indeed_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o write_n do_v not_o obscure_o speak_v their_o author_n be_v a_o most_o lively_a representation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n and_o of_o that_o learning_n wisdom_n piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v very_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o he_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o great_a audit_n which_o i_o use_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o very_a picture_n wherein_o represent_v the_o good_a steward_n pass_v his_o account_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o give_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o himself_o as_o every_o character_n of_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a person_n must_v needs_o agree_v with_o he_o who_o be_v real_o such_o and_o they_o who_o be_v eminent_o such_o can_v hardly_o be_v unknown_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a that_o some_o even_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n may_v discover_v the_o work_n man_n beside_o many_o other_o occasion_n of_o discovery_n which_o may_v happen_v but_o as_o i_o think_v this_o too_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a so_o i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o altogether_o needless_a and_o unworthy_a both_o the_o excellent_a author_n and_o these_o his_o pious_a and_o excellent_a meditation_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o end_n and_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v abstain_v from_o publish_v they_o at_o all_o than_o have_v rely_v upon_o such_o a_o shift_n if_o i_o have_v think_v that_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o any_o need_n thereof_o but_o as_o it_o be_v only_o their_o â—â—al_a worth_n and_o excellence_n and_o usefulness_n which_o move_v i_o to_o desire_v their_o publication_n so_o i_o be_v very_o persuade_v and_o as_o well_o assure_v as_o i_o can_v be_v in_o any_o write_n of_o my_o own_o and_o that_o not_o upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n only_o but_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o also_o that_o nothing_o liable_a to_o exception_n do_v occur_v in_o they_o or_o any_o thing_n considerable_a that_o be_v questionable_a which_o have_v not_o other_o approve_a author_n who_o say_v the_o same_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o like_a to_o afford_v much_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n these_o be_v moral_a and_o practical_a thing_n whereas_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o of_o curious_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v presumptuous_a and_o unnecessary_a if_o not_o undeterminable_a specntation_n which_o make_v the_o great_a stir_n and_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o great_a controversy_n especial_o among_o they_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o though_o these_o write_n never_o undergo_v the_o last_o hand_n or_o pencil_n of_o the_o judicious_a author_n and_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o perfection_n which_o he_o can_v have_v give_v to_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o complete_a as_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v yet_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o write_n which_o be_v daily_o publish_v even_o of_o learned_a man_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o author_n themselves_o these_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o very_o well_o pass_v in_o the_o crowd_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o no_o vulgar_a or_o common_a strain_n the_o subject_n of_o they_o indeed_o be_v common_a theme_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v of_o most_o weight_n and_o moment_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o of_o great_a concernment_n as_o in_o nature_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o concernment_n be_v most_o common_a but_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o meditation_n upon_o these_o subject_n be_v not_o common_a for_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o think_v close_o and_o deep_o of_o thing_n not_o after_o a_o common_a rate_n so_o his_o write_n his_o most_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la write_n have_v a_o certain_a genius_n and_o energy_n in_o they_o much_o above_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o writer_n and_o though_o these_o be_v write_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o he_o have_v before_o well_o digest_v and_o as_o a_o scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v treasure_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o out_o of_o this_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o be_v produce_v these_o good_a thing_n thing_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o great_a concern_n and_o most_o worth_a his_o serious_a consideration_n and_o have_v according_o weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o for_o the_o style_n it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o matter_n significant_a perspicuous_a and_o manly_a his_o word_n be_v spirit_n and_o life_n and_o carry_v evidence_n and_o demonstration_n with_o they_o moral_a and_o experimental_a demonstration_n vox_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la ore_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la pectore_fw-la emissa_fw-la and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o write_n all_v together_o and_o weigh_v they_o due_o and_o candid_o without_o any_o vain_a humour_n of_o critical_a and_o pedantic_a censeriâ—usness_n we_o may_v therein_o no_o less_o observe_v the_o worth_n and_o excellence_n of_o their_o author_n especial_o consider_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v write_v than_o in_o his_o more_o elaborate_a work_n and_o be_v write_v and_o publish_v in_o this_o manner_n they_o do_v more_o evident_o demonstrate_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o honest_a virtuous_a and_o pious_a principle_n than_o have_v they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v publish_v and_o be_v publish_v by_o himself_o which_o perhaps_o may_v render_v they_o not_o less_o acceptable_a to_o some_o reader_n not_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n so_o that_o consider_v the_o write_n themselves_o i_o can_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n therein_o whether_o of_o matter_n or_o form_n which_o can_v render_v the_o publication_n of_o they_o injurious_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o author_n in_o the_o least_o in_o any_o of_o the_o respect_n afore_o mention_v yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o the_o great_a security_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o but_o just_a to_o give_v this_o true_a and_o ingenuous_a account_n both_o of_o the_o occasion_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o of_o the_o publication_n of_o of_o they_o without_o his_o privity_n or_o knowledge_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v a_o just_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o author_n against_o all_o exception_n as_o that_o which_o will_v whole_o acquit_v he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o reasonable_a man_n and_o transferr_v the_o blame_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v to_o myself_o which_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o must_v have_v resolve_v to_o have_v undergo_v have_v they_o be_v my_o own_o write_n which_o i_o have_v publish_v it_o remain_v therefore_o only_o to_o consider_v how_o this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o without_o injury_n in_o other_o respect_n so_o without_o offence_n to_o the_o worth_a author_n and_o for_o this_o two_o thing_n do_v not_o a_o littlâ—_n encourage_v i_o i._o the_o honesty_n of_o my_o desigâ—_n and_o sincerity_n of_o my_o intention_n in_o it_o and_o 2._o thâ—_n candour_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o author_n his_o candour_n i_o know_v to_o be_v such_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d fair_a and_o favourable_a construction_n of_o my_o desigâ—_n and_o intention_n and_o i_o know_v his_o goodness_n affection_n and_o readiness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o approve_v my_o design_n that_o be_v to_o do_v good_a the_o do_v whereof_o i_o know_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n with_o he_o than_o all_o hiâ—_n reason_n against_o the_o publication_n and_o that_o much_o good_a may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o publication_n of_o these_o write_n i_o can_v assure_v he_o upon_o my_o own_o experience_n of_o the_o effect_n i_o have_v see_v already_o produceâ—_n by_o they_o in_o manuscript_n all_o which_o when_o hâ—_n shall_v consider_v i_o be_v persuade_v though_o perhaps_o he_o may_v at_o first_o be_v a_o little_a surprise_v with_o the_o unexpected_a publication_n of_o they_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v much_o offend_v at_o it_o and_o then_o if_o i_o can_v publish_v they_o without_o either_o injury_n or_o offence_n to_o he_o i_o reckon_v it_o all_o one_o in_o effect_n as_o if_o i_o have_v have_v his_o consent_n before_o to_o it_o and_o hereupon_o i_o â—â—â—â—zed_v at_o last_o upon_o it_o and_o upon_o these_o conâ—â—erations_n have_v make_v thus_o bold_a with_o this_o excel_v person_n and_o my_o very_a good_a friend_n for_o the_o gâ—od_a of_o other_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v do_v for_o any_o private_a advantage_n to_o myself_o whatsoever_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o know_v who_o the_o author_n of_o these_o excellent_a meditation_n be_v
mankind_n be_v 1._o the_o unruliness_n and_o want_n of_o government_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n on_o lust_n hence_o grow_v intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v unlawful_a and_o exorbitant_a lust_n and_o these_o exhaust_v the_o estate_n waste_n and_o consume_v the_o health_n embase_v and_o impoverish_v the_o mind_n destroy_v the_o reputation_n and_o render_v man_n unfit_a for_o industry_n and_o business_n 2._o the_o exorbitancy_n and_o unruliness_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o passion_n as_o excessive_a love_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o not_o lovely_a or_o not_o deserve_v so_o much_o love_n excess_n of_o anger_n which_o oftentimes_o degenerate_a into_o malice_n and_o revenge_n excess_n of_o joy_n in_o light_n trivial_a inconsiderable_a matter_n excess_n of_o fear_n where_o either_o no_o cause_n of_o fear_n or_o not_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o fear_n be_v and_o these_o exorbitance_n of_o passion_n betray_v the_o succour_n of_o reason_n break_v out_o into_o very_o foolish_a vain_a imprudent_a action_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o much_o of_o that_o folly_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v every_o where_o observable_a 3._o these_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o pride_n vainglory_n ambition_n of_o honour_n and_o place_n and_o power_n insolency_n arrogancy_n envy_n covetousness_n and_o the_o like_a these_o i_o say_v be_v so_o many_o sickness_n and_o canker_n and_o rot_a ulcer_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o they_o like_o the_o fury_n that_o be_v let_v loose_a out_o of_o pandora_n box_n do_v raise_v most_o of_o those_o storm_n and_o tempest_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n so_o they_o disease_n and_o disorder_n and_o beset_v the_o mind_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o make_v their_o life_n a_o torment_n to_o themselves_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o very_o foolish_a vain_a and_o frentique_a action_n and_o deportment_n and_o render_v man_n perfect_a fool_n mad_a man_n and_o without_o understanding_n and_o their_o folly_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o the_o more_o uncurable_a that_o like_o some_o kind_n of_o frentique_a man_n they_o think_v very_o goodly_a of_o themselves_o think_v themselves_o pass_v wise_a man_n and_o applaud_v themselves_o though_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a to_o any_o indifferent_a by-stander_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sort_n of_o vain_a foolish_a person_n under_o heaven_n now_o as_o we_o be_v true_o tell_v that_o the_o first_o degree_n and_o step_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o put_v off_o folly_n sapientia_fw-la prima_fw-la est_fw-la stultitia_fw-la caruisse_fw-la so_o it_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o beginning_n of_o all_o true_a wisdom_n to_o disburden_v a_o man_n of_o these_o original_n and_o foundation_n of_o folly_n it_o give_v a_o law_n to_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n keep_v it_o within_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o those_o instruction_n and_o direction_n that_o the_o wise_a god_n have_v prescribe_v it_o keep_v it_o under_o discipline_n and_o rule_n it_o direct_v the_o passion_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o their_o due_a measure_n and_o with_o in_o the_o due_a line_n and_o limit_n of_o moderation_n and_o as_o become_v a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o god_n of_o glory_n majesty_n and_o holiness_n it_o cure_v those_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o this_o great_a preservative_n and_o cathartick_fw-ge the_o fear_n of_o god_n if_o pride_n or_o vainglory_n begin_v to_o bud_v in_o the_o soul_n he_o consider_v that_o the_o god_n he_o fear_v resist_v the_o proud_a this_o fear_n put_v a_o man_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a god_n and_o what_o be_v a_o poor_a worm_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v proud_a or_o vainglorious_a in_o the_o presence_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o mighty_a god_n if_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n begin_v to_o appear_v this_o fear_n of_o god_n present_o remember_v a_o man_n that_o the_o mighty_a god_n have_v prohibit_v they_o that_o he_o have_v present_v unto_o we_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n for_o our_o desire_n than_o worldly_a wealth_n or_o honour_n that_o we_o be_v all_o of_o his_o household_n and_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o portion_n he_o allot_v we_o without_o press_v beyond_o the_o measure_n of_o sobriety_n or_o dependence_n upon_o or_o submission_n unto_o he_o if_o revenge_n stir_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o fear_n of_o god_n check_v it_o tell_v a_o man_n that_o he_o usurp_v god_n prerogative_n who_o have_v reserve_v vengeance_n â—o_o himself_o as_o part_v of_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n â—f_o that_o vermin_n envy_n begin_v to_o live_v and_o crawl_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o fear_n of_o god_n crush_v â—t_a by_o remember_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a god_n prohibit_v it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o dispenser_n of_o all_o thing_n if_o he_o have_v give_v i_o little_a i_o ought_v to_o be_v content_v if_o he_o have_v give_v another_o more_o yet_o why_o shall_v my_o eye_n be_v evil_a because_o his_o eye_n be_v good_a thus_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n walk_v through_o the_o soul_n and_o pull_v up_o those_o weed_n and_o root_n of_o bitterness_n and_o folly_n that_o infect_v disquiet_a disorder_n and_o befool_v it_o 6._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n be_v inadvertence_n inconsiderateness_n precipitancy_n and_o over-hastiness_n in_o speech_n or_o action_n if_o man_n have_v but_o the_o patience_n many_o time_n to_o pause_v but_o so_o long_o in_o action_n and_o speech_n of_o moment_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o repeat_v but_o the_o creed_n or_o lord_n prayer_n many_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v avoid_v that_o do_v very_o much_o mischief_n both_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o other_o and_o therefore_o inadvertence_n and_o precipitancy_n in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o that_o require_v much_o deliberation_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n because_o the_o consequence_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o they_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n now_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v actual_o present_a upon_o the_o soul_n and_o exert_v itself_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o obligation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o consideration_n and_o attention_n touch_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o say_v when_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n or_o speak_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a earthly_a prince_n the_o very_a awe_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o prince_n will_v give_v any_o man_n very_o much_o consideration_n touch_v what_o he_o say_v or_o do_v especial_o to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o law_n and_o edict_n that_o this_o prince_n have_v make_v now_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n give_v we_o law_n and_o rule_n touch_v our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v or_o do_v be_v to_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o no_o less_o a_o presence_n than_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o ever-glorious_a god_n who_o strict_o eye_n and_o observe_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o very_a same_o advertence_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o he_o to_o observe_v and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o great_a engagement_n to_o advertence_n and_o attention_n and_o consideration_n than_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o action_n or_o speech_n be_v of_o any_o moment_n a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n will_v consider_v 1._o be_v this_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n 2._o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a yet_o be_v it_o fit_a be_v it_o convenient_a be_v it_o seasonable_a if_o not_o than_o i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o it_o become_v not_o that_o presence_n before_o who_o i_o live_v 3._o again_o â—f_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a and_o fit_a yet_o i_o will_v consider_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v what_o be_v the_o most_o suitable_a circumstance_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o that_o great_a god_n before_o who_o i_o stand_v and_o this_o advertence_n and_o consideration_n do_v not_o only_o qualify_v my_o action_n and_o word_n with_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o it_o give_v a_o excellent_a opportunity_n very_o many_o time_n by_o give_v pause_n and_o deliberation_n in_o reference_n to_o my_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o discover_v many_o humane_a ingredient_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n requisite_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o action_n and_o word_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o so_o that_o beside_o that_o great_a advantage_n of_o consideration_n and_o advertence_n in_o relation_n to_o almighty_a god_n it_o do_v
his_o life_n 2._o concern_v affliction_n that_o particular_o concern_v a_o man_n in_o his_o estate_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o some_o be_v more_o afflict_v in_o this_o kind_n than_o other_o the_o more_o wealth_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o loss_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n love_v wealth_n the_o deep_a the_o affliction_n of_o this_o nature_n wound_n he_o and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a in_o all_o worldly_a matter_n whatsoever_o the_o more_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o the_o deep_a and_o the_o more_o bitter_a the_o cross_n or_o affliction_n be_v therein_o but_o though_o affliction_n in_o this_o kind_n pinch_v some_o close_a than_o other_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o total_o escape_v in_o this_o kind_n the_o poor_a man_n reckon_v it_o his_o affliction_n that_o he_o want_v wealth_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o without_o his_o affliction_n either_o in_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o or_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o loss_n which_o create_v as_o real_a a_o trouble_n as_o the_o loss_n itself_o fire_n and_o shipwreck_n envy_n and_o oppression_n false_a accusation_n robber_n a_o prodigal_a heir_n or_o a_o false_a friend_n thousand_o of_o such_o like_a avenue_n there_o be_v to_o a_o rich_a man_n treasure_n and_o either_o they_o do_v actual_o attach_v it_o and_o then_o they_o cause_v sorrow_n or_o they_o do_v continual_o menace_v it_o and_o so_o they_o cause_v fear_n nay_o sometime_o a_o rich_a man_n have_v as_o great_a a_o affliction_n in_o his_o not_o know_v where_o or_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o his_o wealth_n as_o he_o have_v that_o waâ—â—s_v it_o 3._o touch_v affliction_n in_o the_o name_n most_o certain_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o good_a name_n be_v most_o easy_o expose_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o any_o person_n a_o false_a accusation_n or_o false_a report_n a_o action_n or_o word_n misinterpret_v a_o man_n have_v no_o security_n of_o his_o wealth_n against_o invasion_n of_o other_o but_o he_o have_v much_o less_o security_n touch_v his_o name_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o other_o more_o than_o of_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o man_n experience_n that_o he_o that_o have_v the_o great_a name_n be_v most_o expose_v to_o the_o envy_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o detraction_n and_o calumny_n of_o other_o and_o he_o that_o value_v his_o name_n and_o reputation_n most_o be_v easy_a blast_a and_o deep_o wound_v by_o a_o calumny_n though_o real_o false_a than_o he_o that_o have_v little_a reputation_n or_o that_o esteem_v it_o light_o 4._o touch_v friend_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o induce_v the_o loss_n of_o friend_n 1._o that_o which_o seem_v casual_a yet_o very_o common_a whereby_o either_o friend_n become_v enemy_n or_o at_o least_o grow_v into_o neglect_n which_o be_v sometime_o do_v by_o misrepresentation_n false_a report_n by_o prevalence_n of_o faction_n by_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o interest_n by_o the_o declination_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v certain_a death_n take_v away_o a_o man_n friend_n and_o relation_n from_o he_o or_o he_o from_o they_o the_o more_o friend_n and_o relation_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o loss_n of_o they_o or_o in_o they_o he_o shall_v necessary_o have_v upon_o this_o account_n because_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o those_o casualty_n that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o whether_o in_o estate_n name_n body_z or_o death_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o friend_n and_o relation_n the_o more_o cross_n and_o calamity_n for_o all_o the_o cross_n or_o loss_n that_o befall_v any_o of_o my_o friend_n be_v communicate_v to_o i_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n make_v i_o and_o the_o great_a my_o number_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n be_v the_o more_o loss_n of_o they_o and_o in_o they_o i_o be_o subject_a to_o for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o calamity_n with_o myself_o which_o become_v in_o effect_n i_o by_o participation_n so_o that_o the_o more_o friend_n and_o relation_n i_o have_v and_o the_o dear_a and_o near_o they_o be_v the_o more_o cross_n i_o have_v by_o participate_v they_o and_o every_o bitter_a arrow_n that_o wound_v any_o of_o they_o glance_v upon_o i_o and_o make_v my_o wound_n the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o friend_n and_o relation_n i_o have_v and_o make_v they_o the_o deep_a by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o or_o dear_a those_o friend_n or_o relation_n be_v to_o i_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o good_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o relation_n there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o more_o comfort_n but_o since_o general_o the_o scene_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v full_a of_o cross_n than_o comfort_n the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o my_o many_o friend_n or_o relation_n out-ballance_n and_o over-weigh_a those_o comfort_n and_o these_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o body_n estate_n name_n and_o friend_n though_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o all_o come_v together_o or_o in_o their_o perfection_n at_o one_o time_n upon_o any_o one_o man_n yet_o as_o no_o man_n be_v exempt_a from_o any_o of_o they_o at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o special_a privilege_n so_o sometime_o they_o have_v saln_v in_o together_o in_o their_o perfection_n even_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o we_o read_v of_o witness_v that_o great_a and_o signal_n example_n of_o job_n who_o at_o one_o time_n suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o his_o child_n of_o all_o his_o servant_n of_o all_o his_o good_n of_o his_o great_a and_o honourable_a esteem_n among_o man_n of_o his_o health_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o lay_n under_o severe_a affliction_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o under_o the_o imputation_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n with_o his_o best_a and_o judicious_a friend_n upon_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v a_o man_n may_v and_o upon_o evident_a reason_n and_o experience_n aught_o to_o conclude_v that_o even_o the_o mâ—st_o sincere_a piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n can_v give_v any_o man_n a_o exemption_n or_o priâ—â—ledâ—e_n from_o affiâ—ctions_n of_o some_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o kind_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a 1._o to_o silence_n and_o quiet_a that_o murmur_a and_o unquiet_a and_o proud_a distemper_n that_o often_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n themselves_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v themselves_o much_o injure_v if_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o just_a and_o wise_a god_n never_o give_v any_o promise_n or_o privilege_n or_o exemption_n from_o external_a calamity_n and_o trouble_n to_o those_o who_o yet_o he_o own_v as_o his_o child_n 2._o this_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o quiet_v the_o mind_n of_o person_n thus_o afflict_v against_o that_o commâ—n_a temptation_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v upon_o this_o â—â—â—asion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v hate_v or_o sorâ—aken_v of_o god_n because_o sore_o afflict_v where_o as_o most_o certain_o the_o favour_n or_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v simple_o by_o external_o 〈◊〉_d but_o rather_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o a_o quite_o conâ—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z that_o god_n â—-pleased_n to_o chasten_v those_o who_o he_o love_v best_o 3._o this_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o cheek_n that_o censorious_a humour_n that_o be_v in_o many_o who_o like_o the_o barbarian_n 28.4_o present_o conclude_v that_o person_n or_o place_n to_o be_v more_o sinful_a than_o other_o because_o they_o suffer_v more_o it_o may_v be_v than_o other_o this_o be_v the_o uneharitable_a and_o indeed_o unreasonable_a error_n of_o job_n friend_n of_o old_a and_o of_o many_o at_o this_o time_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o public_a and_o personal_a visitation_n 2._o the_o second_o good_a preparative_a against_o affliction_n be_v a_o frequent_a practical_a supposition_n where_o with_o we_o be_v to_o entertain_v ourselves_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o great_a prosperity_n that_o the_o case_n may_v and_o probable_o will_v be_v alter_v with_o we_o and_o so_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o a_o afflict_a condition_n for_o instance_n i_o be_o now_o in_o health_n what_o if_o i_o be_v now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n into_o some_o acute_a or_o painful_a or_o desperate_a disease_n how_o be_o i_o sit_v with_o patience_n resignation_n of_o myself_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o estate_n as_o this_o i_o must_v come_v to_o soon_o or_o late_a how_o shall_v i_o bear_v or_o carry_v myself_o in_o it_o or_o under_o it_o be_v it_o now_o upon_o i_o i_o have_v now_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n external_a affluence_n what_o if_o at_o this_o
cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o render_v a_o man_n in_o god_n acceptation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o offend_v 5._o the_o next_o preparative_n against_o affliction_n be_v to_o gain_v a_o humble_a mind_n when_o affliction_n meet_v with_o a_o proud_a heart_n full_a of_o opinion_n of_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o goodness_n there_o arise_v more_o trouble_n and_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n and_o discomposure_n in_o the_o contest_v of_o such_o a_o heart_n against_o the_o affliction_n than_o possible_o can_v arise_v from_o the_o affliction_n itself_o and_o the_o struggle_a of_o that_o distemper_n of_o pride_n with_o the_o affliction_n gall_n and_o entangle_v the_o mind_n more_o than_o the_o severe_a affliction_n and_o render_v a_o man_n very_o unfit_a for_o it_o and_o unable_a to_o bear_v it_o 51.20_o the_o prophet_n describe_v it_o her_o son_n at_o the_o head_n of_o every_o street_n be_v like_o a_o wild_a bull_n in_o a_o net_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o humble_a lowly_a mind_n be_v calm_a and_o patient_a and_o fall_v with_o ease_n upon_o a_o afflict_a condition_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o suffer_v be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o thing_n a_o man_n suffer_v as_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o temper_n of_o spirit_n of_o the_o man_n that_o meet_v with_o it_o a_o humble_a mind_n be_v a_o mind_n right_o prepare_v with_o the_o great_a facility_n to_o receive_v the_o shock_n of_o any_o affliction_n for_o such_o a_o mind_n be_v already_o as_o low_o as_o affliction_n can_v ordinary_o set_v it_o and_o certain_o if_o any_o man_n consider_v aright_o he_o have_v many_o important_a cause_n to_o keep_v his_o mind_n always_o humble_a 1._o in_o respect_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o if_o a_o man_n contemplate_v he_o will_v put_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a worm_n and_o therefore_o unworthy_a to_o dispute_v the_o divine_a dispensation_n providence_n or_o permission_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o he_o that_o consider_v aright_o himself_o his_o sin_n and_o fail_n and_o corruption_n will_v have_v cause_n enough_o to_o humble_v himself_o and_o reckon_v that_o he_o be_v just_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severe_a cross_n and_o affliction_n why_o do_v the_o live_a man_n complain_v a_o man_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n 3.39_o it_o be_v mercy_n enough_o that_o the_o affliction_n extend_v not_o yet_o so_o â—â—r_a as_o his_o life_n a_o live_a man_n to_o complain_v carnes_z a_o reprehension_n in_o itself_o of_o the_o complaint_n 6._o another_o most_o singular_a preparation_n against_o affliction_n be_v a_o steady_a resolve_v resignation_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o that_o upon_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a reason_n imaginable_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o most_o sovereign_a will_n for_o his_o will_n must_v be_v do_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o high_a piece_n of_o folly_n imaginable_a to_o contest_v with_o he_o that_o will_v not_o can_v may_v not_o be_v control_v it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v commission_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a but_o when_o we_o have_v so_o do_v we_o must_v withal_o desire_v that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v this_o pattern_n the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o matth._n 26.39_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v willing_o therefore_o submit_v to_o that_o will_n which_o whether_o thou_o will_v or_o no_o thou_o must_v thou_o shall_v endure_v for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a will_n the_o will_n of_o the_o absolute_a monarch_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a will_n so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a will_n what_o he_o will_v he_o will_v not_o simple_o prâ—â—â—mperio_fw-la but_o his_o will_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o direct_v by_o a_o most_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o upon_o any_o tolerable_a account_n judge_v thy_o will_n wise_a than_o he_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o resolve_v thy_o poor_a narrow_a inconsiderate_a will_n into_o the_o will_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n 3._o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a will_n so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v most_o certain_o the_o most_o benificent_a and_o best_a will_n what_o reason_n have_v thou_o to_o suspect_v the_o beneficence_n of_o his_o will_n who_o will_n alone_o give_v thou_o thy_o be_v that_o he_o may_v communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o that_o be_v of_o thou_o which_o he_o free_o give_v thou_o it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v not_o see_v the_o reason_n the_o end_n the_o use_n of_o his_o dispensation_n yet_o be_v content_a with_o a_o implicit_a submission_n to_o resign_v thyself_o up_o to_o his_o disposal_n and_o rest_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v best_a for_o thou_o though_o thou_o yet_o can_v not_o understand_v what_o it_o mean_v if_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o heart_n to_o resign_v up_o this_o will_n unto_o he_o be_v confident_a he_o will_v never_o mislead_v thou_o nor_o give_v thou_o cause_n to_o repent_v of_o trust_v he_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a pitch_n of_o a_o heathen_n mind_n namely_o epictetus_n enchirid._n cap._n 78._o in_o quovis_fw-la incepto_fw-la haeâ—_n optanda_fw-la sunt_fw-la endue_v i_o o_o jupiter_n &_o tâ—_n fatum_fw-la eo_fw-la quo_fw-la sum_fw-la à _fw-la vobis_fw-la destinatus_fw-la sequar_fw-la enim_fw-la alacriter_fw-la quod_fw-la si_fw-la noluero_fw-la &_o improbus_fw-la ero_fw-la &_o sequar_fw-la nihilominus_fw-la which_o may_v be_v thus_o better_o english_v in_o every_o enterprise_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o prayer_n guide_v i_o o_o god_n and_o thou_o divine_a providence_n according_a to_o thy_o own_o appointment_n i_o will_v with_o cheerfulness_n follow_v which_o if_o i_o shall_v decline_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v be_v a_o undutiful_a man_n and_o yet_o shall_v nevertheless_o follow_v thy_o appointment_n whether_o i_o will_v or_o not_o but_o christian_n have_v learn_v a_o reason_n of_o a_o noble_a descent_n namely_o 8.28_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o he_o then_o to_o make_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o guide_n rule_n and_o measure_n of_o thy_o own_o 7._o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o great_a preparative_a which_o be_v indeed_o the_o completion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v before_o say_v and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n include_v all_o labour_v to_o get_v thy_o peace_n with_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n when_o this_o be_v once_o attain_v thou_o be_v set_v above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o affliction_n because_o thou_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o great_a treasure_n than_o this_o world_n can_v give_v or_o take_v away_o 12.28_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o hope_n and_o most_o assure_a expectation_n that_o be_v above_o the_o region_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o render_v the_o great_a and_o forest_n affliction_n as_o they_o be_v namely_o light_a and_o momentany_a and_o yet_o because_o thou_o be_v notwithstanding_o this_o glorious_a expectation_n yet_o in_o this_o low_a region_n and_o subject_a to_o passion_n and_o perturbation_n and_o fear_n the_o merciful_a god_n have_v engage_v his_o promise_n to_o support_v thou_o here_o under_o they_o to_o better_a and_o improve_v thou_o by_o they_o to_o carry_v thou_o through_o they_o by_o his_o all-sufficient_a grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o stroke_n thou_o receive_v be_v either_o manage_v and_o direct_v or_o at_o least_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o he_o that_o be_v thy_o father_n and_o that_o in_o very_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n do_v correct_v thou_o 119.75_o that_o have_v a_o heart_n of_o compassion_n and_o love_n to_o thou_o even_o when_o he_o seem_v in_o his_o providence_n to_o frown_v upon_o thou_o that_o while_o thou_o be_v under_o they_o will_v make_v they_o work_v together_o for_o thy_o good_a and_o that_o will_v never_o take_v from_o thou_o those_o everlasting_a mercy_n which_o be_v thy_o portion_n that_o have_v all_o thy_o affliction_n cross_n trouble_n whatever_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v under_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v thou_o to_o be_v afflict_v beyond_o what_o he_o give_v thou_o grace_n to_o bear_v and_o improve_v 10.13_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o will_v so_o manage_v order_n and_o govern_v thy_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v here_o but_o for_o a_o moment_n that_o in_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v thou_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a