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
rough_a and_o bitter_a and_o in_o sin_n a_o mixture_n of_o sweetness_n that_o offend_v and_o this_o gratify_v their_o distemper_a palate_n and_o they_o brutish_o follow_v the_o bait_n run_v into_o all_o dissolution_n and_o so_o reject_v truth_n to_o embrace_v a_o lie_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o give_v ear_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o plain_a monitor_n who_o lay_v the_o truth_n open_a before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o work_v upon_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o have_v some_o desire_n after_o light_n yet_o like_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o awake_v but_o be_v oppress_v by_o a_o heavy_a slumber_n and_o so_o present_o fall_v to_o sleep_v again_o they_o soon_o after_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o exclude_v the_o light_n to_o return_v to_o their_o belove_a darkness_n 3._o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o we_o propound_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o effect_v nothing_o for_o we_o not_o foresee_v the_o difficulty_n which_o common_o occur_v in_o well-doing_n when_o we_o come_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o we_o present_o draw_v back_o and_o our_o courage_n fail_v again_o we_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n more_o than_o in_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n and_o when_o temptation_n grow_v strong_a we_o lose_v heart_n and_o be_v soon_o worsted_n and_o learn_v by_o a_o sad_a experience_n that_o when_o we_o overcome_v it_o be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n last_o we_o give_v much_o to_o notion_n and_o speculation_n and_o take_v little_a care_n to_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o christian_a law_n of_o well-living_a we_o learn_v as_o a_o science_n rather_o than_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o study_v divinity_n not_o to_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_n but_o to_o vain_a glory_n and_o ostentation_n now_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o learn_v wisdom_n and_o yet_o live_v foolish_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v intend_v for_o all_o christian_n 1._o many_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pretend_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o but_o only_o to_o clergyman_n or_o such_o as_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o recluse_n from_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o excuse_n and_o their_o plea_n but_o as_o i_o shall_v soon_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o vain_a for_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o by_o new_a vow_n and_o engagement_n be_v more_o particular_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o live_v religious_o and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o christian_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o their_o way_n may_v differ_v in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o as_o to_o what_o regard_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o love_a and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n they_o be_v all_o equal_o concern_v they_o have_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n alike_o and_o lust_n or_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a be_v likewise_o general_o forbid_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n no_o difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o any_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v injon_v we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v be_v render_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n nor_o covet_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n or_o person_n of_o any_o rank_n or_o call_n nor_o yet_o when_o he_o say_v woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v and_o bless_a be_v you_o that_o mourn_n nor_o when_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v always_o pray_v that_o we_o must_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o that_o we_o must_v hate_v our_o own_o life_n deny_v ourselves_o suffer_v injury_n patient_o and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n in_o these_o consist_v christian_a perfection_n and_o yet_o from_o these_o he_o exclude_v no_o man_n 2._o saint_n paul_n likewise_o write_v to_o all_o christian_n such_o as_o be_v cumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o large_a family_n give_v they_o this_o strict_a ascetic_a rule_n to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n 1_o tim._n 6.8_o than_o which_o nothing_o more_o be_v ever_o require_v of_o any_o hermit_n saint_n peter_n also_o exhort_v all_o believer_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a 1_o ep._n 1.15_o so_o do_v saint_n james_n 1.4_o to_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n before_o they_o all_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o thereby_o recommend_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v repute_v child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n may_v live_v according_o endeavour_v after_o the_o example_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o have_v our_o bless_a lord_n lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n infinite_a obligation_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n to_o be_v strict_a and_o virtuous_a to_o the_o high_a measure_n and_o possibility_n which_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v without_o forfeit_v his_o favour_n and_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o book_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o follow_v after_o perfection_n 1._o now_o then_o let_v we_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o worlding_n place_v their_o felicity_n and_o make_v it_o our_o only_a study_n to_o pursue_v after_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_n the_o height_n of_o christian_a perfection_n in_o follow_v the_o bless_a step_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o this_o little_a volume_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v design_v all_o the_o instruction_n here_o lay_v down_o that_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o return_v in_o some_o manner_n to_o our_o primitive_a station_n that_o paradise_n wherein_o we_o be_v create_v to_o triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o at_o last_o reign_n to_o eternity_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o that_o perfection_n or_o sincerity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o come_v by_o and_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n live_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o make_v christian_n faint_v and_o remiss_a loath_a to_o venture_v upon_o a_o attempt_n which_o they_o will_v have_v they_o think_v be_v whole_o impossible_a whereas_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o he_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a and_o whatever_o be_v hard_a in_o itself_o be_v make_v easy_a by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o 2._o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o delicious_a beauty_n in_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n so_o ravish_v a_o joy_n in_o a_o glimpse_n of_o heavenly_a light_n so_o glorious_a a_o brightness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n eternal_a truth_n that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o for_o one_o day_n may_v just_o be_v prefer_v to_o many_o age_n of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 84.10_o 3._o now_o here_o will_v i_o caution_n my_o reader_n not_o to_o wonder_v if_o perchance_o he_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o little_a book_n for_o that_o can_v be_v avoid_v there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o connexion_n and_o affinity_n betwixt_o the_o precept_n of_o several_a virtue_n and_o withal_o it_o may_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o near_o we_o view_v it_o the_o often_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o review_v it_o likewise_o if_o something_o herein_o seem_v too_o angelical_a and_o high_a or_o more_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a than_o the_o frail_a nature_n of_o man_n can_v well_o bear_v let_v he_o remember_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_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
to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v the_o lord_n leu._n 11.45_o 3._o now_o as_o christianity_n check_v and_o restrain_v self-love_n so_o do_v self-love_n keep_v man_n from_o understanding_n and_o approve_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o seek_v and_o love_v himself_o right_o apprehend_v that_o whatever_o the_o world_n dote_v upon_o be_v mere_a vanity_n that_o estate_n and_o honour_n bring_v great_a vexation_n and_o great_a slavery_n that_o to_o forgive_v enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o despise_v than_o to_o possess_v riches_n that_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v subject_a where_o god_n command_v than_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o domineer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o conquer_v himself_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o win_v battle_n and_o take_v fence_v city_n these_o be_v paradox_n hard_a and_o incredible_a say_n to_o the_o self-lover_n who_o fondness_n of_o himself_o tie_v he_o fast_o to_o this_o earth_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v useful_a and_o any_o way_n pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n live_v to_o god_n be_v not_o lead_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n some_o of_o their_o action_n be_v natural_a while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n and_o be_v design_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n for_o they_o continual_o deny_v themselves_o and_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a unruly_a desire_n self-lover_n hold_v a_o great_a regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o otherwise_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o self-love_n be_v that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o 1._o god_n at_o first_o place_v man_n in_o paradise_n but_o adam_n in_o who_o we_o all_o sin_v transport_v we_o into_o this_o world_n out_o of_o paradise_n out_o of_o jerusalem_n into_o babylon_n out_o of_o our_o freedom_n into_o slavery_n out_o of_o integrity_n into_o corruption_n out_o of_o our_o country_n into_o banishment_n and_o out_o of_o life_n into_o death_n thus_o from_o truth_n and_o perfection_n we_o fall_v into_o vanity_n we_o be_v now_o like_a unto_o vanity_n nay_o every_o man_n be_v but_o vanity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 39.6_o man_n be_v vain_a in_o his_o body_n which_o end_v in_o death_n and_o corruption_n vain_a in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n eternal_a and_o vain_a in_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n which_o all_o perish_v or_o must_v be_v forsake_v when_o he_o die_v yet_o man_n strange_o dote_v on_o this_o vanity_n he_o passionate_o run_v after_o these_o transitory_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o cheat_n and_o lie_v whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o thousand_o of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n into_o a_o hellish_a babylon_n 2._o now_o these_o two_o city_n be_v build_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o love_n god_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v ourselves_o make_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o to_o love_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o despise_v god_n make_v the_o devil_n babylon_n the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n the_o way_n to_o this_o be_v broad_a and_o short_a to_o that_o be_v straight_o difficult_a and_o long_a because_o dull_a and_o earthly_a as_o now_o we_o be_v we_o more_o easy_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o descend_v down_o to_o hell_n than_o we_o can_v raise_v up_o ourselves_o and_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o examine_v himself_o and_o find_v out_o what_o he_o chief_o love_v for_o if_o he_o love_v god_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v himself_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o citizen_n of_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o if_o he_o love_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v his_o own_o desire_n to_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o belong_v to_o that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v his_o child_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n cry_v aloud_o go_v you_o forth_o of_o babylon_n and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o isa_n 48.20_o jer._n 50.8_o and_o again_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 137.8_o o_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n we_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n when_o we_o leave_v the_o confusion_n of_o sin_n forsake_v our_o disorderly_a course_n of_o life_n and_o we_o dash_v the_o child_n of_o babylon_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n overcome_v our_o ill_a desire_n and_o ill_a inclination_n self-love_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o life_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o true_o love_v himself_o who_o by_o self-love_n destroy_v himself_o chap._n xxxii_o how_o man_n natural_o seek_v themselves_o even_o in_o their_o best_a work_n 1._o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o man_n opinion_n and_o inclination_n be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a yet_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o none_o appear_v vile_a to_o himself_o none_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o other_o none_o though_o never_o so_o mean_v but_o think_v himself_o somebody_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o one_o seek_v to_o be_v high_a than_o other_o every_o one_o be_v indulgent_a to_o himself_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o all_o man_n will_v have_v their_o will_n and_o their_o say_n all_o applaud_v to_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o conceit_n and_o censure_v other_o they_o count_v their_o own_o folly_n wisdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a ignorance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o think_v to_o know_v they_o careful_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n they_o know_v they_o have_v not_o and_o what_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o even_o good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n even_o they_o sometime_o in_o their_o best_a action_n by_o a_o secret_a and_o natural_a instinct_n almost_o unknown_a to_o themselves_o seek_v their_o own_o comfort_n and_o complacency_n most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o work_n the_o more_o subtle_a and_o undiscernible_a be_v this_o snare_n which_o self-love_n set_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a 2._o what_o better_a than_o to_o obey_v god_n to_o read_v his_o sacred_a word_n and_o preach_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o these_o duty_n be_v common_o stain_v with_o some_o secret_a desire_n of_o praise_n and_o except_o the_o christian_a be_v very_o watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o may_v easy_o lose_v his_o better_a reward_n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o even_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o without_o charity_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v purify_v his_o heart_n it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n 1.6_o you_o eat_v but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o drink_v but_o you_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n and_o he_o that_o yearn_v wage_n earn_v wage_n to_o put_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n for_o thus_o good_a work_n avail_v nothing_o if_o do_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o please_v god_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o search_v the_o hide_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o there_o lurk_v not_o in_o they_o some_o ill_a purpose_n of_o vainglory_n or_o self-interest_n to_o mix_v with_o our_o best_a action_n either_o first_o or_o last_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n always_o to_o seek_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o never_o his_o own_o chap._n xxxiii_o thing_n which_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o obedience_n 1._o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o know_v those_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n under_o which_o he_o live_v and_o the_o which_o he_o be_v
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
upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n as_o perish_v and_o soon_o end_v and_o therefore_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o the_o riches_n above_o which_o be_v true_a and_o everlasting_a there_o he_o seek_v for_o honour_n where_o it_o be_v give_v to_o none_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o he_o expect_v that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v obtain_v expel_v all_o fear_n and_o all_o danger_n all_o his_o possession_n here_o he_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o himself_o be_v ready_a free_o to_o be_v in_o want_n if_o providence_n shall_v please_v 3._o now_o by_o these_o token_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o mammon_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v a_o cumbrance_n and_o a_o heavy_a burden_n if_o we_o slight_v they_o and_o be_v very_o well_o please_v to_o be_v without_o they_o if_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o be_v not_o pu_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o fine_a house_n and_o rich_a furniture_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o vain_a monument_n of_o man_n vanity_n and_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o their_o salvation_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o be_v free_a from_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o those_o thing_n they_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o safety_n and_o trouble_v and_o fear_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o sleep_v well_o in_o a_o mean_a narrow_a couch_n than_o to_o be_v sick_a and_o restless_a in_o a_o stately_a bed_n so_o be_v it_o much_o better_a to_o be_v content_a and_o quiet_a with_o a_o little_a than_o to_o have_v much_o and_o therewith_o much_o of_o vexation_n he_o that_o be_v content_a be_v rich_a and_o happy_a chap._n xvi_o of_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assign_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n mat._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n such_o be_v they_o that_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v rich_a nor_o place_v their_o peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o riches_n who_o wish_n and_o possession_n can_v never_o fail_v nor_o be_v take_v from_o they_o who_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o have_v their_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n than_o other_o be_v of_o be_v poor_a and_o who_o heart_n raise_v above_o all_o create_a thing_n can_v true_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o be_o rich_a praise_v be_v god_n and_o have_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o my_o need_n and_o more_o than_o i_o desire_v and_o my_o affection_n cleave_v not_o to_o what_o i_o have_v i_o have_v the_o use_n but_o not_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v free_o part_v with_o it_o without_o pain_n or_o regret_n i_o be_o true_o enrich_v with_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v from_o above_o in_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v and_o it_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o itself_o for_o in_o it_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o have_v right_a to_o nothing_o that_o i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o myself_o that_o bless_a truth_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o place_v my_o contentment_n in_o earthly_a transitory_a thing_n which_o like_a shadow_n will_v soon_o pass_v away_o and_o will_v deceive_v i_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v to_o i_o but_o by_o that_o gracious_a providence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n which_o bring_v i_o naked_a from_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a will_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o dust_n again_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a infuse_v from_o above_o there_o be_v only_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o they_o only_o despise_v this_o earth_n 2._o will_v to_o god_n christian_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o do_v well_o understand_v this_o truth_n for_o than_o none_o of_o they_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o perish_a riches_n of_o this_o world_n and_o none_o will_v love_v they_o but_o as_o few_o be_v choose_v few_o be_v wise_a and_o but_o few_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_a be_v the_o rich_a that_o be_v find_v without_o blemish_n and_o that_o be_v not_o go_v after_o gold_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n who_o be_v he_o and_o we_o will_v call_v he_o bless_v for_o wonderful_a thing_n have_v he_o do_v among_o his_o people_n ecclus._n 31.8_o for_o indeed_o you_o shall_v hardly_o find_v one_o man_n that_o can_v possess_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o that_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o content_a under_o poverty_n few_o they_o be_v that_o come_v to_o this_o perfection_n because_o man_n love_v the_o vanity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v purchase_v with_o riches_n and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o regard_n the_o precept_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o be_v not_o solicitous_a for_o it_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o want_v those_o thing_n why_o then_o do_v it_o we_o believe_v our_o love_a saviour_n and_o trust_v the_o providence_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n because_o we_o suffer_v our_o desire_n to_o run_v over_o the_o world_n and_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o because_o we_o give_v ear_n to_o our_o lust_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v for_o they_o that_o carry_v the_o world_n before_o they_o or_o at_o least_o carry_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v for_o the_o naked_a such_o who_o spirit_n be_v free_a from_o the_o cumbersome_a riches_n of_o the_o world_n what_o will_v the_o false_a mammon_n avail_v if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a riches_n we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n travel_v homeward_o through_o a_o straight_a and_o difficult_a way_n and_o great_a load_n can_v be_v but_o great_a hindrance_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o almsgiving_n 1._o such_o riches_n as_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o a_o moderate_a supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n according_a to_o our_o quality_n may_v not_o be_v keep_v niggardly_a nor_o spend_v profuse_o upon_o pride_n or_o luxury_n but_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a they_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o good_a work_n and_o pious_a use_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o much_o endanger_v his_o salvation_n that_o do_v not_o dispose_v of_o they_o on_o this_o wise_a money_n keep_v in_o bag_n be_v but_o dress_v its_o worth_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o serve_v not_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o gather_a treasure_n in_o heaven_n than_o it_o become_v mischievous_a and_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o do_v exceed_v its_o weight_n land_n money_n and_o other_o moveable_n be_v general_o call_v good_n not_o that_o they_o make_v a_o man_n good_a of_o themselves_o but_o because_o the_o owner_n may_v do_v good_a with_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o better_o and_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 112.9_o he_o have_v disperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v his_o riches_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.8_o and_o as_o water_n will_v quench_v a_o flame_a fire_n so_o alm_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n say_v the_o wise_a ben-sirach_a ecclus._n 3.30_o nothing_o suit_v better_a with_o our_o christian_a profession_n than_o to_o pity_n and_o help_v the_o afflict_a remember_v and_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o common_a nature_n in_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o antichristian_a than_o to_o refuse_v comfort_n and_o assistance_n to_o other_o or_o even_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o want_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v our_o wealth_n and_o enrich_v our_o heir_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v to_o lose_v our_o share_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o damn_v our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o shall_v seize_v upon_o our_o riches_n may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o be_v prodigal_a and_o vicious_a 2._o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v when_o and_o how_o far_o every_o one_o that_o can_v shall_v deprive_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v spare_v for_o charity_n this_o can_v have_v no_o other_o measure_n than_o such_o as_o piety_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v assign_v only_o i_o say_v that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o ability_n and_o we_o must_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o i_o hear_v
account_n they_o make_v their_o glory_n their_o felicity_n their_o wisdom_n to_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v shame_n misery_n and_o folly_n they_o detest_v the_o false_a principle_n on_o which_o proceed_v carnal_a prudence_n as_o that_o we_o must_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a honour_v by_o the_o world_n and_o above_o other_o and_o they_o love_v and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a verity_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v riches_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glory_n in_o nothing_o save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o word_n their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o so_o live_v that_o all_o their_o action_n seem_v to_o speak_v aloud_o that_o their_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v high_a and_o difficult_a but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v take_v by_o force_n and_o withal_o it_o well_o deserve_v all_o our_o labour_n and_o noble_a contention_n chap._n xxii_o several_a useful_a caution_n how_o a_o christian_a shall_v undertake_v and_o perfect_v his_o work_n 1._o all_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v do_v in_o peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o end_n of_o that_o he_o be_v about_o but_o withal_o let_v he_o take_v care_n of_o be_v rash_a and_o hasty_a of_o follow_v sudden_a motion_n of_o nature_n rather_o than_o reason_n grace_n and_o religion_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v light_n and_o inconstant_a easy_o wander_v after_o vain_a project_n but_o let_v he_o attend_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o begin_v any_o work_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v too_o busy_a and_o distract_v with_o other_o thought_n for_o than_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o want_v his_o wit_n and_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n which_o afterward_o will_v grieve_v he_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o any_o design_n let_v he_o humble_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v guide_v and_o assist_v he_o and_o let_v he_o serious_o consider_v what_o share_n god_n have_v in_o the_o business_n and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v on_o his_o own_o account_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o work_n let_v not_o self-complacency_a turn_v he_o from_o the_o good_a end_n he_o propose_v and_o in_o the_o finish_n thereof_o let_v he_o be_v cautious_a that_o all_o he_o have_v do_v be_v not_o mar_v and_o spoil_v by_o self-applause_n and_o vainglory_n above_o all_o let_v he_o be_v serious_o intent_n upon_o this_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n keep_v down_o proud_a thought_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o being_n nothing_o 2._o he_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o business_n except_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o cheerful_o and_o diligent_o and_o with_o noble_a design_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n special_o to_o their_o soul_n consider_v that_o the_o bliss_n or_o perfection_n of_o this_o present_a life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o he_o in_o the_o do_n and_o suffer_v his_o pleasure_n except_o necessity_n compel_v he_o let_v he_o not_o undertake_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o his_o strength_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v lose_v nothing_o of_o his_o peace_n nor_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o to_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o too_o much_o take_v up_o with_o thing_n without_o we_o common_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o tranquillity_n rather_o as_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v accompany_v tobit_n though_o it_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o serve_v he_o yet_o nevertheless_o attend_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o so_o shall_v a_o good_a christian_a mind_n the_o necessary_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v outward_o trouble_v and_o employ_v about_o they_o when_o yet_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n in_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o distraction_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n xxiii_o that_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v 1._o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n require_v of_o we_o here_o and_o that_o which_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n more_o certain_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n than_o he_o that_o honest_o and_o diligent_o work_v in_o his_o proper_a sphere_n therefore_o the_o devil_n common_o lay_v this_o snare_n in_o our_o way_n to_o christian_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v after_o the_o do_v of_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o office_n thereby_o to_o busy_a and_o distract_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o attend_v to_o our_o proper_a duty_n which_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o the_o do_v whereof_o be_v our_o great_a virtue_n 2._o he_o therefore_o great_o deceive_v himself_o that_o will_v fain_o change_v his_o condition_n imagine_v he_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o there_o or_o so_o or_o so_o after_o providence_n or_o a_o prudent_a choice_n have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o it_o do_v but_o make_v he_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a in_o do_v what_o he_o shall_v while_o he_o think_v of_o what_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o it_o make_v he_o to_o sit_v idle_a and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v while_o he_o project_n to_o do_v great_a feat_n where_o he_o be_v not_o whereas_o the_o unblameable_a integrity_n or_o perfection_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a shall_v aim_v depend_v upon_o particular_a action_n they_o that_o be_v negligent_a and_o incurious_a to_o do_v they_o well_o set_v themselves_o backward_o and_o make_v no_o progress_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v absent_a and_o their_o thought_n employ_v somewhere_o else_o they_o do_v but_o little_a where_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v do_v after_o a_o dream_v careless_a way_n such_o man_n be_v always_o beginning_n or_o about_o to_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o they_o contrive_v many_o thing_n but_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n they_o be_v all_o leaf_n and_o no_o fruit_n like_a tree_n that_o be_v often_o remove_v they_o no_o where_n take_v firm_a root_n and_o so_o remain_v every_o where_o useless_a chap._n xxiv_o how_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v sincere_a 1._o christians_n shall_v not_o indulge_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o low_a belly_n or_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o nice_a or_o gluttonous_a palate_n they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o vanity_n and_o undecency_n in_o their_o apparel_n and_o from_o all_o idle_a sport_n that_o be_v too_o expensive_a of_o time_n and_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n from_o ambition_n and_o pride_n and_o from_o covetousness_n and_o desire_n of_o riches_n anger_n ought_v not_o to_o lodge_v in_o their_o breast_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o careless_o nor_o yet_o rash_o least_o of_o all_o deceitful_o and_o hypocritical_o christian_n duty_n and_o act_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o do_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o attention_n and_o a_o good_a intention_n be_v mere_a dissemble_a and_o pageantry_n in_o some_o place_n where_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o theatrical_a representation_n you_o shall_v often_o find_v man_n of_o wicked_a life_n act_v the_o high_a virtue_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n one_o the_o constancy_n of_o martyr_n another_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o perhaps_o the_o heroic_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o end_n of_o the_o play_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o fine_a dissemble_n they_o no_o long_o appear_v those_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v but_o present_o return_v to_o their_o nature_n to_o their_o profaneness_n and_o impurity_n just_o so_o be_v they_o that_o have_v a_o fair_a specious_a outside_n appear_v precise_a and_o godly_a to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v or_o drive_v a_o interest_n they_o be_v mere_a juggler_n and_o stage-player_n they_o put_v a_o fair_a vizard_n over_o a_o ugly_a face_n holiness_n outward_o inward_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o perverse_a passion_n their_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o comedy_n that_o will_v have_v a_o tragical_a end_n 2._o for_o indeed_o this_o be_v