consist_v in_o virtue_n and_o true_a goodness_n it_o hence_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v insignificant_a to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n if_o it_o do_v not_o render_v we_o true_o virtuous_a so_o that_o till_o this_o be_v effect_v there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o gulf_n between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o neither_o we_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o he_o come_v to_o we_o and_o unless_o he_o alter_v his_o nature_n by_o become_v impure_a as_o we_o be_v impure_a or_o we_o alter_v we_o by_o become_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a there_o will_v be_v so_o immense_a a_o distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o meet_v and_o agree_v so_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v true_o affirm_v of_o all_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n will_v he_o be_v reconcile_v upon_o our_o bare_a believe_v pray_v or_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n no_o no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n mich._n vi_fw-la 7_o 8._o ii_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v as_o to_o the_o perfect_a our_o nature_n than_o as_o it_o be_v instrumental_a to_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n for_o doubtless_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n be_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v reason_n and_o till_o we_o be_v once_o release_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n and_o all_o our_o power_n of_o action_n be_v so_o subdue_v to_o this_o superior_a principle_n as_o to_o be_v whole_o regulate_v by_o it_o and_o we_o choose_v and_o refuse_v and_o love_n and_o hate_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_n and_o desire_n and_o delight_n according_a as_o right_a reason_n direct_v we_o be_v in_o a_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n now_o what_o else_o be_v virtue_n but_o a_o habit_n of_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o of_o demeaning_n ourselves_o towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n as_o best_o become_v rational_a being_n place_v in_o our_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o till_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n arrive_v to_o this_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perfect_a that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o wretched_a and_o confuse_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o more_o undistinguished_a chaos_n where_o frigida_fw-la cum_fw-la calidis_fw-la sense_n and_o reason_n brute_n and_o man_n be_v shuffle_v together_o without_o any_o order_n like_o a_o confound_a heap_n of_o ruin_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n it_o will_v be_v altogether_o insignificant_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n unless_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o do_v acquire_v a_o habit_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o habit_n include_v all_o heavenly_a virtue_n for_o constant_o to_o know_v and_o do_v what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a be_v the_o very_a crown_n and_o perfection_n of_o every_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o consideration_n our_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o other_o instrumental_n of_o religion_n promote_v this_o heavenly_a habit_n in_o we_o so_o far_o be_v they_o perfective_a of_o our_o nature_n and_o no_o far_o iii_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o entitle_v we_o to_o heaven_n than_o as_o it_o be_v productive_a of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n imply_v for_o our_o title_n to_o heaven_n depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n promise_n must_v immediate_o result_v from_o our_o performance_n of_o those_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o which_o till_o we_o have_v do_v we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o it_o than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o promise_v it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o sole_a condition_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n for_o so_o without_o holiness_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o mat._n v._n our_o saviour_n intail_v all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o heaven_n upon_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n benignity_n of_o temper_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o rom._n two_o 7_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v limit_v to_o our_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v before_o hand_n what_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o not_o every_o one_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n that_o make_v solemn_a prayer_n and_o address_n to_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n even_o our_o sanctification_n that_o be_v our_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o inspire_v with_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o the_o apostle_n express_o enumerate_v those_o virtue_n upon_o which_o our_o entrance_n into_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v 2_o pet._n i_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_n kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v say_v he_o they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n for_o thus_o v._n xi_o he_o go_v on_o for_o so_o or_o upon_o this_o condition_n a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o unless_o our_o faith_n purify_v our_o heart_n and_o work_n by_o love_n unless_o our_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n work_v in_o we_o repentance_n or_o a_o change_n of_o mind_n unless_o our_o prayer_n raise_v in_o we_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n that_o be_v unless_o we_o so_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o thereby_o to_o acquire_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v all_o as_o insignificant_a to_o our_o title_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o most_o indifferent_a action_n in_o the_o world_n iv._o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o the_o dispose_n and_o qualify_a we_o for_o heaven_n than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o former_a for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o heaven_n unless_o we_o be_v antecedent_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o because_o pleasure_v which_o be_v a_o relative_n thing_n imply_v a_o correspondence_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o object_n and_o the_o faculty_n that_o taste_v and_o enjoy_v it_o but_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o every_o wicked_a mind_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a antipathy_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v all_o chaste_a and_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a can_v never_o agree_v with_o the_o vitiate_a palate_n of_o a_o base_a and_o degenerate_a soul_n for_o what_o concord_n can_v there_o be_v between_o a_o spiteful_a and_o devilish_a spirit_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o love_n and_o goodness_n between_o a_o sensual_a and_o carnalize_v one_o that_o understand_v no_o other_o pleasure_n but_o only_o those_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o pure_a and_o virgin_n spirit_n that_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v but_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o love_n and_o contemplation_n certain_o till_o our_o mind_n be_v contemper_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n with_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o saint_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n in_o heaven_n that_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o we_o for_o as_o for_o the_o main_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n as_o we_o be_v when_o we_o leave_v this_o it_o be_v unimaginable_a how_o a_o total_a change_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o mere_o
employ_v my_o best_a thought_n and_o skill_n about_o it_o and_o if_o after_o this_o i_o have_v any_o where_o wrong_v or_o misrepresent_v it_o it_o be_v more_o my_o vnhappiness_n than_o my_o fault_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o in_o the_o first_o three_o chapter_n i_o have_v discourse_v more_o speculative_o than_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v design_v for_o common_a use_n and_o edification_n but_o it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o reader_n have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v there_o handle_v and_o how_o necessary_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o my_o design_n he_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o with_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o attention_n of_o mind_n the_o plain_a reader_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o main_a reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o i_o drive_v at_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a in_o treat_v of_o the_o christian_a life_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o bless_a end_n it_o refer_v to_o that_o so_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o christianity_n prescribe_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o this_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o i_o have_v only_o so_o far_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o felicity_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o light_v and_o conduct_v we_o through_o the_o ensue_a design_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o expedient_a to_o give_v some_o general_a account_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o mean_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_v this_o end_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v how_o requisite_a both_o the_o principal_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o this_o i_o have_v attempt_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n wherein_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o bless_a state_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o practice_v and_o acquire_v those_o christian_a virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o the_o heavenly_a bliss_n consist_v but_o that_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o practice_v acquire_v and_o improve_v they_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o instrumental_a duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a which_o duty_n as_o i_o have_v there_o prove_v be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n or_o significancy_n in_o religion_n than_o as_o they_o be_v mean_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o have_v thus_o distribute_v the_o mean_n into_o their_o proper_a kind_n and_o order_n i_o have_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n treat_v large_o of_o the_o first_o kind_a to_o wit_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a virtue_n in_o which_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v neither_o handle_v the_o particular_a virtue_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n nor_o inforce_v they_o with_o all_o their_o moral_a reason_n that_o be_v do_v already_o to_o excellent_a purpose_n in_o those_o two_o incomparable_a treatise_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o die_v and_o of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n nor_o can_v i_o have_v do_v it_o without_o swell_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v large_a enough_o already_o into_o a_o volume_n too_o large_a for_o common_a use._n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o purpose_n be_v only_o so_o far_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o each_o particular_a virtue_n as_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v thereby_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o but_o that_o which_o most_o concern_v i_o in_o pursuance_n of_o my_o main_a design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o virtue_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o express_a command_n of_o our_o religion_n our_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o practice_v every_o virtue_n so_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o do_v natural_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n we_o do_v by_o a_o necessary_a efficiency_n gradual_o sink_v ourselves_o into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o each_o particular_a virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o that_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o two_o opposite_a quality_n consist_v the_o main_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o two_o opposite_a state_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o we_o grow_v more_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a so_o proportionable_o we_o rise_v up_o towards_o heaven_n or_o sink_v down_o towards_o hell_n by_o a_o fatal_a tendency_n of_o nature_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_a writer_n but_o also_o by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n though_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o first_o attempt_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o derive_v the_o heavenly_a and_o the_o hellish_a state_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o particular_a virtue_n and_o vice_n i_o pray_v god_n that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v but_o engage_v some_o more_o skilful_a pen_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o noble_a argument_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o be_v substantial_o religious_a to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n from_o all_o presumptuous_a hope_n and_o false_a dependency_n than_o their_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o soul_n be_v found_v in_o their_o virtue_n or_o vice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v as_o inseparable_a a_o connexion_n between_o grace_n and_o glory_n sin_n and_o hell_n as_o there_o be_v between_o fire_n and_o heat_n frost_n and_o cold_a or_o any_o other_o necessary_a cause_n and_o its_o effect_n for_o if_o they_o be_v but_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o this_o they_o will_v easy_o discern_v what_o wretched_a nonsense_n it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o escape_v hell_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n have_v thus_o treat_v at_o large_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o end_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o large_a of_o all_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o as_o means_n subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o practice_n acquisition_n and_o improvement_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o our_o chief_a happiness_n consist_v and_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o these_o i_o have_v consider_v man_n under_o a_o threefold_a state_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o christian_a life_n first_o as_o enter_v into_o it_o second_o as_o actual_o engage_v in_o it_o three_o as_o perfect_v and_o improve_n themselves_o by_o perseverance_n in_o it_o to_o each_o of_o which_o i_o have_v appropriate_v such_o of_o the_o instrumental_a duty_n as_o i_o conceive_v do_v more_o especial_o belong_v to_o they_o it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o duty_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o pure_o instrumental_a but_o of_o a_o mix_a nature_n such_o as_o faith_n prayer_n actual_a dedication_n of_o our_o good_a work_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o those_o divine_a virtue_n the_o perfection_n whereof_o make_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o soul_n but_o here_o i_o have_v consider_v they_o only_o as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v those_o beatifical_a virtue_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o mean_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o one_o particular_a recommend_v in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o what_o have_v be_v here_o treat_v of_o upon_o some_o indeed_o i_o have_v insist_v much_o more_o brief_o than_o upon_o other_o because_o i_o find_v they_o already_o large_o account_v for_o in_o other_o practical_a book_n and_o especial_o in_o those_o two_o excellent_a treatise_n abovenamed_a but_o of_o those_o which_o they_o either_o cursory_o touch_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v
by_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o world_n into_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v likeness_n that_o do_v congregate_v and_o associate_v being_n together_o so_o doubtless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o too_o so_o that_o if_o we_o carry_v with_o we_o thither_o our_o wicked_a and_o devilish_a disposition_n as_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o do_v unless_o we_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o here_o there_o will_v be_v no_o company_n fit_a for_o we_o to_o associate_v with_o but_o only_o the_o devilish_a and_o damn_a ghost_n of_o wicked_a man_n with_o who_o our_o wretched_a spirit_n be_v already_o join_v by_o a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n will_v mingle_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o society_n of_o mortal_n for_o whither_o shall_v they_o flock_v but_o to_o the_o bird_n of_o their_o own_o feather_n with_o who_o shall_v they_o associate_v but_o with_o those_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v already_o join_v by_o a_o community_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o suppose_v that_o when_o they_o land_n in_o eternity_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a or_o the_o damn_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o heaven_n will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o they_o that_o the_o air_n of_o that_o bright_a region_n of_o eternal_a day_n will_v never_o agree_v with_o their_o black_a and_o hellish_a nature_n for_o alas_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v among_o those_o bless_a being_n that_n inhabit_v it_o to_o who_o godlike_a nature_n divine_a contemplation_n and_o heavenly_a employment_n they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o repugnancy_n and_o aversation_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o have_v a_o right_a to_o heaven_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o enjoy_n it_o that_o we_o shoule_fw-mi be_v antecedent_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o to_o make_v those_o very_a virtue_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o right_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o it_o that_o so_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o labour_n we_o may_v entitle_v ourselves_o to_o and_o qualify_v ourselves_o to_o enjoy_v it_o now_o as_o we_o show_v you_o before_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o right_n to_o heaven_n be_v our_o practise_v those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_v no_o further_a entitle_v we_o to_o heaven_n than_o as_o it_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n so_o it_o no_o further_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o for_o when_o the_o soul_n go_v into_o eternity_n it_o leave_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n behind_o it_o and_o carry_v nothing_o with_o it_o but_o only_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o disposition_n which_o it_o here_o acquire_v by_o those_o mean_n for_o as_o for_o faith_n and_o consideration_n hear_v of_o god_n word_n and_o receive_v of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v all_o but_o scaffold_n to_o that_o heavenly_a building_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o finish_v for_o eternity_n then_o must_v those_o scaffold_n all_o go_v down_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o further_o use_v or_o necessity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o be_v to_o stand_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o receptacle_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o heavenly_a pleasure_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o of_o those_o three_o christian_a grace_n faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n charity_n which_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n of_o it_o comprehend_v all_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a because_o the_o two_o former_a be_v but_o mean_v of_o charity_n shall_v cease_v in_o heaven_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o for_o ever_o in_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o charity_n say_v he_o never_o fail_v 1_o cor._n twelve_o 13_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v no_o further_o useful_a to_o we_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n the_o practice_n of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o immediate_a mean_n to_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o a_o christian._n wherefore_o as_o a_o man_n may_v knock_v and_o file_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o mechanic_n though_o the_o hammer_n and_o file_n with_o which_o he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o useful_a tool_n to_o the_o make_n of_o any_o curious_a machine_n so_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v a_o very_a bungler_n in_o the_o bless_a trade_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v excellent_a mean_n of_o heavenly_a live_n yet_o as_o the_o art_n of_o the_o mechanic_n consist_v not_o bare_o in_o use_v his_o tool_n but_o in_o use_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v his_o work_n so_o the_o art_n of_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o heavenly_a life_n consist_v not_o bare_o in_o pray_v and_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o that_o religious_a skill_n and_o artifice_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o effectual_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o it_o or_o such_o as_o more_o remote_o respect_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v the_o second_o be_v the_o practise_v of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o of_o these_o two_o part_n consist_v the_o whole_a christian_a life_n which_o take_v in_o not_o only_o all_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o in_o heaven_n but_o also_o all_o those_o duty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o those_o virtue_n and_o to_o acquire_v and_o perfect_v they_o the_o first_o of_o these_o for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o will_v call_v the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v lead_v in_o heaven_n after_o we_o have_v learn_v it_o here_o upon_o earth_n the_o second_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o warfaring_a or_o militant_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o our_o earthly_a state_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o contend_v and_o strive_v with_o the_o manifold_a difficulty_n which_o attend_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n both_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n i._n 27_o only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v let_v your_o conversation_n be_v strict_o signify_v behave_v ourselves_o as_o citizen_n or_o which_o if_o we_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o coin_v a_o word_n may_v be_v fit_o render_v citizen_n it_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o word_n imply_v that_o those_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v be_v denizen_n of_o some_o free_a city_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o phil._n iii._o 20_o be_v render_v conversation_n strict_o denote_v a_o citizenship_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d citizen_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o act_v xxii_o 28_o be_v translatee_fw-mi a_o freedom_n i._n e._n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o denote_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o though_o they_o dwell_v out_o of_o that_o city_n and_o sometime_o remote_a from_o it_o have_v yet_o the_o jus_fw-la civitatis_fw-la romanae_fw-la the_o privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o thus_o cicero_n describe_v it_o omnibus_fw-la municipibus_fw-la dvas_fw-la esse_fw-la tatrias_fw-la unam_fw-la naturae_fw-la alteram_fw-la juris_fw-la catonis_fw-la exemplo_fw-la qui_fw-la tusculi_fw-la natus_fw-la in_o populi_n romani_fw-la societaem_n susceptus_fw-la est_fw-la i._n e._n all_o such_o as_o be_v make_v free_a of_o the_o city_n have_v two_o country_n one_o of_o nature_n the_o other_o of_o law_n as_o cato_n for_o instance_n who_o be_v bear_v at_o tusculum_n and_o afterward_o admit_v a_o citizen_n of_o rome_n which_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o heavenly_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o citizenship_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o attribute_n to_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o belong_v at_o present_a to_o another_o
whole_a he_o shall_v maintain_v a_o modest_a opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o think_v better_o of_o his_o own_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o himself_o than_o it_o deserve_v for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o overlook_v his_o own_o misgovernment_n and_o so_o incapacitate_v himself_o for_o any_o far_a improvement_n and_o in_o these_o five_o particular_n consist_v all_o that_o virtue_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n consider_v mere_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o rational_a animal_n the_o first_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n the_o second_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o moderation_n the_o three_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o fortitude_n the_o four_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n the_o five_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n all_o which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v be_v essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o such_o as_o do_v effectual_o contribute_v to_o our_o heavenly_a happiness_n i._o prudence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o root_n and_o groundwork_a of_o all_o other_o virtue_n it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v law_n and_o scope_n to_o all_o our_o motion_n that_o propose_v the_o end_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n for_o prudence_n consist_v in_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o right_a reason_n as_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o worthy_a end_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o obtain_v they_o so_o that_o to_o live_v prudent_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o pursue_v such_o end_v as_o right_a reason_n propose_v by_o such_o mean_v as_o right_a reason_n direct_v we_o to_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o religion_n and_o hence_o religion_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n say_v job_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a that_o be_v understanding_n job_n xxviii_o 28_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n say_v david_n psal._n cxi_o 10_o where_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n comprehend_v all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v therefore_o wise_a and_o prudent_a because_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o those_o worthy_a end_n which_o right_a reason_n propose_v so_o that_o to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n in_o the_o search_n and_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o we_o and_o to_o follow_v our_o reason_n in_o the_o pursuit_n and_o acquest_n of_o what_o it_o discover_v to_o be_v so_o be_v that_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n whereunto_o we_o stand_v oblige_v as_o we_o be_v rational_a animal_n for_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o level_n of_o brute_n yea_o by_o which_o we_o be_v ally_v to_o angel_n and_o do_v border_n upon_o god_n himself_o aught_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o the_o supreme_a regent_n and_o directress_n of_o all_o our_o other_o power_n and_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o guide_n of_o all_o our_o animal_n motion_n and_o when_o to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n or_o unreasonable_a passion_n we_o either_o neglect_v those_o end_n which_o our_o reason_n propose_v to_o we_o or_o pursue_v they_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o our_o reason_n disallow_n of_o we_o reverse_v the_o very_a order_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o tread_v antipode_n to_o ourselves_o and_o while_o we_o do_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o for_o every_o thing_n you_o see_v be_v disease_v while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o unnatural_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o its_o part_n be_v displace_v or_o put_v into_o a_o disorder_n or_o distort_v into_o a_o unnatural_a figure_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n who_o while_o he_o preserve_v his_o faculty_n in_o their_o natural_a station_n and_o subordination_n to_o each_o other_o while_o he_o keep_v his_o affection_n and_o appetite_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o his_o will_n to_o his_o reason_n he_o be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a and_o enjoy_v within_o himself_o perpetual_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o when_o once_o he_o break_v this_o order_n and_o suffer_v his_o passion_n or_o his_o appetite_n to_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o impose_v contrary_a end_n to_o it_o or_o prescribe_v contrary_a mean_n his_o faculty_n like_o disjoint_a member_n be_v in_o perpetual_a anguish_n and_o anxiety_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n we_o feel_v such_o restless_a contention_n between_o our_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n between_o the_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n because_o our_o nature_n be_v out_o of_o tune_n and_o its_o faculty_n be_v displace_v and_o disorder_v and_o that_o sovereign_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o shall_v sway_v and_o govern_v we_o be_v depose_v and_o make_v a_o vassal_n to_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n for_o in_o all_o our_o evil_a course_n we_o choose_v and_o refuse_v resolve_v and_o act_n not_o as_o reason_n direct_v we_o but_o as_o sense_n and_o passion_n biass_n we_o and_o our_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o all_o this_o brutish_a scene_n of_o action_n either_o sleep_v it_o out_o without_o mind_v or_o regard_v or_o else_o sit_v by_o as_o a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o it_o and_o only_a censure_n and_o condemn_v it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o cause_v all_o that_o tumult_n and_o contest_v that_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o till_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o prudence_n our_o faculty_n be_v reduce_v and_o set_v in_o order_n again_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v like_o our_o body_n while_o its_o bone_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n continual_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o great_a indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o happiness_n prudence_n be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n for_o thus_o our_o saviour_n injoin_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o harmless_a as_o dove_n mat._n x._o 16_o which_o though_o it_o be_v here_o prescribe_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n only_o viz._n that_o of_o persecution_n yet_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o other_o case_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v be_v prudent_a in_o all_o our_o undertake_n as_o well_o as_o in_o suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n equivalent_a to_o a_o universal_a command_n so_o also_o ephes._n v._n 15_o see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a i._n e._n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o action_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o your_o blind_a passion_n and_o appetite_n which_o be_v mere_a ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o the_o guide_n of_o fool_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o his_o christian_a colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n coloss._n i_o 9_o i_o e._n that_o they_o may_v have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v as_o may_v render_v they_o true_o prudent_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o best_a end_n by_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o though_o this_o virtue_n seldom_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o its_o own_o name_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o abovenamed_a place_n it_o be_v express_v by_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o by_o knowledge_n as_o particular_o 2_o cor._n vi_o 6_o where_o he_o command_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o approve_v themselves_o such_o by_o several_a virtue_n and_o particular_o by_o pureness_n i._n e._n continence_n and_o by_o knowledge_n i._n e._n by_o prudence_n for_o beside_o that_o knowledge_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o understanding_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o a_o virtue_n in_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o not_o proper_a to_o be_v enumerate_v among_o these_o virtue_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v place_v knowledge_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o moral_a virtue_n if_o he_o do_v not_o thereby_o mean_v the_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o guide_n of_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n so_o again_o 2_o pet._n i_o 6_o where_o he_o bid_v we_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n i._n e._n fortitude_n or_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n by_o knowledge_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a he_o mean_v prudence_n