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
without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o except_v our_o conversation_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o profession_n the_o most_o glorious_a name_n and_o title_n shall_v avail_v nothing_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o believer_n by_o work_v the_o distinction_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o false_a for_o what_o manner_n of_o faith_n be_v they_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o they_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o command_n be_v they_o not_o like_o the_o devil_n who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o be_v no_o worse_o for_o his_o faith_n beget_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n but_o these_o boast_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o fear_v god_n chap._n iii_o that_o original_a sin_n be_v the_o spring_n whence_o all_o evil_a proceed_v 1._o now_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o wickedness_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o have_v but_o hear_v of_o the_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o by_o their_o fall_n original_a righteousness_n be_v lose_v human_a nature_n utter_o deprave_v and_o shut_v up_o under_o condemnation_n their_o offspring_n fall_v into_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o that_o they_o can_v be_v neither_o express_v nor_o number_v hence_o that_o deep_a and_o dreadful_a ignorance_n which_o like_o a_o black_a cloud_n darken_v the_o mind_n and_o lie_v upon_o it_o hence_o that_o brutish_a and_o untamable_a lust_n which_o like_o a_o heavy_a weight_n sink_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o keep_v it_o fast_o hence_o that_o aversion_n from_o god_n and_o conversion_n to_o thing_n perish_v hence_o those_o anxious_a care_n and_o foolish_a joy_n those_o dissension_n quarrel_n and_o enmity_n those_o perverse_a heresy_n greedy_a sacrilege_n and_o unsatiable_a lust_n and_o hence_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o this_o be_v the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o man_n impious_a disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n that_o god_n shall_v forsake_v he_o who_o by_o pride_n lift_v up_o himself_o against_o god_n that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o when_o he_o can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o his_o free_a will_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o become_v uncapable_a of_o do_v what_o be_v infinite_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n to_o perform_v except_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o mercy_n 2._o thus_o man_n leave_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o self-love_n draw_v to_o himself_o seek_v himself_o only_o and_o in_o his_o wretched_a self_n alone_o set_v his_o rest_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a truth_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v all_o christian_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n how_o uncapable_a they_o be_v of_o themselves_o to_o do_v any_o good_a then_o it_o be_v like_a they_o will_v daily_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n beg_v his_o gracious_a help_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v from_o who_o come_v all_o our_o light_n our_o strength_n and_o our_o sufficiency_n but_o alas_o too_o many_o in_o a_o deep_a deathlike_a sleep_n rest_n in_o carnal_a security_n and_o unhappy_o abuse_v by_o vain_a delusion_n love_v their_o blindness_n and_o their_o disease_n too_o dream_v that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o sound_a because_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o distemper_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o book_n 1._o while_o i_o often_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o lose_a year_n of_o my_o life_n i_o be_v grieve_v and_o perplex_v both_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v past_a and_o of_o that_o which_o shall_v follow_v hereafter_o look_v backward_o on_o those_o day_n which_o be_v go_v and_o examine_v serious_o how_o i_o have_v spend_v they_o i_o be_v seize_v upon_o with_o horror_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o many_o soul_n prevarication_n against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o gracious_a god_n and_o my_o great_a unfaithulness_n to_o christ_n my_o saviour_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o sacred_a vow_n i_o make_v when_o i_o give_v up_o my_o name_n to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n i_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v to_o have_v thus_o requite_v my_o god_n and_o abuse_v his_o grace_n and_o when_o i_o turn_v myself_o to_o the_o future_a to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o i_o i_o can_v not_o but_o dread_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o my_o offend_a god_n and_o tremble_v exceed_o at_o the_o greatness_n of_o my_o danger_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o pardon_n i_o want_v and_o be_o so_o much_o unworthy_a of_o in_o these_o strait_n i_o resolve_v by_o god_n help_n first_o to_o help_v myself_o and_o then_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n to_o prescribe_v what_o may_v easy_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v effectual_a thing_n ready_a at_o hand_n which_o be_v often_o read_v and_o consider_v may_v be_v remember_v and_o follow_v that_o they_o that_o serious_o design_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n may_v find_v it_o here_o without_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o long_a and_o laborious_a search_n 2._o now_o because_o physician_n have_v their_o aphorism_n and_o philosopher_n their_o axiom_n or_o sentence_n and_o in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o must_v begin_v at_o certain_a principle_n which_o be_v short_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o marrow_n of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n therefore_o i_o purpose_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o lay_v down_o brief_o and_o clear_o those_o chief_a rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o religious_a life_n which_o more_o at_o large_a be_v scatter_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o divine_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o other_o good_a author_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v our_o first_o and_o our_o great_a concern_n that_o one_o necessary_a thing_n on_o which_o all_o depend_v to_o know_v how_o to_o live_v well_o to_o live_v like_o christian_n for_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n mat._n 16.26_o nothing_o more_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a can_v be_v imagine_v than_o to_o own_v ourselves_o christ_n disciple_n and_o live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v avail_v nothing_o where_o the_o life_n be_v antichristian_a chap._n v._o the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o learn_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o follow_v they_o not_o 1._o many_o without_o difficulty_n can_v read_v and_o learn_v the_o gospel-precept_n and_o even_o often_o think_v of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o few_o understand_v well_o their_o force_n and_o their_o full_a importance_n we_o easy_o grant_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v through_o self-denial_n fast_v watch_v and_o pray_v keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o go_v patient_o through_o many_o tribulation_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n we_o can_v ready_o say_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n cheerful_o to_o endure_v reproach_n and_o persecution_n torment_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o but_o when_o these_o evil_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o our_o life_n come_v to_o be_v in_o danger_n than_o thing_n appear_v not_o as_o they_o do_v before_o we_o can_v see_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o resignation_n and_o sufferance_n what_o before_o be_v a_o very_a clear_a case_n be_v now_o at_o the_o best_a but_o very_o doubtful_a we_o can_v be_v humble_a when_o no_o body_n revile_v we_o and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o vexation_n than_o we_o be_v patient_a we_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o severe_a injunction_n when_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o regard_v we_o and_o press_v upon_o we_o a_o present_a duty_n than_o the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n alter_v our_o resolution_n and_o disturb_v our_o mind_n and_o by_o a_o corrupt_a gloss_n or_o lazy_a interpretation_n we_o elude_v the_o unpleasing_a precept_n 2._o truth_n be_v as_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o man_n hate_v it_o because_o it_o reprove_v they_o their_o sinful_a deprave_a nature_n can_v abide_v its_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n they_o find_v in_o virtue_n something_o
eye_n and_o mind_n on_o that_o original_a which_o he_o mean_v to_o copy_n so_o shall_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n set_v before_o himself_o his_o master_n life_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a exemplar_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o imitate_v and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o 2._o now_o he_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o remain_v in_o he_o shall_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v careful_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o his_o new_a and_o better_a lord_n for_o as_o while_o we_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v its_o instinct_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v slave_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n so_o now_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o unhappy_a slavery_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n we_o must_v careful_o follow_v he_o who_o member_n we_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15.47_o the_o first_o man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a the_o second_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthy_a we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a make_v that_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o high_a call_n as_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o high_a title_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o 3._o now_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o outward_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o be_v who_o â—_z and_o affection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n bless_a example_n who_o endeavour_v always_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n be_v create_v anew_o in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v look_v unto_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v not_o live_v after_o the_o method_n of_o deprave_a man_n but_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o righteous_a god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v own_a to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o certain_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n chap._n xviii_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o faith_n be_v to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n and_o the_o spring_n to_o the_o fountain_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o we_o must_v first_o begin_v and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n the_o commendation_n job_n give_v to_o wisdom_n chap._n 28._o be_v just_o due_a to_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n that_o solomon_n high_a encomium_n of_o wisdom_n do_v but_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o faith_n wisd_v 7._o gold_n in_o respect_n of_o she_o be_v as_o little_a sand_n and_o silver_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o clay_n before_o she_o she_o be_v a_o treasure_n unto_o man_n that_o never_o fail_v which_o they_o that_o use_v become_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n she_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n teach_v we_o all_o truth_n inform_v our_o soul_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v what_o to_o shun_v and_o what_o to_o pursue_v it_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o the_o world_n count_v good_a be_v evil_a and_o that_o worldly_a calamity_n be_v good_a if_o endure_v patient_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v thing_n visible_a and_o temporal_a and_o all_o that_o which_o be_v for_o no_o use_n but_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n and_o the_o high_a of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o from_o its_o wretched_a slavery_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o set_v we_o at_o perfect_a liberty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o great_a contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o then_o christ_n who_o deliver_v the_o first_o be_v ever_o true_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v clear_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o follow_v the_o holy_a light_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n not_o the_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o deprave_v as_o we_o now_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o altogether_o destructive_a of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a dictate_v and_o endeavour_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a a_o well-being_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o present_a world_n without_o take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n this_o evil_a man_n have_v from_o adam_n and_o from_o those_o lust_n which_o reign_n in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v still_o some_o cause_n to_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o rom._n 7._o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n st._n paul_n answer_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v deliver_v we_o for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v from_o our_o blindness_n and_o impotency_n and_o enable_v to_o see_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v a_o new_a life_n from_o he_o chap._n xix_o that_o faith_n work_v in_o a_o christian_a self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o great_a be_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o make_v the_o faithful_a christian_n to_o be_v as_o itself_o be_v unshaken_a and_o unmovable_a the_o true_a believer_n who_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a regard_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o find_v light_n and_o peace_n delight_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o find_v neither_o rest_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o in_o time_n of_o need_n there_o be_v no_o help_n in_o they_o they_o be_v like_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n perish_v and_o unstable_a so_o that_o he_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o same_o destiny_n whereas_o he_o that_o trust_v on_o god_n who_o be_v unmoveable_a be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v become_v like_a unto_o he_o so_o shall_v our_o life_n express_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o belief_n our_o action_n shall_v be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o what_o we_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v glory_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o to_o the_o lover_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o offence_n 2._o the_o first_o man_n indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocence_n may_v have_v come_v to_o bliss_n by_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a use_n of_o those_o good_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n but_o after_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o infect_v his_o unborn_a posterity_n with_o sin_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n appoint_v another_o way_n to_o bliss_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o self-denial_n through_o which_o christ_n himself_o pass_v and_o appoint_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o follower_n say_v luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o luke_n 14.26_o 33._o
the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a as_o their_o christian_a faith_n require_v and_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a but_o want_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n the_o false_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a power_n with_o they_o than_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o moral_a virtue_n which_o nature_n itself_o recommend_v be_v common_o make_v sin_n or_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o by_o the_o deprave_a judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n we_o therefore_o that_o live_v in_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o corrupt_a and_o deceive_v person_n ought_v serious_o and_o often_o to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v know_v the_o right_a way_n and_o whether_o we_o true_o follow_v it_o now_o that_o way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v one_o and_o altogether_o unchangeable_a and_o they_o that_o will_v keep_v it_o without_o change_n must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o world_n but_o up_o to_o heaven_n must_v not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o must_v direct_o follow_v god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 1._o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o we_o have_v not_o the_o principal_n concern_v in_o our_o good_a work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o sense_n in_o our_o action_n for_o sense_n be_v the_o great_a deceiver_n the_o fountain_n of_o error_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mortification_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v be_v confident_a ever_o to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n perfect_o good_a and_o without_o defect_n because_o that_o we_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o our_o best_a work_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o we_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o imperfection_n although_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o god_n account_n and_o by_o the_o impulse_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o any_o other_o for_o our_o prayer_n fast_n and_o alm_n and_o such_o like_a good_a work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v complete_a before_o man_n who_o see_v nothing_o but_o the_o outside_n yet_o before_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v defective_a and_o can_v be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o least_o except_o they_o be_v do_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a intention_n to_o please_v he_o 2._o of_o ten_o virgin_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n five_o foolish_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o wedding_n not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v virgin_n and_o have_v lamp_n that_o be_v work_n but_o because_o they_o want_v the_o oil_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o holy_a affection_n this_o may_v well_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o work_n will_v be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o unpleasing_a to_o he_o except_o we_o breath_n life_n into_o they_o by_o our_o inward_a sanctify_a spirit_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n in_o outward_a act_n and_o appearance_n all_o christian_n be_v almost_o alike_o but_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o watch_n be_v move_v by_o the_o hide_a spring_n and_o as_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o face_n depend_v on_o the_o secret_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o good_a be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o bad_a by_o their_o inward_a spirit_n or_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 1._o as_o many_o that_o eat_v much_o yet_o be_v feeble_a and_o infirm_a and_o lean_a because_o they_o overcharge_v their_o stomach_n so_o that_o their_o nourishment_n be_v not_o well_o concoct_v and_o as_o many_o that_o eat_v very_o moderate_o yet_o because_o they_o digest_v well_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a and_o long-lived_a so_o likewise_o some_o christian_n there_o be_v that_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o themselves_o become_v little_o better_o because_o they_o go_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o work_v they_o think_v that_o by_o do_v much_o they_o must_v become_v great_a proficient_o though_o they_o do_v it_o remissly_a and_o incurious_o whereas_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n every_o day_n with_o great_a fervency_n and_o exactness_n be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o perfection_n a_o few_o thing_n well_o do_v profit_n more_o than_o heap_n of_o work_n do_v negligent_o 2._o for_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o compare_v to_o these_o first_o do_v but_o little_a and_o yet_o increase_v much_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o they_o endeavour_v always_o to_o work_v with_o great_a affection_n and_o a_o more_o upright_a intention_n so_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o good_a action_n they_o may_v in_o some_o manner_n use_v that_o expression_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n joh._n 19.30_o it_o be_v finish_v i_o have_v in_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o i_o as_o perfect_o as_o my_o infirmity_n will_v allow_v and_o his_o free_a grace_n enable_v i_o who_o give_v we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o so_o spend_v each_o day_n that_o at_o night_n they_o can_v say_v it_o be_v finish_v and_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n that_o when_o it_o be_v end_v they_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a confidence_n i_o have_v now_o perfect_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v i_o to_o do_v he_o that_o live_v so_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n chap._n xxvii_o how_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n be_v always_o present_a 1._o nothing_o will_v more_o prevail_v to_o make_v perfect_a our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o be_v power_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v always_o act_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n that_o god_n see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o he_o never_o forsake_v we_o till_o we_o forsake_v he_o to_o turn_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o creature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o our_o sense_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o please_v with_o material_a thing_n present_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o thing_n as_o yet_o invisible_a whereas_o if_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o bear_v too_o great_a a_o sway_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v god_n in_o every_o place_n holy_a affection_n will_v always_o see_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n 2._o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o lay_v up_o it_o be_v none_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o they_o that_o love_v god_n they_o alone_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o treasure_n we_o must_v know_v we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v be_v rich_a and_o we_o must_v know_v the_o use_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o now_o such_o a_o treasure_n we_o have_v within_o we_o as_o be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a infinite_a value_n and_o yet_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v it_o for_o we_o run_v after_o mote_n and_o shadow_n and_o catch_v at_o paint_a drop_n that_o can_v quench_v our_o thirst_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v o_o you_o son_n of_o man_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lie_n thus_o we_o be_v cheat_v and_o understand_v not_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o god_n be_v present_a to_o we_o every_o moment_n and_o we_o can_v always_o enjoy_v he_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o we_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o we_o can_v if_o we_o will_v anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n we_o can_v now_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o beatified_a saint_n but_o that_o we_o indulge_v sense_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o
to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v the_o lord_n leu._n 11.45_o 3._o now_o as_o christianity_n check_v and_o restrain_v self-love_n so_o do_v self-love_n keep_v man_n from_o understanding_n and_o approve_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o seek_v and_o love_v himself_o right_o apprehend_v that_o whatever_o the_o world_n dote_v upon_o be_v mere_a vanity_n that_o estate_n and_o honour_n bring_v great_a vexation_n and_o great_a slavery_n that_o to_o forgive_v enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o despise_v than_o to_o possess_v riches_n that_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v subject_a where_o god_n command_v than_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o domineer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o conquer_v himself_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o win_v battle_n and_o take_v fence_v city_n these_o be_v paradox_n hard_a and_o incredible_a say_n to_o the_o self-lover_n who_o fondness_n of_o himself_o tie_v he_o fast_o to_o this_o earth_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v useful_a and_o any_o way_n pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n live_v to_o god_n be_v not_o lead_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n some_o of_o their_o action_n be_v natural_a while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n and_o be_v design_v to_o a_o noble_a end_n for_o they_o continual_o deny_v themselves_o and_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a unruly_a desire_n self-lover_n hold_v a_o great_a regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o otherwise_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o self-love_n be_v that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o 1._o god_n at_o first_o place_v man_n in_o paradise_n but_o adam_n in_o who_o we_o all_o sin_v transport_v we_o into_o this_o world_n out_o of_o paradise_n out_o of_o jerusalem_n into_o babylon_n out_o of_o our_o freedom_n into_o slavery_n out_o of_o integrity_n into_o corruption_n out_o of_o our_o country_n into_o banishment_n and_o out_o of_o life_n into_o death_n thus_o from_o truth_n and_o perfection_n we_o fall_v into_o vanity_n we_o be_v now_o like_a unto_o vanity_n nay_o every_o man_n be_v but_o vanity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 39.6_o man_n be_v vain_a in_o his_o body_n which_o end_v in_o death_n and_o corruption_n vain_a in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o death_n eternal_a and_o vain_a in_o all_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n which_o all_o perish_v or_o must_v be_v forsake_v when_o he_o die_v yet_o man_n strange_o dote_v on_o this_o vanity_n he_o passionate_o run_v after_o these_o transitory_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o cheat_n and_o lie_v whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o thousand_o of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n into_o a_o hellish_a babylon_n 2._o now_o these_o two_o city_n be_v build_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o love_n god_n so_o as_o to_o despise_v ourselves_o make_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o to_o love_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o despise_v god_n make_v the_o devil_n babylon_n the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n the_o way_n to_o this_o be_v broad_a and_o short_a to_o that_o be_v straight_o difficult_a and_o long_a because_o dull_a and_o earthly_a as_o now_o we_o be_v we_o more_o easy_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o descend_v down_o to_o hell_n than_o we_o can_v raise_v up_o ourselves_o and_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o examine_v himself_o and_o find_v out_o what_o he_o chief_o love_v for_o if_o he_o love_v god_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v himself_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o citizen_n of_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o if_o he_o love_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o prefer_v his_o own_o desire_n to_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o belong_v to_o that_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o god_n have_v call_v his_o child_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n cry_v aloud_o go_v you_o forth_o of_o babylon_n and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o isa_n 48.20_o jer._n 50.8_o and_o again_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 137.8_o o_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n we_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n when_o we_o leave_v the_o confusion_n of_o sin_n forsake_v our_o disorderly_a course_n of_o life_n and_o we_o dash_v the_o child_n of_o babylon_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n overcome_v our_o ill_a desire_n and_o ill_a inclination_n self-love_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o life_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o true_o love_v himself_o who_o by_o self-love_n destroy_v himself_o chap._n xxxii_o how_o man_n natural_o seek_v themselves_o even_o in_o their_o best_a work_n 1._o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o man_n opinion_n and_o inclination_n be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a yet_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o none_o appear_v vile_a to_o himself_o none_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o other_o none_o though_o never_o so_o mean_v but_o think_v himself_o somebody_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o one_o seek_v to_o be_v high_a than_o other_o every_o one_o be_v indulgent_a to_o himself_o and_o severe_a to_o other_o all_o man_n will_v have_v their_o will_n and_o their_o say_n all_o applaud_v to_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o conceit_n and_o censure_v other_o they_o count_v their_o own_o folly_n wisdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a ignorance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o think_v to_o know_v they_o careful_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n they_o know_v they_o have_v not_o and_o what_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o even_o good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n even_o they_o sometime_o in_o their_o best_a action_n by_o a_o secret_a and_o natural_a instinct_n almost_o unknown_a to_o themselves_o seek_v their_o own_o comfort_n and_o complacency_n most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a be_v their_o work_n the_o more_o subtle_a and_o undiscernible_a be_v this_o snare_n which_o self-love_n set_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a 2._o what_o better_a than_o to_o obey_v god_n to_o read_v his_o sacred_a word_n and_o preach_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o these_o duty_n be_v common_o stain_v with_o some_o secret_a desire_n of_o praise_n and_o except_o the_o christian_a be_v very_o watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o may_v easy_o lose_v his_o better_a reward_n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o even_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o without_o charity_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v purify_v his_o heart_n it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n 1.6_o you_o eat_v but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o drink_v but_o you_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n and_o he_o that_o yearn_v wage_n earn_v wage_n to_o put_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n for_o thus_o good_a work_n avail_v nothing_o if_o do_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o please_v god_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o search_v the_o hide_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o there_o lurk_v not_o in_o they_o some_o ill_a purpose_n of_o vainglory_n or_o self-interest_n to_o mix_v with_o our_o best_a action_n either_o first_o or_o last_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n always_o to_o seek_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o never_o his_o own_o chap._n xxxiii_o thing_n which_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o obedience_n 1._o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o know_v those_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n under_o which_o he_o live_v and_o the_o which_o he_o be_v
too_o restless_a and_o busy_a from_o prodigality_n many_o fall_n to_o covetousness_n and_o from_o superstition_n to_o profaneness_n and_o irreverence_n the_o last_o cheat_n of_o opinion_n i_o shall_v now_o reckon_v be_v that_o it_o general_o make_v we_o judge_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o consciousness_n but_o according_a to_o the_o vain_a thought_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o man_n we_o defer_v so_o much_o not_o only_o to_o our_o own_o but_o also_o to_o other_o opinion_n that_o except_o they_o will_v count_v we_o happy_a we_o can_v be_v so_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v also_o entertain_v a_o troublesome_a imaginary_a life_n to_o please_v we_o know_v not_o who_o people_n that_o perhaps_o know_v we_o not_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a care_v not_o for_o we_o who_o judgement_n we_o ourselves_o slight_a in_o other_o thing_n thus_o neglect_v that_o true_a and_o real_a life_n which_o we_o ourselves_o enjoy_v we_o make_v it_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v that_o life_n which_o depend_v on_o other_o and_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o in_o we_o and_o other_o man_n fancy_n and_o so_o far_o do_v this_o delusion_n prevail_v that_o what_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v nothing_o to_o we_o except_o other_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o from_o all_o these_o mischievous_a error_n and_o deception_n of_o opinion_n we_o can_v be_v free_v by_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n enlighten_v our_o mind_n for_o our_o opinion_n become_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o be_v the_o light_n that_o guide_v we_o chap._n xi_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v much_o slight_v even_o by_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o 1._o all_o knowledge_n be_v good_a that_o agree_v with_o truth_n but_o he_o that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a have_v need_n learn_v first_o what_o concern_v it_o because_o our_o time_n be_v short_a and_o great_a learning_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v great_a trouble_n and_o great_a vanity_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o s._n james_n that_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n 4.17_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v ill_o to_o eat_v and_o not_o digest_v for_o as_o indigested_a meat_n nourish_v not_o but_o rather_o hurt_v so_o much_o knowledge_n not_o concoct_v and_o convert_v to_o use_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o holy_a charity_n fill_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o such_o peccant_a humour_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o death_n these_o two_o thing_n man_n be_v to_o care_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n first_o to_o keep_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o second_o to_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a life_n but_o for_o the_o first_o many_o be_v unconcern_v let_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o soul_n their_o study_n and_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o the_o body_n and_o so_o they_o run_v blindfold_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n be_v wise_a indeed_o as_o child_n of_o this_o world_n but_o have_v none_o of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o they_o that_o speak_v doubtful_o and_o deceitful_o be_v odious_a to_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n much_o more_o be_v they_o odious_a to_o god_n that_o live_v so_o who_o very_a life_n be_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o their_o word_n they_o pretend_v to_o know_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o vain_o boast_v to_o follow_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o go_v quite_o contrary_a they_o reprove_v and_o tutor_v other_o not_o themselves_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v their_o vice_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o those_o virtue_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o but_o they_o can_v deceive_v god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o their_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o who_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v bring_v all_o to_o light_n and_o o_o that_o man_n will_v view_v their_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a light_n of_o that_o terrible_a day_n for_o than_o they_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o as_o easy_o cleanse_v and_o amend_v they_o we_o have_v but_o these_o two_o way_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o defect_n and_o deformity_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n compare_v they_o to_o ourselves_o or_o in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n bring_v they_o forth_o before_o the_o bright_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o first_o be_v like_o a_o winter_n day_n light_a dim_a and_o cold_a but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o sunshine_n of_o a_o summer-day_n so_o clear_a as_o to_o make_v the_o least_o mote_n visible_a and_o hot_a enough_o to_o burn_v and_o consume_v all_o our_o dross_n but_o to_o see_v this_o save_a divine_a light_n a_o man_n must_v come_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o go_v to_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n and_o out_o of_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o folly_n chap._n xii_o that_o selfwill_a be_v a_o great_a evil_a and_o must_v be_v renounce_v 1._o all_o our_o action_n contrary_a to_o god_n will_n and_o in_o compliance_n to_o our_o own_o be_v the_o fuel_n for_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v unquenchable_a for_o self-will_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o leader_n to_o it_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o eternal_o afflict_v all_o the_o wicked_a that_o rebel_v against_o god_n as_o likewise_o even_o in_o time_n the_o less_o a_o man_n follow_v his_o own_o will_n the_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v miserable_a the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o true_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v whole_o renounce_v to_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o inclination_n have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v here_o of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v follow_v i_o for_o he_o himself_o as_o he_o testify_v come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o so_o that_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v follow_v his_o obedience_n forsake_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o he_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v take_v up_o and_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o his_o cross_n which_o to_o the_o flesh_n be_v indeed_o hard_a and_o afflictive_a but_o to_o the_o spirit_n be_v comfortable_a and_o delicious_a 2._o this_o our_o christian_a profession_n do_v require_v from_o we_o that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n and_o undertake_n we_o may_v hearty_o say_v not_o my_o will_n but_o god_n will_v be_v do_v this_o also_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o supreme_a eternal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o preserve_v man_n will_n that_o they_o may_v free_o serve_v he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n fulfil_v his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a freedom_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o god_n to_o be_v able_a from_o our_o heart_n to_o say_v in_o all_o event_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a before_o thou_o my_o only_a will_n be_v god_n will_v may_v be_v do_v he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a i_o free_o resign_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o desire_v evermore_o to_o have_v a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o to_o be_v content_v with_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o bless_a name_n may_v be_v glorify_v all_o man_n trouble_n and_o vexation_n proceed_v from_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pain_n or_o grief_n than_o to_o be_v what_o we_o will_v not_o be_v chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o solitariness_n and_o retirement_n 1._o to_o be_v much_o alone_a in_o quiet_a silence_n and_o there_o to_o examine_v and_o instruct_v one_o self_n be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o sense_n and_o our_o thought_n well_o compose_v therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n hate_v much_o talk_n and_o much_o company_n keep_v his_o eye_n close_o to_o curiosity_n and_o his_o ear_n to_o fly_a report_n and_o cumber_v not_o himself_o with_o too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o wise_a ben-sirach_a that_o he_o shall_v become_v wise_a that_o have_v little_a business_n ecclus._n 38.24_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o can_v best_o commune_v with_o god_n that_o dwell_v by_o himself_o and_o if_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v call_v
therefore_o the_o evil_n man_n can_v do_v to_o we_o but_o those_o we_o do_v against_o ourselves_o by_o a_o angry_a impatient_a and_o revengeful_a spirit_n let_v we_o but_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o christian_a charity_n and_o it_o will_v make_v we_o invincible_a it_o will_v make_v we_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v all_o wrong_n and_o affliction_n many_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o cant._n 8.7_o the_o water_n of_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n can_v put_v out_o that_o bright_a and_o ever-burning_a flame_n kindle_v by_o god_n in_o pious_a heart_n chap._n thirty-nine_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a comprehend_v all_o goodness_n 1._o god_n be_v our_o true_a and_o sovereign_a good_a he_o we_o must_v love_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o he_o we_o must_v direct_v all_o our_o way_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n comprehend_v all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v temperance_n whereby_o we_o despise_v the_o pride_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n may_v have_v our_o whole_a heart_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v constancy_n whereby_o we_o patient_o bear_v any_o cross_n for_o and_o from_o god_n it_o be_v justice_n whereby_o we_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n alone_o and_o with_o due_a moderation_n command_v his_o creature_n it_o be_v prudence_n and_o the_o high_a wisdom_n whereby_o we_o diligent_o avoid_v the_o obstacle_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o god_n it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v make_v we_o good_a and_o make_v we_o happy_a now_o god_n must_v be_v love_v for_o himself_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o than_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o goodness_n therefore_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v love_v only_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o relate_v to_o he_o but_o he_o must_v be_v love_v on_o his_o own_o account_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o bound_n or_o measure_n for_o his_o perfection_n be_v vast_a enough_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o our_o affection_n nay_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v they_o so_o that_o nothing_o must_v share_v our_o love_n with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o infinite_o more_o than_o due_a to_o he_o 2._o it_o much_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o those_o low_a sensible_a good_n wherewith_o we_o converse_v in_o this_o earth_n do_v not_o steal_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o though_o we_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a yet_o because_o now_o they_o be_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v reach_v they_o our_o affection_n to_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o must_v be_v force_v and_o list_v up_o whereas_o they_o be_v brisk_a and_o swift_a to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o we_o natural_o fall_v down_o to_o our_o sensual_a nature_n and_o without_o great_a care_n we_o can_v avoid_v to_o be_v by_o it_o cheat_v into_o self-love_n if_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v replenish_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o beatify_a love_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o cast_v the_o world_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v better_a liquor_n except_o it_o be_v empty_v no_o more_o can_v our_o heart_n love_v the_o creator_n if_o they_o be_v possess_v by_o creature_n therefore_o say_v saint_n john_n the_o belove_a apostle_n of_o jesus_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o worldly_n thing_n be_v make_v for_o our_o use_n and_o there_o be_v in_o they_o some_o beauty_n but_o how_o much_o more_o beautiful_a be_v he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o make_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o that_o seek_v for_o happiness_n out_o of_o god_n shall_v never_o find_v it_o but_o if_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v certain_o happy_a for_o he_o also_o love_v we_o and_o his_o favour_n be_v all_o chap._n xl._n wherein_o consist_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 1._o it_o consist_v chief_o in_o joyful_o suffer_v for_o god_n for_o love_n be_v a_o passion_n and_o he_o therefore_o love_v most_o that_o be_v most_o patient_a as_o the_o bless_a apostle_n return_v from_o the_o council_n rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v be_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o stripe_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o nature_n in_o that_o tenderness_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o those_o tear_n that_o proceed_v from_o it_o which_o be_v observe_v in_o some_o but_o true_a virtue_n and_o solid_a joy_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o love_n practical_a and_o obediential_a for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n cheerful_o for_o savour_v not_o for_o fear_v and_o if_o any_o burden_n unpleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o love_n make_v it_o light_a and_o acceptable_a too_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a to_o let_v we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a in_o love_n when_o we_o find_v they_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o labour_n for_o a_o increase_n of_o charity_n the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v doubtless_o very_o hard_o to_o they_o that_o be_v act_v by_o fear_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n and_o as_o it_o fulfil_v the_o law_n so_o it_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o that_o service_n which_o love_n oblige_v to_o what_o duty_n it_o bind_v on_o a_o good_a servant_n be_v ever_o think_v pleasant_a and_o ready_o discharge_v whereas_o the_o same_o impose_v by_o fear_n will_v make_v subjection_n grievous_a and_o obedience_n to_o be_v cavil_v at_o and_o by_o some_o mean_v elude_v 2._o by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v to_o want_v the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o gospel-precept_n and_o count_v morality_n a_o needless_a burden_n and_o by_o pretence_n and_o objection_n seek_v to_o loosen_v the_o yoke_n that_o they_o may_v shake_v it_o off_o such_o be_v they_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n and_o heap_n to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o heart_n such_o as_o may_v more_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n and_o enlarge_v their_o wanton_a liberty_n by_o restrain_v god_n law_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o his_o church_n for_o man_n now_o adays_o will_v not_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o duty_n but_o will_v range_v according_a to_o their_o will_n they_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o now_o that_o their_o action_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o plain_a precept_n but_o by_o opinion_n and_o party_n they_o may_v be_v warrant_v to_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n whatever_o they_o lust_n but_o alas_o before_o christ_n dreadful_a tribunal_n we_o shall_v not_o he_o judge_v by_o vulgar_a opinion_n nor_o by_o the_o exception_n of_o contentious_a man_n but_o by_o truth_n and_o by_o divine_a law_n there_o man_n fancy_n and_o relaxation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n as_o some_o do_v teach_v it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o hare_n be_v only_o pernicious_a cheat_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o warrant_v their_o looseness_n and_o disobedience_n 3._o but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o weigh_v nor_o understand_v but_o by_o they_o that_o sincere_o love_v god_n and_o be_v therefore_o ready_a always_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o require_v for_o it_o be_v by_o love_n that_o the_o soul_n give_v up_o herself_o to_o god_n and_o by_o cleave_v to_o he_o become_v one_o will_v and_o one_o spirit_n with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o from_o this_o union_n flow_v a_o holy_a peace_n and_o a_o delicious_a joy_n when_o by_o love_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o belove_a and_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o in_o who_o and_o by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n now_o by_o this_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o true_o love_v god_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o his_o purpose_n and_o action_n if_o his_o thought_n and_o desire_n always_o run_v after_o he_o and_o if_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o seek_v to_o please_v and_o to_o obtain_v he_o chap._n xli_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o love_n in_o practical_a knowledge_n than_o in_o speculation_n 1._o to_o desire_v knowledge_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o still_o the_o more_o
he_o know_v the_o more_o that_o desire_n increase_v and_o then_o he_o rejoice_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o his_o great_a learning_n when_o he_o think_v he_o know_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o the_o profound_a of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o love_v his_o knowledge_n more_o than_o god_n the_o object_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o philosopher_n as_o st._n paul_n reprove_v they_o when_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n much_o admire_v themselves_o and_o their_o discovery_n and_o thus_o also_o many_o christian_n value_v more_o what_o they_o know_v and_o what_o they_o can_v discourse_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o value_v both_o he_o and_o it_o they_o speak_v great_a thing_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o love_v themselves_o for_o so_o speak_v in_o that_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o mirror_n they_o view_v themselves_o especial_o and_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o the_o glass_n they_o admire_v the_o vision_n their_o own_o act_n more_o than_o the_o object_n which_o be_v see_v but_o god_n must_v be_v love_v and_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n in_o singleness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o a_o countryman_n plain_a and_o unlearned_a who_o daily_o see_v the_o sun_n be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o a_o blind_a philosopher_n who_o can_v talk_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o light_n so_o a_o honest_a pious_a man_n without_o scholarship_n by_o a_o active_a practical_a faith_n show_v more_o love_n to_o god_n than_o the_o profound_a divine_a by_o his_o subtlety_n and_o high_a speculation_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n in_o northern_a country_n where_o no_o vine_n can_v grow_v may_v learned_o discourse_v of_o their_o fruit_n and_o the_o property_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v such_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o wine_n as_o the_o plain_a vine-dresser_n that_o drink_v it_o daily_o so_o may_v a_o religious_a illiterate_a man_n have_v a_o great_a insight_n into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o a_o more_o relish_v apprehension_n of_o they_o than_o many_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fame_n and_o learning_n for_o experience_n go_v beyond_o all_o theory_n and_o love_n pass_v knowledge_n and_o we_o much_o soon_o come_v to_o god_n by_o affection_n than_o by_o studious_a inquiry_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o only_o therefore_o inform_v our_o understanding_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o love_n god_n fervent_o we_o must_v engage_v our_o affection_n and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n proficiency_n in_o goodness_n will_v make_v we_o know_v more_o of_o god_n and_o to_o better_a purpose_n than_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n goodness_n will_v make_v we_o love_v and_o love_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o god_n secret_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o and_o with_o more_o delight_n than_o all_o notional_a learning_n can_v show_v we_o what_o we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o exile_n be_v but_o little_a but_o we_o may_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v he_o grant_v we_o that_o power_n and_o as_o our_o love_n increase_v our_o labour_n will_v grow_v less_o and_o our_o obedience_n more_o perfect_a but_o many_o have_v rather_o seek_v god_n who_o they_o never_o find_v than_o love_n and_o thereby_o enjoy_v he_o chap._n xlii_o that_o by_o love_n holiness_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o without_o the_o unclean_a mixture_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o as_o lead_v in_o silver_n and_o dirt_n upon_o white_a robe_n will_v debase_v and_o stain_v so_o if_o we_o engage_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n to_o thing_n beneath_o they_o we_o make_v they_o vile_a and_o unclean_a whereas_o if_o we_o listen_v they_o up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o hearty_a love_n we_o make_v they_o pure_a and_o beautiful_a a_o heart_n whence_o all_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a thing_n be_v exclude_v and_o who_o affection_n cleave_v to_o god_n by_o the_o union_n of_o love_n may_v with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n rom._n 8.35_o 2._o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o corporal_a austerity_n the_o use_n of_o sacrament_n and_o all_o such_o mean_n be_v great_a help_n towards_o sanctity_n but_o they_o all_o profit_n nothing_o without_o charity_n no_o not_o martyrdom_n itself_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o other_o virtue_n may_v be_v sometime_o dispense_v withal_o as_o the_o poor_a from_o almsgiving_n and_o weak_a and_o sickly_a people_n from_o fast_v and_o rigorous_a discipline_n but_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n every_o one_o be_v always_o oblige_v no_o man_n at_o no_o time_n can_v be_v any_o way_n hinder_v or_o excuse_v obstacle_n and_o difficulty_n may_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o other_o virtue_n but_o they_o increase_v love_n love_n be_v within_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n there_o god_n have_v place_v it_o there_o god_n look_v for_o it_o and_o there_o nothing_o can_v obstruct_v or_o stifle_v it_o except_o we_o will_v ourselves_o love_v alone_o be_v necessary_a and_o alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o holy_a it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n pleasant_a and_o easy_a beyond_o all_o other_o for_o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o love_v and_o who_o dare_v say_v i_o can_v love_v 3._o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n who_o be_v one_o love_v all_o thing_n in_o one_o and_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o love_v not_o god_n true_o that_o love_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o love_v not_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o above_o there_o be_v nothing_o equal_a to_o god_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o turn_v our_o affection_n from_o he_o they_o fall_v upon_o inferior_a object_n upon_o earthly_a thing_n who_o weight_n do_v sink_v and_o press_v they_o down_o and_o our_o heart_n be_v never_o at_o rest_n and_o liberty_n till_o they_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o they_o ungrateful_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o sanctify_v we_o must_v forsake_v ourselves_o and_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o return_v as_o high_a as_o to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o sanctity_n that_o god_n from_o who_o we_o have_v our_o origin_n and_o then_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o he_o by_o a_o devout_a love_n we_o shall_v become_v one_o with_o he_o in_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n chap._n xliii_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o wary_a and_o diligent_a 1._o nothing_o can_v soon_o startle_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o slumber_n and_o security_n and_o â—edge_v he_o on_o to_o amend_v and_o order_v his_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n rule_v than_o the_o due_a ponder_v of_o the_o dreadful_a say_n of_o christ_n mat._n 20.16_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v for_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v call_v by_o that_o secret_a election_n which_o entitle_v he_o to_o glory_n and_o justification_n no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o promise_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v conditional_a nothing_o but_o our_o sincerity_n in_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n can_v give_v we_o any_o ground_n of_o assurance_n and_o yet_o how_o defective_a be_v we_o in_o this_o how_o uncertain_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v persevere_v and_o who_o can_v search_v and_o see_v into_o the_o deep_a secret_a of_o his_o election_n here_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o paradise_n cry_v out_o and_o wonder_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11.33_o in_o this_o great_a danger_n and_o
uncertainty_n every_o christian_n ought_v exceed_o to_o fear_v and_o with_o tremble_v and_o a_o assiduous_a care_n endeavour_v to_o make_v his_o election_n sure_a live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o declare_v by_o his_o good_a work_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o little_a but_o bless_a number_n to_o who_o god_n will_v give_v his_o kingdom_n 2._o now_o that_o that_o number_n be_v but_o little_a compare_v with_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o wicked_a unhappy_a world_n nay_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o choose_a be_v but_o small_a even_o of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o choose_v life_n or_o death_n we_o have_v too_o many_o reason_n to_o believe_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o come_v into_o that_o bless_a kingdom_n of_o which_o the_o entrance_n be_v narrow_a mat._n 7.13_o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o wide_a be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v in_o thereat_o then_o he_o add_v as_o wonder_v at_o this_o narrowness_n because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o be_v also_o ask_v another_o time_n lord_n be_v there_o but_o few_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13.23_o king_n david_n also_o inquire_v lord_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v this_o answer_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n psal_n 15._o and_o in_o the_o twenty_o four_o psalm_n he_o question_v again_o who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o the_o hill_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v likewise_o answer_v he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o have_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n unto_o vanity_n now_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n prov._n 20.9_o who_o can_v say_v to_o david_n i_o shall_v for_o i_o work_v righteousness_n and_o i_o be_o innocent_a 3._o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v mat._n 10.38_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o where_o be_v they_o that_o thus_o willing_o take_v their_o cross_n and_o suffer_v with_o christ_n or_o rather_o how_o sad_o do_v st._n paul_n say_v fit_a our_o age_n all_o seek_v their_o own_o not_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n phil._n 2.21_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o know_v how_o we_o must_v be_v qualify_v before_o we_o come_v thither_o affirm_v mat._n 18.3_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o say_v if_o compare_v with_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o but_o a_o few_o by_o meekness_n and_o humility_n seek_v to_o become_v child_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.29_o that_o those_o who_o god_n foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n but_o who_o be_v the_o man_n can_v boast_v that_o his_o life_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o suffer_v with_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o glorify_v it_o be_v a_o say_n that_o belong_v to_o all_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n mat._n 19.17_o but_o they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v altogether_o become_v abominable_a there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o psal_n 14.3_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n say_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 11.12_o and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n now_o this_o violence_n be_v against_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o forego_v any_o present_a sensual_a satisfaction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n not_o now_o to_o be_v enjoy_v but_o expect_v only_o by_o faith_n if_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v isa_n 64.6_o what_o be_v then_o our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v 1_o pet._n 4.18_o 4._o none_o but_o eight_o person_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v save_v with_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n perish_v in_o the_o flood_n lot_z alone_o with_o his_o wife_n and_o two_o daughter_n escape_v the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o infamous_a city_n all_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n be_v consume_v by_o the_o revenge_a flame_n and_o of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o jew_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n two_o only_a caleb_n and_o joshua_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n now_o those_o thing_n be_v example_n representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v denor_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o life_n be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o such_o as_o go_v to_o perdition_n which_o be_v yet_o further_o but_o too_o evident_a by_o confider_v how_o most_o man_n live_v and_o die_v how_o few_o give_v any_o certain_a mark_n of_o true_a contrition_n fear_v and_o sorrow_n extort_v groan_n and_o good_a word_n and_o death_n force_v man_n to_o recant_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v seldom_o any_o sincerity_n in_o a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n for_o how_o can_v he_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o that_o be_v now_o die_v how_o can_v he_o hearty_o detest_v those_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o he_o love_v and_o enjoy_v as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v how_o hardly_o will_v he_o now_o he_o a_o true_a penitent_a who_o before_o abhor_v all_o the_o mortification_n of_o true_a penitence_n how_o will_v his_o resolution_n be_v prove_v effectual_a if_o he_o shall_v escape_v for_o the_o forsake_v those_o sin_n which_o custom_n have_v make_v habitual_a and_o almost_o a_o second_o nature_n how_o shall_v now_o his_o sensual_a mind_n lift_v up_o itself_o to_o those_o spiritual_a heavenly_a thing_n which_o he_o before_o seldom_o or_o never_o regard_v and_o how_o shall_v he_o straighten_a by_o time_n and_o sad_a circumstance_n exercise_v those_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o the_o sin_n he_o repent_v of_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o life_n that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n in_o his_o heart_n 5._o it_o be_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o very_o few_o when_o the_o pain_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o stand_v to_o those_o resolve_n and_o promise_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o day_n of_o sorrow_n general_o man_n forget_v and_o be_v ashamed_a afterward_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v and_o resolve_v and_o they_o soon_o return_v to_o their_o customary_a vice_n and_o belove_a vanity_n especial_o because_o there_o be_v still_o a_o secret_a reserve_n in_o those_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n make_v in_o their_o distress_n there_o be_v still_o some_o hope_n of_o a_o escape_n till_o they_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a and_o then_o they_o be_v altogether_o passive_a and_o can_v act_v no_o long_o or_o at_o the_o best_a their_o strength_n and_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o weaken_v there_o be_v such_o anxious_a fear_n and_o trepidation_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v nigh_o to_o depart_v that_o man_n be_v almost_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v we_o may_v hope_v well_o of_o they_o who_o though_o they_o live_v ill_a yet_o give_v sign_n of_o repentance_n when_o they_o be_v die_v but_o this_o be_v a_o desperate_a venture_n there_o be_v much_o of_o uncertainty_n and_o nothing_o of_o safety_n in_o their_o condition_n we_o have_v a_o sad_a example_n of_o this_o in_o king_n antiochus_n read_v maccab._n 9_o what_o vow_v he_o make_v while_o he_o be_v under_o his_o grievous_a sickness_n he_o think_v himself_o in_o earnest_n no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v the_o unsincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o his_o repentance_n proceed_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o will_v therefore_o no_o more_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o text_n affirm_v and_o who_o can_v consider_v all_o this_o and_o not_o tremble_v who_o will_v dare_v to_o presume_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v sure_a who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a danger_n will_v dwell_v as_o in_o safety_n and_o not_o watch_v and_o call_v upon_o god_n therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o few_o perhaps_o than_o we_o think_v let_v we_o not_o go_v with_o the_o many_o nor_o follow_v the_o crowd_n but_o let_v we_o live_v with_o the_o small_a select_a number_n of_o true_o good_a and_o religious_a christian_n that_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n and_o confidence_n when_o our_o life_n be_v end_v that_o we_o may_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o well-grounded_n hope_v look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o expect_v that_o gracious_a reward_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o henry_n brome_n mr._n comber_n on_o the_o common-prayer_n in_o three_o volume_n dr._n spark_n primitive_a devotion_n on_o the_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bishop_n wilkins_n natural_a religion_n the_o father_n legacy_n or_o counsel_n to_o his_o child_n be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o three_o part_n very_o useful_a for_o family_n christian_n education_n of_o child_n cardinal_n bona_n guide_n to_o eternity_n extract_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o ancient_a philosopher_n the_o reform_a monastery_n or_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n a_o sure_a and_o short_a but_o a_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n in_o two_o part_n write_a original_o in_o latin_a by_o the_o same_o author_n a_o guide_n to_o heaven_n from_o the_o world_n or_o good_a counsel_n how_o to_o close_v save_o with_o christ_n holy_a anthem_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brief_a rule_n of_o life_n the_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n mr._n farindon's_a sermon_n several_a sermon_n at_o court_n and_o at_o other_o place_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o a_o confutation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o dr._n owen_n book_n upon_o that_o subject_a a_o discourse_n concern_v god_n judgement_n resolve_v many_o weighty_a question_n and_o case_n relate_v to_o they_o preach_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o at_o old_a swinford_n in_o worcester-shire_n and_o now_o publish_v to_o accompany_v the_o annex_v narrative_n concern_v the_o man_n who_o hand_n and_o leg_n late_o rot_v off_o in_o the_o neighbour_a parish_n of_o kings-swinford_n in_o stafford-shire_n pen_v by_o another_o author_n by_o simon_n ford_n d._n d._n and_o rector_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n christianity_n no_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o by_o the_o quaker_n try_v and_o find_v destructive_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o answer_n to_o thomas_n ellwood_n defence_n thereof_o in_o his_o tract_n miscall_v truth_n prevail_v etc._n etc._n a_o narrative_n of_o the_o principal_a action_n occur_v in_o the_o war_n betwixt_o sueden_n and_o denmark_n before_o and_o after_o the_o roschild_n treaty_n