foundation_n of_o greatness_n be_v doubtless_o of_o happiness_n for_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n find_v a_o tranquillity_n in_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o can_v in_o his_o fortune_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o uprightness_n will_v alleviate_v the_o toil_n of_o business_n and_o sweeten_v the_o harshness_n of_o ill_a success_n and_o disappointment_n and_o give_v he_o a_o humble_a confidence_n before_o god_n when_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n or_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n rob_v he_o of_o all_o other_o reward_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n wherein_o consist_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o man_n of_o business_n that_o be_v knowledge_n and_o virtue_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o three_o rule_n three_o the_o gentleman_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a resolve_v and_o vigorous_a in_o his_o motion_n constancy_n and_o vigour_n whether_o in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o knowledge_n or_o improvement_n of_o virtue_n or_o management_n of_o affair_n be_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n i_o ever_o prefer_v a_o strong_a before_o a_o fine_a edge_n industry_n and_o resolution_n before_o wit_n and_o part_n he_o that_o make_v a_o daily_a progress_n how_o slow_a soever_o it_o be_v will_v in_o time_n reach_v its_o stage_n vast_a body_n and_o mighty_a army_n by_o constant_a march_n have_v travel_v through_o those_o unknown_a region_n which_o a_o single_a person_n will_v almost_o despair_v of_o compass_v in_o his_o life-time_n to_o what_o a_o height_n do_v the_o tree_n raise_v its_o head_n tho'_o its_o root_n fix_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o tho'_o it_o grow_v slow_o and_o even_o imperceptible_o yet_o it_o grow_v constant_o and_o receive_v some_o accession_n every_o moment_n this_o rule_n as_o i_o insinuate_v before_o be_v applicable_a to_o knowledge_n virtue_n and_o business_n to_o knowledge_n to_o what_o will_v not_o a_o ingenious_a person_n furnish_v with_o all_o aid_n of_o science_n advance_v his_o prospect_n if_o he_o use_v but_o moderate_a industry_n and_o proceed_v regular_o what_o can_v there_o be_v in_o any_o science_n which_o be_v either_o of_o any_o use_n or_o any_o certainty_n that_o can_v escape_v he_o and_o other_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o stop_v he_o they_o may_v be_v his_o diversion_n but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v his_o study_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v few_o nature_n but_o be_v capable_a if_o not_o of_o eminent_a accomplishment_n yet_o of_o such_o improvement_n as_o may_v render_v they_o considerable_a and_o useful_a enough_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o knowledge_n with_o any_o tolerable_a vigour_n or_o exert_v their_o vigour_n with_o any_o regularity_n and_o uniformity_n it_o be_v owe_v to_o laziness_n and_o wantonness_n that_o the_o slow_a and_o heavy_a attain_v not_o to_o such_o ability_n as_o may_v suffice_v to_o set_v they_o off_o and_o to_o make_v they_o show_v tolerable_o well_o and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o same_o that_o the_o quick_a and_o witty_a owe_v their_o want_n of_o all_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n while_o they_o discover_v only_o enough_o to_o make_v the_o world_n just_o condemn_v they_o as_o want_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o country_n be_v bad_a steward_n of_o a_o natural_o rich_a and_o improvable_a estate_n careless_a and_o ill_a master_n of_o good_a part_n nor_o be_v constancy_n less_o serviceable_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n than_o of_o knowledge_n virtue_n when_o acquire_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a because_o natural_a and_o rational_a but_o to_o acquire_v it_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o constancy_n and_o courage_n will_v easy_o vanquish_v it_o be_v general_o think_v there_o be_v in_o most_o at_o first_o some_o sort_n of_o impetus_fw-la towards_o good_a which_o if_o it_o be_v constant_o cherish_v will_v soon_o turn_v into_o habit_n and_o nature_n but_o fit_n and_o heat_n of_o religion_n break_v and_o interrupt_v essay_n and_o attempt_n do_v only_o keep_v up_o so_o much_o gust_n for_o virtue_n as_o make_v we_o a_o little_a disgust_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n and_o preserve_v so_o much_o of_o conscience_n as_o serve_v to_o disturb_v and_o perplex_v we_o but_o be_v it_o how_o it_o will_v let_v we_o suppose_v man_n infect_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o what_o be_v worse_o overrun_v by_o vicious_a habit_n yet_o even_o then_o the_o same_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o discipline_n that_o cure_v a_o chronicle_n distemper_n of_o the_o body_n will_v heal_v a_o habitual_a disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o one_o may_v reform_v and_o enrich_v a_o degenerate_a mind_n with_o as_o little_a pain_n as_o it_o will_v cost_v to_o recover_v a_o decay_a and_o ruinate_a estate_n but_o let_v i_o return_v to_o my_o main_a subject_n that_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o civil_a business_n here_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o uniform_a constancy_n and_o regular_a vigour_n be_v exact_v by_o all_o i_o have_v seldom_o observe_v man_n of_o great_a ability_n do_v great_a thing_n without_o great_a diligence_n and_o resolution_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v see_v they_o miscarry_v foul_o when_o person_n of_o low_a talent_n have_v succeed_v very_o well_o nay_o the_o truth_n be_v vigour_n and_o resolution_n be_v such_o noble_a character_n that_o whoever_o appear_v endow_v with_o they_o can_v never_o himself_o miscarry_v tho'_o his_o design_n sometime_o may_v he_o can_v never_o be_v a_o loser_n in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n but_o general_o appear_v a_o great_a man_n even_o in_o the_o most_o unfortunate_a accident_n and_o make_v even_o ill_a success_n itself_o attest_v his_o sufficiency_n but_o common_o difficulty_n give_v way_n to_o the_o diligence_n and_o resolution_n of_o great_a man_n and_o if_o to_o day_n will_v not_o to_o morrow_n will_v smile_v upon_o their_o erterprise_n there_o be_v lucky_a minute_n in_o business_n when_o what_o before_o have_v wind_n and_o tide_n against_o it_o move_v with_o the_o stream_n whether_o will_v not_o he_o then_o carry_v his_o point_n who_o never_o let_v slip_v the_o lucky_a moment_n through_o negligence_n and_o never_o fail_v through_o cowardice_n or_o laziness_n to_o urge_v and_o push_v on_o his_o good_a success_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n be_v commend_v as_o most_o serviceable_a to_o success_n in_o business_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a perfection_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o the_o best_a instrument_n of_o attain_v all_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o forget_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v soon_o break_a if_o it_o be_v always_o strain_v and_o the_o fine_a part_n be_v soon_o tire_v and_o dispirited_a if_o they_o be_v incessant_o employ_v that_o man_n have_v a_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o far_o noble_a and_o more_o important_a than_o this_o of_o civil_a business_n and_o that_o so_o far_o at_o least_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v mingle_v with_o its_o toil_n and_o trouble_n as_o to_o enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o undergo_v they_o therefore_o four_o the_o gentleman_n time_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o business_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v vacancy_n for_o religion_n meditation_n friendship_n and_o diversion_n they_o be_v two_o extreme_n fatal_a to_o happiness_n to_o have_v no_o business_n at_o all_o or_o so_o much_o as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o book_n or_o friend_n for_o meditation_n or_o necessary_a diversion_n for_o this_o make_v life_n very_o barren_a and_o very_a dull_a it_o make_v business_n mere_a drudgery_n and_o place_n the_o great_a man_n in_o a_o more_o toilsome_a condition_n than_o the_o mean_a one_o and_o make_v he_o wish_v for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o tenant_n and_o servant_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a evil_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a business_n but_o what_o be_v worse_o it_o extinguish_v all_o gust_n of_o virtue_n all_o relish_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o courage_n and_o peace_n with_o which_o religion_n inspire_v man_n it_o leave_v they_o without_o any_o rational_a support_n or_o comfort_n either_o consume_n with_o perplex_a and_o anxious_a thought_n about_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n or_o harden_v into_o a_o neglect_n if_o not_o contempt_n of_o religion_n propose_v to_o themselves_o no_o other_o or_o high_a end_n of_o life_n than_o the_o acquit_v themselves_o well_o in_o the_o station_n they_o be_v and_o ascribe_v the_o issue_n of_o affair_n to_o no_o other_o providence_n than_o such_o as_o they_o be_v daily_o wont_a to_o employ_v about_o they_o and_o to_o such_o other_o accident_n as_o they_o have_v observe_v they_o ever_o and_o anon_o subject_a to_o when_o i_o demand_v a_o vacant_a time_n for_o religion_n it_o must_v not_o be_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o the_o first_o and_o great_a business_n of_o (null)_o
their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n sect._n 1_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n just_a as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v do_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o that_o of_o hear_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o ear_n so_o much_o and_o much_o more_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o (null)_o action_n and_o the_o gust_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n depend_v upon_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o render_v this_o argument_n yet_o more_o visible_a and_o palpable_a let_v we_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o thing_n man_n be_v and_o how_o contemptible_a life_n without_o cultivation_n or_o improvement_n the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n something_o there_o needs_o to_o stamp_v a_o value_n upon_o it_o something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o give_v sweetness_n to_o the_o eye_n charm_v to_o the_o tongue_n and_o grace_n to_o motion_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n alike_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n or_o mercy_n of_o lust_n or_o chastity_n of_o avarice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v religion_n must_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v it_o it_o be_v wisdom_n must_v conduct_v and_o guide_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a action_n the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o volatile_a mutable_a unsteady_a thing_n capable_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o impression_n suspend_v as_o it_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n float_v between_o the_o different_a shore_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n form_n it_o into_o angel_n stamp_v a_o sort_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v great_a it_o be_v wisdom_n that_o imprint_n it_o with_o bright_a idea_n that_o impregnate_v it_o with_o noble_a passion_n and_o determine_v its_o tendency_n towards_o its_o true_a good_a and_o supreme_a felicity_n our_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dull_a intercourse_n of_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o civility_n a_o nauseous_a circulation_n of_o the_o same_o tasteless_a and_o superficial_a entertainment_n a_o tedious_a and_o repeat_v pursuit_n of_o vain_a mistake_v end_n and_o often_o baffle_v design_n it_o be_v virtue_n and_o knowledge_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o our_o action_n that_o lead_v we_o on_o towards_o excellent_a end_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a hope_n our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o a_o fluctuate_a unstable_a agitation_n make_v up_o of_o a_o confuse_a and_o motley_n variety_n of_o event_n knowledge_n and_o virtue_n fix_v the_o float_a island_n and_o give_v light_a and_o beauty_n to_o the_o chaos_n i_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o argument_n too_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particulary_a consider_v what_o accession_n or_o increase_n of_o life_n we_o derive_v from_o perfect_v our_o nature_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n true_a life_n than_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o active_a and_o industrious_a the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a motion_n of_o the_o sluggard_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a imitation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a languish_a thing_n a_o compound_n or_o mixture_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o of_o death_n than_o life_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o fruition_n how_o dark_a and_o dismal_a be_v those_o of_o the_o wicked_a compare_v to_o the_o calm_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o the_o good_a for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v like_o enjoyment_n to_o that_o man_n who_o dare_v make_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o past_a nor_o can_v entertain_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v
strength_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o baffle_v its_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o these_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n these_o we_o must_v ever_o combat_n till_o we_o have_v reduce_v they_o within_o their_o bound_n fancy_n surprise_v passion_n over-power_n custom_n and_o example_n betray_v our_o reason_n we_o must_v therefore_o always_o oppose_v the_o giddiness_n of_o fancy_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o passion_n and_o guard_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n and_o to_o do_v this_o well_o to_o do_v it_o successful_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o any_o work_n of_o our_o secular_a call_v than_o any_o attendance_n upon_o trade_n or_o a_o temporal_a interest_n this_o can_v only_o make_v we_o great_a but_o that_o can_v make_v we_o wise_a this_o can_v make_v we_o rich_a but_o that_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a this_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o next_o great_a business_n of_o life_n to_o assert_v the_o majesty_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v hold_v captive_a and_o enthrall_v by_o any_o vicious_a principle_n or_o impotent_a lust_n happy_a the_o man_n who_o succeed_v in_o this_o his_o sincerity_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o as_o good_a as_o infallibility_n his_o conscience_n shall_v never_o reproach_v he_o nor_o god_n condemn_v he_o and_o tho'_o he_o may_v not_o always_o hit_v the_o next_o way_n he_o shall_v never_o whole_o miss_v the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n therefore_o from_o this_o notion_n of_o life_n three_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o possibility_n of_o (null)_o happiness_n in_o every_o state_n for_o since_o to_o live_v be_v but_o to_o act_v regular_o to_o use_v and_o employ_v our_o power_n and_o faculty_n rational_o and_o since_o life_n perfection_n and_o fruition_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o else_o inseparable_o and_o intimate_o unite_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o circumstance_n can_v destroy_v our_o happiness_n unless_o they_o destroy_v our_o reason_n no_o condition_n can_v render_v we_o miserable_a but_o that_o which_o can_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o act_v rational_o that_o which_o obstruct_v our_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n or_o our_o liberty_n of_o act_v conformable_a to_o it_o but_o what_o circumstance_n can_v these_o be_v what_o condition_n can_v we_o fancy_v wherein_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v his_o sovereign_a good_a and_o pursue_v it_o to_o learn_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o wherein_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o search_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n to_o love_v and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a modest_a and_o magnanimous_a just_a and_o charitable_a pure_a and_o devout_a wherein_o in_o one_o word_n it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o my_o sense_n by_o reason_n solomon_n long_o since_o observe_v that_o wisdom_n utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o highway_n this_o be_v more_o eminent_o true_a now_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v refine_v and_o defaecate_v by_o revelation_n and_o true_a philosophy_n have_v be_v diffuse_v and_o publish_v through_o the_o world_n the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n lie_v open_a to_o all_o who_o thirst_n after_o they_o and_o god_n no_o more_o deny_v any_o his_o grace_n than_o his_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o act_v rational_o so_o have_v he_o put_v it_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o (null)_o happiness_n be_v not_o precarious_a or_o dependent_a on_o fortune_n but_o ourselves_o for_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n possess_v but_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o and_o better_a be_v a_o poor_a and_o wise_a child_n than_o a_o old_a and_o foolish_a king_n eccl._n 4.13_o for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v not_o in_o foreign_a but_o domestic_a possession_n not_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o fortune_n but_o of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o fruition_n can_v consist_v either_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o temporal_a thing_n or_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o true_a cultivation_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o other_o four_o from_o hence_o last_o it_o easy_o appear_v on_o what_o account_n length_n of_o day_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n whether_o consider_v in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o a_o future_a life_n first_o in_o its_o self_n if_o life_n do_v consist_v in_o earthiness_n that_o be_v the_o scrape_n and_o rake_v together_o sum_n of_o money_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o life_n must_v ebb_v and_o flow_v with_o our_o fortune_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n or_o trade_n shall_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o career_n of_o our_o success_n and_o give_v a_o check_n to_o all_o our_o further_a hope_n and_o project_n we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o break_v off_o the_o thread_n of_o life_n for_o what_o use_n can_v we_o make_v of_o the_o remain_v of_o our_o miserable_a day_n or_o if_o life_n do_v consist_v in_o sensuality_n we_o shall_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o desire_v to_o survive_v our_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o length_n of_o day_n will_v be_v rather_o a_o burden_n than_o a_o blessing_n for_o we_o shall_v soon_o outlive_v our_o pleasure_n and_o shrink_v and_o wither_v into_o dull_a impotent_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n but_o if_o my_o notion_n of_o life_n be_v true_a the_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n of_o it_o must_v increase_v and_o multiply_v with_o our_o year_n since_o reason_n ought_v day_n by_o day_n to_o advance_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a maturity_n and_o more_o absolute_a authority_n with_o the_o ancient_n be_v wisdom_n and_o in_o length_n of_o day_n understanding_n job_n 12.12_o and_o the_o path_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n a_o thorough_a experience_n of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o long_o and_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o another_o shall_v possess_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o man_n with_o a_o magnanimity_n that_o nothing_o can_v shake_v with_o a_o tranquillity_n that_o nothing_o can_v disturb_v the_o custom_n of_o do_v good_a together_o with_o the_o peace_n and_o delight_n that_o spring_n from_o the_o reflection_n on_o it_o shall_v make_v the_o current_n of_o his_o action_n run_v smooth_a and_o calm_a his_o observation_n on_o the_o change_n and_o turn_v of_o (null)_o affair_n the_o rise_n and_o declension_n of_o party_n and_o cause_n the_o secret_a spring_n and_o wheel_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n together_o with_o all_o the_o various_a art_n of_o manage_v they_o do_v fill_v he_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o a_o divine_a foreknowledge_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o a_o wondrous_a prospect_n and_o how_o happy_a must_v this_o man_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o how_o much_o honour_v and_o revere_v by_o other_o consult_v as_o a_o oracle_n propose_v as_o a_o original_a of_o goodness_n the_o absolute_a master_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o immediate_a heir_n of_o another_o for_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n second_o this_o be_v the_o only_a notion_n of_o life_n which_o can_v render_v it_o a_o blessing_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o influence_n upon_o another_o none_o but_o rational_a pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o antepast_n of_o heaven_n can_v enkindle_v our_o thirst_n or_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o above_o nothing_o but_o the_o wise_a and_o rational_a employment_n of_o our_o faculty_n can_v prepare_v we_o for_o a_o heaven_n or_o entitle_v we_o to_o it_o nay_o further_o if_o life_n have_v not_o this_o influence_n upon_o another_o world_n length_n of_o day_n will_v be_v a_o injury_n not_o advantage_n to_o we_o it_o will_v only_o keep_v we_o from_o our_o heaven_n delay_n and_o put_v off_o our_o happiness_n but_o now_o when_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o life_n every_o act_n of_o life_n do_v perfect_a our_o nature_n enlarge_v our_o capacity_n and_o increase_v our_o appetite_n of_o glory_n when_o every_o day_n that_o be_v add_v to_o life_n by_o the_o production_n of_o some_o new_a fruit_n do_v add_v new_a star_n to_o our_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o new_a treasure_n to_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n not_o only_o on_o its_o own_o account_n but_o also_o of_o that_o life_n which_o we_o expect_v hereafter_o bless_a god_n how_o conspicuous_a be_v thy_o goodness_n in_o this_o whole_a contrivance_n how_o close_o and_o
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to_o be_v the_o sink_n and_o sewer_n of_o a_o noble_a family_n the_o ruin_n of_o a_o ancient_a and_o once_o stately_a pile_n or_o the_o lees_n and_o dregs_n of_o a_o rich_a liquor_n long_o since_o draw_v off_o and_o evaporate_v nor_o do_v your_o honour_n only_o but_o second_o your_o interest_n depend_v on_o these_o virtue_n if_o you_o want_v these_o i_o see_v not_o what_o you_o can_v possess_v that_o can_v either_o gain_v you_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o esteem_v of_o the_o people_n this_o sure_a be_v the_o reason_n why_o these_o virtue_n have_v ever_o be_v in_o such_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n because_o their_o influence_n be_v so_o necessary_a so_o universal_o serviceable_a whether_o to_o the_o public_a or_o to_o friend_n and_o dependent_n now_o that_o integrity_n which_o can_v give_v other_o ground_n confident_o to_o rely_v upon_o you_o that_o generosity_n and_o magnanimity_n which_o raise_v their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n do_v natural_o give_v you_o a_o 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for_o what_o confidence_n can_v be_v place_v in_o such_o a_o one_o will_v he_o be_v tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o country_n or_o his_o friend_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o or_o will_v he_o ever_o be_v either_o a_o good_a patron_n or_o friend_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o to_o his_o private_a avarice_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a importance_n that_o reputation_n found_v in_o virtue_n surmount_v all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n and_o crown_n all_o undertake_n with_o success_n and_o since_o man_n be_v natural_o backward_a when_o they_o be_v jealous_a and_o distrustful_a but_o prompt_a and_o forward_a where_o they_o be_v secure_a and_o confident_a it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o integrity_n if_o not_o destitute_a of_o competent_a prudence_n have_v in_o dispatch_n of_o affair_n ever_o outstripped_n craft_n and_o subtlety_n but_o the_o weighty_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v that_o these_o virtue_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o sure_a
on_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v sect._n 3_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n which_o regard_v either_o first_o the_o time_n second_o the_o place_n or_o three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o retirement_n first_o as_o to_o time_n tho'_o contemplation_n more_o or_o less_o aught_o to_o enter_v into_o every_o part_n of_o our_o life_n yet_o the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n of_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o it_o be_v the_o evening_n of_o life_n the_o declension_n of_o our_o age_n we_o have_v then_o have_v our_o fill_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v like_a to_o hanker_v after_o it_o we_o have_v see_v the_o emptiness_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o like_a to_o fix_v upon_o solid_a good_a we_o shall_v value_v our_o peace_n and_o calm_a the_o more_o after_o we_o have_v be_v long_o toss_v by_o storm_n beside_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o more_o serious_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n when_o we_o 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that_o influence_n upon_o our_o body_n as_o to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v they_o to_o be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o variety_n beauty_n and_o use_v of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n do_v insensible_o and_o almost_o unaware_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o invite_v we_o to_o adore_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v remember_v that_o retirement_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o solitude_n of_o place_n as_o in_o freedom_n from_o secular_a business_n and_o trouble_n from_o the_o allurement_n distraction_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o if_o we_o put_v these_o off_o we_o may_v find_v retirement_n enough_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n but_o if_o we_o carry_v these_o with_o we_o into_o the_o country_n we_o shall_v reap_v little_a benefit_n from_o change_n of_o place_n or_o air_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o retirement_n we_o shall_v be_v persecute_v with_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n with_o which_o vanity_n disorder_n and_o distraction_n be_v wont_a to_o disquiet_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a life_n this_o be_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o circumstance_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o in_o choose_v the_o place_n of_o our_o retreat_n but_o especial_o a_o regard_n to_o such_o duty_n wherein_o we_o propose_v to_o spend_v the_o big_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o these_o several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o my_o thought_n business_n diversion_n friendship_n meditation_n as_o comprise_v all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n and_o measure_v out_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o ascetick_n time_n first_o of_o business_n i_o have_v before_o say_v that_o a_o life_n of_o mere_a contemplation_n be_v above_o the_o 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the_o bed_n ill_o make_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o uneasiness_n be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o last_o when_o i_o have_v reduce_v the_o evil_a to_o its_o own_o natural_a size_n general_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o pigmy_n dwarfish_a growth_n that_o i_o can_v secure_o slight_v it_o i_o can_v master_v it_o with_o very_o little_a trouble_n and_o industry_n or_o at_o worst_a with_o a_o very_a little_a patience_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v here_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o task_n i_o be_o bear_v to_o as_o a_o inconvenience_n that_o i_o can_v no_o more_o shun_v than_o any_o natural_a defect_n in_o my_o body_n or_o my_o mind_n or_o than_o i_o can_v the_o care_n and_o fatigue_n of_o my_o call_v three_o i_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o ravish_a pleasure_n to_o inflame_v it_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o possess_v it_o with_o that_o habitual_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n meekness_n purity_n charity_n 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