Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
virtue_n knowledge_n patience_n unfruitful_a 953 5 13.4879 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A45744 A treatise of moral and intellectual virtues wherein their nature is fully explained and their usefulness proved, as being the best rules of life ... : with a preface shewing the vanity and deceitfulness of vice / by John Hartcliffe ... Hartcliffe, John, 1651-1712. 1691 (1691) Wing H971; ESTC R475 208,685 468

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superad_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o strength_n sufficient_a to_o subdue_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o evil_a if_o the_o creation_n below_o we_o by_o natural_a instinct_n do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v regular_a shall_v not_o these_o high_a principle_n do_v the_o like_a always_o preserve_v we_o from_o know_a evil_n and_o determine_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n every_o habit_n begin_v be_v great_o weaken_v by_o a_o forbearance_n of_o act_n for_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v produce_v a_o disposition_n be_v first_o wrought_v by_o some_o act_n and_o if_o act_n be_v not_o continue_v upon_o act_n the_o disposition_n will_v fail_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n will_v go_v back_o again_o if_o they_o be_v not_o maintain_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o be_v produce_v wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o inquire_v what_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n aim_v at_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o do_v affect_v the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v lodge_v now_o religion_n make_v we_o live_v up_o to_o our_o high_a faculty_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o practice_v such_o virtue_n as_o become_v rational_a being_n who_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o inferior_a creation_n prompt_v we_o to_o scorn_v all_o action_n that_o be_v base_a unhansom_a or_o unworthy_a our_o state_n and_o relation_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v to_o our_o creator_n forbid_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v we_o like_a beast_n or_o that_o will_v sink_v we_o into_o a_o low_a order_n by_o sensuality_n and_o carnal-mindedness_a or_o that_o will_v transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o devil_n by_o pride_n presumption_n and_o self_n conceit_n make_v we_o godlike_a in_o wisdom_n righteousness_n goodness_n charity_n compassion_n in_o forgive_a injury_n pardon_v enemy_n and_o in_o do_v hurt_v to_o none_o but_o good_a to_o all_o as_o we_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n advise_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a reason_n tame_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o regulate_v the_o exorbitance_n of_o the_o will_n permit_v we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v give_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o mind_n produce_v a_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a temper_n of_o soul_n calm_a in_o itself_o and_o love_v to_o mankind_n beget_v in_o we_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o banish_v groundless_a fear_n foolish_a imagination_n and_o dastardly_a thought_n teach_v we_o to_o have_v right_a conception_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v transact_v all_o thing_n with_o mankind_n as_o a_o love_a father_n with_o his_o child_n create_v in_o we_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n advance_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o just_a sovereignty_n over_o inferior_a appetite_n which_o will_v disable_v it_o for_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a act_n and_o render_v we_o weak_a foolish_a and_o unfit_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v generous_a or_o noble_a strengthen_v our_o reason_n against_o the_o onset_n of_o the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n which_o be_v effect_v chief_o by_o stifle_v all_o manner_n of_o intemperance_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o frustrate_v the_o work_n of_o religion_n either_o by_o stupify_a or_o image_v the_o spirit_n or_o by_o put_v they_o into_o irregular_a motion_n religion_n 16._o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o religion_n do_v govern_v our_o life_n which_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o by_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o system_n and_o model_n of_o divinity_n but_o by_o our_o keep_v its_o commandment_n for_o unless_o christ_n be_v inward_o form_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o notion_n of_o religion_n can_v save_v we_o no_o more_o 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enough_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n we_o need_v not_o take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o travel_v any_o far_o or_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o already_o without_o we_o and_o nothing_o need_v more_o to_o be_v do_v within_o we_o harken_v not_o to_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o but_o hear_v what_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o at_o once_o and_o possess_v it_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v they_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o lust_n not_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n hear_v also_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o s._n peter_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n to_z patience_z godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a 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 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 for_o holiness_n have_v something_o of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o victorious_a and_o triumphant_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o active_a to_o encourage_v evil_a so_o the_o heavenly_a host_n of_o bless_a angel_n be_v as_o busy_v in_o promote_a that_n which_o be_v good_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v as_o true_a to_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o as_o vigilant_a for_o the_o enlarge_n itself_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o then_o by_o holiness_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o mere_a performance_n of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o inward_a soul_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n that_o enliven_v the_o dead_a carca_v of_o all_o our_o outward_a devotion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n whilst_o they_o feed_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o true_a and_o live_a fire_n that_o be_v the_o hell_n of_o lust_n which_o miserable_o scorch_v their_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v at_o it_o they_o do_v not_o perceive_v how_o hell_n steal_v upon_o they_o whilst_o they_o live_v here_o and_o as_o for_o heaven_n they_o gaze_v abroad_o for_o it_o as_o for_o some_o great_a and_o high_a preferment_n that_o must_v come_v from_o without_o and_o never_o look_v for_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o to_o arise_v within_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n whereas_o nothing_o without_o we_o can_v make_v we_o either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a nothing_o can_v either_o defile_v or_o hurt_v we_o but_o what_o go_v out_o from_o we_o i_o shall_v now_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o these_o two_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v you_o far_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n from_o the_o desire_n we_o all_o have_v after_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o hold_v up_o by_o wrangle_a dispute_n and_o syllogistical_a reason_n but_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n neither_o will_v it_o fail_v of_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o sensuality_n of_o our_o disposition_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o false_a heart_n stop_v its_o passage_n and_o from_o the_o desire_v we_o have_v of_o a_o true_a reformation_n which_o must_v be_v begin_v in_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o all_o outward_a form_n and_o model_n thereof_o be_v of_o little_a worth_n without_o the_o inward_a amendment_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o base_a metal_n be_v not_o change_v by_o their_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o good_a mould_n or_o by_o be_v make_v up_o in_o a_o elegant_a figure_n neither_o will_v adulterate_a silver_n pass_v when_o the_o touchstone_n try_v it_o neither_o can_v we_o
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needs_o be_v that_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o the_o react_n the_o same_o thing_n over_o upon_o divers_a subject_n and_o occasion_n in_o infancy_n little_a quarrel_n with_o our_o brethren_n and_o peevishness_n be_v afterward_o anger_n be_v hatred_n envy_n pride_n jealousy_n and_o a_o sensibleness_n in_o youth_n for_o a_o frivolous_a play-thing_n be_v the_o same_o afterward_o for_o honour_n or_o interest_n if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o he_o that_o begin_v early_o to_o love_n and_o fear_n god_n will_v so_o increase_v in_o virtuous_a deed_n which_o be_v consequent_a thereupon_o that_o his_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o every_o respect_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o a_o seasonable_a time_n be_v a_o circumstance_n requisite_a both_o to_o the_o essence_n and_o ornament_n of_o every_o action_n in_o that_o time_n therefore_o in_o which_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a those_o of_o the_o body_n also_o vigorous_a and_o strong_a it_o 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evil_a or_o danger_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o age_n too_o much_o a_o burden_n to_o its_o self_n and_o to_o all_o about_o it_o than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o service_n of_o virtue_n for_o who_o can_v expect_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n the_o morose_n and_o froward_a time_n of_o our_o life_n the_o frost_n snow_n and_o winter_n season_n be_v not_o for_o fruit_n any_o more_o in_o the_o working_n of_o virtue_n than_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o begin_v the_o christian_a race_n when_o that_o of_o nature_n be_v almost_o finish_v which_o good_a fight_n be_v a_o hard_a warfare_n far_o old_a and_o decrepit_a limb_n now_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n consist_v in_o a_o deliberate_a knowledge_n of_o man_n and_o business_n found_v upon_o long_a experience_n but_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n which_o at_o last_o will_v appear_v the_o only_a true_a and_o real_a wisdom_n therefore_o the_o moral_a philosopher_n chastise_v the_o neglect_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o then_o begin_v to_o live_v when_o they_o be_v to_o die_v there_o be_v little_a support_n and_o less_o comfort_n in_o decline_a year_n beside_o a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o what_o we_o have_v do_v well_o and_o nothing_o can_v sweeten_v a_o sour_a and_o crabbed_a age_n but_o the_o call_n to_o mind_n a_o good_a life_n pass_v for_o as_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a accomplishment_n of_o youth_n so_o the_o innocency_n thereof_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o crown_n of_o gray_a hair_n which_o be_v then_o true_o honourable_a when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n but_o with_o all_o our_o might_n
follow_v the_o service_n of_o virtue_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o true_a and_o false_a good_a and_o evil_n let_v weak_a and_o disease_a person_n present_v themselves_o to_o their_o prince_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v persuade_v he_o to_o turn_v his_o court_n into_o a_o hospital_n make_v up_o his_o guard_n with_o cripple_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o nothing_o but_o age_n and_o impotency_n if_o the_o king_n will_v not_o do_v this_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v as_o if_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v nothing_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o god_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o poor_a remainder_n of_o strength_n and_o spirit_n which_o the_o hard_a service_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v leave_v we_o no_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o undertake_n far_o more_o noble_a and_o difficult_a the_o work_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o then_o be_v most_o acceptable_a when_o it_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o our_o first_o and_o best_a age._n from_z what_o have_v be_v say_v then_o this_o inference_n may_v be_v make_v that_o youth_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o moderate_v their_o passion_n and_o not_o be_v leave_v undisciplined_a till_o age_n and_o experience_n have_v wrought_v it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o way_n to_o learn_v virtue_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o our_o passion_n betimes_o and_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o degree_n which_o befit_v we_o for_o the_o action_n before_o the_o habit_n and_o by_o which_o the_o habit_n be_v create_v differ_v not_o specie_fw-la but_o only_o in_o perfection_n from_o those_o which_o follow_v the_o habit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o general_a law_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v acquire_v by_o study_n to_o arise_v from_o imperfection_n to_o perfection_n from_o weakness_n to_o strength_n which_o perfection_n consist_v in_o this_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o upon_o all_o occasion_n prudent_o wise_o and_o advise_o insomuch_o that_o some_o moralist_n have_v doubt_v whether_o all_o moral_a virtue_n may_v not_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o one_o namely_o prudence_n nullum_fw-la numen_fw-la abest_fw-la si_fw-la sit_fw-la prudentia_fw-la wherefore_o that_o multiplicity_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o aristotle_n be_v only_o for_o our_o more_o easy_a learning_n the_o division_n of_o this_o one_o into_o sundry_a part_n that_o so_o we_o may_v as_o it_o be_v eat_v by_o spoonful_n where_o we_o can_v swallow_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a mess_n but_o before_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o virtue_n in_o particular_a it_o will_v benecessary_a to_o consider_v certain_a rule_n and_o observation_n which_o aristotle_n have_v make_v because_o they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n first_o lest_o we_o shall_v flatter_v ourselves_o in_o think_v that_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o virtue_n before_o indeed_o we_o have_v we_o must_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o do_v of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o do_v it_o well_o betwixt_o bonum_fw-la agere_fw-la &_o benè_fw-la agere_fw-la for_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v do_v that_o for_o good_a which_o prove_v at_o the_o last_o a_o evil_a action_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n second_o that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o do_v that_o action_n the_o circumstance_n requisite_a to_o every_o virtuous_a action_n which_o be_v good_a but_o do_v it_o well_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o a_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n attend_v every_o virtuous_a action_n that_o we_o do_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v be_v who_o it_o be_v that_o do_v the_o action_n for_o every_o thing_n become_v not_o every_o man_n as_o for_o example_n when_o in_o the_o council_n of_o sparta_n a_o wicked_a person_n have_v give_v good_a advice_n the_o senator_n take_v care_n that_o a_o man_n of_o better_a credit_n shall_v give_v the_o same_o lest_o the_o council_n which_o be_v good_a and_o wise_a may_v be_v suspect_v and_o have_v ill_a success_n through_o the_o bad_a character_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o so_o in_o receive_v courtesy_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o receive_v not_o every_o thing_n of_o every_o man_n in_o every_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o it_o be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v oblige_v by_o a_o unworthy_a giver_n and_o abraham_n will_v accept_v no_o gift_n from_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n that_o he_o may_v not_o say_v i_o have_v make_v abraham_n rich_a again_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v do_v for_o as_o circumstance_n require_v so_o action_n be_v censure_v either_o for_o good_a or_o bad_a we_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o consider_v where_o a_o action_n be_v do_v for_o all_o action_n be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o these_o three_o consideration_n be_v very_o well_o express_v in_o the_o advice_n which_o q._n cicero_n give_v to_o his_o brother_n marcus_n when_o he_o sue_v for_o the_o consulship_n for_o he_o exhort_v he_o thus_o to_o think_v novus_n sum_n consulatum_fw-la peto_fw-la roma_fw-la est_fw-la in_o the_o word_n novus_n sum_n be_v signify_v the_o person_n who_o make_v the_o suit_n for_o a_o upstart_n be_v to_o bear_v himself_o otherwise_o in_o his_o petition_n than_o vir_fw-la patricius_n a_o ancient_a nobleman_n in_o consulatum_fw-la peto_fw-la be_v employ_v the_o second_o circumstance_n what_o it_o be_v he_o sue_v for_o the_o supreme_a place_n of_o government_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o roma_fw-la est_fw-la show_v the_o place_n where_o his_o suit_n lie_v not_o in_o ulubrae_fw-la a_o petty_a market_n town_n but_o in_o that_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n many_o other_o circumstance_n there_o be_v by_o which_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v the_o chief_a whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o know_a verse_n quis_fw-la quid_fw-la ubi_fw-la quibus_fw-la auxiliis_fw-la cur_n quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la he_o that_o can_v careful_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o shall_v do_v what_o they_o require_v that_o man_n only_o shall_v discreet_o discharge_v every_o part_n of_o virtue_n and_o behave_v himself_o according_a to_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v what_o reason_n be_v for_o by_o reason_n we_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudential_a method_n to_o guide_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o maxim_n and_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o any_o knowledge_n that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o prudence_n experience_n and_o observation_n three_o have_v already_o assert_v that_o virtue_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o two_o extreme_n which_o be_v both_o vice_n and_o both_o its_o adversary_n we_o do_v now_o say_v that_o the_o two_o extreme_n be_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n alike_o repugnant_a to_o it_o but_o the_o one_o approach_n near_o than_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n profuseness_n one_o extreme_a of_o liberality_n do_v much_o more_o partake_v of_o that_o virtue_n and_o come_v near_a it_o than_o the_o other_o extreme_a which_o be_v avarice_n for_o this_o reason_n man_n usual_o pity_v the_o prodigal_n but_o abominate_a and_o hate_v the_o covetous_a in_o this_o case_n therefore_o our_o rule_n must_v be_v to_o decline_v that_o extreme_a which_o be_v the_o more_o hateful_a and_o lean_a rather_o to_o that_o other_o which_o be_v more_o friendly_a and_o like_o the_o virtue_n which_o we_o design_v to_o practice_v but_o we_o must_v carry_v ourselves_o so_o circumspect_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o crime_n censure_v by_o the_o poet_n dum_fw-la vitant_fw-la stulti_fw-la vitia_fw-la in_o contraria_fw-la currunt_fw-la four_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o well_o or_o virtuous_o unless_o we_o diligent_o look_v into_o and_o try_v our_o own_o natural_a inclination_n govern_v what_o our_o natural_a inclination_n be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v which_o be_v near_a to_o we_o than_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v far_o off_o from_o our_o acquaintance_n we_o must_v examine_v all_o the_o wind_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o our_o whole_a frame_n and_o see_v by_o what_o pulley_n and_o wheel_n all_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v perform_v so_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v her_o working_n from_o the_o first_o impression_n of_o sense_n then_o of_o the_o imagination_n and_o judgement_n into_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a motion_n then_o we_o may_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n perceive_v how_o the_o soul_n arbitrate_v in_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o several_a report_n of_o sense_n and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o imagination_n how_o pliant_a the_o will_n be_v to_o she_o dictate_v and_o obey_v she_o as_o a_o queen_n do_v her_o king_n who_o both_o acknowledge_v a_o subjection_n and_o
before_o he_o be_v full_o possess_v of_o the_o end_n he_o drive_v at_o his_o prudence_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o the_o defective_a but_o put_v these_o three_o all_o together_o and_o in_o whosoever_o they_o be_v find_v i_o may_v affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n well_o qualify_v with_o prudence_n either_o for_o this_o or_o the_o other_o world_n for_o as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n be_v ever_o busy_a in_o contrive_v the_o most_o probable_a way_n of_o gain_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n of_o it_o his_o head_n be_v ever_o at_o work_n his_o thought_n be_v watchful_a and_o intent_n his_o whole_a mind_n be_v in_o this_o very_a matter_n to_o promote_v his_o fortune_n and_o to_o settle_v his_o interest_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n cast_v off_o all_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n religion_n the_o behaviour_n of_o a_o prudent_a man_n in_o religion_n spend_v his_o hour_n in_o meditation_n upon_o the_o transitory_a state_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n here_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o he_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o state_v his_o account_n for_o this_o great_a day_n and_o in_o examine_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n who_o resolve_v to_o be_v rich_a consider_v that_o he_o must_v then_o be_v very_o industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o very_o frugal_a in_o his_o expense_n that_o he_o must_v deny_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o appetite_n and_o exact_o keep_v his_o account_n for_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o belly_n and_o his_o sleep_n take_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o increase_v his_o estate_n and_o as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o ambition_n to_o be_v high_o honour_v or_o prefer_v will_v take_v care_n to_o offend_v no_o body_n but_o demean_v himself_o civil_o will_v put_v up_o and_o conceal_v many_o affront_v will_v do_v all_o act_n of_o courtesy_n and_o beneficence_n that_o he_o can_v as_o another_o who_o genius_n lead_v he_o to_o search_v for_o knowledge_n know_v the_o direct_v way_n to_o it_o be_v sedulous_a study_n to_o peruse_v good_a book_n frequent_a the_o best_a company_n and_o to_o render_v all_o useful_a to_o himself_o by_o sober_a contemplation_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o virtue_n aim_v at_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o eternal_a life_n with_o he_o therefore_o he_o apply_v himself_o hearty_o to_o the_o fit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o redeem_v his_o time_n therefore_o think_v much_o of_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o land_n himself_o safe_o there_o he_o will_v never_o steer_v his_o course_n by_o a_o false_a compass_n by_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n when_o he_o can_v dispute_v hot_o for_o this_o and_o that_o opinion_n or_o when_o he_o spend_v all_o his_o zeal_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o never_o go_v beyond_o this_o present_a state_n as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o choose_v proper_a mean_n to_o the_o end_n he_o follow_v but_o when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o mean_n he_o have_v choose_v be_v fit_a and_o suitable_a he_o be_v never_o discourage_v or_o baffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o for_o instance_n no_o hardship_n dishearten_v the_o man_n who_o design_n to_o get_v riches_n he_o slight_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n in_o his_o way_n because_o he_o be_v steadfast_o bend_v upon_o the_o acquisition_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o as_o another_o man_n who_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o become_v eminent_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o to_o understand_v all_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o know_v well_o that_o his_o candle_n must_v never_o go_v out_o that_o by_o pain_n and_o watch_n he_o must_v contract_v pale_a look_n and_o a_o sickly_a body_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o by_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o business_n of_o virtue_n be_v sure_a that_o if_o he_o do_v good_a and_o life_n well_o reproach_n a_o virtuous_a and_o prudent_a man_n value_v not_o reproach_n he_o shall_v be_v happy_a therefore_o he_o value_v not_o the_o reproach_n of_o bad_a man_n nor_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v endure_v for_o he_o will_v never_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o his_o intend_a purpose_n by_o any_o such_o or_o great_a discouragement_n as_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o this_o world_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o notorious_a mark_n of_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o adventure_n as_o he_o be_v wary_a and_o suspicious_a so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v his_o fortune_n in_o every_o body_n hand_n nor_o take_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o man_n who_o he_o think_v not_o to_o be_v honest_a or_o that_o he_o imagine_v will_v impose_v upon_o he_o so_o the_o prudent_a person_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n build_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o better_a world_n with_o as_o much_o care_n and_o caution_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o every_o impostor_n but_o contemn_v those_o mountebank_n in_o religion_n mislead_v a_o religious_a prudent_a man_n be_v not_o easy_o mislead_v who_o by_o fair_a story_n and_o specious_a gullery_n wheedle_n man_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o he_o do_v because_o he_o be_v as_o careful_a of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o watchful_a against_o cheat_n as_o the_o cunning_a man_n for_o this_o world_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o advance_v his_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o will_v watch_v the_o proper_a season_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o will_v never_o let_v it_o slip_v so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o warfare_n of_o virtue_n lay_v hold_v of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o consider_v if_o his_o work_n be_v not_o do_v now_o it_o will_v never_o be_v do_v at_o all_o so_o far_o the_o parallel_n go_v between_o a_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o virtue_n but_o here_o we_o can_v but_o bewail_v the_o ill_a state_n of_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v strive_v to_o be_v more_o discreet_a in_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n than_o they_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o much_o more_o importance_n to_o they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v manifest_a virtue_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o be_v more_o prudent_a for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o virtue_n that_o a_o good_a man_n have_v a_o noble_a end_n to_o pursue_v than_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o for_o how_o low_o a_o design_n be_v it_o how_o unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v to_o heap_v up_o wealth_n when_o he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o or_o that_o waste_n away_o and_o leave_v he_o with_o a_o ambitious_a person_n it_o be_v just_a so_o he_o have_v labour_v all_o his_o day_n to_o become_v great_a and_o honourable_a when_o he_o have_v effect_v it_o his_o name_n be_v only_o toss_v too_o and_o frô_o by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n but_o suppose_v that_o riches_n can_v be_v durable_a or_o that_o honour_n be_v a_o certain_a thing_n yet_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o earth_n in_o their_o most_o flourish_a condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o with_o his_o own_o mind_n now_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o desirable_a end_n of_o his_o action_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v outdo_v in_o prudence_n or_o care_n in_o the_o work_n out_o his_o salvation_n second_o as_o a_o virtuous_a man_n have_v the_o best_a end_n so_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v to_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o the_o method_n of_o the_o world_n be_v for_o solomon_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o here_o the_o race_n be_v not_o always_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a one_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v think_v that_o the_o swift_a shall_v win_v the_o race_n and_o the_o strong_a the_o battle_n yet_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o best_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a valuation_n of_o all_o thing_n below_o have_v determine_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o best_a humane_a mean_n though_o never_o so_o well_o fit_v to_o their_o end_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o after_o a_o man_n have_v run_v the_o utmost_a danger_n and_o have_v
expect_a from_o those_o special_a advantage_n which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o those_o place_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o improve_v the_o benefit_n to_o be_v have_v by_o prudent_a conversation_n for_o the_o man_n of_o reading_n do_v very_o much_o busy_v themselves_o about_o such_o conception_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v out_o of_o their_o own_o chamber_n the_o sense_n the_o custom_n the_o practice_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v in_o private_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o into_o business_n they_o abound_v so_o much_o with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o mistake_v idea_n of_o thing_n which_o happen_v to_o they_o because_o they_o have_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o shade_n of_o their_o library_n argue_v object_v defend_v conclude_v with_o themselves_o and_o will_v never_o look_v out_o and_o by_o converse_v see_v what_o be_v act_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n from_z what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v be_v gather_v that_o prudence_n will_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o spend_v their_o thought_n about_o empty_a contemplation_n contemplation_n the_o prudent_a man_n be_v more_o for_o practice_n than_o contemplation_n by_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o a_o useful_a life_n thus_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v cure_v of_o all_o their_o swell_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o just_a as_o large_a as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o near_a man_n come_v to_o the_o business_n of_o life_n all_o those_o shadow_n grow_v less_o and_o less_o which_o do_v either_o enlarge_v or_o darken_v human_a affair_n and_o indeed_o of_o the_o usul_n title_n by_o which_o man_n of_o business_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v distinguish_v the_o crafty_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o prudent_a the_o crafty_a may_v answer_v to_o the_o empiric_n in_o philosophy_n who_o have_v a_o great_a collection_n of_o particular_a experience_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o but_o to_o base_a and_o low_a end_n the_o formal_a man_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o mere_a speculative_a philosopher_n who_o vain_o reduce_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o grave_n and_o solemn_a general_a rule_n without_o discretion_n and_o the_o prudent_a man_n be_v like_o he_o who_o proceed_v on_o a_o constant_a and_o solid_a course_n of_o experiment_n which_o do_v not_o rest_v upon_o empty_a knowledge_n but_o be_v design_v for_o action_n and_o it_o be_v the_o active_a life_n of_o virtue_n which_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o begin_v betimes_o because_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n for_o he_o who_o have_v only_o think_v much_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o day_n to_o turn_v a_o man_n of_o practice_n as_o he_o that_o can_v paint_v the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n will_v much_o soon_o come_v to_o draw_v any_o other_o creature_n than_o he_o who_o have_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o limn_v in_o his_o head_n but_o never_o yet_o use_v his_o hand_n to_o lay_v on_o a_o colour_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v concern_v prudence_n only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n we_o have_v against_o all_o false_a religion_n and_o those_o religion_n prudence_n the_o best_a preservative_n against_o false_a religion_n that_o promote_v they_o wherewith_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v well_o guard_v he_o will_v be_v ever_o expose_v to_o impostor_n who_o have_v a_o art_n of_o present_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n with_o as_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n with_o as_o exact_v and_o regular_a proportion_n with_o fanciful_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a connexion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a discretion_n in_o govern_v their_o life_n by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n man_n have_v run_v headlong_o into_o very_o absurd_a and_o gross_a opinion_n for_o when_o once_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o tool_n to_o advance_v the_o ambition_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o design_v man_n than_o they_o broach_v swarm_n of_o supposititious_a write_n and_o sophistical_a argument_n to_o maintain_v corrupt_a opinion_n then_o they_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o dream_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o fond_a invention_n but_o a_o prudent_a man_n who_o make_v a_o good_a life_n his_o only_a purpose_n act_n as_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n shall_v do_v for_o holiness_n of_o life_n restore_v he_o to_o his_o primitive_a state_n to_o the_o perfect_a and_o healthful_a constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v the_o enthusiastical_a and_o the_o superstitious_a to_o be_v real_o good_a good_a the_o enthusiastical_a and_o superstitious_a be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o be_v real_o good_a it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o disorder_a temper_n and_o passion_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o forsake_a and_o untrodden_a path_n of_o virtue_n nay_o a_o prudent_a thoughtfulness_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o it_o to_o work_v in_o a_o sincere_a person_n a_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n when_o he_o retire_v into_o himself_o and_o take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o condition_n for_o the_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v active_a and_o restless_a it_o will_v always_o be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o another_o and_o when_o it_o have_v no_o external_a object_n to_o entertain_v or_o divert_v it_o then_o selfreflection_n the_o best_a mean_n to_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v take_v place_n and_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v hear_v all_o man_n therefore_o who_o act_n wicked_o forget_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o who_o guide_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n look_v forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o his_o religion_n be_v found_v because_o most_o of_o the_o error_n among_o man_n be_v such_o arise_v whence_o most_o man_n error_n do_v arise_v as_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v have_v correct_v have_v they_o in_o time_n bethink_v themselves_o and_o most_o of_o the_o danger_n they_o incur_v proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a indifferency_n upon_o their_o spirit_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o honesty_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v consider_v what_o fallible_a creature_n we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o precise_a rule_n of_o prudence_n however_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o irregular_a humour_n and_o desire_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o fond_a of_o we_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n bind_v to_o use_v that_o principle_n in_o we_o we_o call_v reason_n that_o it_o may_v guide_v all_o our_o operation_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o some_o good_a end_n for_o god_n govern_v rational_a being_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o brute_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n of_o understanding_n science_n and_o wisdom_n these_o three_o may_v be_v handle_v together_o because_o they_o be_v alike_o concern_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n for_o the_o understanding_n perceive_v and_o apprehend_v the_o object_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o resemblance_n of_o these_o object_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n do_v there_o make_v their_o own_o image_n which_o we_o call_v science_n or_o knowledge_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v imply_v be_v what_o science_n be_v the_o one_o be_v truth_n the_o other_o be_v evidence_n for_o what_o be_v not_o truth_n can_v never_o be_v know_v and_o evidence_n be_v to_o truth_n as_o sap_n to_o the_o tree_n which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o creep_v along_o with_o body_n and_o branch_n keep_v they_o alive_a where_o it_o forsake_v they_o they_o die_v for_o this_o evidence_n which_o be_v mean_v with_o our_o word_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o have_v much_o experience_n of_o fact_n be_v what_o sapience_n or_o wisdom_n be_v and_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v much_o understanding_n and_o science_n have_v usual_o be_v call_v both_o by_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n sapience_n or_o wisdom_n whereof_o man_n only_o be_v capable_a of_o who_o soul_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o high_a faculty_n which_o judge_n of_o the_o report_n of_o sense_n soul_n understanding_n the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o detect_v all_o their_o imposture_n resolve_v all_o sensible_a thing_n into_o intelligible_a principle_n the_o conception_n whereof_o be_v not_o mere_a passive_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n from_o without_o but_o they_o be_v active_o exert_v from_o the_o mind_n its_o self_n no_o passion_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n
and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o take_v our_o own_o course_n but_o be_v rescue_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o so_o kind_a a_o hand_n all_z that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o trade_n shall_v give_v a_o man_n a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o than_o read_v all_o the_o book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v about_o it_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v better_o know_v a_o country_n by_o travel_v into_o it_o than_o by_o pore_v upon_o all_o the_o map_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v dispose_v we_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o prejudice_n by_o make_v our_o understanding_n more_o clear_a and_o take_v away_o the_o great_a obstacle_n of_o wisdom_n which_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o furtherance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o most_o unhappy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n for_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n no_o reflection_n will_v more_o enrage_v our_o torment_n than_o to_o think_v that_o we_o choose_v to_o lead_v vicious_a life_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n s._n paul_n judgement_n be_v undoubted_o true_a 1_o corin._n 8.1_o that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v now_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v this_o corinth_n the_o metropolis_n of_o achaia_n be_v as_o all_o other_o rich_a and_o populous_a place_n excessive_o proud_a and_o luxurious_a softness_n and_o ease_n have_v expel_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n yet_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v the_o man_n be_v ingenious_a though_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o world_n condemn_v they_o for_o their_o debauchery_n but_o admire_v they_o for_o their_o part_n wherefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v they_o very_o true_o that_o their_o knowledge_n be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o their_o error_n they_o may_v be_v blow_v up_o with_o science_n but_o they_o must_v be_v edify_v with_o charity_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o gnostic_n dote_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o word_n do_v pride_n themselves_o about_o fruitless_a genealogy_n and_o the_o unintelligible_a method_n of_o science_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n paul_n do_v severe_o reprehend_v these_o vainglorious_a sciolist_n and_o declare_v that_o a_o little_a charity_n towards_o a_o offend_a brother_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o all_o their_o subtle_a theorem_n or_o the_o position_n of_o any_o the_o most_o celebrate_a dogmatist_n so_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a give_v another_o interpretation_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v thyself_o and_o improve_v it_o into_o self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n their_o principle_n and_o their_o dictate_v seem_v always_o to_o be_v frame_v rather_o to_o oppose_v than_o to_o establish_v truth_n if_o from_o they_o we_o pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o christianity_n we_o find_v julian_n and_o lucian_n arrius_n and_o socinus_n all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o several_a way_n despise_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o own_o trifle_a opinion_n which_o must_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o fisherman_n nay_o how_o many_o volume_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o subject_a be_v little_a else_o but_o breach_n of_o charity_n which_o charity_n and_o not_o great_a word_n nor_o the_o fantastical_a hypothesis_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o wise_a must_v set_v a_o lustre_n upon_o all_o we_o do_v for_o neither_o happiness_n here_o nor_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o haughty_a look_n or_o supposition_n but_o by_o a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o bountifulness_n in_o our_o life_n and_o integrity_n in_o our_o action_n suppose_v therefore_o we_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o have_v thence_o the_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o human_a learning_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o philosophy_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v one_o notion_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o moral_a virtue_n a_o manifest_a decay_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o moral_a virtue_n first_o by_o hypocrisy_n or_o formality_n when_o man_n follow_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o second_o by_o licentiousness_n of_o live_v whereby_o debauchery_n and_o ill_a manner_n have_v much_o prevail_v three_o by_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n four_o by_o make_v morality_n and_o grace_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o elude_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n by_o some_o trifle_a childish_a and_o unprofitable_a show_v thereof_o how_o can_v we_o but_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o love_n to_o be_v their_o own_o impostor_n condemn_v hypocrisy_n condemn_v and_o that_o when_o they_o may_v be_v true_o good_a at_o so_o easy_a and_o advantageous_a a_o rate_n labour_v to_o be_v but_o seem_o so_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o with_o the_o pharisee_n take_v twice_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o scour_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o dish_n only_o that_o it_o may_v shine_v and_o glister_n than_o be_v needful_a to_o keep_v the_o inside_n neat_a and_o cleanly_a thus_o they_o change_v wise_a notice_n of_o thing_n for_o childish_a conceit_n freedom_n of_o spirit_n for_o narrowness_n of_o soul_n cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n for_o slavish_a fear_n a_o sweet_a and_o oblige_a conversation_n for_o cynical_a zeal_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n for_o harsh_a and_o monkish_a mortification_n in_o a_o word_n they_o change_v all_o the_o branch_n and_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a mind_n and_o virtuous_a action_n for_o form_n and_o gaiety_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o formality_n as_o a_o most_o dangerous_a cheat_n that_o secret_o enervate_v all_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o goodness_n it_o make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o whilst_o it_o pretend_v high_o to_o advance_v religion_n undermine_v it_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v first_o by_o lay_v down_o some_o of_o its_o most_o peculiar_a character_n second_o by_o discover_v the_o art_n it_o make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o power_n of_o moral_a virtue_n three_o by_o explain_v what_o the_o power_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v first_o then_o the_o formalist_n serve_v god_n bare_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o fear_n and_o not_o at_o all_o out_o of_o love_n he_o only_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o great_a and_o austere_a be_v that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n demand_v harsh_a and_o arbitrary_a homage_n from_o his_o creature_n he_o apprehend_v he_o as_o a_o imperious_a almighty_a one_o that_o because_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o these_o little_a imperfect_a being_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o impose_v severe_a and_o unreasonable_a law_n and_o exact_v for_o the_o few_o pleasure_n he_o have_v grant_v to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v pay_v with_o sharp_a and_o troublesome_a penance_n but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o have_v not_o tho_o least_o thought_n of_o gain_v his_o favour_n by_o divine_a and_o virtuous_a quality_n whereas_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a holiness_n we_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a design_n of_o heaven_n to_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o all_o excellency_n perfective_a of_o their_o nature_n trick_n religion_n no_o trick_n for_o religion_n be_v no_o trick_n or_o artifice_n but_o its_o natural_a design_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a it_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o heaven_n to_o bring_v advantage_n to_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v gracious_o intend_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o creator_n work_n in_o complete_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o make_v and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o than_o he_o leave_v they_o but_o the_o formalist_n or_o hypocrite_n be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o all_o inward_a sense_n of_o goodness_n and_o so_o he_o can_v please_v god_n as_o he_o think_v by_o give_v he_o his_o due_n of_o religious_a performance_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v for_o solid_a and_o essential_a righteousness_n thus_o the_o degenerate_a jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v
concurrence_n of_o supernatural_a strength_n for_o notwithstanding_o our_o many_o weakness_n through_o christ_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n he_o alone_o give_v we_o a_o will_v to_o use_v his_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v the_o want_n of_o more_o the_o proper_a inference_n therefore_o from_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o we_o resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o good_a course_n of_o life_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o work_n will_v be_v easy_a to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a in_o govern_v our_o conversation_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n will_v still_o grow_v less_o because_o our_o strength_n will_v increase_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v great_a degree_n of_o assistance_n to_o they_o that_o use_v what_o he_o have_v already_o bestow_v than_o our_o endeavour_n must_v concur_v with_o this_o assistance_n which_o god_n give_v for_o the_o spirit_n do_v usual_o work_v insensible_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o wind_n which_o no_o man_n see_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whether_o it_o go_v even_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n man_n feel_v motion_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o how_o these_o be_v produce_v be_v altogether_o together_o invisible_a to_o they_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v propound_v and_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v they_o find_v themselves_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o as_o their_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v so_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v warn_v to_o a_o compliance_n therewith_o now_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v begin_v this_o work_n upon_o our_o heart_n our_o business_n be_v to_o cherish_v those_o motion_n and_o to_o act_v according_o which_o if_o we_o do_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o aid_n we_o shall_v find_v supply_n come_v in_o from_o he_o that_o will_v increase_v our_o strength_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v meet_v withal_o at_o first_o because_o at_o first_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o bestow_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o if_o we_o relish_v it_o he_o send_v forth_o continual_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o all_o the_o premise_n see_v then_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n agree_v to_o teach_v and_o command_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o passion_n in_o the_o just_a regulation_n whereof_o we_o have_v place_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o virtue_n see_v this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o all_o philosophy_n aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n that_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n by_o live_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n which_o we_o have_v here_o set_v down_o for_o as_o they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o god_n have_v show_v we_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a virtue_n and_o vice_n first_o by_o natural_a instinct_n second_o by_o natural_a reason_n three_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n four_o by_o external_n revelation_n first_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v natural_o direct_v to_o approve_v some_o thing_n as_o good_a and_o avoid_v other_o thing_n as_o evil_a evil._n natural_a instinct_n teach_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil._n just_a as_o the_o creature_n below_o man_n be_v by_o a_o natural_a instinct_n lead_v to_o their_o own_o preservation_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o young_a one_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o human_a nature_n a_o propensity_n to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v beneficial_a and_o a_o loathe_n of_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v hurtful_a to_o they_o the_o former_a appear_v beautiful_a and_o lovely_a the_o latter_a ugly_a and_o deform_a now_o these_o inclination_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o reason_n but_o from_o nature_n and_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o as_o vigorous_o in_o young_a person_n as_o in_o those_o that_o be_v old_a they_o do_v show_v themselves_o as_o much_o in_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o better_o instruct_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o come_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o reason_n they_o will_v appear_v most_o eminent_o in_o those_o person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o improve_a understanding_n and_o will_v be_v very_o obscure_a in_o such_o as_o exercise_v their_o reason_n but_o a_o little_a whereas_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o mankind_n have_v as_o lively_a a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o sobriety_n as_o tender_a affection_n to_o their_o child_n as_o much_o honour_n for_o their_o parent_n as_o true_a a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o know_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n appear_v herein_o to_o be_v wonderful_o careful_a of_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o have_v wrought_v such_o inclination_n into_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o secure_v the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o plant_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o that_o in_o many_o case_n if_o we_o do_v but_o consult_v our_o own_o nature_n we_o need_v no_o other_o oracle_n to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v the_o divine_a nature_n honour_v our_o parent_n love_v our_o child_n be_v grateful_a to_o our_o benefactor_n and_o those_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o our_o promise_n to_o restore_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o to_o deal_v equal_o with_o other_o man_n as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o subtle_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o very_a instinct_n of_o nature_n which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o these_o case_n for_o man_n be_v natural_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a in_o themselves_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o omit_v these_o thing_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n two_o 14_o 15._o when_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n or_o by_o turn_n either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o omit_v the_o do_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o man_n obey_v the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n their_o conscience_n give_v they_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n as_o have_v do_v what_o become_v they_o to_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o affront_v nature_n by_o act_v against_o its_o suggestion_n what_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n do_v we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n nay_o when_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o design_n to_o commit_v a_o evil_a deed_n his_o conscience_n be_v disquiet_v and_o perplex_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o if_o he_o have_v real_o act_v it_o so_o cain_n when_o he_o contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n the_o very_a imagination_n of_o the_o wickedness_n change_v his_o countenance_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o wrath_n and_o discontent_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v consent_v to_o any_o iniquity_n our_o spirit_n receive_v a_o secret_a wound_n and_o will_v make_v we_o restless_a because_o guilt_n do_v not_o only_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o vexation_n but_o put_v it_o into_o a_o unnatural_a fermentation_n as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v the_o wicked_a person_n he_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v and_o i_o appeal_v to_o that_o which_o every_o man_n find_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n if_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v a_o trouble_n within_o he_o upon_o his_o act_n contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n undaunted_a the_o virtuous_a man_n be_v the_o most_o bold_a and_o undaunted_a beside_o man_n
be_v natural_o full_a of_o hope_n or_o fear_v according_a as_o they_o follow_v or_o go_v against_o these_o principle_n who_o be_v so_o confident_a and_o bold_a as_o he_o who_o have_v behave_v himself_o well_o and_o virtuous_o who_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o well_o arm_v against_o the_o force_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o terrible_a that_o they_o must_v needs_o raise_v our_o fear_n but_o the_o honest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o any_o guilt_n be_v secure_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o any_o harm_n or_o prejudice_n from_o the_o divine_a justice_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o whereas_o guiltiness_n create_v fear_n of_o danger_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o wicked_a fly_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v he_o nay_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v a_o secret_a fault_n which_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a to_o nor_o no_o human_a law_n can_v punish_v yet_o even_o then_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o the_o torment_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v to_o who_o the_o most_o hide_a action_n of_o man_n be_v know_v and_o who_o justice_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o punish_v for_o man_n have_v natural_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n within_o they_o which_o in_o the_o plain_a case_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n will_v tell_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o avoid_v so_o that_o in_o act_v well_o they_o will_v be_v justify_v and_o acquit_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o in_o do_v the_o contrary_a they_o will_v be_v condemn_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n because_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n have_v be_v much_o divide_v about_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o several_a nation_n seem_v to_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o well_o agree_v about_o these_o thing_n consequent_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v in_o mankind_n a_o propension_n to_o evil_n and_o man_n be_v general_o vicious_a which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v that_o natural_a instinct_n which_o show_v we_o as_o we_o say_v what_o be_v virtue_n and_o what_o be_v vice_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o those_o moral_a virtue_n before_o mention_v aught_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o that_o the_o contrary_n to_o they_o be_v vice_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v if_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o be_v as_o rare_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o as_o monster_n and_o no_o more_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n than_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o three_o leg_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n natural_o have_v not_o two_o all_o man_n have_v agree_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v though_o they_o differ_v much_o about_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o worship_n keep_v of_o faith_n all_o man_n have_v hold_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n though_o some_o say_v faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n but_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v in_o some_o and_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o that_o partial_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n may_v have_v wrong_a conception_n about_o they_o but_o these_o may_v be_v remedy_v if_o man_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v if_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la and_o self-interest_n for_o if_o they_o will_v govern_v themselves_o like_o man_n and_o not_o be_v hurry_v away_o with_o passion_n knowledge_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o know_v what_o virtue_n be_v and_o another_o to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n they_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n in_o human_a nature_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o own_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n another_o thing_n to_o live_v and_o act_v according_a to_o this_o judgement_n although_o man_n have_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a yet_o after_o all_o they_o may_v choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o rom._n seven_o 27._o i_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o be_v my_o mind_n consent_v to_o it_o as_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o here_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o feel_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n but_o not_o act_v according_o for_o by_o natural_a instinct_n we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v antecedent_n to_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n second_o duty_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n our_o duty_n be_v also_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a reason_n for_o the_o force_n of_o moral_a action_n be_v plant_v in_o man_n mind_n and_o weave_v into_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o to_o make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o stamp_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n for_o these_o two_o be_v very_o different_a to_o apprehend_v a_o thing_n good_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n to_o do_v 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compassionate_a and_o temperate_a to_o be_v meek_a humble_a and_o prudent_a those_o that_o act_n contrary_a to_o these_o duty_n offer_v a_o affront_n to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o feel_v a_o pain_n in_o themselves_o however_o they_o may_v carry_v it_o to_o other_o beside_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o misery_n for_o reason_n consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o we_o call_v that_o virtue_n or_o good_a which_o will_v bring_v some_o benefit_n to_o we_o and_o that_o evil_a or_o vice_n which_o be_v like_a to_o bring_v upon_o we_o some_o inconvenience_n upon_o this_o account_n reason_n do_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a to_o begin_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n be_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a 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in_o his_o moral_n to_o refuse_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a wherein_o consist_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o mind_n now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tend_v to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n all_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a affection_n and_o to_o sow_v therein_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n for_o his_o whole_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n tend_v to_o implant_v in_o we_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o right_a mind_n clean_a affection_n a_o obedient_a will_n and_o a_o sound_a understanding_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o observe_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n after_o mankind_n be_v break_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o one_o that_o another_o shall_v be_v raise_v out_o of_o his_o root_n who_o shall_v satisfy_v the_o offend_a god_n shall_v beget_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n out_o of_o the_o old_a stock_n and_o advance_v the_o new_a nature_n to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n than_o before_o for_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a pollution_n exorbitance_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o intelligent_a agent_n be_v sin_n be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o a_o intelligent_a be_v it_o be_v worse_a than_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n in_o natural_a thing_n for_o these_o act_n according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a being_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o to_o vary_v from_o that_o law_n be_v a_o violent_a and_z and_o monstrous_a thing_n for_o all_o the_o departure_n from_o right_a reason_n in_o understanding_n being_n be_v privative_o evil_n and_o therefore_o most_o high_o displease_v unto_o god_n because_o all_o iniquity_n and_o sin_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o heaven_n from_o which_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n do_v never_o depart_v therefore_o we_o may_v say_v that_o all_o vice_n do_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v unnatural_a in_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v nothing_o so_o horrid_a as_o that_o which_o be_v irrational_a in_o the_o superior_a now_o see_v what_o the_o consequence_n be_v of_o unnatural_a thing_n in_o the_o low_a world_n shall_v the_o sun_n leave_v its_o course_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v send_v forth_o nothing_o but_o stench_n and_o darkness_n how_o prodigious_a and_o how_o terrible_a will_v this_o be_v yet_o whosoever_o act_n against_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n do_v a_o thing_n more_o frightful_a than_o all_o this_o more_o violent_a and_o mischievous_a than_o if_o the_o fire_n shall_v cease_v to_o burn_v or_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n shall_v fail_v but_o our_o saviour_n both_o by_o his_o precept_n thing_n our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o his_o example_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o we_o must_v love_v that_o which_o be_v equal_a and_o right_a that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n these_o be_v such_o certain_a law_n and_o principle_n of_o action_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o control_v any_o of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o vary_v from_o they_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o endless_a misery_n we_o spoil_v our_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a principle_n thereof_o which_o be_v recover_v by_o christ_n jesus_n his_o be_v sanctification_n to_o we_o which_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o filthiness_n and_o set_v the_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n right_a the_o principle_n of_o who_o religion_n do_v not_o appear_v as_o spell_n and_o charm_n but_o they_o operate_v by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n for_o in_o the_o intellectual_a world_n the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v every_o way_n as_o vigorous_a as_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n in_o nature_n be_v only_o these_o act_n by_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o information_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o in_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o innate_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n they_o do_v all_o accord_n with_o the_o natural_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v therefore_o all_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o resolution_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o when_o once_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v make_v we_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v true_o wise_a holy_a and_o good_a for_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o example_n be_v argument_n of_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n and_o habit_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o these_o be_v as_o true_a principle_n of_o action_n upon_o a_o intelligent_a be_v as_o any_o natural_a quality_n be_v in_o inferior_a nature_n and_o they_o will_v produce_v invisible_a but_o vital_a and_o spiritual_a effect_n with_o a_o power_n much_o above_o what_o natural_a agent_n can_v exert_v for_o as_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o wickedness_n will_v never_o want_v a_o superior_a agent_n to_o carry_v he_o on_o and_o make_v he_o more_o villainous_a and_o wretched_a so_o on_o the_o contrary_n whosoever_o watch_v over_o himself_o and_o employ_v his_o faculty_n to_o the_o do_v of_o good_a shall_v ever_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o help_v he_o and_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v that_o which_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a permanent_a and_o last_a if_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v this_o effect_n in_o we_o of_o reconcile_a our_o mind_n and_o disposition_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o what_o strong_a and_o firm_a a_o temper_n will_v our_o heart_n be_v make_v what_o courage_n shall_v we_o have_v even_o when_o few_o comforter_n scarce_o any_o but_o enemy_n be_v near_o we_o goodness_n gentleness_n patience_n which_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n by_o all_o true_a philosophy_n be_v esteem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o great_a strength_n of_o nature_n by_o all_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n nay_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n with_o he_o what_o bravery_n of_o spirit_n will_v the_o world_n discern_v to_o be_v in_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o severe_a observation_n of_o what_o we_o do_v nothing_o will_v appear_v in_o our_o discourse_n but_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n nothing_o in_o our_o life_n but_o honesty_n and_o plain-dealing_a in_o all_o our_o private_a action_n will_v be_v see_v the_o most_o unaffected_a modesty_n in_o all_o our_o public_a a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o love_n of_o virtue_n a_o pure_a mind_n thus_o establish_v and_o firm_o root_v in_o we_o will_v never_o be_v discompose_v nor_o shake_v by_o ungovernable_a passion_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n our_o life_n will_v show_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o virtue_n our_o saviour_n example_n lead_v we_o into_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o express_v our_o affection_n to_o our_o saviour_n by_o live_v comformable_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n for_o from_o his_o example_n we_o fetch_v the_o most_o useful_a instruction_n how_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o hard_a condition_n of_o life_n to_o endure_v mild_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o worst_a state_n to_o pardon_n and_o bear_v the_o affront_v of_o enemy_n in_o the_o various_a turn_v of_o the_o world_n always_o to_o practice_v righteousness_n and_o mercy_n meekness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o implore_v god_n help_n by_o acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o do_v enjoy_v to_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o use_v they_o according_a to_o reason_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a just_a and_o righteous_a in_o all_o our_o action_n to_o be_v kind_a and_o merciful_a ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o and_o to_o relieve_v they_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o every_o condition_n whether_o it_o be_v high_a or_o low_a to_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a because_o the_o meek_a man_n have_v always_o