that_o be_v capable_a of_o form_v a_o true_a resolution_n upon_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o enquiry_n of_o (null)_o life_n wherein_o there_o be_v more_o heed_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v counsel_v the_o young_a to_o consult_v god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o next_o the_o most_o sage_a and_o experience_a they_o can_v find_v out_o for_o they_o stand_v in_o a_o place_n where_o many_o way_n meet_v and_o if_o they_o take_v the_o wrong_n they_o will_v certain_o wander_v far_o and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o recover_v the_o right_n and_o as_o to_o other_o who_o have_v struggle_v long_o against_o wind_n and_o tide_n who_o have_v float_v long_o upon_o the_o billow_n of_o vulgar_a error_n of_o their_o own_o private_a lust_n and_o fancy_n they_o will_v be_v happy_a i_o think_v if_o after_o long_a experience_n of_o their_o folly_n they_o make_v with_o all_o speed_n for_o land_n and_o take_v the_o first_o harbour_n where_o they_o can_v ride_v in_o safety_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o civil_a life_n or_o the_o active_a life_n of_o a_o gentleman_n sect._n 1_o the_o gentleman_n obligation_n to_o a_o active_a life_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o his_o country_n to_o himself_o the_o active_a life_n not_o injurious_a to_o the_o gentleman_n pre-eminence_n liberty_n pleasure_n sect._n 2._o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o civil_a life_n i._n e._n the_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o this_o sort_n of_o life_n the_o constancy_n require_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o gentleman_n life_n some_o vacation_n from_o business_n necessary_a and_o to_o what_o end_v before_o i_o go_v about_o to_o set_v down_o those_o rule_n which_o may_v render_v man_n of_o rank_n and_o fortune_n belove_v eminent_a and_o happy_a in_o their_o station_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o convince_v such_o of_o the_o obligation_n they_o lie_v under_o to_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o talk_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o support_v and_o adorn_v a_o civil_a life_n to_o such_o as_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o fancy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o fortune_n to_o be_v idle_a ignorant_a and_o loose_v sect._n 1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v fain_o make_v gentleman_n sensible_a of_o that_o they_o can_v without_o impardonable_a gild_n and_o reproach_n waste_n and_o fool_n away_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o i_o think_v this_o will_v not_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o effect_v if_o they_o will_v please_v to_o make_v but_o a_o very_a slight_a reflection_n upon_o the_o argument_n i_o here_o address_v to_o they_o you_o owe_v more_o to_o god_n and_o to_o your_o country_n not_o to_o add_v to_o yourselves_o tho'_o that_o be_v true_a too_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n than_o any_o other_o do_v to_o god_n to_o his_o providence_n you_o owe_v it_o that_o you_o be_v bear_v to_o those_o fortune_n which_o other_o toil_v for_o that_o you_o be_v the_o master_n of_o that_o time_n which_o other_o be_v force_v to_o devote_v to_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o that_o you_o be_v place_v at_o first_o in_o those_o advantageous_a height_n which_o other_o climb_v to_o by_o slow_a and_o tedious_a step_n your_o gild_n therefore_o be_v great_a than_o the_o mean_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o while_o you_o invade_v the_o honour_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o alone_o you_o derive_v you_o while_o you_o dethrone_v he_o who_o have_v raise_v you_o and_o employ_v all_o your_o power_n and_o treasure_n against_o that_o be_v from_o who_o you_o receive_v they_o no_o ingratitude_n no_o treachery_n or_o baseness_n like_o that_o of_o a_o favourite_n and_o confident_a and_o as_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n so_o do_v you_o to_o your_o country_n more_o than_o other_o man_n you_o be_v they_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o support_n and_o ornament_n of_o it_o you_o be_v place_v in_o high_a orb_n not_o that_o like_a meteor_n your_o ominous_a blaze_n shall_v be_v the_o gaze_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o that_o like_a star_n you_o may_v lighten_v and_o beautify_v animate_v and_o impregnate_n the_o inferior_a world_n for_o you_o like_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o enlarge_a prospect_n a_o swift_a and_o constant_a motion_n a_o bountiful_a and_o benign_a influence_n if_o your_o virtue_n do_v not_o more_o distinguish_v you_o from_o the_o crowd_n than_o your_o fortune_n you_o be_v expose_v not_o honour_v by_o the_o eminence_n of_o your_o station_n and_o you_o debauch_v and_o betray_v your_o poor_a country_n by_o your_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o your_o example_n your_o wisdom_n your_o courage_n and_o your_o bounty_n with_o all_o those_o other_o great_a virtue_n which_o person_n of_o your_o rank_n shall_v shine_v with_o shall_v protect_v and_o enrich_v and_o raise_v to_o the_o high_a reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o power_n miserable_a must_v that_o kingdom_n be_v who_o rich_a and_o great_a one_o be_v as_o much_o more_o impudent_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v more_o fortunate_a than_o other_o man_n when_o they_o who_o example_n shall_v awe_v the_o vicious_a contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o corrupt_v the_o virtuous_a part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o debauch_v the_o very_a genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o nation_n when_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v patriot_n of_o their_o country_n instead_o of_o be_v man_n of_o travel_n and_o reading_n of_o ability_n and_o experience_n of_o honour_n and_o activity_n be_v verse_v only_o in_o essence_n and_o peruke_n gamehouse_n and_o stew_n and_o have_v so_o far_o lose_v the_o quality_n of_o a_o gentleman_n that_o they_o be_v mean_a false_a and_o cowardly_o than_o the_o low_a of_o the_o people_n those_o must_v indeed_o be_v strange_a court_n counsel_n parliament_n army_n which_o be_v fill_v and_o influence_v by_o such_o as_o these_o that_o must_v be_v a_o wretched_a state_n where_o man_n make_v their_o court_n by_o debauchery_n and_o know_v no_o other_o politic_n than_o what_o a_o inveterate_a aversion_n to_o the_o national_a government_n and_o constitution_n or_o a_o more_o inveterate_a one_o to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n suggest_v but_o if_o your_o country_n move_v you_o not_o consider_v yet_o what_o you_o owe_v yourselves_o idleness_n be_v both_o a_o reproach_n and_o burden_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a than_o to_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o or_o more_o irksome_a to_o a_o active_a nature_n such_o as_o man_n be_v than_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o shameful_a than_o for_o a_o wealthy_a or_o well-born_a man_n to_o be_v the_o pity_n or_o sport_n of_o his_o country_n or_o the_o inward_a scorn_n even_o of_o his_o domestic_n and_o neighbour_n and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a plague_n than_o for_o one_o who_o be_v master_n of_o his_o whole_a time_n and_o of_o a_o ample_a fortune_n not_o to_o know_v how_o to_o employ_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o in_o such_o course_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o his_o family_n the_o ruin_n of_o his_o country_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o his_o soul_n you_o ought_v too_o to_o remember_v that_o great_a fortune_n do_v general_o mark_v man_n out_o for_o great_a trouble_n as_o well_o as_o great_a enjoyment_n and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o motive_n to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a life_n but_o this_o one_o that_o it_o do_v fortify_v the_o courage_n and_o harden_v the_o temper_n this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o consider_v to_o how_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n how_o many_o disaster_n and_o mischief_n a_o great_a fortune_n render_v man_n obnoxious_a so_o that_o when_o man_n have_v not_o yet_o entertain_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o self-murder_n poison_n as_o appear_v from_o livi's_fw-la reflection_n on_o masanissa_n present_n to_o his_o mistress_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o domestic_a provision_n of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o great_a and_o a_o poison-bearer_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v almost_o as_o natural_a a_o office_n as_o a_o cupbearer_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v gift_n of_o fortune_n like_o those_o of_o grace_n or_o nature_n as_o they_o capacitate_v and_o qualify_v so_o do_v they_o design_n and_o oblige_v man_n to_o suitable_a duty_n and_o christianity_n expect_v increase_v proportionable_a to_o man_n talent_n not_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n not_o ignorance_n and_o debauchery_n but_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o a_o more_o eminent_a degree_n of_o service_n to_o god_n and_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o didistinctive_a character_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o how_o shall_v that_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o illustrious_a birth_n and_o ample_a
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
life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o he_o who_o lose_v his_o soul_n or_o to_o be_v intent_n in_o preserve_v or_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a for_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o disorder_n and_o gild_n i_o do_v therefore_o suppose_v all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n so_o conduct_v as_o to_o become_v instance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n i_o suppose_v justice_n and_o integrity_n courage_n and_o bounty_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n mingle_v themselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o civil_a business_n and_o then_o the_o religion_n for_o which_o i_o demand_v some_o vacant_a moment_n be_v that_o of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a man_n either_o to_o preserve_v reputation_n without_o or_o peace_n within_o public_a devotion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n but_o in_o a_o gentleman_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o community_n he_o be_v of_o and_o a_o expression_n of_o charity_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n nor_o be_v private_a devotion_n less_o necessary_a than_o public_a not_o only_o least_o public_a without_o private_a degenerate_a into_o formality_n into_o a_o mere_a show_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n nor_o yet_o because_o every_o man_n reputation_n flow_v first_o from_o his_o domestic_n who_o can_v have_v no_o great_a veneration_n for_o he_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v none_o for_o his_o god_n tho'_o even_o these_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v but_o especial_o because_o every_o man_n have_v particular_a want_n and_o particular_a obligation_n and_o none_o more_o than_o the_o great_a one_o and_o therefore_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n his_o particular_a petition_n and_o prayer_n i_o can_v therefore_o tell_v how_o to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o begin_v and_o close_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n to_o god_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o he_o that_o do_v not_o invoke_v providence_n seem_v to_o defy_v it_o and_o he_o who_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o god_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o sacrifice_v only_o to_o his_o own_o net_n as_o to_o meditation_n it_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o indispensible_a a_o preparative_n for_o devotion_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v place_v it_o here_o by_o itself_o do_v i_o not_o extend_v its_o design_n something_o further_o meditation_n be_v that_o act_n which_o of_o all_o other_o do_v most_o delight_n and_o nourish_v the_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o raise_v and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o in_o other_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o move_v mechanical_o in_o this_o alone_a rational_o in_o all_o other_o our_o reason_n seem_v confine_v and_o fetter_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o prescription_n custom_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o alone_a it_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v its_o native_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n ramble_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a impetus_fw-la and_o with_o delight_n stretch_v and_o delate_v itself_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o mind_n seem_v to_o be_v impress_v and_o mould_v by_o the_o matter_n and_o business_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a but_o in_o this_o it_o give_v what_o form_n and_o circumstance_n it_o please_v to_o both_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o creative_a or_o productive_a power_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sort_n of_o despotic_a sovereignty_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n to_o the_o most_o useful_a take_n and_o natural_a act_n of_o the_o (null)_o soul_n but_o i_o forget_v what_o i_o main_o intend_v which_o be_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o use_n of_o meditation_n consist_v either_o in_o reflection_n or_o preparation_n as_o regard_v alike_o yesterday_o and_o to_o morrow_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o he_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o day_n past_a who_o lie_v under_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o waste_v it_o that_o he_o who_o action_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a importance_n than_o those_o of_o private_a man_n and_o fall_v avoidable_a under_o a_o more_o general_a and_o severe_a censure_n do_v the_o more_o careful_o scan_v they_o over_o nor_o be_v preparation_n less_o necessary_a than_o reflection_n for_o this_o give_v order_n to_o your_o affair_n and_o form_n the_o mind_n into_o a_o fit_a and_o just_a disposition_n it_o prevent_v surprise_v remove_v difficulty_n and_o give_v beauty_n and_o steadiness_n to_o your_o whole_a conduct_n as_o to_o friendship_n and_o diversion_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o full_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v but_o a_o word_n of_o they_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v for_o great_a man_n to_o have_v sincere_a friend_n but_o this_o be_v a_o purchase_n of_o so_o great_a a_o value_n deserve_v they_o shall_v lay_v out_o all_o their_o art_n and_o interest_n upon_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n in_o every_o condition_n that_o it_o clear_v our_o notion_n correct_v our_o error_n confirm_v our_o virtue_n enlarge_v our_o joy_n and_o lessen_v our_o trouble_n it_o be_v to_o man_n in_o a_o eminent_a station_n more_o peculiarly_a necessary_a both_o as_o the_o ornament_n and_o support_v of_o their_o fortune_n as_o to_o diversion_n it_o ever_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o urgency_n of_o his_o employment_n such_o as_o may_v not_o lessen_v his_o character_n or_o waste_v his_o time_n such_o as_o may_v refresh_v and_o recruit_v nature_n and_o from_o which_o he_o may_v return_v to_o his_o business_n with_o new_a vigour_n and_o new_a appetite_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o diversion_n be_v so_o wise_o contrive_v that_o they_o may_v at_o once_o delight_n and_o improve_v the_o mind_n i_o shall_v therefore_o think_v that_o physic_n or_o husbandry_n the_o principle_n of_o any_o curious_a mechanic_n performance_n music_n architecture_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v proper_a entertainment_n of_o vacant_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v aim_v at_o in_o diversion_n it_o be_v well_o to_o have_v always_o ready_a some_o wise_a friend_n by_o who_o help_n and_o conversation_n the_o time_n you_o bestow_v upon_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n may_v not_o be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o mind_n i_o be_o sensible_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o all_o who_o write_v moral_n with_o any_o spirit_n do_v general_o fall_v into_o that_o be_v propose_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v common_o attainable_a and_o of_o form_v my_o model_n and_o idea_n rather_o by_o speculation_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o mankind_n but_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o pardon_v by_o such_o as_o remember_v that_o the_o copy_n will_v ever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o original_a and_o that_o man_n will_v easy_o of_o themselves_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v the_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o (null)_o life_n nor_o do_v i_o again_o forget_v when_o i_o press_v gentleman_n to_o the_o noble_a height_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o violent_a solicitation_n to_o vice_n than_o other_o man_n i_o know_v it_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o always_o pretend_v to_o a_o high_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o refine_a education_n that_o their_o virtue_n always_o shine_v with_o a_o double_a lustre_n it_o be_v own_o and_o that_o of_o their_o fortune_n so_o that_o moderate_a attainment_n in_o they_o make_v a_o great_a show_n than_o the_o more_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v in_o man_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n and_o final_o that_o those_o advantage_n and_o prerogative_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o their_o birth_n and_o station_n do_v put_v they_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o other_o man_n to_o defend_v their_o true_a liberty_n and_o to_o pursue_v those_o method_n which_o reason_n and_o virtue_n dictate_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v life_n sect._n 1_o rule_n relate_v to_o success_n in_o trade_n first_o that_o the_o trader_n be_v industrious_a second_o that_o he_o be_v not_o above_o his_o profession_n sect._n 2._o rule_n relate_v to_o his_o religion_n first_o the_o trade_n must_v be_v a_o lawful_a one_o second_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n three_o it_o must_v not_o interfere_v with_o religion_n four_o the_o trader_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n such_o be_v a_o competency_n for_o himself_o and_o family_n the_o charitable_a assistance_n of_o other_o a_o timely_a retirement_n or_o
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 commend_v to_o his_o disciple_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o i_o be_o general_o above_o the_o buzz_n and_o flutter_v of_o these_o rather_o impertinence_n than_o evil_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o do_v often_o suffer_v they_o without_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o but_o i_o can_v never_o often_o enough_o put_v the_o world_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o fit_n and_o habit_n of_o these_o virtue_n what_o we_o can_v do_v in_o a_o pious_a humour_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o do_v be_v but_o the_o weak_a impression_n once_o convert_v into_o nature_n the_o short-lived_a passion_n change_v into_o steady_a habit_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o pursue_v my_o design_n i_o be_o almost_o afraid_a i_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o a_o head_n that_o the_o most_o pertinent_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n may_v now_o and_o then_o look_v like_o digression_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v after_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v second_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n life_n do_v so_o apparent_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o in_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n it_o signify_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v notorious_a life_n decay_v and_o expire_v with_o the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n and_o when_o it_o be_v protract_v after_o these_o be_v go_v it_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n any_o more_o than_o the_o noise_n of_o a_o ill-strung_a and_o ill-tuned_a instrument_n do_v that_o of_o music_n but_o i_o need_v not_o teach_v any_o body_n the_o value_n of_o health_n or_o press_v they_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n i_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o oblige_v to_o the_o world_n if_o i_o can_v teach_v it_o any_o art_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o that_o blessing_n which_o it_o enjoy_v before_o the_o flood_n a_o long_a life_n of_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n but_o i_o know_v no_o art_n that_o can_v raise_v nature_n above_o its_o own_o law_n or_o retrieve_v its_o youth_n if_o it_o be_v now_o in_o its_o decrepitude_n one_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o we_o too_o common_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_a nature_n first_o and_o then_o load_v she_o with_o our_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n we_o shall_v undoubted_o live_v much_o long_o and_o this_o life_n will_v be_v more_o healthy_a and_o verdant_a that_o be_v more_o vital_a than_o it_o be_v do_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o dictate_v of_o religion_n the_o law_n of_o virtue_n and_o not_o prefer_v before_o they_o those_o of_o lust_n and_o fancy_n how_o much_o soever_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v little_a to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o most_o man_n do_v notwithstanding_o shorten_v it_o themselves_o by_o some_o crime_n or_o error_n or_o other_o if_o we_o can_v consult_v the_o sickly_a crazy_a part_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o the_o middle_n or_o almost_o begin_v of_o their_o year_n and_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o blast_v their_o beauty_n and_o impair_v their_o strength_n what_o thus_o violate_v and_o contaminate_v their_o nature_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v resolve_v to_o what_o original_a their_o disease_n be_v owe_v if_o at_o least_o their_o shame_n and_o blush_n will_v give_v they_o leave_v to_o inform_v we_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o trace_v the_o death_n of_o most_o of_o those_o who_o be_v go_v hence_o before_o their_o time_n back_o to_o their_o first_o cause_n i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o our_o search_n will_v soon_o end_v in_o some_o vice_n or_o folly_n or_o other_o this_o man_n drink_v too_o much_o the_o other_o too_o much_o indulge_v his_o appetite_n one_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o lust_n and_o another_o putrify_a in_o his_o sloth_n all_o of_o they_o in_o our_o common_a phrase_n do_v live_v too_o fast_o but_o in_o truth_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n die_v too_o fast_o for_o since_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o act_v by_o reason_n every_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v a_o approach_n towards_o death_n but_o to_o proceed_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o see_v pride_n kill_v one_o passion_n another_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n a_o three_o while_o to_o gratify_v these_o affection_n the_o body_n be_v either_o expose_v to_o danger_n or_o wear_v out_o by_o labour_n now_o if_o we_o can_v general_o find_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o early_a death_n in_o man_n vice_n when_o so_o little_a of_o other_o man_n life_n come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n what_o think_v you_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v if_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o retirement_n and_o penetrate_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o mankind_n how_o many_o hide_a passion_n do_v gnaw_v the_o heart_n how_o many_o secret_a sin_n do_v waste_v and_o consume_v the_o strength_n where_o not_o only_a concealment_n exclude_v the_o eye_n but_o a_o show_n of_o probity_n nay_o a_o real_a and_o eminent_a practice_n of_o some_o particular_a virtue_n exclude_v even_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n if_o then_o immorality_n do_v often_o contract_v the_o term_n of_o life_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v for_o the_o prolong_n it_o religion_n or_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a physic_n it_o have_v often_o mend_v a_o ill_a constitution_n but_o never_o spoil_v a_o good_a one_o when_o do_v ever_o chastity_n impoverish_v the_o body_n or_o deflower_v the_o face_n when_o do_v ever_o temperance_n inflame_v the_o blood_n or_o oppress_v the_o spirit_n when_o do_v ever_o industry_n or_o vigilance_n four_o the_o humour_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o nerve_n no_o crudity_n no_o plethory_n no_o obstruction_n no_o assidity_n no_o stagnation_n extravasation_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a thing_n derive_v themselves_o from_o virtue_n or_o religion_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o he_o may_v entitle_v his_o folly_n his_o melancholy_n his_o particular_a fancy_n or_o his_o particular_a completion_n or_o constitution_n religion_n and_o this_o may_v prove_v mischievous_a to_o he_o to_o his_o health_n to_o his_o strength_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o man_n and_o to_o speak_v proper_o this_o be_v not_o righteousness_n nor_o religion_n tho'_o it_o be_v call_v so_o but_o it_o be_v fancy_n and_o folly_n or_o a_o ill_a constitution_n disguise_v under_o the_o garb_n and_o the_o mien_n of_o religion_n virtue_n then_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o a_o long_a life_n or_o if_o not_o so_o at_o least_o to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a and_o honourable_a death_n for_o where_o a_o early_a death_n be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o providence_n not_o a_o crime_n we_o must_v needs_o meet_v it_o with_o less_o amazement_n ourselves_o and_o our_o friend_n behold_v it_o with_o less_o regret_n and_o affliction_n three_o the_o three_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n be_v to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o its_o preservation_n if_o all_o the_o promise_v god_n have_v make_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o long_a 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his_o providence_n be_v a_o great_a abyss_n and_o the_o swiftness_n and_o secrecy_n of_o his_o act_n elude_v our_o search_n and_o baffle_v our_o inquiry_n so_o that_o we_o can_v discern_v when_o he_o act_v by_o prerogative_n when_o by_o law_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o he_o do_v frequent_o exert_v a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o great_a business_n be_v to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o unerring_a guide_n of_o this_o dubious_a and_o float_a life_n a_o firm_a support_n of_o this_o mortal_a corruptible_a nature_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o effectual_a way_n to_o oblige_v god_n if_o this_o be_v the_o great_a message_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v light_a then_o st._n john_n inference_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a that_o he_o only_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n can_v maintain_v a_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o be_v be_v dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o a_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n must_v be_v the_o only_a method_n to_o endear_v ourselves_o to_o a_o god_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a spirit_n nay_o though_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v necessary_o found_v in_o their_o consonancy_n and_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o still_o since_o they_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n we_o need_v search_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o height_n of_o purity_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n invite_v we_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o be_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o perfection_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o all_o indispensible_a to_o the_o happy_a conduct_n of_o our_o temporal_a affair_n but_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o eternal_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o religious_a we_o be_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v please_v god_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o so_o uncontested_a a_o point_n nature_n itself_o dictate_v that_o a_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v the_o strong_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o the_o wise_a or_o good_a and_o obedience_n the_o most_o effectual_a recommendation_n of_o we_o to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n whether_o therefore_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o best_a or_o the_o great_a the_o character_n under_o which_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v ever_o represent_v he_o religion_n that_o be_v imitation_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v ever_o come_v to_o pretend_v to_o his_o favour_n nor_o be_v virtue_n less_o apt_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n and_o amity_n of_o man_n than_o that_o of_o god_n it_o fence_n we_o about_o with_o the_o arm_n and_o succour_n of_o mankind_n if_o guard_v we_o with_o all_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o all_o their_o prayer_n for_o their_o love_n and_o reverence_n make_v they_o both_o active_a and_o wakeful_a in_o our_o service_n how_o direct_o repugnant_a to_o all_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o irreligion_n it_o leave_v we_o no_o other_o safeguard_v than_o that_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o vigilance_n which_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o folly_n and_o fear_n our_o weakness_n and_o cowardice_n for_o alas_o what_o be_v my_o single_a reason_n or_o force_n when_o i_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n to_o second_v i_o how_o much_o less_o when_o the_o indignation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o secret_a aversion_n or_o open_a enmity_n of_o the_o other_o scare_v and_o intimidate_v i_o how_o can_v a_o man_n hold_v out_o against_o danger_n if_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o gild_n within_o and_o his_o reason_n overthrow_v by_o ominous_a fear_n do_v not_o lessen_v but_o multiply_v his_o terror_n hence_o be_v that_o of_o solomon_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v but_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n abandon_v by_o god_n and_o man_n he_o seem_v at_o last_o abandon_v by_o himself_o too_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v under_o this_o article_n amount_v to_o this_o first_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o date_n of_o (null)_o life_n be_v not_o fatal_a and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v prolong_v or_o protract_v therefore_o i_o proceed_v second_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v prolong_v and_o here_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o conducive_a to_o this_o than_o a_o cheerful_a mind_n a_o healthful_a body_n and_o a_o propitious_a providence_n i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o what_o inspire_a author_n have_v frequent_o teach_v length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n thou_o shall_v come_v to_o thy_o grave_n in_o a_o full_a age_n like_v as_o a_o shock_n of_o corn_n come_v in_o its_o season_n a_o bless_a and_o perfect_a religion_n at_o once_o the_o guard_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n at_o once_o the_o support_v and_o delight_n of_o (null)_o nature_n sect._n 3_o two_o objection_n against_o the_o design_n of_o the_o former_a paragraph_n answer_v but_o against_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o will_v be_v object_v first_o how_o be_v this_o that_o you_o contend_v for_o how_o be_v those_o text_n which_o make_v length_n of_o day_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n reconcilable_a with_o those_o other_o which_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v
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
sound_a in_o one_o who_o do_v begin_v to_o bow_v already_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o year_n hereafter_o how_o ill_n do_v this_o language_n become_v this_o decay_a moulder_a body_n but_o suppose_v the_o wheel_n of_o time_n will_v stop_v tho'_o run_v now_o down_o a_o headlong_a precipe_n suppose_v your_o sun_n will_v for_o a_o while_o stand_v still_o yet_o what_o a_o work_n have_v you_o to_o finish_v what_o gild_n to_o expiate_v what_o sin_n to_o vanquish_v and_o what_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o prepare_v for_o be_v these_o slight_a consideration_n will_v your_o sin_n think_v you_o be_v easy_o atone_v when_o their_o number_n be_v swell_v not_o only_o by_o length_n of_o time_n but_o also_o by_o a_o uncontrolled_a licentiousness_n for_o novice_n in_o sin_n be_v awe_v by_o modesty_n hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o discourage_v by_o regreat_a and_o remorse_n but_o the_o veteran_n sinner_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o a_o torrent_n of_o debauch_a affection_n and_o repeat_v his_o folly_n with_o a_o relentless_a confidence_n and_o unopposed_a authority_n will_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o subdue_v those_o sin_n which_o have_v maintain_v a_o long_a and_o undisturbed_a dominion_n and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o you_o what_o shall_v awaken_v that_o sinner_n who_o like_o solomon_n drunkard_n prov._n 23.35_o be_v insensible_a of_o stripe_n and_o wound_n and_o alas_o when_o rouse_v out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o dalilah_n his_o lock_n like_o sampson_n be_v cut_v off_o the_o spirit_n retire_v his_o strength_n impair_v and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o enemy_n augment_v and_o with_o what_o will_v he_o conquer_v be_v it_o last_o a_o trivial_a thing_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v think_v a_o moment_n will_v serve_v turn_n to_o prepare_v for_o it_o i_o will_v suppose_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o merciful_a as_o you_o can_v desire_v he_o if_o you_o will_v suppose_v he_o too_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v to_o have_v so_o much_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o so_o much_o integrity_n as_o to_o expect_v sincerity_n tho'_o not_o perfection_n and_o this_o alone_a will_v make_v that_o judgement_n formidable_a i_o very_o much_o fear_n that_o both_o young_a and_o old_a do_v entertain_v too_o mild_a and_o favourable_a a_o notion_n of_o that_o day_n and_o so_o elude_v and_o baffle_v the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o gospel_n have_v i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o wander_v far_o from_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paragraph_n if_o i_o close_o this_o exhortation_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o with_o a_o short_a reflection_n on_o that_o day_n we_o must_v first_o bid_v adieu_o to_o this_o world_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o die_v ere_o we_o can_v go_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n what_o a_o perfect_a mortification_n of_o all_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n be_v necessary_a ere_o we_o can_v calm_o part_v with_o all_o here_o below_o what_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o love_n and_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o its_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n what_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o dark_a passage_n into_o another_o world_n when_o we_o be_v get_v there_o what_o a_o strict_a trial_n be_v we_o to_o undergo_v there_o all_o disguise_n will_v be_v take_v off_o and_o every_o thing_n appear_v in_o its_o naked_a nature_n there_o all_o our_o superstructure_n of_o hay_n and_o stubble_n will_v be_v burn_v up_o only_o pure_a solid_a virtue_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n there_o darling_n vice_n will_v not_o pass_v under_o the_o disguise_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n there_o a_o honest_a sloth_n and_o harmless_a luxury_n will_v not_o be_v think_v innocence_n enough_o to_o entitle_v man_n to_o heaven_n there_o some_o few_o good_a fit_n will_v not_o pass_v for_o godly_a sorrow_n nor_o some_o feeble_a and_o short-lived_a attempt_n for_o repentance_n and_o a_o change_n there_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o lucky_a constitution_n will_v not_o be_v crown_v as_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n there_o in_o a_o word_n talk_n will_v not_o pass_v for_o action_n nor_o censure_n of_o other_o commute_v for_o mortification_n in_o ourselves_o final_o nothing_o shall_v be_v reward_v there_o but_o a_o conquer_a faith_n a_o active_a charity_n a_o humble_a constant_a zeal_n patient_a persevere_v hope_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o pious_a fear_n this_o need_v no_o application_n begin_v begin_v to_o live_v before_o you_o die_v begin_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v before_o you_o be_v judge_v sect._n 3_o a_o three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n be_v to_o avoid_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o it_o such_o be_v sloth_n that_o waste_v and_o impertinence_n that_o embroil_v it_o coldness_n or_o remissness_n in_o religion_n that_o dispirit_n and_o dilute_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n that_o disorder_n and_o confound_v it_o and_o final_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o sour_a and_o embitter_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o these_o head_n occur_v often_o and_o tho'_o it_o be_v under_o different_a aspect_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v sometime_o light_v upon_o the_o same_o thought_n nay_o peradventure_o the_o very_a same_o word_n it_o be_v against_o my_o will_n if_o i_o do_v but_o i_o want_v sight_n to_o revise_v my_o paper_n and_o be_o glad_a to_o disburden_v my_o memory_n as_o fast_o as_o i_o can_v and_o therefore_o charge_v it_o with_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v once_o entrust_v to_o writing_n and_o the_o toil_n of_o recollect_v my_o thought_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o like_o sybil_n oracle_n in_o disperse_a leave_n by_o a_o hand_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o direct_v or_o animate_v be_v most_o intolerable_a if_o therefore_o i_o slip_v into_o any_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o i_o shall_v very_o unwilling_o i_o can_v but_o presume_v of_o pardon_n have_v so_o just_a a_o excuse_n but_o i_o proceed_v first_o we_o must_v avoid_v idleness_n sloth_n be_v the_o rust_n of_o time_n sleep_n be_v a_o image_n of_o death_n and_o sloth_n of_o sleep_n the_o life_n of_o the_o sluggish_a be_v but_o a_o wake_a dream_n a_o vacation_n from_o all_o business_n and_o true_a enjoyment_n too_o a_o cessation_n and_o stop_v tho'_o not_o of_o time_n which_o still_o run_v on_o yet_o of_o the_o very_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o how_o remote_a then_o must_v idleness_n be_v from_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n it_o never_o plough_v nor_o sow_n and_o therefore_o never_o reap_v it_o never_o plant_v nor_o set_v and_o therefore_o never_o gather_v any_o fruit_n nothing_o great_a be_v ever_o perform_v by_o it_o nothing_o great_a ever_o enjoy_v by_o it_o and_o shall_v the_o rich_a fruit_n that_o ever_o grow_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o paradise_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n i._n e._n knowledge_n and_o life_n be_v gather_v by_o a_o sluggish_a hand_n no_o tho'_o no_o angel_n or_o flame_a sword_n do_v stop_v his_o way_n yet_o be_v there_o difficulty_n in_o it_o too_o many_o and_o too_o great_a for_o this_o heavy_a dastardly_a animal_n to_o conquer_v plato_n as_o i_o remember_v tell_v we_o some_o where_o that_o a_o god_n tie_v pain_n and_o pleasure_n by_o the_o tail_n together_o there_o be_v no_o come_n at_o the_o one_o by_o he_o who_o shun_v the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o world_n contrive_v that_o even_o temporal_a and_o seem_a good_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o the_o travel_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o toil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o what_o lean_a starve_a and_o beggarly_a blessing_n be_v these_o compare_v to_o those_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v starve_v for_o want_v of_o true_a pleasure_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o glitter_a heap_n sorrow_n may_v sit_v heavy_a on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o conqueror_n or_o the_o bride_n even_o on_o the_o day_n of_o solemn_a triumph_n and_o festival_n noise_n the_o prince_n may_v be_v a_o slave_n a_o egyptian_a slave_n even_o while_o he_o reign_v with_o absolute_a and_o uncontrolled_a power_n but_o life_n and_o pleasure_n content_a and_o happiness_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n who_o live_v idle_o and_o at_o his_o ease_n he_o must_v pray_v meditate_v watch_n and_o exercise_v himself_o in_o industry_n sobriety_n and_o purity_n who_o will_v overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o obtain_v the_o tranquillity_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a nor_o let_v this_o frighten_v any_o man_n for_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o
(null)_o life_n or_o a_o second_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n london_n print_v for_o george_n pawlet_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery-lane_n and_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1690._o imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r.p.d._n henrico_n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la july_n 5._o 1690._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o sect_n i._o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o (null)_o life_n chap._n i._o life_n a_o great_a blessing_n in_o itself_o prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o some_o and_o why_o happiness_n perfect_a only_o in_o heaven_n 3_o chap._n ii_o life_n what_o in_o a_o natural_a sense_n what_o in_o a_o moral_a life_n perfection_n and_o enjoyment_n inseparable_o unite_v more_o particular_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o sloth_n sensuality_n worldliness_n devilishness_n but_o in_o the_o regulation_n of_o all_o our_o action_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n 8_o chap._n iii_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n first_o to_o cultivate_v our_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o insist_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o bear_v evil_n and_o enjoy_v good_n second_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o as_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n four_o that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n consider_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 25_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o life_n 40_o chap._n i._o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o active_a more_o necessary_a the_o several_a ground_n on_o which_o man_n determine_v their_o choice_n that_o be_v interest_n providence_n inclination_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o civil_a life_n or_o the_o active_a life_n of_o a_o gentleman_n sect._n 1_o the_o gentleman_n obligation_n to_o a_o active_a life_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o his_o country_n to_o himself_o the_o active_a life_n not_o injurious_a to_o the_o gentleman_n pre-eminence_n liberty_n pleasure_n sect._n 2._o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o civil_a life_n i.e._n the_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o this_o sort_n of_o life_n the_o constancy_n require_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o gentleman_n life_n some_o vacation_n from_o business_n necessary_a and_o to_o what_o end_v 48_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v life_n sect._n 1_o rule_n relate_v to_o success_n in_o trade_n first_o that_o the_o trader_n be_v industrious_a second_o that_o he_o be_v not_o above_o his_o profession_n sect._n 2._o rule_n relate_v to_o his_o religion_n one_a the_o trade_n must_v be_v a_o lawful_a one_o 2_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n 3_o it_o must_v not_o interfere_v with_o religion_n 4_o the_o trader_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n such_o be_v a_o competency_n for_o himself_o and_o family_n the_o charitable_a assistance_n of_o other_o a_o timely_a retirement_n or_o retreat_n from_o the_o bussel_n or_o distraction_n of_o too_o much_o business_n 97_o chap._n iv_o of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n for_o who_o this_o chapter_n be_v design_v what_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o contemplative_a one_o sect._n 1_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n warrant_v the_o choice_n of_o such_o a_o life_n first_o enjoyment_n second_o self-preservation_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n three_o the_o better_a serve_v the_o the_o world_n four_o a_o more_o entire_a dedication_n of_o one_o self_n to_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n 1._o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n 2._o a_o peaceable_a and_o humble_a disposition_n 3._o a_o good_a understanding_n sect._n 3_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n with_o respect_n 1._o to_o time_n 2._o to_o place_n 3._o to_o the_o exercise_n or_o employment_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n p._n 125_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o right_n husband_v life_n 166_o chap._n i._o the_o usual_a art_n of_o prevent_v or_o retard_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o lessen_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n explode_v and_o better_o substitute_v in_o their_o room_n physic_n instead_o of_o which_o courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n paint_v etc._n etc._n instead_o of_o which_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n child_n instead_o of_o which_o good_a work_n and_o so_o forth_o survive_v honour_n not_o whole_o reject_v but_o a_o true_a immortality_n prefer_v 168_o chap._n ii_o of_o lengthen_v life_n sect._n 1_o the_o fatality_n of_o the_o period_n of_o life_n refute_v and_o objection_n from_o scripture_n from_o astrological_a prediction_n from_o divine_a prescience_n answer_v a_o sort_n of_o fate_n admit_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n first_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n second_o health_n of_o body_n three_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o man._n sect._n 3_o objection_n against_o this_o last_o assertion_n from_o such_o text_n as_o assert_v the_o promiscuous_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o early_a death_n sometime_o of_o the_o righteous_a answer_v p._n 178_o 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 first_o to_z the_o young_a second_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 214_o (null)_o life_n or_o a_o second_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n introduction_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o dedication_n and_o preface_n if_o they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o genius_n of_o eloquence_n if_o they_o sparkle_v with_o wit_n and_o fancy_n if_o they_o be_v enrich_v with_o sense_n and_o animate_v by_o move_v and_o vital_a language_n be_v like_o graceful_a access_n and_o beautiful_a front_n to_o building_n which_o while_o they_o raise_v in_o the_o beholder_n a_o secret_a delight_n do_v prepossess_v he_o with_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o continuation_n of_o a_o former_a treatise_n and_o have_v little_a encouragement_n either_o from_o my_o humour_n or_o talent_n to_o any_o attempt_n of_o that_o kind_n i_o never_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v unnecessary_o engage_v in_o it_o i_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n only_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o what_o i_o have_v perform_v in_o the_o first_o volume_n and_o design_n in_o this_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n i_o show_v that_o happiness_n be_v neither_o so_o great_a and_o divine_a a_o possession_n as_o to_o be_v above_o the_o ambition_n of_o man_n nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a as_o not_o to_o deserve_v it_o and_o next_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o time_n or_o chance_n fancy_n or_o inclination_n but_o from_o reason_n and_o industry_n virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o second_o having_z first_o brief_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o happiness_n i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o possibility_n of_o obtain_v it_o and_o to_o rescue_v so_o important_a a_o opinion_n from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n that_o may_v stifle_v and_o oppress_v it_o in_o the_o three_o i_o just_o point_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o (null)_o misery_n or_o of_o unsuccessfulness_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o remove_v whatever_o may_v discourage_v or_o frustrate_v our_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n i_o be_o now_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o way_n and_o method_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o in_o which_o i_o be_o oblige_v according_a to_o the_o general_n design_n or_o scheme_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a volume_n to_o treat_v of_o life_n perfection_n indolence_n and_o fruition_n according_o
time_n both_o of_o peace_n and_o war_n what_o his_o heart_n but_o the_o rendezvouz_n of_o a_o thousand_o mutinous_a violent_a and_o dishonourable_a lust_n which_o rend_v and_o tear_v he_o worse_o than_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o man_n possess_v nay_o what_o be_v even_o fancy_n and_o wit_n itself_o if_o destitute_a of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o true_a reason_n but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sort_n of_o flash_n which_o dazzle_v but_o do_v not_o guide_v serve_v for_o amuzement_n rather_o than_o nourishment_n or_o delight_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n be_v very_o well_o pay_v if_o he_o be_v praise_v and_o starve_v which_o be_v general_o his_o fate_n in_o a_o word_n neither_o business_n nor_o diversion_n can_v have_v in_o they_o any_o thing_n true_o useful_a or_o true_o please_v if_o they_o be_v not_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o right_a reason_n and_o all_o the_o disposition_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v be_v but_o either_o lose_v upon_o foolery_n or_o abuse_v to_o our_o ruin_n second_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o good_n knowledge_n be_v like_a light_n shed_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n which_o discover_v all_o its_o various_a beauty_n and_o wondrous_a wealth_n which_o while_o darkness_n cover_v they_o be_v as_o tho'_o they_o have_v not_o be_v without_o reason_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v nor_o value_v our_o own_o happiness_n nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o blessing_n and_o good_n even_o tho'_o they_o crowd_n and_o throng_n upon_o we_o without_o this_o our_o very_a enjoyment_n will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o our_o repose_n and_o we_o shall_v meet_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o draught_n of_o pleasure_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o it_o require_v no_o small_a philosophy_n either_o to_o render_v business_n pleasant_a or_o pleasure_n innocent_a either_o to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n which_o a_o great_a birth_n or_o eminent_a station_n call_v man_n to_o or_o to_o employ_v that_o time_n which_o a_o ample_a fortune_n make_v they_o entire_o master_n of_o and_o to_o husband_n a_o life_n of_o ease_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o the_o best_a and_o fill_v it_o with_o virtue_n and_o honour_n ah_o how_o often_o have_v i_o see_v the_o vigour_n of_o nature_n dissolve_v by_o pleasure_n the_o edge_n and_o fineness_n of_o its_o part_n mat_v and_o blunt_v by_o sloth_n and_o softness_n how_o often_o have_v i_o see_v man_n render_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a by_o success_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o they_o be_v not_o big_a enough_o whereas_o have_v the_o mind_n be_v well_o cultivate_v and_o enrich_v with_o true_a wisdom_n pleasure_n and_o diversion_n themselves_o have_v refine_v and_o recruit_v nature_n and_o power_n honour_n and_o plenty_n have_v only_o place_v worth_n and_o greatness_n in_o a_o better_a light_n this_o be_v true_a in_o its_o proportion_n from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a station_n it_o require_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o govern_v and_o enjoy_v prosperity_n a_o obscure_a and_o narrow_a fortune_n be_v most_o convenient_a both_o to_o conceal_v and_o preserve_v a_o fool_n for_o plenty_n and_o power_n dignity_n and_o preferment_n do_v but_o expose_v he_o to_o scorn_n and_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o poor_a creature_n can_v perish_v or_o suffer_v alone_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v like_o a_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n overthrow_v the_o design_n and_o interest_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o and_o miserable_o betray_v the_o confidence_n repose_v in_o he_o but_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o to_o the_o good_n it_o be_v no_o less_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n for_o three_o reason_n be_v the_o pilot_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o steer_v it_o steady_o through_o wild_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n amid_o the_o rock_n and_o shelf_n of_o lust_n and_o fancy_n fortune_n and_o folly_n ignorance_n error_n and_o a_o thousand_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o enable_v man_n to_o despise_v imaginary_a evil_n and_o vanquish_v real_a one_o it_o arm_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a and_o last_a magnanimity_n furnish_v it_o with_o solid_a comfort_n and_o teach_v it_o to_o extract_v life_n and_o health_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n out_o of_o the_o madness_n and_o mutability_n of_o man_n and_o fortune_n like_o antidote_n and_o cordial_n out_o of_o thing_n poisonous_a and_o baneful_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o after_o this_o account_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o it_o be_v of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n which_o sufficient_o show_v how_o essential_a it_o be_v to_o the_o be_v the_o ornament_n and_o felicity_n of_o (null)_o life_n if_o i_o have_v resolve_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o man_n to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v it_o sure_o all_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o inspire_a one_o have_v be_v of_o my_o opinion_n for_o their_o chief_n if_o not_o only_a design_n ever_o be_v either_o to_o obtain_v wisdom_n themselves_o or_o propagate_v it_o among_o other_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n himself_o have_v ever_o carry_v on_o this_o one_o design_n of_o advance_v wisdom_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o his_o law_n above_o those_o of_o man_n that_o these_o restrain_v the_o action_n but_o those_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n these_o punish_v offence_n and_o crime_n but_o those_o by_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o strengthen_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n prevent_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o and_o direct_v and_o instigate_v he_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a work_n that_o god_n and_o man_n invite_v we_o to_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v daily_a progress_n and_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o we_o shall_v incline_v our_o ear_n to_o wisdom_n and_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o understanding_n that_o we_o shall_v seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o nature_n and_o state_n invite_v we_o too_o for_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o pleasure_n our_o success_n and_o our_o security_n our_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o in_o one_o word_n our_o true_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o second_o it_o easy_o follow_v from_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o life_n that_o we_o be_v to_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o direct_o oppose_v or_o secret_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n or_o any_o way_n obstruct_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o its_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n for_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o travail_v and_o labour_n to_o advance_v reason_n if_o afterward_o we_o refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o it_o reason_n if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v by_o it_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o increase_v our_o shame_n and_o guilt_n st._n peter_n think_v it_o better_a never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o we_o 2_o pet._n 2.21_o to_o stifle_v the_o spark_n of_o reason_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o wisdom_n and_o perfection_n by_o a_o lazy_a or_o vicious_a education_n be_v a_o great_a crime_n but_o to_o desert_n and_o betray_v our_o reason_n grow_v up_o to_o some_o maturity_n to_o hold_v it_o in_o captivity_n and_o fetter_n to_o defile_v and_o prostitute_v it_o by_o compel_v it_o to_o serve_v and_o flatter_v abominable_a passion_n this_o sure_a must_v be_v a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o expose_v the_o man_n to_o the_o scorn_n or_o pity_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rational_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n or_o if_o none_o of_o these_o mischief_n shall_v attend_v the_o contempt_n and_o profanation_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o more_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n miserable_a it_o precipitate_v he_o into_o all_o the_o irregularity_n and_o wildness_n imaginable_a nothing_o be_v so_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a so_o savage_a and_o untamable_a as_o those_o passion_n which_o be_v accustom_v to_o overpower_v and_o master_v reason_n it_o be_v from_o all_o this_o manifest_a that_o whoever_o love_v life_n and_o will_v experience_n it_o a_o real_a blessing_n must_v with_o all_o his_o power_n set_v himself_o to_o remove_v and_o defeat_v whatever_o may_v hinder_v his_o ready_a and_o entire_a submission_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n now_o the_o thing_n which_o enfeeble_v the_o
fortune_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v to_o (null)_o nature_n these_o be_v the_o ability_n that_o constitute_v gentleman_n true_o great_a that_o make_v they_o the_o prop_n of_o a_o sink_a state_n or_o the_o star_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o flourish_a one_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o safety_n and_o glory_n of_o your_o country_n and_o your_o own_o happiness_n and_o posterity_n demand_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o if_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n as_o once_o those_o of_o the_o best_a constitute_v kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v exact_a virtue_n and_o industry_n with_o the_o great_a rigour_n and_o punish_v idleness_n and_o riot_n with_o infamy_n banishment_n and_o death_n nor_o have_v any_o one_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o to_o oblige_v the_o gentleman_n to_o a_o active_a and_o industrious_a life_n be_v to_o debase_v his_o quality_n or_o to_o invade_v his_o liberty_n much_o less_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v bear_v to_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a a_o active_a virtue_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o gentleman_n this_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a foundation_n the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o country_n can_v be_v build_v on_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o fortune_n do_v but_o adorn_v he_o as_o a_o pageant_n to_o be_v the_o sport_n and_o gaze_v of_o the_o crowd_n and_o all_o that_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v between_o merit_n and_o fortune_n will_v inward_o despise_v the_o fool_n and_o sluggard_n whatever_o courtship_n and_o compliment_n they_o may_v make_v to_o the_o esquire_n and_o landlord_n and_o as_o business_n can_v be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o honour_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v of_o his_o liberty_n for_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o service_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o only_a freedom_n or_o liberty_n of_o man_n not_o to_o mind_v you_o that_o the_o business_n of_o man_n of_o wealth_n and_o birth_n be_v always_o a_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n they_o be_v ever_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o retire_v when_o they_o shall_v judge_v their_o privacy_n and_o leisure_n more_o valuable_a than_o their_o employment_n this_o one_o single_a consideration_n can_v but_o silence_v this_o suggestion_n that_o no_o man_n be_v less_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o time_n than_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o ample_a fortune_n and_o no_o business_n for_o he_o be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o form_n and_o impertinence_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o sottishness_n of_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o idle_a and_o ignorant_a as_o himself_o and_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o servitude_n so_o wretched_a as_o that_o to_o luxury_n and_o vanity_n nor_o any_o confinement_n or_o attendance_n so_o tedious_a as_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o folly_n with_o the_o trifle_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o business_n be_v at_o all_o time_n a_o comely_a excuse_n and_o never_o fail_v of_o put_v a_o man_n handsome_o in_o possession_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o own_o time_n and_o action_n but_o of_o all_o the_o aspersion_n with_o which_o address_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v assault_v there_o be_v none_o more_o palpable_o injurious_a than_o this_o that_o to_o condemn_v a_o gentleman_n to_o business_n be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o pleasure_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v business_n and_o employment_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o pleasure_n it_o be_v this_o that_o prevent_v the_o disease_n of_o pleasure_n surfeit_n and_o satiety_n and_o make_v diversion_n always_o new_a and_o nature_n always_o vigorous_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o rational_a and_o manly_a employment_n so_o raise_v and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v above_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o so_o entertain_v it_o that_o it_o need_v not_o make_v vicious_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n a_o refuge_n against_o the_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n of_o life_n but_o after_o all_o tho'_o all_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o consideration_n more_o important_a still_o which_o be_v that_o the_o business_n of_o a_o gentleman_n if_o dischare_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v always_o attend_v with_o pleasure_n and_o that_o a_o more_o brisk_a and_o sensible_a one_o than_o he_o can_v find_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o whether_o he_o protect_v the_o oppress_a or_o oppose_v the_o violent_a and_o the_o unjust_a by_o his_o power_n whether_o he_o steer_v the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o simple_a to_o their_o harbour_n by_o his_o wisdom_n or_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o his_o wealth_n whether_o he_o support_v a_o sink_a friend_n or_o raise_v a_o deserve_a creature_n whether_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o maintain_v the_o right_n of_o his_o country_n in_o a_o word_n whether_o he_o assist_v the_o public_a or_o the_o private_a by_o his_o fortune_n his_o ability_n or_o virtue_n all_o these_o work_n have_v something_o in_o they_o so_o great_a so_o generous_a that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n of_o these_o the_o high_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o a_o fortunate_a birth_n it_o be_v the_o sabbath_n the_o rest_n of_o god_n when_o he_o behold_v all_o his_o work_n that_o they_o be_v exceed_o good_a nor_o can_v i_o believe_v god_n take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o creation_n than_o he_o do_v in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n how_o please_v then_o must_v be_v the_o reflection_n upon_o these_o godlike_a work_n for_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o create_v a_o new_a world_n it_o be_v certain_o to_o embellish_v govern_v and_o support_v the_o old_a there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v why_o the_o work_n of_o virtue_n shall_v procure_v their_o author_n less_o pleasure_n than_o those_o of_o fancy_n wit_n and_o learning_n do_v they_o why_o the_o poet_n shall_v feel_v a_o big_a joy_n rise_v from_o a_o witty_a poem_n the_o painter_n from_o a_o well_o finish_v piece_n the_o architect_n from_o a_o well_o contrive_v building_n the_o scholar_n from_o a_o just_a and_o regular_a discourse_n than_o a_o gentleman_n shall_v from_o the_o happy_a and_o honourable_a effect_n of_o wisdom_n courage_n bounty_n and_o magnanimity_n these_o sure_a be_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o as_o the_o original_a be_v more_o noble_a so_o be_v the_o issue_n too_o for_o certain_o to_o preserve_v the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o man_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o make_v they_o seem_v to_o live_v in_o imagery_n to_o raise_v a_o family_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o contrive_v and_o build_v a_o house_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o actual_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o afflict_a by_o a_o present_a and_o vigorous_a remedy_n be_v much_o more_o than_o to_o treat_v the_o fancy_n of_o the_o soft_a and_o vain_a and_o in_o one_o word_n actual_o to_o compose_v the_o division_n allay_v the_o heat_n govern_v the_o impetuosity_n and_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o man_n by_o the_o force_n of_o law_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o example_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o ascendant_n which_o the_o fortune_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o great_a one_o give_v they_o over_o their_o inferior_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n a_o much_o more_o signal_n service_n to_o god_n and_o man_n than_o it_o can_v ever_o be_v to_o debate_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o most_o distinguish_a judgement_n or_o write_v a_o exhortation_n with_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n have_v thus_o demonstrate_v that_o person_n of_o rank_n and_o fortune_n lie_v under_o many_o and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o activity_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o confute_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o oppose_v against_o it_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o lay_v before_o they_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n such_o rule_n as_o may_v guard_v they_o against_o that_o envy_n and_o danger_n that_o toil_n and_o discontent_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o great_a as_o dirt_n or_o dust_n or_o heat_v that_o of_o their_o chariot_n and_o which_o on_o the_o other_o side_n may_v render_v their_o activity_n a_o great_a instrument_n of_o their_o felicity_n for_o i_o will_v not_o that_o such_o as_o be_v the_o common_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n shall_v meet_v with_o no_o other_o recompense_n but_o trouble_n and_o hazard_n as_o if_o like_o cloud_n they_o can_v not_o refresh_v and_o impregnate_n the_o earth_n unless_o they_o be_v themselves_o dissolve_v and_o waste_v into_o shower_n i_o will_v have_v every_o worthy_a action_n be_v a_o accession_n to_o their_o greatness_n and_o every_o honourable_a performance_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o reward_n which_o shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o levity_n of_o the_o people_n sect._n 2._o
rule_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o gentleman_n in_o a_o public_a station_n or_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o civil_a life_n 1._o he_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n 2._o with_o virtue_n proper_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o rank_n and_o station_n 3._o he_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_a resolve_v and_o vigorous_a throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n and_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o affair_n 4._o his_o 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 first_o of_o the_o gentleman_n knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o fortune_n that_o knowledge_n better_o become_v or_o that_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o it_o than_o a_o gentleman_n without_o it_o a_o estate_n be_v rather_o cumbersome_a than_o useful_a and_o the_o ignorant_a owner_n must_v be_v the_o tool_n or_o instrument_n of_o another_o ambition_n or_o interest_n the_o prey_n of_o a_o menial_a servant_n or_o the_o property_n of_o a_o imperious_a wife_n or_o wanton_a child_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o of_o some_o crafty_a retainer_n who_o grow_v impudent_a with_o the_o favour_n rich_a with_o the_o spoil_n both_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o fortune_n of_o his_o master_n the_o best_a that_o can_v befall_v such_o a_o one_o be_v if_o he_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o light_v into_o good_a hand_n and_o join_v himself_o with_o a_o right_a party_n he_o may_v be_v the_o apendage_n of_o some_o other_o fortune_n the_o shade_n and_o umbria_fw-la of_o another_o who_o intercept_v the_o smile_n and_o thanks_o due_a to_o he_o he_o may_v in_o a_o word_n talk_n and_o act_n by_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o party_n this_o be_v a_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a condition_n to_o a_o man_n of_o birth_n and_o fortune_n to_o be_v incapable_a of_o employ_v or_o improve_n the_o advantage_n he_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o to_o be_v only_o the_o prey_n or_o tool_n of_o the_o cunning_a avarice_n ambition_n and_o impotent_a passion_n of_o other_o or_o at_o best_o the_o instrument_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o the_o wise_a be_v bear_v to_o rule_v the_o fool._n nor_o be_v this_o all_o the_o gentleman_n ignorance_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o worthy_a of_o reproach_n because_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v bear_v to_o great_a opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n as_o he_o that_o stand_v upon_o a_o more_o eminent_a height_n do_v natural_o enjoy_v a_o more_o free_a and_o open_a prospect_n but_o what_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o this_o a_o patrician_n fortune_n join_v with_o a_o plebeian_n understanding_n render_v a_o man_n not_o more_o liable_a to_o suffer_v mischief_n than_o apt_a to_o commit_v they_o for_o if_o the_o man_n have_v much_o passion_n and_o no_o understanding_n as_o wealth_n be_v apt_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o wilfulness_n tho'_o it_o can_v with_o wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o execute_v his_o passion_n and_o no_o reason_n to_o restrain_v they_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o contumely_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o tho'_o he_o have_v no_o sense_n himself_o be_v too_o big_a to_o hear_v it_o from_o another_o what_o can_v such_o a_o man_n be_v but_o a_o plague_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o what_o can_v his_o wealth_n and_o interest_n be_v but_o resistless_a instrument_n of_o evil._n it_o be_v then_o indispensible_o necessary_a as_o well_o for_o the_o avoid_v evil_a as_o do_v good_a that_o the_o great_a man_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o good_a understanding_n the_o first_o thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o be_v religion_n as_o the_o only_a source_n of_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o a_o just_a and_o last_a reputation_n nor_o indeed_o can_v i_o see_v how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v considerable_a without_o it_o for_o tho'_o base_a end_n require_v base_a instrument_n in_o all_o other_o case_n i_o see_v not_o how_o either_o prince_n or_o people_n can_v trust_v those_o man_n who_o be_v false_a to_o god_n and_o themselves_o it_o be_v scarce_a to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o who_o sacrifice_n his_o religion_n and_o his_o reason_n that_o be_v himself_o to_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n shall_v be_v nice_a and_o scrupulous_a of_o give_v up_o a_o remote_a interest_n or_o obligation_n to_o it_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o gentleman_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o shall_v perplex_v or_o amuse_v himself_o with_o the_o dispute_n that_o have_v debauch_v or_o subtlety_n and_o nicety_n which_o have_v dispirited_a or_o enervate_v christianity_n i_o will_v have_v he_o have_v so_o much_o illumination_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o politic_n reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o fancy_n and_o whimsy_n of_o man_n i_o will_v have_v he_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n and_o study_v and_o ruminate_v they_o till_o he_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o they_o and_o find_v himself_o form_v and_o impress_v by_o they_o he_o understand_v religion_n well_o who_o learn_v from_o it_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o derive_v from_o it_o courage_n enough_o to_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o this_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o a_o good_a accomplishment_n in_o a_o gentleman_n to_o be_v so_o far_o acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a story_n as_o not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a what_o influence_n religion_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o what_o use_v cunning_a man_n have_v ever_o make_v of_o it_o by_o what_o degree_n or_o what_o art_n the_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v incorporate_v into_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n have_v wound_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o the_o state_n thus_o you_o will_v discern_v what_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o religion_n be_v you_o will_v have_v a_o just_a regard_n for_o wise_a constitution_n without_o bigotry_n you_o will_v free_v yourselves_o from_o all_o those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o usher_n in_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o in_o a_o word_n you_o will_v find_v religion_n the_o true_a standard_n of_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n the_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o private_a and_o public_a good_a and_o the_o infallible_a guide_n to_o honour_n and_o happiness_n next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n follow_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o matter_n and_o man_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o every_o part_n in_o every_o act_n of_o life_n but_o especial_o of_o a_o public_a one_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o as_o can_v fancy_v it_o possible_a to_o maintain_v a_o solid_a reputation_n in_o their_o country_n and_o fill_v any_o station_n honourable_o or_o happy_o without_o it_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o empiric_n or_o other_o such_o wretched_a projector_n and_o undertaker_n seem_v to_o i_o modesty_n and_o virtue_n compare_v to_o the_o shamelesness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o such_o man_n as_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o affair_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n unstudy_v unversed_a in_o thing_n or_o man_n that_o be_v total_o unqualify_v which_o whoever_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n of_o manage_v they_o well_o or_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o miscarry_v in_o they_o must_v confess_v let_v the_o gentleman_n therefore_o study_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o realm_n its_o change_n and_o revolution_n in_o their_o cause_n progress_n and_o effect_n its_o natural_a and_o political_a strength_n and_o weakness_n defect_n and_o excellency_n together_o with_o its_o foreign_a interest_n relation_n and_o dependence_n nor_o let_v he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o frame_n and_o polity_n of_o other_o kingdom_n tho'_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v best_a verse_v in_o our_o own_o he_o must_v travel_v abroad_o but_o dwell_v at_o home_n for_o i_o will_v have_v he_o have_v a_o veneration_n not_o superstition_n for_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o own_o country_n for_o i_o doubt_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v not_o great_a enough_o to_o justify_v the_o neglect_n much_o less_o contempt_n of_o that_o of_o foreign_a one_o and_o because_o what_o they_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v only_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o those_o great_a precept_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v immutable_a and_o inviolable_a and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o least_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o (null)_o society_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o particular_a law_n every_o new_a emergency_n change_n or_o deviation_n from_o the_o common_a road_n discover_v his_o insufficiency_n
sweetness_n and_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o portraiture_n and_o expression_n of_o those_o excellent_a disposition_n by_o this_o mean_n too_o the_o deportment_n will_v be_v natural_a not_o artificial_a and_o tho'_o it_o be_v general_o kind_a it_o will_v be_v more_o particular_o so_o where_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o more_o move_a occasion_n to_o which_o if_o it_o be_v add_v that_o the_o carriage_n of_o a_o gentleman_n ought_v to_o be_v humble_a but_o not_o popular_a courteous_a but_o not_o cheap_a or_o prostitute_n you_o will_v decline_v all_o the_o considerable_a error_n to_o which_o affability_n be_v obnoxious_a it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o deliver_v their_o instruction_n in_o short_a and_o plain_a sentence_n without_o a_o labour_a exhortation_n or_o passionate_a enforcement_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v such_o a_o command_a authority_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n such_o a_o divinity_n majesty_n and_o loveliness_n in_o solid_a virtue_n that_o do_v the_o simplicity_n and_o probity_n obtain_v in_o these_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v in_o those_o time_n advice_n of_o this_o sort_n will_v easy_o make_v its_o way_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o motive_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v either_o so_o confident_a of_o my_o own_o performance_n or_o of_o the_o time_n as_o not_o to_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o close_v the_o advice_n of_o these_o paragraph_n with_o some_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o these_o virtue_n shall_v i_o make_v use_n here_o of_o the_o topic_n of_o religion_n shall_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o integrity_n and_o magnanimity_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o omniscience_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n how_o little_a sordidness_n falsehood_n and_o fear_n how_o little_a pride_n and_o insolence_n can_v become_v the_o principle_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o christian_a concern_v the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o true_a happiness_n and_o last_a glory_n of_o another_o shall_v i_o press_v you_o to_o humanity_n to_o meekness_n and_o humility_n by_o call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o life_n of_o jesus_n your_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n and_o what_o be_v worse_o your_o sin_n and_o folly_n shall_v i_o show_v you_o how_o mutable_a and_o inconstant_a your_o fortune_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o how_o accidental_a fantastic_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o distinction_n this_o make_v between_o you_o and_o person_n of_o a_o low_a rank_n and_o that_o they_o stand_v at_o least_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o you_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o substantial_a and_o solid_a interest_n of_o (null)_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n virtue_n grace_n and_o glory_n alas_o i_o be_o afraid_a you_o have_v general_o but_o little_a relish_n or_o gust_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o argument_n but_o have_v you_o as_o little_a value_n for_o your_o country_n as_o religion_n be_v you_o as_o little_o move_v by_o the_o ruin_n of_o this_o as_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o behold_v your_o country_n once_o formidable_a abroad_o and_o well_o compact_v within_o ah_o now_o what_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n do_v it_o not_o suffer_v abroad_o what_o convulsion_n at_o home_n it_o be_v wealth_n have_v neither_o service_n nor_o defence_n in_o it_o its_o number_n be_v without_o courage_n and_o its_o force_n have_v nothing_o of_o strength_n or_o terror_n in_o they_o why_o all_o this_o it_o bleed_v in_o your_o faction_n and_o division_n it_o reel_v and_o stagger_v under_o your_o softness_n and_o luxury_n it_o be_v betray_v by_o your_o falsehood_n and_o cowardice_n ah_o that_o its_o reformation_n may_v begin_v where_o its_o degeneracy_n have_v and_o that_o it_o may_v recover_v by_o your_o virtue_n the_o honour_n it_o have_v lose_v and_o forfeit_v by_o your_o vice_n pardon_v i_o i_o do_v not_o here_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exempt_a from_o this_o accusation_n that_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n there_o be_v not_o even_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n some_o bright_a instance_n of_o a_o true_a english_a courage_n and_o integrity_n i_o only_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o that_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o atone_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o prop_v up_o this_o decline_a state_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o petulant_a humour_n but_o a_o zeal_n for_o your_o honour_n particular_o as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o now_o act_v i_o for_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n at_o length_n that_o your_o honour_n your_o interest_n and_o your_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o your_o integrity_n magnanimity_n and_o humanity_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o one_o shall_v survive_v the_o other_o first_o your_o honour_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v possess_v in_o favour_n of_o these_o virtue_n and_o however_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o some_o other_o these_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o vogue_n 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sure_a
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beggarly_a shameful_a and_o sneak_v in_o yourselves_o within_o have_v your_o soul_n destitute_a of_o any_o true_a peace_n wealth_n or_o courage_n and_o you_o shift_v the_o accusation_n and_o importunity_n of_o conscience_n as_o much_o as_o a_o wretched_a debtor_n will_v a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a creditor_n ah_o while_o you_o pursue_v the_o world_n forget_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o while_o you_o make_v provision_n for_o time_n make_v some_o to_o for_o eternity_n let_v your_o state_v your_o account_n with_o man_n put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o clear_v your_o account_n with_o god_n and_o let_v these_o two_o thing_n never_o be_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n first_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o give_v man_n power_n to_o get_v wealth_n and_o next_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a estate_n but_o a_o clear_a soul_n that_o make_v man_n happy_a i_o mean_v a_o soul_n free_v from_o silly_a and_o vile_a affection_n and_o enrich_v with_o a_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o 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nature_n and_o be_v not_o all_o trade_n over-stocked_n and_o consequent_o the_o observation_n superfluous_a i_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o public_a as_o well_o as_o private_a necessity_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v nor_o be_v your_o care_n here_o limit_v to_o your_o own_o necessity_n only_o but_o those_o also_o of_o your_o child_n and_o posterity_n demand_v their_o share_n in_o it_o but_o then_o least_o under_o this_o pretence_n you_o extend_v your_o desire_n beyond_o all_o bound_n you_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o in_o resolve_v the_o measure_n of_o this_o provision_n you_o be_v not_o to_o take_v counsel_n of_o your_o own_o ambition_n or_o the_o wanton_a expectation_n of_o your_o child_n that_o provision_n for_o they_o be_v wise_a which_o lay_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o their_o industry_n to_o build_v on_o and_o leave_v they_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o business_n and_o employment_n and_o be_v not_o this_o enough_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v man_n toil_v cark_n 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grave_a and_o from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o secular_a care_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o the_o benefit_n which_o you_o will_v find_v in_o retirement_n the_o prospect_n and_o proposal_n of_o it_o have_v many_o in_o it_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o sabatick_a year_n in_o life_n will_v ease_v the_o weight_n and_o travel_n of_o those_o that_o precede_v it_o and_o a_o design_n of_o of_o retreat_v from_o trade_n and_o business_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o pass_v their_o first_o year_n with_o more_o moderation_n and_o abstinence_n that_o they_o may_v the_o soon_o provide_v the_o mean_n of_o a_o easy_a or_o honourable_a retirement_n these_o rule_n well_o observe_v will_v free_v the_o negotiate_v life_n from_o all_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o business_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o innocence_n will_v be_v not_o the_o curse_n but_o the_o blessing_n of_o mankind_n and_o trade_n will_v be_v as_o easy_a and_o 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disquiet_v the_o mind_n which_o be_v form_v into_o a_o entire_a resignation_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o how_o can_v the_o world_n ensnare_v that_o soul_n which_o allot_v a_o proper_a time_n for_o public_a religion_n and_o private_a meditation_n in_o one_o word_n these_o rule_n be_v follow_v man_n will_v not_o only_o avoid_v the_o common_a rock_n on_o which_o the_o happiness_n and_o fortune_n of_o the_o trader_n general_o dash_v but_o also_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o active_a life_n they_o will_v get_v estate_n in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o enjoy_v they_o in_o their_o ripe_a nay_o no_o portion_n of_o life_n will_v want_v its_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a enjoyment_n they_o will_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o business_n preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o when_o they_o do_v retire_v from_o it_o they_o will_v perfect_v that_o religion_n which_o they_o can_v before_o but_o begin_v and_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v and_o entertain_v the_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v but_o guard_v and_o defend_v before_o and_o scarce_o maintain_v in_o life_n i_o mean_v spiritual_a life_n chap._n iu._n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n for_o who_o this_o chapter_n be_v design_v what_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o contemplative_a one_o sect._n 1_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n warrant_v the_o choice_n of_o such_o a_o life_n first_o enjoyment_n second_o self-preservation_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n three_o the_o better_a serve_v the_o world_n four_o a_o more_o entire_a dedication_n of_o one_o self_n to_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n first_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n second_o a_o peaceable_a and_o humble_a disposition_n three_o a_o good_a understanding_n sect._n 3_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n with_o respect_n first_o to_o time_n second_o to_o place_n three_o to_o the_o exercise_n or_o employment_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o my_o thought_n take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o subject_a be_v the_o collegiate_n life_n of_o scholar_n in_o the_o university_n but_o beside_o that_o here_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o design_n to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v whatever_o service_n i_o can_v propose_v to_o do_v the_o public_a by_o any_o advice_n i_o can_v here_o offer_v my_o zeal_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o atone_v my_o presumption_n since_o these_o seminary_n of_o learning_n be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o able_a not_o of_o this_o age_n only_o but_o of_o those_o pass_v i_o do_v not_o therefore_o calculate_v this_o discourse_n for_o these_o but_o for_o person_n of_o another_o education_n and_o under_o no_o direction_n but_o their_o own_o for_o such_o who_o make_v their_o retreat_n from_o the_o world_n tire_v and_o sate_v with_o it_o for_o such_o who_o inclination_n or_o fortune_n cast_v they_o upon_o a_o quiet_a private_a and_o unactive_a life_n to_o these_o i_o offer_v myself_o a_o companion_n i_o will_v enter_v with_o they_o into_o their_o privaces_n and_o assist_v they_o to_o pass_v their_o hour_n with_o true_a pleasure_n and_o innocence_n i_o will_v inspire_v they_o if_o i_o can_v with_o wise_a and_o excellent_a thought_n i_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o most_o delightful_a business_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o guard_v they_o against_o those_o evil_n and_o folly_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o most_o solitary_a life_n i_o must_v here_o in_o the_o next_o place_n repeat_v a_o observation_n which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v some_o where_o before_o make_v that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n must_v neither_o be_v whole_o contemplative_a nor_o whole_o active_a for_o as_o action_n and_o business_n without_o any_o meditation_n be_v apt_a to_o alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o god_n and_o virtue_n to_o corrupt_v all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o generous_a and_o true_o wise_a in_o it_o and_o wed_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o world_n so_o i_o doubt_v a_o life_n spend_v whole_o in_o contemplation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o action_n will_v prove_v fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o man_n condemn_v to_o utter_a solitude_n like_o the_o tree_n and_o shrub_n of_o the_o wilderness_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o savage_a luxuriant_a in_o leave_n but_o their_o fruit_n if_o they_o bring_v forth_o any_o sour_a and_o small_a they_o forget_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o talk_v not_o seraphical_o but_o fantastical_o whoever_o persuade_v he_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o entire_o to_o contemplation_n man_n be_v yet_o a_o mix_a and_o compound_v be_v when_o he_o become_v all_o spirit_n let_v he_o be_v all_o thought_n he_o be_v yet_o a_o citizen_n of_o this_o world_n tho'_o he_o be_v destine_v for_o another_o let_v he_o not_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v virtue_n become_v he_o as_o such_o let_v he_o live_v by_o intuition_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o perfect_a light_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o beatific_a presence_n let_v he_o live_v by_o rapture_n when_o he_o be_v come_v into_o a_o world_n where_o want_v and_o frailty_n pain_n and_o evil_n can_v enter_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v man_n content_v himself_o with_o (null)_o virtue_n and_o in_o this_o low_a probationary_a state_n not_o dream_n of_o the_o flight_n which_o only_a angel_n take_v have_v thus_o take_v care_n first_o to_o raise_v no_o expectation_n in_o my_o reader_n which_o may_v afterward_o be_v frustrate_v and_o next_o prevent_v his_o be_v betray_v into_o any_o extravigance_n by_o project_v a_o more_o abstract_a life_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o world_n will_v admit_v i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o discourse_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n second_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o and_o three_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o reason_n etc._n etc._n some_o propose_n to_o themselves_o ease_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o their_o retirement_n now_o tho'_o this_o be_v a_o mean_a and_o low_a project_n little_o become_v the_o excellence_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a thing_n to_o wear_v out_o life_n in_o a_o continual_a hurry_n or_o drudgery_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v one_o time_n or_o other_o allow_v ease_n to_o the_o body_n and_o quiet_a to_o the_o mind_n shall_v set_v both_o free_a from_o their_o servitude_n to_o the_o world_n and_o enjoy_v the_o wealth_n which_o they_o have_v get_v together_o and_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o
alm_n which_o very_o often_o be_v as_o solid_a and_o substantial_a a_o benefit_n and_o he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o can_v yet_o never_o be_v excuse_v from_o offer_v up_o daily_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o country_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n nay_o he_o may_v proceed_v to_o what_o particularity_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_a or_o necessary_a both_o in_o his_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o from_o these_o intercession_n both_o the_o public_a and_o private_a may_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v reap_v more_o true_a and_o valuable_a benefit_n than_o from_o the_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o learned_a or_o from_o the_o alm_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o rich._n to_o conclude_v he_o that_o lead_v the_o most_o private_a and_o sequester_a life_n and_o be_v too_o of_o the_o poor_a endowment_n can_v yet_o never_o be_v suppose_v utter_o incapable_a of_o render_v any_o the_o least_o service_n to_o other_o since_o the_o single_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o warmth_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o edify_a conversation_n be_v of_o the_o great_a use_n some_o way_n or_o other_o therefore_o the_o most_o solitary_a life_n ought_v to_o serve_v the_o public_a that_o so_o retirement_n may_v not_o minister_v to_o wantonness_n and_o sloth_n but_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o world_n may_v not_o lose_v a_o member_n but_o enjoy_v its_o service_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o most_o effectual_a manner_n four_o the_o main_a end_n of_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v i_o think_v to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o to_o god_n the_o philosopher_n think_v indeed_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o most_o happy_a one_o but_o think_v it_o too_o a_o blessing_n too_o great_a for_o mortal_a man_n too_o high_a for_o this_o frail_a nature_n and_o above_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o world_n he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n yet_o must_v we_o press_v on_o towards_o that_o perfection_n which_o we_o can_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o do_v so_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o approach_v near_o to_o it_o tho'_o therefore_o what_o some_o monkish_a author_n have_v write_v of_o a_o solitary_a life_n equal_v almost_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o those_o of_o a_o angelical_a one_o tho'_o this_o i_o say_v may_v seem_v rather_o holy_a romance_n and_o enthusiasm_n than_o grave_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o prophet_n the_o nazarite_n and_o the_o essen_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o many_o devout_a and_o excellent_a person_n among_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o the_o pure_a as_o corrupte_v age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v and_o covet_v solitude_n and_o desert_n i_o mean_v not_o uninhabited_a place_n for_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v a_o excess_n and_o extravigance_n but_o calm_a and_o silent_a retreat_n from_o the_o noise_n and_o impertinance_n from_o the_o hurry_n and_o distraction_n of_o much_o business_n and_o much_o acquaintance_n and_o since_o they_o do_v so_o their_o example_n seem_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o this_o state_n may_v be_v make_v eminent_o useful_a to_o our_o own_o good_a and_o god_n glory_n here_o a_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o praise_n god_n and_o improve_v himself_o to_o expiate_v the_o error_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o subdue_v whatever_o he_o feel_v amiss_o in_o himself_o at_o present_a to_o perfect_a and_o augment_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o dress_v and_o adorn_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o festival_n solemnity_n and_o triumph_n of_o another_o world_n now_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o begin_v his_o halelujah_n to_o advance_v into_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n of_o heaven_n by_o faith_n and_o devotion_n and_o from_o the_o height_n of_o meditation_n to_o survey_v as_o from_o the_o next_o advantageous_a hill_n the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o moment_n enter_v into_o and_o by_o this_o method_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o as_o he_o shall_v enlarge_v his_o appetite_n and_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n so_o shall_v he_o enlarge_v his_o share_n in_o it_o by_o this_o method_n he_o shall_v adorn_v religion_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o most_o lovely_a and_o most_o useful_a he_o shall_v experiment_n it_o to_o be_v unspeakable_o delightful_a in_o itself_o he_o shall_v render_v the_o world_n more_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o heaven_n more_o desirable_a and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n that_o be_v of_o death_n which_o part_v this_o world_n from_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o stream_n of_o it_o divide_v to_o make_v he_o way_n that_o be_v the_o trouble_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o dissipate_v and_o he_o shall_v pass_v through_o it_o full_a of_o humble_a gratitude_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o past_a life_n and_o ravish_a hope_n and_o desire_v of_o those_o of_o the_o future_a these_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o rational_a end_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o world_n tho'_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o inducement_n to_o it_o such_o be_v the_o digest_v a_o discontent_n or_o disgrace_n the_o cure_v some_o passion_n which_o will_v be_v otherwise_o nourish_v by_o converse_v with_o its_o object_n and_o the_o mere_a escape_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o some_o man_n be_v force_v out_o of_o their_o retreat_n into_o the_o world_n not_o without_o great_a service_n to_o the_o public_a so_o be_v there_o other_o who_o if_o they_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o know_v themselves_o or_o modesty_n enough_o to_o hear_v the_o advice_n of_o their_o friend_n shall_v betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o private_a life_n to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n in_o which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o involve_v themselves_o and_o other_o in_o a_o public_a one_o such_o be_v man_n of_o bold_a and_o enterprize_v temper_n without_o sufficiency_n man_n of_o zeal_n and_o activity_n without_o understanding_n but_o i_o design_v not_o here_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v induce_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o quiet_a silent_a life_n as_o what_o end_v they_o be_v to_o propose_v to_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o which_o have_v do_v i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n sect._n 2._o the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o these_o be_v i_o think_v three_o first_o a_o plentiful_a or_o at_o least_o competent_a fortune_n second_o a_o mild_a and_o humble_a dispoposition_n or_o at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_a mind_n three_o a_o good_a understanding_n first_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o competency_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v a_o retire_a life_n easy_a and_o when_o any_o one_o betake_v himself_o to_o it_o as_o a_o refuge_n or_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o hostility_n and_o persecution_n of_o temptation_n this_o be_v abundant_o enough_o but_o where_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n a_o plentiful_a fortune_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o great_a ornament_n it_o will_v make_v the_o example_n of_o a_o man_n virtue_n shine_v with_o a_o clear_a lustre_n and_o great_a authority_n it_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v many_o work_n of_o charity_n which_o shall_v have_v much_o delight_n in_o they_o without_o toil_n or_o disturbance_n it_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o all_o useful_a mean_n of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n and_o with_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o pass_v his_o time_n both_o delightful_o and_o rational_o i_o think_v i_o have_v express_v my_o thought_n clear_o but_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n i_o will_v add_v by_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o great_a one_o this_o be_v more_o common_o burdensome_a than_o useful_a to_o a_o private_a life_n and_o more_o apt_a to_o encumber_v it_o than_o promote_v the_o true_a end_n of_o it_o in_o my_o retirement_n i_o will_v have_v decency_n and_o order_n but_o not_o state_n and_o show_n i_o will_v have_v comely_a plenty_n but_o not_o a_o toilsome_a affluence_n for_o the_o business_n of_o solitude_n be_v to_o raise_v the_o mind_n not_o to_o entangle_v and_o enslave_v it_o but_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o wealth_n must_v final_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o man_n be_v own_o bosom_n for_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o genius_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n who_o retire_v and_o to_o the_o more_o immediate_a design_n and_o end_n of_o his_o retirement_n and_o after_o all_o there_o be_v no_o great_a stress_n to_o
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 be_v come_v within_o ken_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o examine_v the_o intrinsic_a good_a and_o evil_n of_o thing_n with_o more_o impartiality_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o boiling_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v cool_v and_o slack_v and_o final_o this_o be_v a_o seasonable_a time_n to_o correct_v and_o repair_v the_o error_n of_o the_o past_a life_n and_o to_o state_n our_o account_n for_o the_o last_o audit_n but_o tho'_o i_o thus_o prefer_v age_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o retire_a life_n i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v the_o young_a from_o it_o provide_v it_o be_v virtue_n not_o softness_n the_o love_n of_o another_o world_n not_o a_o cowardly_a decline_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o which_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v sure_o much_o better_a that_o the_o young_a sort_n through_o the_o vigorous_a season_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v engage_v and_o take_v up_o by_o business_n nay_o shall_v contend_v even_o with_o the_o care_n trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o make_v choice_n of_o retirement_n to_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o a_o voluptuous_a lazy_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n for_o in_o the_o one_o case_n something_o be_v every_o day_n learn_v something_o do_v in_o the_o other_o nothing_o in_o the_o one_o the_o man_n live_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o himself_o nor_o unuseful_a to_o his_o country_n but_o in_o the_o other_o herot_n and_o consume_v away_o inglorious_o and_o unprofitable_o second_o as_o to_o place_n solitude_n have_v ever_o be_v deem_v a_o friend_n to_o meditation_n and_o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n very_o serviceable_a to_o a_o conversation_n with_o heaven_n and_o this_o opinion_n be_v much_o strengthen_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o nazerite_n prophet_n and_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o best_a time_n it_o be_v remark_v of_o isaac_n that_o when_o he_o will_v meditate_v he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n and_o when_o moses_n meet_v god_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 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be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o not_o myself_o they_o ripen_v into_o action_n that_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o other_o not_o my_o own_o i_o only_o bear_v the_o fruit_n which_o other_o must_v gather_v and_o whatever_o pleasure_n i_o may_v now_o feel_v in_o a_o promise_a porspect_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o virtue_n of_o my_o posterity_n it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n behold_v canaan_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o such_o a_o distance_n that_o he_o must_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o to_o conclude_v whatever_o man_n promise_v themselves_o i_o think_v they_o tolerable_o fortunate_a if_o instead_o of_o reap_v any_o benefit_n when_o dead_a from_o their_o child_n their_o life_n be_v not_o stain_v and_o disturb_v by_o they_o extreme_o fortunate_a if_o they_o can_v make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o favourite_n worthy_a to_o share_v their_o pleasure_n and_o able_a to_o give_v they_o some_o ease_n in_o their_o trouble_n tho'_o after_o all_o i_o can_v but_o 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resemble_v life_n and_o be_v than_o a_o dream_n do_v enjoyment_n ah_o vain_a support_n of_o (null)_o frailty_n ah_o vain_a relief_n of_o death_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o honour_n if_o it_o be_v body_n or_o substance_n enough_o to_o be_v see_v or_o feel_v or_o taste_v if_o it_o be_v reality_n enough_o to_o be_v any_o way_n enjoy_v let_v i_o possess_v it_o while_o i_o live_v it_o come_v too_o late_o if_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o increase_v the_o pomp_n of_o my_o funeral_n or_o to_o dress_v and_o set_v off_o my_o sepulchre_n or_o to_o silence_v the_o groan_n or_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o tear_n of_o my_o orphan_n or_o my_o friend_n tho'_o this_o be_v something_o i_o can_v feel_v any_o pleasure_n in_o the_o foresight_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o while_o i_o strain_v to_o gaze_v upon_o at_o distance_n the_o fog_n and_o mist_n of_o death_n thicken_v the_o sky_n the_o voice_n that_o will_v speak_v i_o great_a will_v speak_v i_o too_o go_v and_o vanish_v the_o statue_n and_o marble_n which_o adorn_v my_o memory_n will_v adorn_v my_o grave_n too_o and_o while_o they_o express_v my_o image_n or_o my_o action_n will_v proclaim_v that_o all_o that_o be_v now_o leave_v of_o i_o be_v rottenness_n and_o ash_n all_o this_o i_o talk_v abstract_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a life_n for_o how_o far_o the_o reputation_n i_o leave_v behind_o may_v concern_v my_o soul_n in_o its_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o echo_n of_o those_o praise_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o my_o memory_n here_o will_v reach_v and_o please_v my_o ear_n in_o another_o world_n i_o know_v not_o nor_o do_v i_o much_o desire_n to_o know_v for_o suppose_v such_o a_o life_n my_o soul_n must_v needs_o have_v noble_a employment_n and_o noble_a pleasure_n than_o this_o can_v ever_o give_v it_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o the_o reflection_n of_o my_o light_n when_o i_o be_o set_v and_o go_v will_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o direct_v or_o inflame_v 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good_a some_o thing_n bad_a some_o thing_n true_a some_o thing_n false_a and_o what_o be_v worse_o yet_o i_o must_v suffer_v all_o the_o revolution_n of_o humour_n and_o party_n in_o follow_a age_n these_o must_v give_v my_o ability_n and_o performance_n their_o character_n and_o the_o prevail_a faction_n must_v stamp_v what_o estimate_n they_o please_v upon_o my_o memory_n but_o by_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v utter_o to_o condemn_v the_o love_n of_o honour_n nay_o it_o be_v real_o to_o be_v cherish_v when_o it_o operate_v right_o and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o generous_a and_o handsome_a action_n i_o love_v a_o charity_n that_o be_v universal_a and_o boundless_a and_o extend_v itself_o to_o follw_v age_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o a_o noble_a charity_n than_o to_o furnish_v the_o world_n with_o a_o example_n that_o may_v adorn_v its_o own_o time_n and_o enkindle_v the_o emulation_n of_o posterity_n nay_o further_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o gracious_a god_n will_v sum_v up_o among_o the_o account_n of_o my_o life_n the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o world_n when_o i_o be_o dead_a and_o to_o raise_v the_o estimate_n of_o my_o virtue_n will_v consider_v it_o not_o simple_o in_o itself_o but_o with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n which_o it_o may_v any_o way_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o in_o successive_a age_n let_v i_o then_o do_v good_a and_o if_o i_o can_v great_a action_n upon_o any_o motive_n provide_v it_o be_v just_a and_o allowable_a since_o this_o will_v be_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o my_o own_o immortality_n if_o that_o of_o my_o name_n will_v follow_v let_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n to_o gain_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o if_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o low_a world_n join_v their_o harmony_n and_o consent_n with_o that_o above_o this_o can_v disoblige_v i_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o power_n make_v sure_a of_o my_o salvation_n and_o not_o despise_v fame_n great_a and_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o feel_v some_o natural_a desire_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o immortality_n since_o then_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o inclination_n of_o god_n own_o plant_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o rather_o careful_o cherish_v and_o cultivate_v and_o due_o prune_v and_o regulate_v have_v explode_v those_o mistake_a fancy_n by_o which_o man_n support_v themselves_o against_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o only_a two_o way_n by_o which_o this_o evil_n may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n remedy_v that_o be_v by_o prolong_v the_o date_n and_o by_o improve_n and_o perfect_v the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o life_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n chap._n ii_o of_o lengthen_v life_n sect._n 1_o the_o fatality_n of_o the_o period_n of_o life_n refute_v and_o objection_n from_o scripture_n from_o astrological_a prediction_n from_o divine_a prescience_n answer_v a_o sort_n of_o fate_n admit_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n first_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n second_o health_n of_o body_n three_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o man._n sect._n 3_o objection_n against_o this_o last_o assertion_n from_o such_o text_n as_o assert_v the_o promiscuous_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o early_a death_n sometime_o of_o the_o righteous_a answer_v under_o this_o article_n i_o design_v to_o prosecute_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n a_o fancy_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o multitude_n and_o with_o which_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o such_o as_o will_v seem_v above_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o
assault_v second_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v three_o i_o will_v remove_v those_o objection_n with_o which_o this_o advice_n be_v encounter_v either_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n happen_v alike_o to_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o from_o the_o early_a and_o immature_n death_n of_o some_o righteous_a person_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o it_o have_v be_v too_o general_o teach_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o date_n of_o (null)_o life_n can_v be_v protract_v that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a period_n decree_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v go_v but_o this_o opinion_n direct_o defeat_v the_o force_n of_o all_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o virtue_n derive_v from_o temporal_a consideration_n and_o undermine_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o redicules_a our_o address_n to_o he_o as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o life_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o how_o plain_a a_o step_n be_v this_o to_o the_o refutation_n and_o overthrow_n of_o judaisme_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n depend_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n upon_o that_o of_o the_o old_a i_o will_v leave_v every_o one_o to_o guess_v and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o opinion_n beside_o these_o alone_a these_o i_o shall_v think_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v consonant_a to_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o interest_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o more_o that_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o crowd_n they_o together_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v tediousness_n and_o redundancy_n this_o persuasion_n than_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o instinct_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o love_n of_o life_n implant_v in_o we_o by_o our_o great_a creator_n why_o be_v self-preservation_n the_o first_o dictate_v and_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o all_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o it_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a be_v that_o law_n who_o observation_n can_v procure_v we_o no_o good_a nor_o its_o violation_n any_o evil._n this_o be_v a_o persuasion_n that_o flat_o contradict_v the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_a how_o can_v the_o period_n of_o life_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a which_o we_o see_v every_o day_n either_o lengthen_v out_o by_o care_n and_o moderation_n or_o shorten_v by_o excess_n and_o negligence_n unless_o we_o can_v resolve_v to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o religion_n not_o only_o that_o life_n and_o death_n but_o also_o that_o vice_n and_o virtue_n wisdom_n and_o folly_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o predetermine_v necessary_a and_o fatal_a nor_o be_v this_o opinion_n less_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a than_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o multitude_n self_n preservation_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o (null)_o law_n but_o how_o foppish_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o the_o grave_a and_o sagacious_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o enter_v into_o deep_a consultation_n to_o frame_v solemn_a law_n and_o devise_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o fence_n and_o secure_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v invade_v one_o minute_n before_o its_o fatal_a hour_n nor_o prolong_v one_o minute_n beyond_o it_o nor_o have_v man_n only_o but_o god_n himself_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v this_o temporal_a life_n by_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o solemn_a law_n nor_o this_o only_a but_o he_o have_v make_v life_n and_o death_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n this_o opinion_n therefore_o be_v a_o manifest_a calumny_n against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n against_o his_o wisdom_n if_o he_o raise_v up_o the_o pallizado_n and_o bulwark_n of_o law_n to_o guard_n and_o defend_v that_o life_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v violate_v before_o nor_o extend_v beyond_o its_o minute_n his_o sincerity_n for_o his_o promise_n will_v be_v ludicrous_a and_o insignificant_a and_o so_o will_v his_o threat_n too_o if_o neither_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o virtuous_a can_v lengthen_v nor_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o sinner_n can_v shorten_v life_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.10_o 11._o invite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o religion_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o life_n and_o prosperity_n if_o in_o the_o bottom_n and_o truth_n life_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o behaviour_n but_o our_o fate_n and_o be_v not_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o open_a proposal_n but_o the_o secret_a and_o unconditional_a the_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a decree_n of_o the_o almighty_a i_o will_v not_o stop_v here_o but_o heap_v together_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o argument_n against_o this_o error_n do_v i_o not_o remark_n that_o as_o it_o have_v prevail_v too_o much_o to_o be_v despise_v so_o have_v it_o too_o little_a to_o be_v laborious_o refute_v and_o that_o it_o have_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n that_o few_o of_o those_o that_o defend_v it_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o at_o leastwise_o so_o hearty_o as_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o counsel_n or_o action_n turk_n astrologer_n and_o the_o most_o superstitious_a assertor_n of_o fate_n be_v no_o more_o free_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o a_o concern_v for_o life_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mortal_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v thus_o make_v out_o by_o unanswerable_a reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o superstitious_a imagination_n by_o any_o obscure_a or_o subtle_a objection_n or_o by_o any_o mere_a colour_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o be_v once_o clear_a and_o evident_a aught_o to_o remain_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a tho'_o we_o can_v unravel_v every_o objection_n against_o it_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v this_o doctrine_n with_o some_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o certainty_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o with_o some_o particular_a prediction_n of_o man_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o read_v the_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n in_o the_o scheme_n of_o heaven_n yet_o ought_v its_o authority_n to_o be_v preserve_v as_o build_v upon_o plain_a text_n and_o solid_a reason_n and_o attest_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o daily_a observation_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o object_v here_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a easy_a answer_n the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v a_o appoint_a time_n for_o man_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a personal_a fate_n but_o of_o a_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o nature_n not_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n life_n but_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o man_n in_o general_n or_o of_o the_o mortality_n of_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n residence_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o that_o man_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o species_n of_o animal_n and_o indeed_o of_o vegetable_n for_o so_o far_o job_n extend_v the_o comparison_n have_v his_o time_n appoint_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o life_n or_o abide_v here_o set_v he_o beyond_o which_o he_o can_v pass_v psalm_n 90.10_o the_o day_n of_o our_o age_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o tho'_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o come_v to_o fourscore_o year_n yet_o be_v their_o strength_n then_o but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n so_o soon_o pass_v it_o away_o and_o we_o be_v go_v as_o to_o astrological_a prediction_n if_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o unquestionable_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o prophecy_n of_o poet_n make_v of_o mend_v after_o the_o event_n yet_o methinks_v be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n very_o prone_a to_o superstition_n a_o thousand_o error_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discredit_v and_o disparage_v one_o good_a guest_n and_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v have_v a_o value_n for_o a_o pretend_a science_n who_o ground_n and_o principle_n be_v evident_o uncertain_a and_o precarious_a no_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o that_o which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v condemn_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n for_o tho'_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o idolatry_n which_o be_v ever_o blend_v with_o it_o seem_v especial_o to_o have_v draw_v down_o
itself_o upon_o or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o that_o give_v it_o any_o solid_a satisfaction_n but_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o excellent_a thing_n have_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o scene_n to_o entertain_v it_o and_o never_o want_v some_o fresh_a occasion_n of_o delight_n and_o wonder_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o the_o fool_n behold_v the_o visible_a world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosopher_n he_o do_v but_o just_a as_o he_o read_v a_o poem_n without_o discover_v the_o artfulness_n of_o its_o contrivance_n the_o richness_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o the_o incident_n the_o sinner_n hear_v talk_v too_o of_o a_o invisible_a world_n of_o moral_a perfection_n hear_v and_o of_o divine_a joy_n hereafter_o but_o he_o hear_v it_o unmoved_a unaffected_a which_o show_v he_o have_v no_o lively_a notion_n no_o distinct_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o glass_n be_v dull_v and_o sully_v beauty_n itself_o will_v loose_v all_o charm_n reflect_v thus_o but_o (null)_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o knowledge_n alone_o but_o also_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o love_n and_o true_a liberty_n that_o be_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v pursue_v our_o true_a good_a with_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v life_n true_o delightful_a and_o uniform_a without_o object_n to_o engage_v our_o affection_n we_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o live_v we_o shall_v be_v becalm_v and_o scarce_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o breath_n we_o draw_v and_o unless_o these_o object_n be_v worthy_a and_o agreeable_a all_o be_v but_o storm_n and_o tempest_n cheat_n and_o torment_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o rational_o employ_v but_o abuse_v delude_v deprave_a torture_v can_v we_o but_o comprehend_v what_o all_o this_o do_v amount_v to_o or_o at_o least_o can_v we_o feel_v and_o experience_n it_o we_o shall_v soon_o discern_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o they_o only_a do_v true_o live_v for_o these_o only_o know_v god_n and_o themselves_o these_o only_o admire_v and_o love_n and_o rejoice_v and_o hope_v rational_o and_o these_o only_o be_v not_o confine_v nor_o limit_v in_o their_o knowledge_n or_o their_o affection_n for_o the_o object_n of_o both_o be_v infinite_a their_o mind_n can_v never_o travel_v so_o far_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n but_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o new_a world_n to_o be_v further_o discover_v nor_o can_v their_o admiration_n or_o love_n their_o joy_n or_o hope_n so_o enlarge_v themselves_o as_o ever_o to_o equal_v the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n and_o reach_v the_o utmost_a that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v probable_a after_o all_o the_o fool_z and_o sinner_n will_v pretend_v to_o engross_v the_o good_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o this_o world_n the_o righteous_a of_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a fancy_n and_o have_v be_v often_o baffle_v who_o can_v hasten_v more_o to_o enjoy_v than_o he_o who_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o right_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o can_v enjoy_v more_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o he_o who_o at_o once_o gratify_v his_o reason_n and_o his_o appetite_n and_o please_v his_o inclination_n without_o forfeit_v his_o true_a liberty_n if_o to_o be_v fool_v and_o cheat_v if_o to_o be_v ensnare_v and_o torment_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o this_o the_o christian_a must_v indeed_o give_v place_n to_o the_o infidel_n the_o righteous_a man_n to_o the_o sinner_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v life_n in_o the_o foolish_a mean_a and_o vicious_a soul_n seem_v like_o a_o little_a rill_n of_o water_n confine_v within_o narrow_a and_o scanty_a bound_n or_o like_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n enclose_v within_o the_o narrow_a compass_n of_o a_o darklanthorn_n but_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o understanding_n it_o be_v like_o a_o mighty_a stream_n which_o swell_v above_o its_o bank_n and_o spread_v itself_o over_o a_o vast_a plain_n or_o like_o light_a unconfined_a which_o diffuse_v and_o dart_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n ah_o therefore_o how_o much_o do_v it_o import_v i_o to_o fill_v my_o understanding_n with_o bright_a and_o lovely_a image_n with_o please_v and_o important_a notion_n with_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o can_v serve_v either_o to_o delight_n or_o guide_v to_o nourish_v or_o adorn_v to_o support_v or_o fortify_v i_o in_o this_o world_n or_o advance_v my_o title_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o how_o much_o do_v it_o import_v i_o to_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o love_n love_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a or_o great_a love_n of_o all_o that_o be_v pure_a or_o sacred_a love_n of_o all_o that_o be_v beautiful_a or_o delightful_a and_o last_o that_o my_o body_n may_v be_v a_o fit_a instrument_n of_o such_o a_o mind_n it_o do_v not_o a_o little_a import_n i_o that_o this_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a vigorous_a and_o vivatious_a sect._n 2._o the_o second_o way_n to_o improve_v life_n be_v to_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o if_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v to_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o which_o be_v all_o we_o can_v do_v life_n in_o my_o notion_n of_o it_o dawn_v with_o our_o reason_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n with_o the_o virtue_n liberty_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o be_v religious_a this_o be_v to_o live_v for_o in_o this_o consist_v fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n in_o this_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o faculty_n in_o this_o the_o harmony_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a exercise_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o capacity_n whoever_o therefore_o will_v improve_v life_n aught_o to_o begin_v next_o moment_n to_o assert_v his_o liberty_n and_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o true_a philosophy_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o man_n put_v off_o this_o or_o attempt_v it_o only_o superficial_o and_o by_o the_o by_o they_o prefer_v i_o will_v not_o say_v trade_n and_o husbandry_n and_o various_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n foreign_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o service_n and_o conduct_n of_o (null)_o life_n ah_o that_o time_n be_v but_o so_o well_o spend_v in_o general_a but_o they_o prefer_v even_o dress_n paint_v drink_v game_n and_o all_o not_o only_o the_o most_o silly_a and_o trifle_a but_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o infamous_a way_n of_o consume_a time_n before_o true_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n nay_o among_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o wisdom_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v common_a to_o see_v great_a number_n hear_v talk_v read_v dispute_v without_o ever_o make_v any_o use_n of_o those_o truth_n they_o study_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o feel_v any_o warmth_n or_o influence_n of_o they_o like_o those_o wise_a one_o in_o temporal_n who_o be_v lay_v up_o provision_n and_o treasure_n all_o their_o life_n long_o which_o they_o will_v never_o use_v never_o enjoy_v ah_o wretched_a consumption_n of_o life_n how_o soon_o will_v the_o last_o minute_n expire_v and_o the_o unhappy_a man_n will_v not_o have_v live_v one_o year_n one_o month_n one_o day_n but_o will_v have_v waste_v a_o precious_a treasure_n of_o time_n and_o he_o must_v go_v immediate_o and_o account_v for_o it_o well_o let_v the_o world_n live_v after_o its_o own_o fashion_n i_o plain_o see_v the_o point_n i_o be_o to_o make_v no_o day_n no_o hour_n shall_v pass_v i_o unemployed_a every_o moment_n if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v grow_v wise_a and_o better_o it_o be_v not_o how_o long_o i_o last_o but_o how_o much_o i_o live_v i_o will_v know_v i_o will_v act_n i_o will_v enjoy_v to_o day_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v live_v a_o day_n this_o most_o propose_n to_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o but_o not_o to_o day_n and_o why_o not_o to_o day_n why_o not_o present_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o be_v immediate_o wise_a immediate_o free_a immediate_o rational_a immediate_o happy_a it_o can_v be_v if_o the_o state_n i_o be_o in_o be_v real_o good_a if_o the_o pleasure_n i_o enjoy_v be_v real_o such_o as_o my_o reason_n can_v share_v in_o and_o my_o conscience_n can_v approve_v i_o then_o indeed_o live_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o change_n and_o reformation_n but_o continuance_n and_o perseverance_n but_o it_o they_o be_v not_o why_o will_v i_o not_o
little_a troublesome_a in_o the_o beginning_n do_v soon_o grow_v easy_a and_o delightful_a too_o in_o this_o sense_n must_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 4.17_o 18._o tho'_o render_v a_o little_a harsh_o for_o at_o the_o first_o she_o that_o be_v wisdom_n will_v walk_v with_o he_o by_o crooked_a way_n and_o bring_v fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o he_o and_o torment_v he_o with_o her_o discipline_n until_o she_o may_v trust_v his_o soul_n and_o try_v he_o by_o her_o law_n then_o will_v she_o return_v the_o straight-way_n unto_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o show_v he_o her_o secret_n second_o impertinence_n or_o be_v busy_v and_o employ_v in_o trifle_n be_v indeed_o as_o different_a from_o sloth_n as_o motion_n from_o rest_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o wretched_a consumption_n of_o time_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n for_o this_o be_v not_o activity_n of_o soul_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a debase_v of_o it_o fancy_n and_o that_o a_o silly_a and_o extravigant_a one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o live_v but_o reason_n can_v that_o idleness_n which_o consist_v in_o heavy_a passive_a dulness_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o sleep_n without_o dream_n or_o fancy_n that_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o flutter_a and_o impertinent_a activity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o giddy_a ferment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o fancy_n the_o incoherent_a disjoint_v thought_n the_o confuse_a and_o fruitless_a project_n and_o attempt_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o we_o may_v almost_o as_o proper_o say_v of_o he_o that_o dream_n that_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v fight_v or_o travel_n or_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n himself_o to_o do_v as_o we_o can_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o sluggard_n that_o he_o live_v it_o be_v true_a can_v a_o man_n be_v for_o ever_o impertinent_a this_o sort_n of_o idleness_n will_v seem_v to_o some_o man_n to_o have_v no_o great_a evil_n in_o it_o but_o how_o can_v such_o a_o mind_n bear_v the_o shock_n of_o (null)_o misfortune_n how_o can_v such_o a_o soul_n discharge_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o (null)_o society_n how_o can_v it_o entertain_v itself_o with_o object_n agreeable_a to_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o miserable_a for_o tho'_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o creature_n to_o be_v so_o mere_a a_o trifle_n as_o never_o to_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o any_o change_n of_o fortune_n nor_o ever_o call_v upon_o by_o that_o community_n he_o belong_v to_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v almost_o say_v never_o to_o be_v regard_v or_o mind_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o still_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o way_n live_v up_o to_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o business_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v not_o manly_a and_o rational_a and_o his_o childish_a life_n be_v therefore_o only_o pretty_a and_o please_a to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v a_o childish_a and_o silly_a soul_n nor_o be_v the_o grave_a much_o better_a than_o the_o gay_a impertinent_a or_o the_o man_n of_o business_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o main_a the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o man_n of_o mode_n sensuality_n it_o be_v true_a soften_v and_o drudgery_n harden_v the_o mind_n but_o both_o alike_o intoxicate_a it_o both_o wed_v it_o to_o this_o and_o alienate_v it_o from_o the_o other_o world_n it_o import_v very_o little_a to_o what_o idol_n one_o do_v sacrifice_n whether_o ashtaroth_n molock_n or_o mammon_n if_o we_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o art_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o live_v to_o plod_v or_o drudge_n intriegue_n or_o trade_n canvas_n and_o court_n it_o be_v all_o but_o solemn_a impertinence_n if_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v neglect_v ah_o what_o phantom_n and_o cloud_n and_o dream_n do_v man_n pursue_v and_o hunt_v after_o instead_o of_o life_n and_o peace_n of_o rest_n and_o pleasure_n three_o remissness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o religion_n a_o sort_n of_o neutrality_n between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v we_o can_v never_o true_o live_v unless_o we_o be_v entire_o uniform_a unless_o we_o be_v whole_o give_v up_o and_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n in_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n in_o it_o it_o be_v love_n make_v the_o duty_n easy_a and_o the_o prospect_n delightful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o faith_n no_o life_n in_o devotion_n no_o spirit_n in_o duty_n â—o_o desire_v in_o hope_n this_o be_v religion_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o carcase_n of_o a_o unanimate_v virtue_n what_o peace_n what_o assurance_n what_o joy_n what_o transport_n can_v ever_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a four_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o will_v now_o mention_v and_o the_o most_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o life_n for_o this_o do_v not_o only_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o life_n or_o like_o sleep_n or_o sloth_n make_v a_o vast_a casm_n or_o gap_n in_o it_o but_o put_v we_o more_o back_n than_o we_o have_v advance_v forward_o a_o unhappy_a gust_n of_o wind_n that_o throw_v we_o off_o to_o sea_n again_o when_o we_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o shore_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o victory_n we_o must_v pursue_v it_o if_o we_o will_v find_v rest_n we_o must_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v virtue_n we_o must_v unite_v and_o incorporate_v it_o with_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o unconstant_a unstable_a proselyte_n of_o virtue_n shall_v either_o have_v a_o pleasant_a life_n or_o a_o comfortable_a death_n for_o if_o he_o build_v to_o day_n what_o he_o pull_v down_o yesterday_o if_o he_o practise_v one_o hour_n what_o he_o condemn_v another_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v please_v himself_o much_o less_o his_o god_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_n and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o the_o good_n of_o life_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o important_a rule_n conduce_v to_o happiness_n and_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v insist_v on_o here_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o tire_v and_o since_o this_o may_v better_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o head_n of_o indolence_n and_o fruition_n i_o will_v defer_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o till_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o which_o i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o do_v if_o i_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o not_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v impertinent_a if_o i_o can_v serve_v the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v it_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 13._o line_n 12._o read_v contemptible_a p._n 68_o l._n 21._o r._n single_a p._n 90._o l._n 6._o r._n ease_n p._n 134._o l._n 12._o r._n ripen_v p._n 134._o l._n 15._o r._n place_n a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n print_v for_o and_o and_o sell_v by_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n enquiry_n after_o happiness_n vol._n in_o octavo_n the_o duty_n of_o servant_n contain_v first_o their_o preparation_n for_o and_o choice_n of_o a_o service_n second_o their_o duty_n in_o service_n towards_o god_n their_o master_n and_o themselves_o together_o with_o suitable_a prayer_n to_o each_o duty_n and_o some_o direction_n peculiar_o to_o servant_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n both_o write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n octavo_fw-la a_o treatise_n of_o self-examination_n in_o order_n to_o the_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n twelve_o price_n 1_o s._n a_o sermon_n about_o frequent_a communion_n preach_v before_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n by_o tho._n smith_n d._n d._n quarto_fw-la of_o the_o high_a veneration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n peculiarly_a for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n octavo_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n tho._n lamb_n july_n 23._o 1686._o by_o rich._n lucas_n m._n a._n vicar_n of_o st._n stephen_n coleman-street_n 1686._o the_o history_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o the_o french_a king_n in_o the_o principality_n of_o orange_n from_o the_o year_n 1660._o to_o the_o year_n 1687._o write_a by_o mr._n p._n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n in_o quarto_n 1689._o price_n 1_o s._n a_o discourse_n about_o discern_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n mary_n magdalen_n de_fw-fr pazzi_n a_o carmelite_n nun._n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o nature_n cause_n concomitant_n and_o consequence_n of_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n octavo_fw-la 1688._o remark_n upon_o popery_n represent_v and_o
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 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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 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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 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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
inseparable_o have_v thou_o unite_v virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o how_o natural_a be_v the_o assent_n from_o a_o rational_a life_n here_o to_o a_o glorious_a life_n hereafter_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o life_n they_o who_o handle_v moral_n nice_o and_o abstract_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o forget_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o subject_n which_o require_v to_o be_v handle_v after_o its_o own_o way_n that_o be_v practical_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v gross_o and_o corporeal_o for_o the_o mixture_n and_o variety_n the_o complication_n and_o confusion_n the_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o (null)_o affair_n and_o action_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o moral_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o speculative_a exactness_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o will_v follow_v the_o receive_a division_n of_o life_n into_o active_a and_o contemplative_a as_o square_n exact_o with_o my_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o 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first_o in_o a_o preliminary_a chapter_n say_v something_o in_o general_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n and_o the_o reason_n or_o ground_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v and_o determine_v man_n in_o his_o election_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o chap._n i._n the_o convenience_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o active_a more_o necessary_a the_o several_a ground_n on_o which_o man_n determine_v their_o choice_n that_o be_v interest_n providence_n inclination_n etc._n etc._n the_o felicity_n or_o infelicity_n of_o man_n depend_v not_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o his_o course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o kind_n the_o active_a or_o contemplative_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v if_o they_o be_v compare_v in_o themselves_o the_o active_a seem_v to_o have_v more_o in_o it_o of_o glory_n but_o also_o more_o of_o hazard_n it_o seem_v more_o serviceable_a to_o other_o but_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o a_o man_n self_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v render_v each_o state_n perfect_a and_o remove_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o each_o must_v study_v how_o to_o relieve_v the_o toil_n and_o obviate_v the_o hazard_n of_o the_o active_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o barrenness_n and_o ingloriousness_n of_o the_o contemplative_a life_n but_o which_o soever_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o indispensible_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o (null)_o society_n such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o various_a necessity_n it_o require_v the_o various_a relief_n of_o manifold_a assistance_n to_o which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o contribute_v his_o share_n we_o have_v mind_n that_o must_v be_v cultivate_v body_n that_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o the_o state_n either_o of_o war_n or_o peace_n have_v its_o 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