the_o resurrection_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n but_o upon_o better_a consideration_n i_o find_v this_o ignorant_a and_o incogitant_fw-la life_n be_v not_o so_o innocent_a as_o to_o deserve_v no_o worse_o a_o fate_n for_o be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o live_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a endow_v with_o so_o many_o talent_n to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n to_o choke_v and_o stifle_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o perfection_n to_o quench_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o be_v false_a and_o perfidious_a to_o god_n unjust_a and_o injurious_a to_o man_n no_o it_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o the_o last_o audit_n or_o day_n of_o account_n be_v represent_v the_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o must_v undergo_v one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n second_o life_n can_v consist_v in_o sensuality_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a caress_v our_o sense_n or_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o life_n for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o inferior_a and_o ignoble_a too_o second_o it_o be_v not_o a_o employment_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n first_o sensuality_n employ_v only_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o we_o st._n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o seem_v to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n of_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o some_o both_o divine_n and_o philosopher_n of_o no_o small_a note_n both_o modern_a and_o ancient_a have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a soul_n in_o man_n a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a one_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o sensualist_n tho'_o he_o seem_v fond_a of_o life_n do_v foolish_o contemn_v the_o better_a half_n of_o it_o and_o as_o much_o a_o slave_n to_o pleasure_n as_o he_o be_v he_o choose_v to_o drink_v only_o the_o dregs_o and_o let_v the_o pure_a stream_n of_o sprightly_a and_o delicious_a life_n pass_v by_o untasted_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o rational_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a life_n too_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o one_o another_o
strength_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o baffle_v its_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o these_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n these_o we_o must_v ever_o combat_n till_o we_o have_v reduce_v they_o within_o their_o bound_n fancy_n surprise_v passion_n over-power_n custom_n and_o example_n betray_v our_o reason_n we_o must_v therefore_o always_o oppose_v the_o giddiness_n of_o fancy_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o passion_n and_o guard_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n and_o to_o do_v this_o well_o to_o do_v it_o successful_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o any_o work_n of_o our_o secular_a call_v than_o any_o attendance_n upon_o trade_n or_o a_o temporal_a interest_n this_o can_v only_o make_v we_o great_a but_o that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a this_o can_v make_v we_o rich_a but_o that_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a this_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o next_o great_a business_n of_o life_n to_o assert_v the_o majesty_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v hold_v captive_a and_o enthrall_v by_o any_o vicious_a principle_n or_o impotent_a lust_n happy_a the_o man_n who_o succeed_v in_o this_o his_o sincerity_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o as_o good_a as_o infallibility_n his_o conscience_n shall_v never_o reproach_v he_o nor_o god_n condemn_v he_o and_o tho'_o he_o may_v not_o always_o hit_v the_o next_o way_n he_o shall_v never_o whole_o miss_v the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n therefore_o from_o this_o notion_n of_o life_n three_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o possibility_n of_o (null)_o happiness_n in_o every_o state_n for_o since_o to_o live_v be_v but_o to_o act_v regular_o to_o use_v and_o employ_v our_o power_n and_o faculty_n rational_o and_o since_o life_n perfection_n and_o fruition_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o else_o inseparable_o and_o intimate_o unite_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o circumstance_n can_v destroy_v our_o happiness_n unless_o they_o destroy_v our_o reason_n no_o condition_n can_v render_v we_o miserable_a but_o that_o which_o can_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o act_v rational_o that_o which_o obstruct_v our_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n or_o our_o liberty_n of_o act_v conformable_a to_o it_o but_o what_o circumstance_n can_v these_o be_v what_o condition_n can_v we_o fancy_v wherein_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v his_o sovereign_a good_a and_o pursue_v it_o to_o learn_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o wherein_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o search_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n to_o love_v and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a modest_a and_o magnanimous_a just_a and_o charitable_a pure_a and_o devout_a wherein_o in_o one_o word_n it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o my_o sense_n by_o reason_n solomon_n long_o since_o observe_v that_o wisdom_n utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o highway_n this_o be_v more_o eminent_o true_a now_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v refine_v and_o defaecate_v by_o revelation_n and_o true_a philosophy_n have_v be_v diffuse_v and_o publish_v through_o the_o world_n the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n lie_v open_a to_o all_o who_o thirst_n after_o they_o and_o god_n no_o more_o deny_v any_o his_o grace_n than_o his_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o act_v rational_o so_o have_v he_o put_v it_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o (null)_o happiness_n be_v not_o precarious_a or_o dependent_a on_o fortune_n but_o ourselves_o for_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n possess_v but_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o and_o better_a be_v a_o poor_a and_o wise_a child_n than_o a_o old_a and_o foolish_a king_n eccl._n 4.13_o for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v not_o in_o foreign_a but_o domestic_a possession_n not_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o fortune_n but_o of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o fruition_n can_v consist_v either_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o temporal_a thing_n or_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o true_a cultivation_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o other_o four_o from_o hence_o last_o it_o easy_o appear_v on_o what_o account_n length_n of_o day_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n whether_o consider_v in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o a_o future_a life_n first_o in_o its_o self_n if_o life_n do_v consist_v in_o earthiness_n that_o be_v the_o scrape_n and_o rake_v together_o sum_n of_o money_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o life_n must_v ebb_v and_o flow_v with_o our_o fortune_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n or_o trade_n shall_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o career_n of_o our_o success_n and_o give_v a_o check_n to_o all_o our_o further_a hope_n and_o project_n we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o break_v off_o the_o thread_n of_o life_n for_o what_o use_n can_v we_o make_v of_o the_o remain_v of_o our_o miserable_a day_n or_o if_o life_n do_v consist_v in_o sensuality_n we_o shall_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o desire_v to_o survive_v our_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o length_n of_o day_n will_v be_v rather_o a_o burden_n than_o a_o blessing_n for_o we_o shall_v soon_o outlive_v our_o pleasure_n and_o shrink_v and_o wither_v into_o dull_a impotent_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n but_o if_o my_o notion_n of_o life_n be_v true_a the_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n of_o it_o must_v increase_v and_o multiply_v with_o our_o year_n since_o reason_n ought_v day_n by_o day_n to_o advance_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a maturity_n and_o more_o absolute_a authority_n with_o the_o ancient_n be_v wisdom_n and_o in_o length_n of_o day_n understanding_n job_n 12.12_o and_o the_o path_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n a_o thorough_a experience_n of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o long_o and_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o another_o shall_v possess_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o man_n with_o a_o magnanimity_n that_o nothing_o can_v shake_v with_o a_o tranquillity_n that_o nothing_o can_v disturb_v the_o custom_n of_o do_v good_a together_o with_o the_o peace_n and_o delight_n that_o spring_n from_o the_o reflection_n on_o it_o shall_v make_v the_o current_n of_o his_o action_n run_v smooth_a and_o calm_a his_o observation_n on_o the_o change_n and_o turn_v of_o (null)_o affair_n the_o rise_n and_o declension_n of_o party_n and_o cause_n the_o secret_a spring_n and_o wheel_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n together_o with_o all_o the_o various_a art_n of_o manage_v they_o do_v fill_v he_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o a_o divine_a foreknowledge_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o a_o wondrous_a prospect_n and_o how_o happy_a must_v this_o man_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o how_o much_o honour_v and_o revere_v by_o other_o consult_v as_o a_o oracle_n propose_v as_o a_o original_a of_o goodness_n the_o absolute_a master_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o immediate_a heir_n of_o another_o for_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n second_o this_o be_v the_o only_a notion_n of_o life_n which_o can_v render_v it_o a_o blessing_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o influence_n upon_o another_o none_o but_o rational_a pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o antepast_n of_o heaven_n can_v enkindle_v our_o thirst_n or_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o above_o nothing_o but_o the_o wise_a and_o rational_a employment_n of_o our_o faculty_n can_v prepare_v we_o for_o a_o heaven_n or_o entitle_v we_o to_o it_o nay_o further_o if_o life_n have_v not_o this_o influence_n upon_o another_o world_n length_n of_o day_n will_v be_v a_o injury_n not_o advantage_n to_o we_o it_o will_v only_o keep_v we_o from_o our_o heaven_n delay_n and_o put_v off_o our_o happiness_n but_o now_o when_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o life_n every_o act_n of_o life_n do_v perfect_a our_o nature_n enlarge_v our_o capacity_n and_o increase_v our_o appetite_n of_o glory_n when_o every_o day_n that_o be_v add_v to_o life_n by_o the_o production_n of_o some_o new_a fruit_n do_v add_v new_a star_n to_o our_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o new_a treasure_n to_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n not_o only_o on_o its_o own_o account_n but_o also_o of_o that_o life_n which_o we_o expect_v hereafter_o bless_a god_n how_o conspicuous_a be_v thy_o goodness_n in_o this_o whole_a contrivance_n how_o close_o and_o
a_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o it_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o isaiah_n 47._o jeremiah_n 10._o and_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o no_o very_a favourable_a or_o benign_a aspect_n as_o to_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n clash_v with_o this_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a he_o seem_v to_o i_o injurious_o to_o limit_v and_o retrain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o think_v he_o foreknow_v nothing_o but_o because_o he_o peremptory_o predetermine_v it_o this_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v sense_n be_v to_o magnify_v his_o power_n but_o to_o reduce_v and_o confine_v his_o knowledge_n or_o at_o leastwise_o to_o depress_v and_o debase_v it_o for_o thus_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o primary_n and_o essential_a perfection_n but_o will_v result_v from_o or_o depend_v upon_o a_o arbitrary_a will_n a_o unguided_a power_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a if_o i_o can_v not_o reconcile_v god_n foreknowledge_n with_o contingency_n in_o event_n therefore_o with_o the_o socinian_n to_o deny_v the_o one_o or_o with_o the_o fatalist_n the_o other_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o i_o learn_v from_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o god_n who_o can_v err_v that_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o creator_n and_o contingency_n to_o the_o creature_n the_o measure_n and_o bound_n of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v any_o let_v who_o will_v seek_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o but_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o if_o any_o man_n will_v contend_v for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o fate_n as_o be_v not_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a but_o submit_v to_o the_o interposal_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o the_o labour_n virtue_n and_o prayer_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v it_o not_o nature_n have_v its_o law_n but_o such_o as_o god_n whenever_o he_o please_v overrule_v the_o government_n of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o order_n and_o method_n much_o less_o the_o government_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n with_o different_a constitution_n but_o yet_o the_o unhealthy_a one_o may_v be_v rectify_v and_o mend_v by_o virtue_n the_o healthy_a corrupt_v by_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n such_o a_o sort_n of_o fate_n or_o destiny_n as_o this_o that_o be_v flexible_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o evil_a may_v be_v correct_v or_o the_o good_a pervert_v such_o a_o fate_n as_o this_o tho'_o the_o word_n be_v improper_a i_o ready_o admit_v but_o no_o other_o no_o other_o i_o say_v in_o the_o general_a for_o as_o to_o those_o particular_a exception_n and_o reservation_n which_o at_o any_o time_n god_n may_v and_o often_o do_v make_v from_o any_o general_a rule_n or_o law_n for_o cause_n always_o weighty_a and_o importent_fw-la and_o general_o hide_v and_o inscrutable_a these_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o have_v thus_o evince_v that_o the_o period_n of_o (null)_o life_n be_v not_o fatal_o fix_v that_o no_o peremptory_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n no_o insuperable_a connection_n or_o concatination_n of_o cause_n do_v supersede_n our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o blessing_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v and_o consider_v which_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n it_o be_v obvious_a and_o manifest_a to_o every_o one_o that_o life_n depend_v upon_o these_o three_o thing_n the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o favourable_a providence_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o none_o will_v deny_v who_o admit_v of_o providence_n we_o may_v at_o least_o be_v protect_v from_o violence_n and_o unlucky_a accident_n such_o as_o (null)_o prudence_n can_v foresee_v and_o to_o these_o three_o may_z for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v add_v the_o good_a will_n of_o man_n who_o ministry_n and_o service_n be_v very_o often_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n first_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v brief_o what_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o then_o more_o full_o how_o we_o may_v possess_v ourselves_o of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o morose_n and_o sour_a the_o froward_a the_o passionate_a and_o the_o sullen_a those_o stain_n and_o blot_n of_o (null)_o nature_n do_v often_o prolong_v their_o life_n to_o a_o great_a age_n as_o if_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o repair_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o fermentation_n or_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n keep_v sweet_a like_o water_n by_o a_o perpetual_a agitation_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o loose_a and_o debauch_a the_o intemporate_a and_o incontinent_a do_v sometime_o tho'_o rare_o live_v long_o and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a rather_o oppress_v by_o their_o year_n than_o their_o excess_n and_o if_o from_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o form_v rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o contradict_v know_v and_o receive_v truth_n we_o shall_v ever_o live_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o fancy_n and_o never_o find_v any_o sure_a and_o firm_a foot_n to_o rest_n upon_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o these_o rare_a instance_n but_o that_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o very_a propitious_a its_o discontent_n a_o very_a malign_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o contentment_n of_o the_o mind_n preserve_v the_o balsam_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n raise_v the_o spirit_n actuate_v and_o invigorate_v all_o our_o power_n so_o that_o when_o the_o mind_n shine_v serene_a and_o bright_a it_o seem_v to_o impart_v a_o new_a warmth_n and_o new_a life_n to_o the_o body_n a_o new_a spring_n and_o new_a verdure_n to_o this_o earth_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disease_a mind_n do_v as_o it_o be_v scatter_v its_o contagion_n through_o the_o body_n discontent_n and_o melancholy_n sour_v the_o blood_n and_o clog_v the_o spirit_n envy_n pine_v away_o and_o passion_n fret_v and_o wear_v out_o our_o strength_n and_o life_n in_o few_o word_n there_o be_v a_o intimate_a conjunction_n between_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o so_o close_o be_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o latter_a upon_o the_o former_a that_o the_o face_n of_o inferior_a nature_n do_v evident_o vary_v wither_v or_o flourish_v according_a to_o that_o variety_n of_o wether_n it_o make_v in_o the_o sky_n about_o it_o as_o the_o mind_n smile_n or_o lowr_n upon_o it_o and_z according_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o observation_n i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o pronounce_v that_o general_o such_o live_v long_a who_o either_o think_v very_o little_a or_o who_o thought_n be_v always_o calm_a and_o cheerful_a such_o who_o be_v stupid_a and_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o have_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v regular_a and_o delightful_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o part_n be_v that_o of_o solomon_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v all_o this_o i_o think_v be_v not_o contest_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n man_n seek_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v diometrical_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o do_v each_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o it_o atheism_n and_o religion_n philosophy_n and_o ignorance_n worldly_a prudence_n or_o policy_n and_o a_o affect_a contempt_n of_o it_o which_o i_o know_v no_o name_n for_o do_v all_o promise_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o art_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n when_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o each_o to_o resolve_v which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v ignorance_n lust_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o blind_a rash_a and_o violent_a for_o we_o to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o their_o conduct_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o giddy_a and_o inconstant_a in_o themselves_o than_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o odd_a accident_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o shall_v they_o lead_v we_o on_o to_o pleasure_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v pain_n the_o next_o moment_n and_o at_o best_a they_o leave_v we_o not_o in_o a_o condition_n either_o rational_o to_o approve_v our_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o worldly_n policy_n be_v build_v whole_o upon_o mistake_v it_o propose_v to_o we_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o great_a and_o good_a which_o when_o we_o have_v examine_v we_o find_v not_o worth_a our_o
their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
for_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o through_o the_o simplicity_n and_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o subtlety_n and_o cunning_a of_o other_o law_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o fence_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o people_n be_v often_o make_v only_o their_o chain_n and_o fetter_n and_o those_o public_a and_o solemn_a tie_n which_o be_v design_v to_o strengthen_v and_o fortify_v the_o constitution_n become_v the_o most_o fatal_a engine_n of_o undermine_v and_o subvert_v it_o i_o have_v observe_v many_o who_o will_v be_v excellent_a person_n in_o a_o regular_a and_o calm_a state_n of_o affair_n that_o be_v miserable_o perplex_v and_o at_o a_o loss_n or_o wretched_o abuse_v or_o impose_v upon_o in_o a_o disorder_a and_o unsettled_a one_o like_o a_o person_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n who_o ride_v well_o in_o enclose_a and_o narrow_a road_n but_o her_o brain_n begin_v to_o swim_v and_o her_o heart_n to_o fail_v she_o on_o down_n and_o plain_n after_o all_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v treat_v rather_o of_o speculation_n than_o action_n and_o to_o have_v propose_v such_o a_o extension_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o i_o be_v recommend_v rather_o a_o life_n of_o study_n than_o of_o business_n i_o must_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o learn_v aught_o to_o be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a not_o subtle_a judicious_a not_o disputative_a that_o curiosity_n or_o diligence_n in_o matter_n minute_n or_o subtle_a have_v more_o in_o it_o of_o amusement_n than_o use_n and_o that_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n too_o deep_a and_o broad_a do_v seldom_o quit_v the_o cost_n and_o in_o one_o word_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o policy_n as_o in_o religion_n he_o be_v the_o most_o prudent_a who_o best_a understand_v the_o particular_a law_n or_o precept_n of_o his_o particular_a station_n as_o he_o be_v the_o most_o religious_a who_o be_v best_a learn_v not_o in_o the_o universal_a scheme_n of_o theology_n but_o the_o regulation_n of_o his_o own_o affection_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o in_o vain_a do_v he_o study_v thing_n who_o know_v not_o man_n for_o man_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o whoever_o know_v how_o to_o manage_v and_o gain_v a_o ascendant_n over_o he_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a in_o his_o country_n and_o able_a to_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n or_o the_o great_a good_a but_o when_o i_o talk_v of_o know_v man_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o particular_a person_n as_o may_v instruct_v you_o what_o to_o hope_v or_o what_o to_o fear_v from_o they_o what_o employment_n or_o trust_v they_o be_v fit_a or_o unfit_a for_o and_z in_o a_o word_n who_o be_v proper_a or_o improper_a instrument_n in_o different_a affair_n time_n and_o circumstance_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o partner_n of_o your_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n who_o of_o your_o confidence_n and_o secret_n and_o such_o like_a but_o also_o the_o knowledge_n of_o (null)_o nature_n to_o be_v thorough_o read_v in_o all_o the_o spring_n and_o resort_n of_o human_a action_n in_o all_o the_o various_a passion_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o all_o their_o cause_n and_o cure_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a from_o the_o acquire_v and_o artificial_a person_n and_o because_o not_o simple_a person_n only_o but_o time_n and_o age_n nation_n city_n and_o lesser_a body_n and_o society_n have_v their_o particular_a temper_n and_o genius_n these_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v neither_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n which_o together_o with_o a_o dexterous_a use_n and_o application_n of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o worldly_a prudence_n and_o make_v up_o the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o end_n of_o true_a policy_n but_o after_o all_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o a_o man_n be_v own_o good_a that_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o man_n of_o business_n which_o st._n paul_n prescribe_v for_o a_o bishop_n let_v he_o first_o learn_v to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n well_o he_o that_o will_v be_v true_o wise_a shall_v know_v himself_o first_o ere_o he_o go_v about_o to_o know_v the_o world_n and_o begin_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o politic_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o in_o the_o settlement_n and_o due_a administration_n of_o his_o domestic_a affair_n in_o which_o if_o he_o can_v succeed_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v see_v what_o encouragement_n either_o prince_n or_o people_n can_v have_v to_o confide_v in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o the_o disorder_n or_o dissipation_n of_o a_o private_a fortune_n be_v very_o ominous_a presage_n of_o a_o maladministration_n of_o public_a trust_n nor_o can_v i_o see_v what_o can_v induce_v such_o a_o man_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o the_o mere_a hope_n of_o repair_v his_o private_a dilapidation_n with_o the_o stone_n and_o timber_n of_o the_o public_a but_o after_o all_o how_o necessary_a soever_o i_o account_v knowledge_n in_o a_o gentleman_n engage_v in_o a_o active_a station_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o whether_o we_o regard_v the_o public_a or_o the_o private_a wickedness_n have_v ever_o be_v more_o fatal_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o both_o than_o ignorance_n and_o all_o trust_n have_v suffer_v more_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o false_a and_o the_o base_a than_o of_o the_o unfit_a and_o unsufficient_a therefore_o second_o the_o gentleman_n ought_v to_o be_v enrich_v with_o virtue_n especial_o those_o which_o become_v his_o rank_n and_o station_n knowledge_n be_v but_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o like_o that_o it_o only_o rot_v and_o putrify_v if_o it_o grow_v not_o up_o into_o excellent_a habit_n and_o bring_v not_o forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtuous_a action_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o station_n which_o do_v not_o require_v a_o particular_a virtue_n either_o to_o discharge_v or_o adorn_v it_o one_o patience_n another_o courage_n a_o three_o vigilance_n and_o so_o on_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o office_n or_o business_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o some_o particular_a inconvenience_n and_o temptation_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o prosecute_v all_o these_o i_o will_v only_o insist_v on_o two_o or_o three_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o all_o true_a greatness_n and_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o much_o mistake_v to_o a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a dispatch_n of_o all_o affair_n i_o be_o sure_a to_o the_o security_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o public_a and_o private_a these_o be_v integrity_n magnanimity_n humanity_n first_o integrity_n by_o integrity_n i_o mean_v two_o thing_n justice_n and_o truth_n the_o first_o to_o regulate_v our_o action_n the_o second_o our_o word_n nor_o do_v i_o take_v justice_n in_o a_o beggarly_a barret_v sense_n as_o if_o the_o gentleman_n have_v acquit_v himself_o of_o a_o due_a well_o enough_o if_o there_o be_v any_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o excuse_v a_o violation_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o regard_v more_o what_o the_o law_n can_v compel_v than_o what_o honour_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o and_o by_o honour_n i_o mean_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n both_o concern_v his_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n after_o the_o right_n and_o sincerity_n in_o pursue_v it_o for_o i_o will_v not_o have_v he_o appear_v to_o do_v right_a rather_o out_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o infamy_n than_o love_n of_o virtue_n the_o word_n of_o a_o gentleman_n ought_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a as_o fate_n sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o the_o altar_n contract_n and_o evidence_n and_o seal_n and_o oath_n be_v devise_v to_o tie_v fool_n and_o knave_n and_o coward_n honour_n and_o conscience_n be_v the_o more_o firm_a and_o sacred_a tie_n of_o gentleman_n nor_o must_v this_o honour_n extend_v only_o to_o private_a deal_n but_o much_o more_o to_o public_a in_o which_o good_a god_n how_o comely_a how_o noble_a be_v it_o to_o see_v integrity_n triumph_v over_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o see_v a_o great_a man_n prefer_v truth_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o favour_n or_o menace_n of_o prince_n and_o ready_o quit_v all_o interest_n and_o all_o party_n to_o support_v the_o public_a safety_n and_o honour_n or_o fall_v with_o it_o but_o as_o heroic_a as_o i_o will_v have_v the_o gentleman_n i_o will_v not_o have_v he_o vain_a i_o will_v not_o have_v he_o lead_v or_o impose_v upon_o by_o empty_a noise_n and_o name_n i_o will_v have_v he_o love_v a_o good_a name_n but_o much_o more_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o i_o will_v have_v he_o as_o judicious_a as_o resolve_v as_o bright_a and_o luminous_a as_o brave_a and_o inflexible_a for_o i_o admire_v not_o a_o integrity_n that_o bid_v defiance_n to_o prudence_n and_o right_a reason_n
i_o love_v a_o steaddy_a faith_n and_o unmoveable_a justice_n but_o not_o romance_n and_o fancy_n i_o will_v have_v a_o great_a man_n not_o insensible_a of_o a_o difference_n between_o loyalty_n and_o slavery_n between_o tyranny_n and_o anarchy_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o serpentine_a subtlety_n and_o a_o stupid_a insufficiency_n and_o want_v of_o necessary_a address_n and_o dexterity_n without_o such_o a_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n all_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n not_o integrity_n vanity_n not_o constancy_n as_o there_o be_v a_o integrity_n in_o action_n so_o be_v there_o in_o speech_n to_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o to_o consist_v in_o bare_a truth_n only_o but_o also_o in_o a_o ingenious_a openness_n and_o freedom_n cloudiness_n and_o ambiguity_n seem_v to_o i_o rather_o fit_a to_o disguise_v ignorance_n or_o design_n than_o to_o portray_v or_o express_v the_o sentiment_n of_o a_o wise_a or_o a_o upright_a mind_n yet_o in_o word_n as_o well_o as_o deed_n there_o be_v a_o extreme_a tho'_o frankness_n and_o openness_n in_o conversation_n like_o a_o free_a and_o generous_a air_n become_v a_o gentleman_n i_o will_v not_o have_v freedom_n violate_v discretion_n nor_o simplicity_n and_o openness_n lessen_v greatness_n too_o many_o and_o wide_a aperture_n if_o they_o add_v beauty_n do_v certain_o diminish_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o building_n second_o the_o next_o virtue_n beseem_v a_o gentleman_n be_v magnanimity_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o empty_a tumour_n but_o solid_a greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o ought_v to_o discover_v itself_o in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o life_n i_o say_v in_o every_o instance_n for_o i_o count_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o bear_v disappointment_n with_o moderation_n unless_o he_o bear_v his_o success_n so_o too_o i_o count_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o encounter_v danger_n with_o courage_n unless_o he_o encounter_v his_o pleasure_n with_o as_o great_a and_o in_o a_o word_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v something_o even_o in_o his_o diversion_n and_o entertainment_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o business_n and_o employment_n that_o may_v speak_v the_o strength_n and_o wealth_n and_o self_n sufficiency_n of_o his_o mind_n you_o will_v easy_o conclude_v this_o with_o i_o if_o you_o allow_v these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n a_o invincible_a courage_n and_o resolution_n a_o rational_a and_o generous_a activity_n and_o a_o enlarge_v and_o public_a spirit_n which_o you_o can_v but_o allow_v unless_o you_o think_v that_o the_o coward_n and_o slave_n the_o sluggard_n or_o sot_n the_o sordid_a and_o selfish_n may_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o magnanimous_a but_o what_o principle_n what_o foundation_n be_v able_a to_o support_v so_o mighty_a a_o weight_n natural_a courage_n may_v make_v a_o man_n brave_a danger_n or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o ambition_n may_v while_o it_o present_v he_o with_o a_o more_o formidable_a evil_n if_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o other_o but_o what_o shall_v make_v the_o man_n modest_a and_o humble_a in_o his_o triumph_n who_o be_v gallant_a and_o dare_a in_o fight_n passion_n and_o revenge_n may_v make_v man_n firm_a and_o fierce_a in_o their_o contest_v and_o opposition_n but_o what_o can_v make_v a_o man_n forgive_v when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o revenge_v a_o injury_n the_o lust_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n and_o wealth_n that_o be_v self-love_n may_v render_v a_o man_n active_a and_o industrious_a but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o his_o family_n to_o public_a good_a honour_n have_v be_v general_o think_v the_o most_o likely_a principle_n to_o do_v all_o this_o i_o must_v confess_v a_o breast_n inflame_v with_o love_n of_o honour_n seem_v to_o i_o incapable_a of_o any_o mean_a or_o base_a impression_n but_o then_o the_o notion_n of_o honour_n ought_v to_o be_v just_o state_v for_o if_o by_o this_o we_o understand_v the_o smile_n and_o courtship_n of_o the_o great_a or_o the_o praise_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n it_o have_v need_n be_v in_o settle_a time_n a_o wise_a court_n and_o a_o modest_a people_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v not_o judgement_n enough_o in_o the_o people_n nor_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n enough_o in_o court_n to_o give_v man_n and_o action_n a_o true_a value_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v propose_v honour_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o action_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o such_o who_o be_v able_a and_o disinterest_v judge_n a_o mistake_n in_o this_o point_n be_v often_o of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o (null)_o life_n betray_v either_o into_o factious_a opposition_n or_o sordid_a and_o unworthy_a compliance_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a inconvenience_n that_o the_o love_n of_o honour_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o man_n may_v be_v mislead_v and_o abuse_v by_o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n of_o it_o but_o it_o also_o often_o happen_v that_o envy_n and_o emulation_n in_o particular_a man_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n or_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n may_v stifle_v and_o oppress_v the_o merit_n or_o traduce_v and_o blast_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a action_n in_o which_o case_n i_o doubt_v the_o secret_a opinion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o virtuous_a man_n or_o a_o expectation_n of_o great_a justice_n from_o future_a time_n will_v be_v too_o weak_a a_o cordial_n to_o support_v a_o injure_a virtue_n if_o its_o only_a nourishment_n and_o sustenance_n be_v honour_n i_o think_v therefore_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a basis_n on_o which_o magnanimity_n can_v stand_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o love_n of_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a action_n upon_o wise_a and_o solid_a ground_n a_o secret_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o accompany_v with_o the_o peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n that_o spring_v from_o reflection_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o joy_n which_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n breed_v in_o we_o this_o as_o it_o will_v secure_v we_o against_o the_o error_n so_o will_v it_o against_o the_o inconstancy_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v minister_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o generous_a action_n when_o we_o meet_v nothing_o but_o discouragement_n from_o all_o thing_n else_o this_o if_o it_o will_v not_o make_v a_o public_a employment_n honourable_a will_v always_o make_v it_o safe_a this_o if_o it_o can_v render_v great_a place_n profitable_a will_v ever_o render_v retirement_n pleasant_a and_o in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n and_o humour_n will_v preserve_v a_o man_n steady_a and_o calm_a in_o himself_o but_o whilst_o i_o recommend_v magnanimity_n i_o must_v not_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v folly_n and_o vice_n which_o often_o be_v wont_a to_o usurp_v its_o name_n i_o never_o think_v that_o the_o love_n of_o our_o country_n do_v imply_v a_o neglect_n much_o less_o a_o contempt_n of_o our_o private_a fortune_n that_o a_o vain_a confidence_n or_o presumption_n in_o provoak_v and_o irritate_v danger_n ought_v to_o pass_v for_o courage_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v fortitude_n and_o prudence_n incompatible_a nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o a_o violent_a intrusion_n into_o business_n or_o a_o indiscreet_a intangle_a a_o man_n self_n in_o much_o or_o engage_v in_o any_o that_o be_v foreign_a or_o impertinent_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o industry_n or_o activity_n or_o pride_n stiffness_n and_o savageness_n the_o name_n of_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n for_o in_o a_o word_n i_o will_v have_v magnanimity_n rather_o lovely_a than_o haughty_a rather_o revere_v than_o dread_v therefore_o three_o humanity_n be_v the_o next_o virtue_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o fit_o join_v with_o magnanimity_n than_o compassion_n with_o courage_n than_o tenderness_n nor_o with_o the_o felicity_n of_o a_o great_a fortune_n than_o charity_n or_o bounty_n i_o can_v think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a character_n of_o greatness_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sanctuary_n to_o the_o injure_v a_o patron_n to_o virtue_n and_o merit_n a_o counsellor_n to_o those_o that_o err_v and_o a_o support_n to_o the_o afflict_a the_o needy_a and_o defenceless_a in_o these_o thing_n consist_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o humanity_n the_o ornamental_a part_n of_o it_o be_v affability_n or_o courteousness_n the_o art_n of_o behaviour_n lie_v in_o a_o narrow_a compass_n the_o whole_a skill_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o oblige_v which_o he_o shall_v never_o miss_v who_o have_v once_o possess_v his_o soul_n with_o tenderness_n and_o goodness_n for_o then_o every_o word_n every_o action_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a air_n of_o deportment_n will_v be_v animate_v with_o a_o resistless_a
itself_o upon_o or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o that_o give_v it_o any_o solid_a satisfaction_n but_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o excellent_a thing_n have_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o scene_n to_o entertain_v it_o and_o never_o want_v some_o fresh_a occasion_n of_o delight_n and_o wonder_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o the_o fool_n behold_v the_o visible_a world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosopher_n he_o do_v but_o just_a as_o he_o read_v a_o poem_n without_o discover_v the_o artfulness_n of_o its_o contrivance_n the_o richness_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o the_o incident_n the_o sinner_n hear_v talk_v too_o of_o a_o invisible_a world_n of_o moral_a perfection_n hear_v and_o of_o divine_a joy_n hereafter_o but_o he_o hear_v it_o unmoved_a unaffected_a which_o show_v he_o have_v no_o lively_a notion_n no_o distinct_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o glass_n be_v dull_v and_o sully_v beauty_n itself_o will_v loose_v all_o charm_n reflect_v thus_o but_o (null)_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o knowledge_n alone_o but_o also_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o love_n and_o true_a liberty_n that_o be_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v pursue_v our_o true_a good_a with_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v life_n true_o delightful_a and_o uniform_a without_o object_n to_o engage_v our_o affection_n we_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o live_v we_o shall_v be_v becalm_v and_o scarce_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o breath_n we_o draw_v and_o unless_o these_o object_n be_v worthy_a and_o agreeable_a all_o be_v but_o storm_n and_o tempest_n cheat_n and_o torment_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o rational_o employ_v but_o abuse_v delude_v deprave_a torture_v can_v we_o but_o comprehend_v what_o all_o this_o do_v amount_v to_o or_o at_o least_o can_v we_o feel_v and_o experience_n it_o we_o shall_v soon_o discern_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o they_o only_a do_v true_o live_v for_o these_o only_o know_v god_n and_o themselves_o these_o only_o admire_v and_o love_n and_o rejoice_v and_o hope_v rational_o and_o these_o only_o be_v not_o confine_v nor_o limit_v in_o their_o knowledge_n or_o their_o affection_n for_o the_o object_n of_o both_o be_v infinite_a their_o mind_n can_v never_o travel_v so_o far_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n but_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o new_a world_n to_o be_v further_o discover_v nor_o can_v their_o admiration_n or_o love_n their_o joy_n or_o hope_n so_o enlarge_v themselves_o as_o ever_o to_o equal_v the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n and_o reach_v the_o utmost_a that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v probable_a after_o all_o the_o fool_z and_o sinner_n will_v pretend_v to_o engross_v the_o good_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o this_o world_n the_o righteous_a of_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a fancy_n and_o have_v be_v often_o baffle_v who_o can_v hasten_v more_o to_o enjoy_v than_o he_o who_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o right_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o can_v enjoy_v more_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o he_o who_o at_o once_o gratify_v his_o reason_n and_o his_o appetite_n and_o please_v his_o inclination_n without_o forfeit_v his_o true_a liberty_n if_o to_o be_v fool_v and_o cheat_v if_o to_o be_v ensnare_v and_o torment_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o this_o the_o christian_a must_v indeed_o give_v place_n to_o the_o infidel_n the_o righteous_a man_n to_o the_o sinner_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v life_n in_o the_o foolish_a mean_a and_o vicious_a soul_n seem_v like_o a_o little_a rill_n of_o water_n confine_v within_o narrow_a and_o scanty_a bound_n or_o like_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n enclose_v within_o the_o narrow_a compass_n of_o a_o darklanthorn_n but_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o understanding_n it_o be_v like_o a_o mighty_a stream_n which_o swell_v above_o its_o bank_n and_o spread_v itself_o over_o a_o vast_a plain_n or_o like_o light_a unconfined_a which_o diffuse_v and_o dart_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n ah_o therefore_o how_o much_o do_v it_o import_v i_o to_o fill_v my_o understanding_n with_o bright_a and_o lovely_a image_n with_o please_v and_o important_a notion_n with_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o can_v serve_v either_o to_o delight_n or_o guide_v to_o nourish_v or_o adorn_v to_o support_v or_o fortify_v i_o in_o this_o world_n or_o advance_v my_o title_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o how_o much_o do_v it_o import_v i_o to_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o love_n love_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a or_o great_a love_n of_o all_o that_o be_v pure_a or_o sacred_a love_n of_o all_o that_o be_v beautiful_a or_o delightful_a and_o last_o that_o my_o body_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a instrument_n of_o such_o a_o mind_n it_o do_v not_o a_o little_a import_n i_o that_o this_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a vigorous_a and_o vivatious_a sect._n 2._o the_o second_o way_n to_o improve_v life_n be_v to_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o if_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v to_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o which_o be_v all_o we_o can_v do_v life_n in_o my_o notion_n of_o it_o dawn_v with_o our_o reason_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n with_o the_o virtue_n liberty_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o be_v religious_a this_o be_v to_o live_v for_o in_o this_o consist_v fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n in_o this_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o faculty_n in_o this_o the_o harmony_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a exercise_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o capacity_n whoever_o therefore_o will_v improve_v life_n aught_o to_o begin_v next_o moment_n to_o assert_v his_o liberty_n and_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o true_a philosophy_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o man_n put_v off_o this_o or_o attempt_v it_o only_o superficial_o and_o by_o the_o by_o they_o prefer_v i_o will_v not_o say_v trade_n and_o husbandry_n and_o various_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n foreign_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o service_n and_o conduct_n of_o (null)_o life_n ah_o that_o time_n be_v but_o so_o well_o spend_v in_o general_a but_o they_o prefer_v even_o dress_n paint_v drink_v game_n and_o all_o not_o only_o the_o most_o silly_a and_o trifle_a but_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o infamous_a way_n of_o consume_a time_n before_o true_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n nay_o among_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o wisdom_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v common_a to_o see_v great_a number_n hear_v talk_v read_v dispute_v without_o ever_o make_v any_o use_n of_o those_o truth_n they_o study_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o feel_v any_o warmth_n or_o influence_n of_o they_o like_o those_o wise_a one_o in_o temporal_n who_o be_v lay_v up_o provision_n and_o treasure_n all_o their_o life_n long_o which_o they_o will_v never_o use_v never_o enjoy_v ah_o wretched_a consumption_n of_o life_n how_o soon_o will_v the_o last_o minute_n expire_v and_o the_o unhappy_a man_n will_v not_o have_v live_v one_o year_n one_o month_n one_o day_n but_o will_v have_v waste_v a_o precious_a treasure_n of_o time_n and_o he_o must_v go_v immediate_o and_o account_v for_o it_o well_o let_v the_o world_n live_v after_o its_o own_o fashion_n i_o plain_o see_v the_o point_n i_o be_o to_o make_v no_o day_n no_o hour_n shall_v pass_v i_o unemployed_a every_o moment_n if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v grow_v wise_a and_o better_o it_o be_v not_o how_o long_o i_o last_o but_o how_o much_o i_o live_v i_o will_v know_v i_o will_v act_n i_o will_v enjoy_v to_o day_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v live_v a_o day_n this_o most_o propose_n to_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o but_o not_o to_o day_n and_o why_o not_o to_o day_n why_o not_o present_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o be_v immediate_o wise_a immediate_o free_a immediate_o rational_a immediate_o happy_a it_o can_v be_v if_o the_o state_n i_o be_o in_o be_v real_o good_a if_o the_o pleasure_n i_o enjoy_v be_v real_o such_o as_o my_o reason_n can_v share_v in_o and_o my_o conscience_n can_v approve_v i_o then_o indeed_o live_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o change_n and_o reformation_n but_o continuance_n and_o perseverance_n but_o it_o they_o be_v not_o why_o will_v i_o not_o