up_o to_o god_n thus_o at_o least_o he_o intend_v it_o but_o by_o our_o depravation_n and_o folly_n they_o become_v obstacle_n in_o our_o way_n to_o he_o they_o turn_v we_o from_o the_o path_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n say_v wisd_v 14.11_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n become_v stumble_a block_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o unwise_a of_o the_o unwise_a he_o say_v such_o as_o will_v not_o take_v god_n for_o their_o guide_n such_o as_o turn_v their_o eye_n from_o his_o glorious_a light_n to_o enjoy_v the_o shade_n and_o obscurity_n of_o creature_n thereby_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n and_o so_o become_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o abide_v the_o divine_a save_a light_n 2._o now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v create_v for_o this_o to_o be_v as_o help_v and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v our_o end_n then_o be_v we_o to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v love_v and_o desire_v without_o end_n and_o without_o competitor_n in_o goodness_n be_v independent_a supreme_a and_o alone_o satisfactory_a whereas_o mean_n have_v no_o far_o goodness_n than_o as_o they_o help_v to_o obtain_v the_o end_n a_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o refer_v to_o god_n all_o his_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o not_o lazy_o or_o verbal_o only_a but_o with_o a_o strong_a affection_n and_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n avoid_v thereby_o the_o cheat_n man_n often_o put_v upon_o themselves_o in_o be_v deceive_v with_o their_o own_o formality_n and_o specious_a pretence_n when_o even_o in_o religion_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o often_o seek_v and_o please_v themselves_o rather_o than_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o scripture_n call_v the_o way_n to_o life_n straight_o and_o narrow_a because_o deprave_a man_n refer_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o can_v hardly_o follow_v the_o pure_a and_o direct_a way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v be_v natural_o averse_a to_o a_o upright_a intention_n but_o when_o this_o aversion_n be_v once_o overcome_v by_o a_o assiduous_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o divine_a commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v wide_a and_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v light_a and_o pleasant_a chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v earnest_a about_o the_o world_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o attain_v not_o their_o main_a end_n 1._o that_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n be_v past_a number_n be_v right_o affirm_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n for_o indeed_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n trifle_v away_o their_o day_n so_o simple_o act_n so_o childish_o or_o rather_o so_o much_o like_o mad_a man_n that_o their_o intolerable_a folly_n can_v be_v sufficient_o deplore_v they_o set_v the_o flesh_n above_o the_o spirit_n they_o prefer_v time_n to_o eternity_n and_o earth_n to_o heaven_n till_o the_o unhappy_a comedy_n of_o their_o sinful_a lifâ—_n end_v in_o a_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o death_n and_o they_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n in_o a_o moment_n if_o a_o suit_n at_o law_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v or_o a_o estate_n gain_v or_o a_o place_n of_o honour_n obtain_v than_o they_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o labour_n no_o search_n no_o diligence_n no_o study_n but_o if_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v purchase_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n make_v sure_a than_o no_o man_n stir_v they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o unactive_a no_o regard_n no_o care_n be_v have_v of_o it_o 2._o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v and_o afflict_v the_o body_n as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n heat_n and_o cold_a pain_n and_o infirmity_n our_o sense_n be_v quick_a and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o industry_n we_o present_o occur_v to_o those_o evil_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o but_o if_o our_o soul_n suffer_v under_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a spiritual_a evil_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o we_o care_v no_o more_o than_o if_o that_o noble_a part_n of_o we_o whereby_o we_o live_v and_o be_v rational_a and_o like_a to_o angel_n have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o and_o this_o because_o the_o flesh_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o we_o value_v this_o sport_n uncertain_a life_n more_o than_o life_n eternal_a and_o we_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o sole_a employment_n to_o rescue_v that_o carcase_n from_o death_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o certain_o must_v soon_o become_v its_o prey_n 3._o one_o cause_n of_o these_o preposterous_a do_n be_v the_o gross_a and_o brutish_a ignorance_n or_o rather_o inconsideration_n of_o too_o too_o many_o who_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v to_o what_o end_n man_n be_v create_v what_o it_o be_v he_o shall_v seek_v and_o design_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o way_n he_o shall_v take_v that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o his_o great_a aim_n jer._n 12.11_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolate_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n consider_v wise_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o power_n of_o those_o enemy_n that_o perpetual_o assault_v we_o who_o snare_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o avoid_v without_o god_n break_v they_o and_o deliver_v he_o for_o we_o be_v continual_o besiege_v by_o a_o frail_a flesh_n a_o flatter_a world_n and_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o 4._o last_o our_o folly_n and_o misery_n proceed_v partly_o from_o our_o blindness_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o darkness_n we_o want_v light_a to_o guide_v we_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n and_o pray_v he_o devout_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o aright_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o sloth_n and_o inconstancy_n for_o we_o be_v virtuous_a in_o wish_n and_o not_o in_o effect_n because_o we_o be_v lazy_a to_o work_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o practice_n we_o find_v difficulty_n and_o be_v soon_o tire_v and_o dishearten_v hasty_o give_v over_o before_o we_o have_v effect_v any_o thing_n all_o christian_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o come_v after_o he_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o care_v not_o to_o imitate_v he_o fain_o will_v they_o come_v to_o he_o but_o not_o follow_v he_o man_n will_v obtain_v riches_n without_o labour_n and_o crown_n without_o fight_v they_o like_v well_o of_o reward_n but_o they_o will_v take_v no_o pain_n ghap._n xii_o how_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o fair_a outside_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o good_a 1._o this_o world_n felicity_n put_v all_o together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o whole_a be_v but_o like_o a_o coarse_a picture_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v something_o please_v and_o invite_v when_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o false_a light_n or_o in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o obscure_a or_o with_o a_o small_a blind_a candle_n such_o as_o be_v the_o dim_a and_o deceitful_a light_n of_o present_a time_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v forth_o the_o picture_n and_o view_v it_o before_o that_o glorious_a sun_n that_o shine_v for_o ever_o the_o radiant_a brightness_n of_o eternity_n there_o it_o will_v appear_v deform_v and_o unfinished_a a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a shadow_n which_o represent_v nothing_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stroke_n and_o line_n draw_v without_o order_n or_o design_n for_o though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n enlighten_v the_o world_n yet_o it_o remain_v in_o darkness_n man_n will_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a discovery_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o 3._o yet_o that_o light_n it_o be_v and_o none_o else_o that_o clear_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n btwixt_a vile_a and_o precious_a betwixt_o truth_n and_o appearance_n how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o christianity_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o instruct_v it_o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o by_o it_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o creature_n because_o of_o their_o attractive_a beauty_n but_o so_o to_o consider_v their_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v by_o they_o lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o glorious_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o divine_a light_n it_o be_v make_v i_o see_v
redemption_n the_o infinite_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o promise_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v true_a christian_n while_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o neglect_v these_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o mean_n be_v despise_v where_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v disregard_v until_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o first_o and_o chief_a business_n to_o secure_v a_o bless_a eternity_n by_o live_v holy_a life_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v wise_a and_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o disputable_a and_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o mix_n secular_a interest_n with_o thing_n of_o religion_n first_o make_v and_o still_o maintain_v the_o error_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n many_o controversy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o decide_v as_o to_o bury_v they_o at_o least_o to_o make_v they_o give_v place_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_a and_o much_o more_o requisite_a and_o beneficial_a and_o here_o again_o i_o may_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v this_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o best_a guide_n of_o soul_n for_o either_o she_o meddle_v not_o with_o many_o dispute_n or_o else_o she_o always_o stand_v on_o the_o much_o sure_a side_n of_o the_o question_n hold_v that_o which_o even_o her_o adversary_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n and_o never_o amuse_v her_o child_n with_o unnecessary_a speculation_n or_o unprofitable_a contest_v but_o as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a design_n to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o all_o holy_a virtue_n so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o preface_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o thou_o will_v serious_o and_o often_o consider_v that_o thy_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o that_o thou_o resolve_v thereupon_o not_o to_o lose_v not_o to_o venture_v thy_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n above_o for_o any_o earthly_a enjoyment_n that_o thou_o will_v bear_v eternity_n in_o mind_n and_o weigh_v the_o importance_n of_o these_o two_o word_n which_o conclude_v our_o creed_n life_n everlasting_a and_o that_o afterward_o thou_o resolve_v careful_o to_o follow_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o follow_v he_o live_v therefore_o as_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o king_n of_o eternity_n to_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o despise_v the_o world_n use_v diligent_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v make_v thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o encourage_v and_o assist_v thou_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o among_o they_o good_a book_n which_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o make_v their_o goodness_n our_o own_o be_v very_o useful_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v somewhat_o conduce_v to_o their_o advancement_n nay_o i_o be_o sure_a thou_o shall_v be_v much_o better_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o will_v transcribe_v it_o with_o thy_o life_n as_o i_o have_v with_o my_o pen_n and_o make_v it_o thy_o hearty_a endeavour_n as_o i_o do_v my_o prayer_n l._n b._n the_o author_n dedication_n to_o all_o true_a christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n i_o offer_v this_o small_a volume_n to_o you_o bless_a soul_n vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o mercy_n elect_v and_o holy_a child_n of_o god_n predestinate_v to_o glory_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o death_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o despise_a cross_n of_o your_o redeemer_n for_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n you_o be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n to_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o sight_n in_o love_n and_o in_o christ_n you_o be_v choose_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o for_o your_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n for_o you_o the_o bless_a jesus_n pray_v when_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n he_o say_v i_o have_v manifest_v thy_o name_n unto_o the_o man_n who_o thou_o give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n thy_o they_n be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o i_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n hear_v not_o or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o regard_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n see_v he_o not_o nor_o know_v he_o neither_o can_v it_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o this_o will_v be_v ground_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v a_o light_n in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o do_v shine_v on_o the_o cross_n most_o glorious_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o tree_n of_o death_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tie_v become_v his_o pulpit_n whence_o he_o preach_v his_o divine_a sermon_n teach_v we_o that_o great_a lesson_n die_v which_o he_o set_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a he_o that_o do_v not_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n therefore_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n be_v our_o great_a safety_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n our_o sure_a title_n to_o glory_n the_o cross_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o christian_a learning_n to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n may_v have_v sanctify_v affection_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n that_o by_o the_o divine_a grace_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n and_o my_o prayer_n for_o they_o be_v that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o love_n may_v abound_v in_o they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o unblameable_a replenish_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n please_v to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o offence_n i_o also_o beg_v for_o myself_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n may_v enlighten_v and_o guide_v my_o mind_n and_o that_o his_o strength_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o my_o weakness_n lest_o after_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o my_o own_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o also_o beseech_v you_o good_a friend_n of_o god_n bless_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n remember_v i_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o what_o i_o teach_v i_o may_v fulfil_v that_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v be_v my_o practice_n by_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n live_v and_o reign_v one_o ever_o glorious_a and_o adore_a god_n amen_n imprimatur_fw-la geo._n hooper_n r._n p._n d._n gil_n ep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n may_v 29._o 1677._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n part_n i._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o of_o its_o end_n and_o office_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o all_o christian_n into_o three_o rank_n good_a middle-sort_n and_o bad_a ibid._n chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o
oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o divine_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o precept_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n faith_n oblige_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n by_o hope_n we_o trust_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v and_o use_v all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n at_o last_o all_o which_o in_o this_o assurance_n we_o hearty_o beg_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o charity_n require_v of_o we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o a_o christian_a by_o these_o three_o virtue_n be_v make_v a_o new_a and_o holy_a creature_n faith_n inlighten_v and_o direct_v his_o understanding_n hope_n raise_v he_o up_o and_o set_v his_o will_n at_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o god_n charity_n unite_v he_o whole_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v all_o divine_a institution_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v for_o except_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o except_o we_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o we_o joh._n 6.53_o and_o as_o for_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n we_o have_v for_o the_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v make_v clean_o again_o 2._o last_o there_o be_v also_o human_a law_n enact_v by_o the_o church_n or_o the_o state_n we_o live_v in_o and_o they_o we_o be_v also_o to_o know_v and_o to_o observe_v with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v all_o these_o law_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v upon_o we_o none_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o the_o true_a light_n from_o above_o enlighten_v and_o guide_v he_o as_o it_o be_v write_v psal_n 94.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastne_v o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o in_o thy_o law_n for_o ever_o since_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n man_n without_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o deprave_a passion_n we_o must_v therefore_o earnest_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n that_o he_o that_o command_v what_o he_o will_v will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v heal_v our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n destroy_v self-love_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o devout_a love_n to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n and_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n without_o hypocrisy_n or_o reservation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n 1._o our_o christian_a hope_n be_v not_o for_o this_o world_n nor_o for_o this_o present_a time_n and_o we_o be_v not_o create_v to_o enjoy_v that_o earthly_a happiness_n which_o the_o world_n only_o seek_v but_o god_n make_v we_o for_o that_o eternal_a bliss_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o who_o excellency_n we_o can_v as_o yet_o understand_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o be_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o we_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o only_o by_o human_a reason_n and_o live_v by_o natural_a instinct_n after_o the_o common_a manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a grace_n but_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o wise_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n who_o live_v to_o god_n and_o common_a with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o range_v and_o dwell_v abroad_o 2._o these_o man_n live_v a_o inward_a life_n they_o be_v recollect_v and_o dwell_v at_o home_n always_o dispose_v to_o hear_v god_n voice_n within_o they_o and_o to_o understand_v his_o secret_n whereas_o they_o live_v a_o outward_a life_n that_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o outward_a thing_n have_v fair_a pretence_n for_o their_o worldly-mindedness_a be_v greedy_a of_o news_n and_o curious_a sight_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n walk_v say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 4.17_o in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n profit_v in_o carnal_a wisdom_n the_o more_o ignorant_a he_o become_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o we_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o much_o we_o lessen_v our_o love_n to_o the_o creator_n chap._n xxxv_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o opinion_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o weigh_v thing_n just_o and_o then_o esteem_v they_o according_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a value_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o twofold_a aspect_n or_o a_o double_a face_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o real_a and_o the_o other_o disguise_v and_o fallacious_a the_o first_o be_v what_o god_n judge_v and_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o second_o depend_v on_o man_n passion_n and_o false_a opinion_n thus_o for_o example_n the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v in_o effect_n and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n a_o high_a and_o angelic_a office_n of_o such_o a_o weight_n as_o shall_v make_v human_a strength_n tremble_v and_o shrink_v under_o it_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n but_o also_o it_o require_v the_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n entrust_v with_o the_o dignify_a prelate_n who_o shall_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n for_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o world_n account_n a_o bishopric_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n which_o promote_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o to_o riches_n and_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a advantage_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o right_o apprehend_v what_o the_o office_n be_v fear_v and_o avoid_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v that_o they_o refuse_v it_o when_o offer_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o follow_v the_o world_n judgement_n and_o seek_v themselves_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o the_o object_n of_o their_o passionate_a desire_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o dignity_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n in_o church_n and_o state_n generally_n man_n have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o understand_v not_o their_o definition_n and_o hence_o the_o confusion_n and_o malvorsation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n mistake_v thing_n and_o hate_v truth_n and_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o follow_v divine_a light_n but_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a heart_n 2._o such_o name_n be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n as_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o high_a virtue_n of_o his_o great_a saint_n as_o that_o some_o be_v call_v bishop_n priest_n deacon_n monk_n or_o hermit_n some_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o all_o together_o christian_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o due_o consider_v the_o great_a worth_n the_o strength_n and_o true_a signification_n of_o those_o name_n what_o virtue_n what_o perpetual_a care_n what_o duty_n they_o require_v from_o such_o as_o bear_v they_o the_o bare_a title_n with_o a_o vain_a shadow_n of_o the_o thing_n remain_v but_o the_o reality_n and_o significancy_n of_o they_o be_v vanish_v few_o man_n be_v in_o truth_n what_o they_o call_v themselves_o few_o live_v according_a to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a because_o few_o make_v it_o their_o first_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n this_o unhappy_a deceit_n be_v also_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o and_o worst_a of_o evil_n self-love_n the_o most_o crafty_a deceiver_n hardly_o find_v out_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o seldom_o quite_o conquer_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v so_o mix_v and_o confuse_a that_o if_o we_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v hardly_o discern_v the_o one_o