import_v 1._o a_o great_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a satisfaction_n either_o in_o sin_n or_o in_o a_o worldly_a carnal_a life_n this_o we_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n hunger_n or_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n except_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o here_o be_v not_o his_o rest_n neither_o in_o sin_n nor_o in_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o present_a world_n these_o be_v the_o grand_a impediment_n of_o that_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o place_n their_o chief_a happiness_n in_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n have_v nothing_o of_o this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n till_o they_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n their_o appetite_n after_o righteousness_n be_v insignificant_a nor_o can_v their_o feeble_a wish_n be_v call_v so_o but_o when_o they_o have_v a_o thorough_a view_n of_o the_o rottenness_n of_o the_o bottom_n they_o have_v sail_v in_o then_o they_o affect_v and_o desire_v this_o plank_n to_o swim_v out_o of_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n 2._o it_o import_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o this_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o long_o after_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o value_v nor_o be_v their_o desire_n very_o strong_a after_o object_n they_o see_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o man_n hungry_a and_o thirsty_a prize_v the_o meat_n and_o drink_n that_o be_v before_o he_o so_o must_v he_o the_o righteousness_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o do_v true_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o prize_v it_o above_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o pearl_n and_o precious_a stone_n his_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o can_v be_v considerable_a but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o count_v all_o thing_n dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o than_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o 3._o it_o import_v a_o very_a earnest_n desire_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a in_o all_o point_n such_o a_o desire_n as_o man_n very_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a have_v after_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o that_o we_o know_v be_v not_o very_o faint_a the_o scripture_n therefore_o express_v by_o a_o very_a emphatical_a similitude_n psal._n xlii_o 1._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brook_v so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n the_o hart_n or_o stag_n be_v a_o creature_n natural_o hot_a but_o be_v chase_v and_o hunt_v his_o desire_n after_o the_o cool_a stream_n become_v more_o earnest_n and_o vehement_a and_o such_o must_v be_v this_o desire_n after_o righteousness_n even_o as_o it_o be_v psal._n lxiii_o 1._o my_o soul_n thirst_v my_o flesh_n belong_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a land_n i._n e._n as_o a_o man_n or_o traveller_n spend_v with_o the_o labour_n or_o the_o trouble_n of_o his_o journey_n in_o a_o dry_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v these_o expression_n import_v a_o very_a strong_a desire_n a_o desire_n which_o have_v no_o reserve_v no_o sinister_a end_n and_o design_n but_o be_v sincere_a and_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o importunate_a which_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o prevail_v by_o its_o fervour_n and_o importunity_n 4._o it_o import_v actual_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o good_a and_o righteous_a by_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a use_n of_o the_o proper_a mean_n we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n that_o talk_v of_o have_v a_o thing_n or_o pretend_v his_o heart_n set_v upon_o it_o as_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n if_o his_o endeavour_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o his_o desire_n the_o merchant_n or_o trades-man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v rich_a we_o know_v what_o pain_n they_o take_v nay_o the_o day-labourer_n that_o desire_v a_o livelihood_n so_o he_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n indeed_o will_v inquire_v and_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ponder_v it_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o pray_v hard_a and_o deny_v himself_o and_o break_v off_o from_o loose_a company_n and_o meditate_v and_o think_v and_o shun_v occasion_n of_o evil_a and_o follow_v god_n as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v his_o neighbour_n at_o midnight_n for_o three_o loaf_n and_o will_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o compass_v this_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o a_o man_n who_o be_v very_o hungry_a or_o thirsty_a do_v not_o sit_v still_o but_o bestir_v himself_o to_o get_v food_n and_o drink_v which_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o 5._o it_o import_v a_o progress_n in_o this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o when_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o righteousness_n then_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o endeavour_v after_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v those_o frequent_a exhortation_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o in_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n unto_o virtue_n knowledge_n unto_o knowledge_n temperance_n unto_o temperance_n godliness_n unto_o godliness_n patience_n unto_o patience_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o unto_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n 1_o thess._n iii_o 12._o iv._o 1._o 2._o pet._n i._n 5_o 6_o 7._o ii_o 18._o a_o christian_n labour_n like_o the_o husbandman_n be_v never_o at_o a_o end_n when_o one_o lust_n be_v mortify_v he_o must_v begin_v to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v another_o and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v one_o virtue_n his_o domestic_a he_o must_v take_v another_o into_o his_o family_n the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o momentary_a appetite_n which_o be_v to_o last_v for_o a_o day_n or_o so_o but_o a_o appetite_n perpetual_a which_o be_v to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o which_o be_v still_o increase_v by_o be_v fill_v insomuch_o that_o if_o a_o good_a christian_a be_v to_o live_v here_o a_o thousand_o year_n he_o will_v still_o find_v degree_n and_o act_n of_o righteousness_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o 6._o it_o import_v such_o a_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n or_o such_o a_o desire_n after_o righteousness_n as_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v and_o endure_v bodily_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o other_o temporal_a inconvenience_n both_o for_o the_o attainment_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o he_o that_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v at_o any_o trouble_n for_o it_o or_o unwilling_a to_o abridge_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o the_o flesh_n either_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o or_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a appetite_n after_o it_o to_o be_v sure_o no_o such_o appetite_n as_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n have_v after_o worldly_a glory_n who_o can_v dispense_v with_o scratch_a face_n with_o scar_n and_o wound_n and_o hard_a lodging_n and_o puddle-water_n and_o a_o homely_a diet_n and_o all_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o empty_a name_n of_o a_o valiant_a man_n sure_o righteousness_n deserve_v as_o generous_a a_o desire_n we_o see_v what_o man_n will_v do_v in_o a_o famine_n even_o venture_v reproach_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v abuse_v and_o revile_v to_o get_v food_n convenient_a such_o must_v be_v this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o to_o be_v true_o righteous_a a_o christian_a must_v reckon_v upon_o affliction_n persecution_n and_o calumny_n and_o nickname_n and_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o he_o that_o belong_v for_o the_o fragrant_a rose_n must_v not_o stand_v upon_o its_o be_v encompass_v with_o prick_n but_o resolve_v out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o one_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o enforce_v the_o duty_n be_v the_o ii_o proposition_n that_o without_o this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n a_o man_n can_v be_v bless_v or_o happy_a as_o the_o former_a proposition_n make_v this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n commendable_a so_o this_o make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o if_o he_o be_v bless_v who_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v certain_o he_o be_v not_o so_o that_o want_v this_o appetite_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a blessedness_n without_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o without_o this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n the_o soul_n be_v sick_a as_o much_o as_o we_o conclude_v a_o man_n be_v not_o well_o when_o his_o appetite_n be_v go_v nay_o if_o he_o have_v no_o appetite_n at_o all_o we_o conclude_v he_o dead_a a_o carcase_n have_v not_o appetite_n and_o most_o certain_o he_o that_o have_v no_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n at_o all_o be_v dead_a in_o god_n account_n dead_a in_o law_n dead_a in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sad_a condition_n and_o which_o deserve_v to_o have_v
love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v go_v that_o god_n will_v arise_v and_o that_o these_o enemy_n may_v be_v scatter_v they_o use_v mean_n they_o inquire_v what_o they_o must_v do_v to_o mortify_v these_o unruly_a desire_n they_o deny_v themselves_o they_o fast_o they_o be_v angry_a with_o these_o corruption_n yet_o ever_o and_o anon_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a they_o fall_v and_o imprudent_o yield_v to_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o will_v feign_v be_v master_n of_o those_o virtue_n accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n which_o do_v shine_v so_o bright_a in_o the_o primitive_a saint_n but_o can_v as_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o excellent_a temper_n for_o this_o they_o mourn_v and_o be_v deject_v and_o sorrow_n seize_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n yet_o still_o bless_a be_v these_o mourner_n 5._o such_o as_o mourn_v because_o their_o stay_n in_o this_o world_n be_v long_o because_o they_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o from_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o this_o barren_a wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o must_v see_v their_o god_n dishonour_v his_o name_n profane_v his_o creature_n abuse_v his_o ordinance_n deride_v his_o providence_n disregard_v his_o precept_n slight_v his_o promise_n undervalue_v his_o threaten_n scorn_v and_o charity_n grow_v cold_a and_o iniquity_n abound_v this_o draw_v from_o they_o david_n complaint_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o must_v dwell_v in_o mesech_n and_o have_v my_o habitation_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n ps._n cxx_o 5._o indeed_o such_o mourner_n be_v but_o few_o most_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o long_o to_o be_v go_v long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o their_o house_n from_o heaven_n long_o to_o join_v the_o choir_n of_o angel_n long_o to_o be_v free_v from_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n and_o all_o this_o upon_o the_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o from_o impatience_n under_o their_o pain_n and_o sickness_n or_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o mean_a condition_n here_o but_o because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o because_o they_o be_v keep_v from_o enjoy_v their_o desire_n because_o the_o amorous_a needle_n be_v withhold_v from_o cling_v to_o the_o belove_a magnet_n they_o mourn_v bless_a mourning_n but_o what_o you_o will_v say_v do_v no_o mourner_n under_o temporal_a loss_n and_o cross_n come_v into_o the_o number_n of_o these_o bless_a man_n i_o answer_v yes_o 1._o if_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o and_o in_o which_o they_o suffer_v loss_n of_o their_o good_n or_o friend_n be_v great_a and_o noble_a if_o they_o sulfer_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mourning_n under_o their_o temporal_a loss_n may_v entitle_v they_o to_o blessedness_n provide_v that_o their_o mourning_n be_v mingle_v with_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o holy_a self-resignation_n and_o that_o they_o mourn_v more_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o persecution_n than_o for_o the_o want_n of_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o the_o garlick_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n 2._o if_o under_o their_o temporal_a loss_n they_o mourn_v chief_o for_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v both_o cause_v and_o deserve_v these_o suffering_n sorrow_n bare_o for_o temporal_a loss_n and_o for_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n the_o gospel_n press_v something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o sweeten_v that_o sour_a sop_n as_o it_o stand_v alone_o it_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o sorrow_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o be_v tell_v work_v death_n 2_o cor._n vii_o 10._o and_o consequent_o happiness_n can_v be_v the_o fruit_n or_o effect_v of_o it_o the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o mourn_v under_o such_o outward_a calamity_n must_v look_v off_o from_o the_o calamity_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o sin_n which_o have_v procure_v it_o and_o that_o sanctify_v the_o sorrow_n and_o make_v the_o mourner_n bless_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n i_o must_v necessary_o add_v these_o follow_a caution_n 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o arrive_v to_o this_o blessedness_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n must_v do_v nothing_o but_o mourn_v there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v beside_o mourning_n even_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o virtue_n and_o self-denial_n require_v and_o command_v in_o this_o chapter_n so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v here_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v the_o meaning_n be_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v so_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o reflect_v either_o upon_o the_o spiritual_a evil_n which_o be_v present_a or_o upon_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n that_o be_v absent_a from_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n or_o aptitude_n to_o mourn_v which_o exert_v itself_o whenever_o any_o opportunity_n offer_v itself_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o think_v of_o such_o object_n as_o deserve_v and_o require_v our_o mourning_n else_o spiritual_a joy_n will_v be_v no_o duty_n and_o if_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o mourning_n the_o apostle_n exhortation_n have_v be_v useless_a phil._n iu._n 1._o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o i._n e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v neither_o 2._o must_v the_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o bare_a mourning_n as_o if_o the_o mourning_n and_o weep_v and_o sadness_n alone_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o groan_n be_v the_o only_a livery_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o mourning_n must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o great_a end_n even_o to_o establish_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o strengthen_v our_o grace_n to_o corroborate_v our_o repentance_n and_o aversion_n from_o sin_n and_o to_o purify_v our_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v emphatical_o call_v sorrow_v to_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n vii_o 9_o nor_o 3._o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o mourning_n be_v always_o necessary_a even_o mourn_v express_v in_o so_o much_o weep_v and_o sorrow_v as_o we_o find_v in_o other_o christian_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n all_o man_n condition_n be_v not_o alike_o a_o person_n that_o have_v be_v profane_a and_o lewd_a have_v reason_n to_o mourn_v more_o than_o he_o who_o sin_n have_v be_v of_o a_o lesser_a size_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v commendable_a to_o weep_v bitter_o even_o for_o infirmity_n but_o the_o obligation_n of_o mourning_n be_v great_a certain_o upon_o a_o rapacious_a publican_n than_o upon_o the_o pious_a couple_n zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n beside_o all_o man_n constitution_n be_v not_o alike_o some_o be_v of_o that_o tender_a complexion_n that_o the_o least_o touch_n or_o sense_n of_o thing_n make_v they_o weep_v other_o of_o a_o hardy_a make_v who_o may_v be_v astonish_v and_o concern_v at_o great_a thing_n but_o can_v make_v that_o outward_a show_n of_o mourning_n that_o other_o can_v it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o that_o the_o sorrow_n be_v rational_a and_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o the_o object_n that_o cause_n or_o deserve_v mourning_n as_o to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o willingness_n to_o mourn_v more_o if_o we_o can_v and_o a_o indignation_n against_o the_o spiritual_a evil_n which_o be_v present_a and_o a_o earnest_a longing_n and_o endeavour_n after_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o be_v absent_a and_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o have_v set_v down_o these_o caution_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n to_o acquaint_v you_o ii_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o such_o mourner_n consist_v 1._o this_o mourning_n be_v the_o character_n of_o saint_n ezek._n ix_o 4._o 2_o cor._n xii_o 21._o why_o what_o blessedness_n be_v there_o in_o this_o will_v some_o say_v how_o no_o blessedness_n in_o be_v a_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n then_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n wish_v they_o be_v so_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o most_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v will_v fain_o be_v of_o that_o number_n nay_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o your_o creed_n you_o believe_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v it_o not_o in_o this_o creed_n that_o you_o profess_v the_o great_a blessing_n that_o be_v ever_o bestow_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v one_o must_v it_o
of_o charity_n and_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v after_o that_o we_o find_v gentle_a mean_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a there_o be_v indeed_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n which_o require_v a_o present_a indignation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o zimri_n and_o cozbi_fw-la when_o phineas_n execute_v judgement_n numb_a xxv_o 7._o but_o ordinary_o the_o rough_a remedy_n be_v not_o to_o take_v place_n till_o the_o soft_a medicine_n be_v refuse_v and_o scorn_v matth._n xviii_o 15._o and_o from_o hence_o 2._o you_o may_v easy_o guess_v at_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o meekness_n which_o my_o text_n say_v make_v its_o votary_n bless_v it_o be_v definition_n or_o description_n rather_o be_v brief_o this_o it_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n a_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o curb_v and_o subdue_v and_o moderate_v his_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n and_o peevishness_n and_o choleric_a disposition_n when_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o to_o behave_v himself_o with_o calmness_n gentleness_n and_o great_a modesty_n and_o moderation_n in_o his_o speech_n and_o answer_n in_o his_o action_n and_o transaction_n with_o his_o neighbour_n i_o call_v it_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n because_o though_o some_o be_v natural_o meek_a and_o no_o choler_n seem_v to_o mingle_v with_o their_o blood_n and_o complexion_n and_o though_o they_o be_v bear_v as_o it_o be_v into_o virtue_n yet_o even_o this_o natural_a meekness_n must_v be_v resin_v and_o polish_a by_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n before_o it_o can_v be_v true_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o spirit_n must_v inspire_v it_o with_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o and_o when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o go_v beyond_o it_o be_v natural_a bound_n when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o use_v a_o staff_n and_o when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o turn_v that_o staff_n into_o a_o rod._n divine_n do_v common_o reckon_v up_o five_o degree_n of_o this_o christian_a qualification_n 1._o luc._n converse_v with_o and_o speak_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n calm_o gentle_o modest_o without_o wrath_n or_o anger_n or_o rage_n or_o fury_n according_a to_o the_o command_n tit._n iii_o 2._o show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n 2._o by_o our_o calm_a and_o soft_a speech_n and_o answer_n to_o endeavour_v to_o break_v and_o assuage_v the_o rage_n and_o anger_n of_o our_o incense_a and_o offend_v neighbour_n according_a to_o solomon_n rule_n prov._n xv._n 1._o a_o soft_a answer_n turn_v away_o or_o aught_o to_o turn_v away_o wrath._n 3._o calm_o to_o bear_v and_o to_o endure_v injury_n and_o affront_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n without_o render_v rail_a for_o rail_v or_o revile_v for_o revile_v for_o so_o we_o read_v 1_o pet._n iii_o 8_o 9_o love_n as_o brethren_n be_v pitiful_a be_v courteous_a not_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v 4._o even_o to_o rejoice_v in_o this_o calm_a bear_n and_o endure_v of_o injury_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n we_o have_v 1_o pet._n iu_o 13_o 14._o which_o import_v rejoice_v in_o such_o case_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n for_o so_o christ_n suffer_v reproach_n threaten_n calumny_n injury_n etc._n etc._n and_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_n righteous_o 1_o pet._n ii_o 23._o 5._o by_o act_n of_o meekness_n to_o endeavour_v to_o overcome_v our_o enrage_a and_o ill-natured_a neighbour_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n rom._n xii_o 20_o 21._o if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v be_v not_o overcome_v with_o evil_a but_o overcome_v the_o evil_a with_o wood_n these_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o particular_o when_o i_o come_v to_o explain_v v_o 22._o in_o the_o mean_a while_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o that_o arrive_v to_o one_o of_o these_o degree_n must_v not_o rest_v there_o but_o proceed_v till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o ladder_n this_o be_v the_o race_n a_fw-fr christian_n be_v to_o run_v in_o he_o that_o will_v not_o go_v on_o to_o the_o furthermost_a stage_n of_o his_o course_n have_v reach_v the_o first_o and_o second_o in_o vain_a the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o task_n must_v be_v no_o discouragement_n if_o it_o be_v we_o be_v not_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o blessedness_n which_o attend_v this_o meekness_n which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o ii_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o meek_a christian_n do_v consist_v 1._o this_o virtue_n render_v we_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o man._n how_o acceptable_a it_o make_v we_o to_o god_n st._n peter_n show_v 1_o pet._n iii_o 4._o where_o we_o read_v that_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n god_n set_v a_o mighty_a value_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o virtue_n make_v man_n great_a and_o honourable_a in_o his_o eye_n what_o pain_n do_v poor_a mortal_n take_v to_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o man_n of_o high_a rank_n and_o quality_n when_o they_o be_v to_o act_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o exercise_n before_o they_o they_o do_v their_o best_a and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v employ_v to_o come_v off_o with_o applause_n but_o how_o few_o take_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o god_n the_o great_a rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o to_o be_v meek_a be_v the_o way_n to_o his_o esteem_n and_o to_o gain_v his_o approbation_n and_o commendation_n meekness_n exalt_v the_o soul_n and_o have_v such_o charm_n about_o it_o as_o make_v a_o glorious_a god_n look_v with_o a_o very_a favourable_a eye_n upon_o the_o person_n adorn_v with_o this_o wedding_n garment_n it_o be_v the_o very_a livery_n of_o christ_n disciple_n the_o mark_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o man_n soul_n add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o it_o make_v we_o acceptable_a to_o man_n too_o not_o only_o because_o most_o man_n have_v rather_o deal_v with_o a_o meek_a than_o with_o a_o fiery_a or_o choleric_a person_n but_o because_o the_o virtue_n have_v such_o advantage_n in_o it_o as_o even_o force_v esteem_n and_o veneration_n brutish_a and_o sensual_a man_n esteem_v nothing_o that_o serve_v to_o aggrandise_v the_o soul_n and_o indeed_o their_o verdict_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a regard_n but_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v but_o value_v the_o person_n in_o who_o this_o meekness_n shine_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o noble_a conquest_n great_a certain_o than_o pompey_n or_o caesar_n can_v boast_v of_o esau_n though_o a_o profane_a person_n can_v not_o but_o admire_v it_o in_o his_o brother_n jacob_n gen._n xxxiii_o 4._o and_o if_o the_o great_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v just_o count_v bless_v because_o he_o grow_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n the_o meek_a christian_a must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o his_o meekness_n have_v the_o same_o virtue_n and_o render_v he_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o man._n 2._o it_o fit_v and_o dispose_v a_o man_n for_o the_o influx_n of_o celestial_a wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o prepare_v for_o the_o rich_a influence_n of_o god_n communication_n humility_n and_o meekness_n like_o twin_n live_v and_o die_v together_o he_o that_o will_v be_v meek_a must_v first_o learn_v to_o be_v humble_a for_o its_o pride_n make_v man_n fretful_a and_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n and_o as_o these_o two_o virtue_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o so_o they_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o blessing_n elisha_n 2_o king_n iii_o xv._n be_v unfit_a for_o the_o illapse_n of_o god_n spirit_n while_o he_o be_v in_o a_o passion_n and_o therefore_o a_o minstrel_n be_v bring_v to_o play_v before_o he_o to_o compose_v his_o thought_n to_o allay_v the_o storm_n his_o soul_n be_v in_o and_o to_o rock_v the_o wave_n of_o his_o disorder_a passion_n into_o a_o calm_a and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o spirit_n descend_v upon_o he_o in_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o must_v illuminate_v the_o mind_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o celestial_a wisdom_n and_o no_o subject_n so_o fit_a for_o it_o as_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n this_o be_v no_o new_a divinity_n but_o as_o old_a as_o david_n time_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v psal._n xxv_o 9_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n and_o this_o even_o some_o heathen_a philosopher_n