Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
virtue_n action_n good_a soul_n 1,118 5 4.7413 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A97190 An essay on grief: with the causes and remedies of it R. W. 1695 (1695) Wing W91A; ESTC R232331 41,961 234

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

miserable_a that_o fix_v his_o happiness_n on_o what_o be_v not_o last_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v here_o always_o that_o no_o present_a enjoyment_n can_v be_v a_o essential_a happiness_n to_o we_o which_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v taste_v we_o be_v snatch_v from_o or_o that_o from_o we_o do_v we_o but_o consider_v that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o outward_a enjoyment_n be_v not_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o own_o will_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o but_o a_o short_a possession_n of_o and_o that_o too_o very_o uncertain_a it_o will_v abate_v our_o care_n and_o fondness_n of_o they_o it_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o make_v they_o so_o far_o our_o happpiness_n as_o not_o to_o be_v unhappy_a or_o miserable_a at_o our_o be_v dispossess_v of_o they_o this_o will_v lessen_v our_o fear_n increase_v our_o cowrage_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o we_o have_v most_o need_v of_o and_o in_o which_o we_o be_v general_o most_o defective_a patience_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n but_o this_o like_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o work_n to_o be_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a but_o require_v great_a preparation_n and_o fixedness_n of_o mind_n strict_a attention_n of_o thought_n constant_a reflection_n on_o humane_a nature_n and_o daily_a observation_n on_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o instability_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v better_a do_v before_o we_o be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n than_o defer_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n this_o will_v look_v like_o a_o necessity_n the_o other_o a_o virtue_n beside_o that_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a time_n for_o we_o to_o begin_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n it_o be_v like_o delay_a repentance_n to_o the_o last_o hour_n when_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o condition_n not_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n or_o religion_n make_v we_o cry_v out_o for_o mercy_n though_o it_o can_v give_v we_o but_o small_a hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n be_v better_o prevent_v than_o cure_v as_o temperance_n be_v the_o best_a physic_n and_o preservative_n of_o the_o body_n so_o a_o calm_a and_o serene_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o moderation_n towards_o all_o external_a thing_n keep_v we_o even_o and_o free_a from_o prejudice_n and_o give_v we_o leisure_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v ourselves_o easy_a under_o every_o accident_n that_o may_v happen_v and_o amid_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o fortune_n which_o may_v either_o flatter_v we_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o threaten_v we_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o thing_n that_o plunge_v we_o into_o most_o of_o our_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n if_o we_o have_v prudence_n enough_o to_o rectify_v these_o and_o settle_v our_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o desire_n upon_o what_o be_v true_o good_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o prepare_v against_o all_o event_n and_o so_o well_o fortify_v against_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a either_o to_o disturb_v our_o peace_n or_o dispossess_v our_o reason_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o further_a advantage_n by_o consider_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o for_o our_o happiness_n that_o it_o will_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a for_o it_o if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v something_o perfect_a because_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o necessary_o infer_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o latter_a for_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o that_o which_o have_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o and_o this_o by_o a_o necessary_a train_n of_o consequence_n direct_v we_o to_o he_o who_o be_v perfection_n itself_o and_o out_o of_o who_o immense_a and_o inexhausted_a treasure_n all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n can_v alone_o be_v supply_v but_o again_o if_o we_o form_n in_o our_o mind_n certain_a and_o firm_a judgement_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o essential_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o they_o we_o shall_v direct_v all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n according_a to_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v keep_v our_o mind_n peaceable_a and_o temperate_a and_o prevent_v the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o affection_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o we_o love_v or_o hate_n we_o shall_v present_o consider_v the_o reason_n that_o engage_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o if_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v mortal_a and_o uncertain_a we_o shall_v fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n we_o know_v we_o can_v enjoy_v but_o a_o short_a time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o and_o what_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o if_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n our_o condition_n of_o mind_n will_v be_v still_o the_o same_o we_o know_v that_o riches_n make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o great_a emperor_n antoninus_n observe_v of_o socrates_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o want_v and_o enjoy_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o want_n whereof_o other_o man_n such_o as_o the_o unsettle_a and_o unthinking_a show_v themselves_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o intemperate_a in_o the_o fruition_n until_o i_o have_v fix_v in_o my_o mind_n some_o principle_n to_o act_v by_o i_o shall_v only_o live_v at_o random_n frustrate_v by_o a_o thousand_o uncertainty_n always_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o my_o expectation_n delude_v with_o shadow_n lose_v in_o error_n uncertain_a either_o what_o to_o hope_v for_o or_o what_o to_o fear_v yet_o continual_o distract_v and_o hurry_v on_o by_o the_o extreme_n of_o both_o my_o action_n will_v never_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o wise_a or_o prudent_a end_n and_o if_o good_a result_v from_o they_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o time_n and_o chance_n and_o not_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o prudence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n unless_o our_o action_n proceed_v from_o choice_n and_o deliberation_n i_o may_v give_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a but_o unless_o i_o give_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a design_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a principle_n of_o satisfy_v their_o necessity_n and_o do_v good_a by_o it_o i_o can_v call_v it_o charity_n for_o if_o i_o be_o natural_o pitiful_a and_o compassionate_a i_o may_v give_v to_o gratify_v my_o inclination_n without_o think_v or_o propose_v any_o other_o end_n by_o it_o and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o charity_n as_o good-nature_n in_o i_o in_o short_a our_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o form_n in_o ourselves_o true_a and_o certain_a notion_n of_o happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n what_o way_n it_o be_v that_o lead_v to_o they_o and_o then_o to_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o we_o be_v first_o to_o know_v and_o then_o to_o practise_v and_o though_o both_o our_o knowledge_n and_o acquisition_n of_o happiness_n here_o be_v but_o very_o imperfect_a compare_v with_o that_o which_o will_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o disperse_v all_o our_o grief_n to_o arm_v we_o against_o affliction_n and_o prevent_v our_o sink_n under_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o to_o propose_v the_o quiet_a and_o serenity_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o our_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o will_v give_v we_o sure_a hope_n of_o resist_v all_o temptation_n that_o may_v hinder_v we_o or_o give_v we_o any_o stop_n in_o our_o search_n after_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o ought_v frequent_o to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o direct_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v so_o far_o a_o view_n of_o ourselves_o as_o to_o examine_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o under_o any_o mistake_n either_o in_o our_o notion_n or_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o for_o a_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n in_o either_o will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o avoidable_a make_v we_o unhappy_a and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o consist_v that_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v be_v neither_o deceive_v in_o our_o notion_n about_o it_o nor_o miscarry_v in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o it_o to_o obviate_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o peace_n and_o
of_o the_o age_n in_o some_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v think_v morose_n and_o uncivil_a yet_o those_o false_a pretence_n will_v then_o appear_v very_o insufficient_a to_o support_v we_o under_o the_o terror_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age._n but_o these_o be_v so_o manifest_o great_a so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o fall_v so_o common_o under_o every_o one_o observation_n that_o a_o description_n of_o they_o will_v be_v only_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a if_o to_o be_v infirm_a feeble_a and_o helpless_a to_o be_v always_o in_o want_n and_o yet_o unable_a to_o administer_v to_o their_o own_o necessity_n if_o to_o labour_v under_o a_o continual_a conflux_n of_o distemper_n without_o any_o prospect_n of_o cure_n if_o to_o be_v always_o in_o pain_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v unhappy_a then_o certain_o these_o man_n above_o all_o other_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n above_o any_o other_o part_n of_o man_n life_n to_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o that_o be_v free_a and_o at_o liberty_n from_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o business_n and_o no_o way_n distract_v with_o the_o tumultuous_a and_o troublesome_a care_n of_o life_n their_o mind_n be_v more_o at_o leisure_n to_o enjoy_v themselves_o with_o the_o happy_a contemplation_n of_o their_o future_a state_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o long_o a_o snare_n to_o they_o and_o like_a man_n deprive_v of_o sight_n who_o have_v their_o understanding_n more_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a by_o abstract_v it_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n their_o soul_n be_v no_o long_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v draw_v away_o to_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o perspicuous_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o long_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o prize_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o just_a estimate_n there_o be_v no_o age_n say_v seneca_n better_a adapt_v to_o virtue_n than_o that_o which_o come_v by_o many_o experience_n and_o long-suffering_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o our_o lust_n be_v then_o weak_a and_o our_o judgement_n strong_a and_o wisdom_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o time_n they_o have_v learn_v that_o to_o know_v themselves_o be_v the_o best_a philosophy_n that_o a_o intimate_v acquaintance_n with_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o true_a happiness_n and_o as_o they_o have_v a_o near_a view_n of_o another_o life_n so_o be_v they_o more_o ravish_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n grow_v more_o lively_a and_o affect_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o where_o these_o support_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v want_v there_o man_n be_v more_o miserable_a in_o this_o age_n than_o in_o all_o other_o for_o in_o other_o part_n of_o man_n life_n the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v not_o so_o prevalent_a because_o it_o seem_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o so_o much_o disturb_v and_o torment_v the_o mind_n in_o its_o sensual_a enjoyment_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o but_o here_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o continual_a anguish_n the_o body_n shake_v and_o totter_v ready_a every_o minute_n to_o crumble_v into_o dust_n the_o soul_n amaze_v stand_v upon_o a_o dreadful_a precipice_n fear_v the_o next_o moment_n to_o sink_v into_o the_o bottomless_a hell_n now_o every_o reflection_n that_o a_o bad_a man_n make_v be_v only_a a_o new_a addition_n to_o his_o misery_n and_o every_o serious_a thought_n be_v only_o a_o fresh_a torment_n to_o he_o all_o the_o outward_a pleasure_n which_o he_o promise_v himself_o support_v from_o begin_v to_o fail_v he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o comfort_n within_o to_o flee_v to_o if_o he_o look_v backward_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o that_o can_v give_v he_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o forward_a nothing_o but_o despair_n all_o that_o he_o can_v expect_v be_v either_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a or_o to_o become_v nothing_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o one_o persuade_v he_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o other_o not_o that_o he_o can_v convince_v himself_o by_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o that_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v so_o for_o a_o prospect_n of_o misery_n will_v put_v a_o man_n upon_o a_o thousand_o shift_n and_o evasion_n whereby_o to_o escape_v it_o and_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n if_o he_o can_v thereby_o obtain_v any_o interval_n of_o ease_n for_o the_o extremity_n of_o fear_n as_o of_o all_o other_o passion_n put_v the_o soul_n into_o such_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n that_o it_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v release_v from_o the_o torment_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v procure_v one_o minute_n of_o ease_n it_o take_v not_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o measure_n that_o obtain_v but_o let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v some_o rational_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v yet_o that_o belief_n can_v be_v no_o real_a satisfaction_n to_o he_o for_o if_o he_o place_v his_o pleasure_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o every_o reflection_n upon_o they_o be_v please_v to_o he_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o thought_n and_o fear_n of_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o must_v be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o grieve_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o what_o we_o love_v or_o if_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o what_o we_o admire_v but_o if_o a_o man_n take_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o annihilation_n can_v be_v no_o great_a pleasure_n to_o he_o because_o they_o be_v outbalanced_n by_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o live_v long_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o hope_n and_o expectation_n which_o after_o death_n he_o can_v no_o long_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o be_v certain_o more_o desirable_a not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o than_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a but_o it_o be_v rational_a also_o to_o ground_v my_o belief_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o upon_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o certain_a reason_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o which_o side_n its_o most_o dangerous_a to_o err_v on_o and_o to_o take_v care_n lest_o passion_n prejudice_n or_o interest_n shall_v mislead_v or_o deceive_v i_o with_o a_o naked_a appearance_n instead_o of_o truth_n as_o the_o thought_n upon_o what_o be_v past_a and_o to_o come_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o misery_n to_o the_o bad_a so_o do_v they_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o good_n their_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n to_o come_v bear_v they_o up_o under_o all_o affliction_n here_o and_o a_o reflection_n on_o their_o former_a life_n give_v they_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o their_o expectation_n be_v firm_a and_o certain_a though_o they_o have_v imperfection_n to_o grieve_v at_o and_o many_o trouble_n to_o encounter_v with_o yet_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o their_o imperfect_a state_n here_o will_v be_v advance_v to_o a_o full_a completion_n of_o happiness_n hereafter_o have_v a_o good_a man_n nothing_o to_o expect_v beyond_o the_o grave_a his_o condition_n will_v be_v certain_o most_o miserable_a not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v more_o pleasure_n and_o more_o last_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n than_o that_o of_o vice_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v great_a so_o the_o thought_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o they_o will_v be_v more_o insupportable_a the_o imperfect_a state_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o show_v that_o our_o nature_n desire_v something_o more_o complete_a and_o as_o a_o good_a man_n who_o give_v himself_o more_o liberty_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n find_v that_o virtue_n consider_v the_o unavoidable_a imperfection_n hindrance_n and_o infirmity_n that_o life_n be_v ensnare_v with_o can_v never_o be_v here_o complete_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o not_o it_o be_v own_o reward_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v frustrate_v of_o those_o desire_v he_o find_v in_o his_o soul_n to_o immortality_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o life_n will_v be_v uncomfortable_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n altogether_o unsatisfactory_a have_v i_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o convince_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v exist_v hereafter_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v innumerable_a yet_o that_o very_a antipathy_n which_o i_o find_v
in_o myself_o to_o become_v nothing_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o convince_a argument_n and_o give_v i_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o fall_v into_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v pass_v on_o from_o this_o digression_n to_o consider_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o grief_n which_o every_o age_n of_o man_n that_o can_v make_v use_n of_o its_o faculty_n of_o reason_n be_v particular_o concern_v in_o and_o which_o the_o more_o think_v part_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o and_o these_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o man_n reputation_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n these_o of_o all_o other_o affliction_n except_o that_o of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n fall_v most_o heavy_a upon_o we_o and_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n every_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o himself_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o other_o a_o good_a name_n and_o a_o fair_a reputation_n not_o only_o make_v a_o man_n life_n pleasant_a in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v also_o so_o far_o necessary_a to_o our_o converse_n here_o that_o whoever_o seem_v careless_a or_o prodigal_a of_o they_o just_o forfeit_v his_o pretension_n either_o to_o honour_n or_o humanity_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o lose_v his_o credit_n he_o be_v no_o long_o fit_v for_o society_n he_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v by_o all_o as_o though_o his_o very_a company_n be_v infectious_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v a_o ill_a action_n be_v yet_o unwilling_a it_o shall_v be_v make_v public_a lest_o it_o shall_v blast_v their_o reputation_n which_o they_o be_v general_o more_o concern_v for_o than_o the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o action_n for_o though_o they_o inward_o hate_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n yet_o they_o be_v ashamed_a the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o good_a man_n may_v fall_v under_o ill_a report_n be_v too_o evident_a and_o the_o world_n have_v have_v too_o frequent_a experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v lament_v than_o wonder_v at_o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o envy_n and_o malice_n among_o men._n ill_a nature_n will_v always_o be_v find_v fault_n and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o will_v take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o make_v they_o and_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o there_o be_v not_o those_o who_o be_v ill-natured_a enough_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o though_o the_o slander_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o envious_a and_o malicious_a can_v never_o make_v a_o good_a man_n miserable_a yet'tis_o certain_a they_o be_v a_o great_a abatement_n to_o his_o happiness_n as_o if_o providence_n have_v permit_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o how_o insecure_a and_o slippery_a our_o best_a foundation_n be_v here_o as_o also_o to_o teach_v we_o humility_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o life_n and_o set_v too_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o our_o self_n and_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v another_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n the_o loss_n of_o friend_n this_o of_o all_o other_o fall_n heavy_a upon_o we_o and_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o for_o ever_o irrecoverable_a all_o other_o loss_n as_o of_o health_n reputation_n honour_n riches_n or_o the_o like_a may_v either_o by_o prudence_n or_o diligence_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n repair_v but_o this_o alone_a can_v never_o more_o be_v restore_v to_o we_o this_o be_v that_o separation_n which_o make_v this_o state_n so_o uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o because_o it_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o true_a satisfaction_n and_o relish_v of_o life_n nature_n have_v make_v we_o sociable_a creature_n and_o all_o our_o study_n and_o endeavour_n be_v design_v to_o qualify_v we_o for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o we_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n delight_v with_o because_o most_o agreeable_a to_o we_o but_o think_v our_o love_n of_o society_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o yet_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o particular_a company_n be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n for_o friendship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o good_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n but_o among_o those_o of_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o most_o charm_a of_o all_o our_o delight_n and_o which_o we_o be_v most_o fond_a of_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v all_o the_o other_o trouble_v and_o misery_n of_o life_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n say_v seneca_n sweeten_v all_o our_o care_n dispel_v our_o sorrow_n counsel_n we_o in_o all_o extremity_n and_o be_v a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n it_o give_v comfort_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o in_o all_o adversity_n and_o supply_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v preserve_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o whatever_o else_o may_v befall_v we_o we_o be_v sure_o never_o to_o be_v miserable_a but_o not_o with_o stand_v the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o blessing_n to_o mankind_n yet_o it_o have_v this_o imperfection_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a there_o be_v no_o security_n against_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o we_o in_o vain_a lament_n and_o continual_o grieve_v at_o though_o we_o know_v our_o grief_n can_v give_v we_o no_o remedy_n friendship_n be_v so_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n that_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o than_o men._n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v so_o much_o raise_v above_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o calamity_n as_o not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v need_n of_o the_o utmost_a effort_n of_o virtue_n patient_o to_o undergo_v it_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o care_n and_o caution_n our_o strong_a and_o most_o vigorous_a resolution_n prove_v too_o weak_a to_o withstand_v it_o and_o we_o find_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n at_o a_o distance_n to_o reason_n about_o it_o than_o to_o act_v prudent_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o though_o we_o frequent_o imagine_v we_o make_v vigorous_a preparation_n against_o it_o yet_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o we_o it_o common_o find_v we_o defenseless_n and_o unarm_v we_o can_v never_o so_o far_o conquer_v our_o love_n of_o happiness_n here_o as_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o dear_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o concern_v or_o reluctancy_n nature_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o we_o notwithstanding_o the_o severe_a dictate_v of_o the_o most_o exalt_a reason_n that_o as_o it_o can_v possess_v its_o enjoyment_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o satisfaction_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o bear_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o without_o the_o great_a regret_n and_o the_o most_o passionate_a expression_n of_o sorrow_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v not_o into_o excess_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o so_o much_o a_o stoic_a as_n to_o condemn_v it_o but_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n be_v still_o more_o affect_v when_o we_o have_v almost_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o last_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o constitution_n join_v with_o a_o sweet_a and_o oblige_a temper_n a_o affable_a and_o courteous_a behaviour_n a_o concern_n and_o tenderness_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o a_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o public_a happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mankind_n mix_v with_o the_o most_o endear_n charm_n of_o conversation_n give_v we_o large_a hope_n of_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o may_v withstand_v all_o the_o design_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o overcome_v if_o possible_a all_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n such_o a_o loss_n do_v certain_o deserve_v our_o great_a sense_n of_o it_o challenge_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o true_a sorrow_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v may_v excuse_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n palliate_v the_o excess_n of_o it_o but_o although_o even_o this_o may_v never_o justify_v such_o immoderate_a grief_n which_o abstract_n the_o mind_n as_o well_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o humanity_n as_o those_o of_o religion_n yet_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v we_o how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o man_n who_o day_n be_v few_o and_o uncertain_a and_o therefore_o to_o he_o but_o little_o account_v of_o thus_o we_o see_v every_o part_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n lead_v we_o only_o to_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o misery_n our_o first_o entrance_n into_o life_n be_v miserable_a and_o the_o long_a experience_n we_o have_v of_o the_o world_n the_o more_o calamity_n we_o have_v still_o to_o complain_v of_o we_o begin_v with_o tear_n and_o sorrow_n
satisfaction_n of_o mind_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o of_o the_o external_a enjoyment_n of_o life_n for_o its_o happiness_n nor_o be_v it_o liable_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o by_o any_o accident_n or_o misfortune_n it_o be_v happiness_n be_v within_o its_o self_n and_o whatsoever_o happen_v from_o without_o can_v neither_o real_o add_v to_o it_o nor_o detract_v from_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o solicitous_a nor_o careless_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v moderate_a in_o its_o desire_n neither_o torment_v with_o fear_n nor_o impatient_a in_o its_o hope_n neither_o anxious_a about_o life_n nor_o afraid_a of_o death_n its_o action_n be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o word_n peace_n of_o mind_n be_v that_o which_o prudent_o and_o cheerful_o perform_v whatever_n god_n command_v and_o patient_o bear_v whatever_a punishment_n he_o inflict_v and_o have_v also_o this_o great_a perfection_n to_o persuade_v our_o search_n after_o it_o that_o when_o we_o can_v once_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v our_o own_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o to_o obtain_v this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v support_v and_o comfort_v we_o under_o all_o affliction_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n join_v with_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o live_v up_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o enlarge_v our_o understanding_n to_o rectify_v our_o will_n to_o subdue_v our_o lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o to_o wean_v our_o thought_n from_o this_o world_n by_o propose_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o that_o be_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o forego_v all_o these_o short_a and_o imperfect_a pleasure_n for_o those_o perfect_a and_o endless_a joy_n which_o all_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a possession_n of_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o endeavour_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n by_o convince_a we_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o be_v too_o much_o concern_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o here_o since_o these_o affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n if_o we_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o will_v work_v out_o for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n it_o show_v we_o that_o what_o we_o here_o call_v felicity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o and_o therefore_o persuade_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o that_o immense_a and_o everlasting_a good_a where_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o more_o to_o desire_v than_o what_o we_o enjoy_v or_o nothing_o to_o add_v to_o our_o happiness_n because_o it_o will_v be_v perfect_a for_o true_a happiness_n be_v that_o which_o when_o we_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o leave_v we_o to_o desire_v because_o that_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o for_o he_o that_o desire_v any_o thing_n above_o all_o other_o will_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o this_o his_o chief_a happiness_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v secure_a in_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o whatever_o may_v befall_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v miserable_a if_o we_o can_v therefore_o make_v god_n our_o chief_a happiness_n and_o resolve_v our_o action_n into_o a_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v proper_o as_o happy_a as_o this_o state_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o though_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v receive_v large_a addition_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o happiness_n continue_v to_o we_o in_o a_o more_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a which_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o manifest_v itself_o to_o we_o under_o this_o veil_n of_o flesh_n which_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n intercept_v that_o glorious_a appearance_n but_o beside_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o our_o great_a comfort_n and_o support_v under_o affliction_n by_o lay_v before_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n but_o also_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v whatever_o state_n we_o be_v in_o it_o give_v we_o peace_n and_o ease_n under_o it_o it_o make_v every_o condition_n happy_a because_o it_o bring_v patience_n and_o contentment_n along_o with_o it_o it_o make_v we_o enjoy_v that_o we_o have_v and_o keep_v we_o from_o crave_v what_o we_o have_v not_o in_o a_o word_n godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n how_o much_o better_a be_v it_o for_o we_o have_v we_o no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n to_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o free_a from_o trouble_n in_o this_o than_o to_o be_v continual_o vex_v and_o torment_v ourselves_o at_o every_o cross_a accident_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o and_o make_v our_o condition_n miserable_a enough_o in_o itself_o still_o more_o miserable_a by_o a_o addition_n of_o new_a and_o unnecessary_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n though_o they_o have_v very_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a notion_n of_o another_o life_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reward_n propose_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n commandment_n yet_o in_o their_o write_n forbid_v the_o indulge_v our_o sorrow_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o this_o life_n and_o from_o the_o incongruity_n they_o find_v in_o they_o to_o the_o action_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o that_o order_n grace_n and_o constancy_n that_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o exact_a practice_n of_o virtue_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o who_o have_v large_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o more_o sublime_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o life_n by_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o watchful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o religion_n in_o the_o keep_n of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o this_o world_n true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v eternal_a life_n but_o of_o all_o the_o great_a branch_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o govern_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o support_v our_o weak_a nature_n under_o all_o affliction_n than_o these_o two_o first_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o second_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n be_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o be_v also_o the_o true_a source_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n that_o this_o universe_n be_v govern_v by_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v under_o the_o especial_a care_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o immediate_a disposal_n and_o order_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a be_v and_o that_o chance_n and_o fortune_n have_v no_o management_n of_o any_o of_o our_o affair_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n to_o think_v that_o providence_n be_v always_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n can_v never_o do_v they_o the_o least_o injury_n without_o god_n order_n or_o permission_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a say_v of_o the_o great_a heathen_a emperor_n m._n aurelius_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n he_o will_v not_o desire_v to_o live_v any_o long_o in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v very_o unpleasant_a as_o well_o as_o uncertain_a if_o that_o harmony_n which_o be_v now_o observe_v in_o all_o the_o divine_a act_n of_o providence_n be_v change_v into_o confusion_n and_o man_n now_o the_o most_o exalt_a of_o all_o sublunary_a being_n will_v become_v the_o most_o helpless_a and_o unhappy_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n trouble_n and_o calamity_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v expect_v they_o for_o man_n be_v bear_v to_o trouble_n as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v seek_v out_o for_o some_o support_n under_o they_o and_o depend_v upon_o something_o that_o may_v be_v at_o all_o time_n a_o comfort_n to_o we_o now_o comfort_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o