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
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
rough_a and_o bitter_a and_o in_o sin_n a_o mixture_n of_o sweetness_n that_o offend_v and_o this_o gratify_v their_o distemper_a palate_n and_o they_o brutish_o follow_v the_o bait_n run_v into_o all_o dissolution_n and_o so_o reject_v truth_n to_o embrace_v a_o lie_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o give_v ear_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o plain_a monitor_n who_o lay_v the_o truth_n open_a before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o work_v upon_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o have_v some_o desire_n after_o light_n yet_o like_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o awake_v but_o be_v oppress_v by_o a_o heavy_a slumber_n and_o so_o present_o fall_v to_o sleep_v again_o they_o soon_o after_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o exclude_v the_o light_n to_o return_v to_o their_o belove_a darkness_n 3._o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o we_o propound_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o effect_v nothing_o for_o we_o not_o foresee_v the_o difficulty_n which_o common_o occur_v in_o well-doing_n when_o we_o come_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o we_o present_o draw_v back_o and_o our_o courage_n fail_v again_o we_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n more_o than_o in_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n and_o when_o temptation_n grow_v strong_a we_o lose_v heart_n and_o be_v soon_o worsted_n and_o learn_v by_o a_o sad_a experience_n that_o when_o we_o overcome_v it_o be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n last_o we_o give_v much_o to_o notion_n and_o speculation_n and_o take_v little_a care_n to_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o christian_a law_n of_o well-living_a we_o learn_v as_o a_o science_n rather_o than_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o study_v divinity_n not_o to_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_n but_o to_o vain_a glory_n and_o ostentation_n now_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o learn_v wisdom_n and_o yet_o live_v foolish_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v intend_v for_o all_o christian_n 1._o many_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pretend_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o but_o only_o to_o clergyman_n or_o such_o as_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o recluse_n from_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o excuse_n and_o their_o plea_n but_o as_o i_o shall_v soon_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o vain_a for_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o by_o new_a vow_n and_o engagement_n be_v more_o particular_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o live_v religious_o and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o christian_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o their_o way_n may_v differ_v in_o some_o circumstance_n and_o as_o to_o what_o regard_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o love_a and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n they_o be_v all_o equal_o concern_v they_o have_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n alike_o and_o lust_n or_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a be_v likewise_o general_o forbid_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n no_o difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o any_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v injon_v we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v be_v render_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brother_n nor_o covet_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n or_o person_n of_o any_o rank_n or_o call_n nor_o yet_o when_o he_o say_v woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v and_o bless_a be_v you_o that_o mourn_n nor_o when_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v always_o pray_v that_o we_o must_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o that_o we_o must_v hate_v our_o own_o life_n deny_v ourselves_o suffer_v injury_n patient_o and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n in_o these_o consist_v christian_a perfection_n and_o yet_o from_o these_o he_o exclude_v no_o man_n 2._o saint_n paul_n likewise_o write_v to_o all_o christian_n such_o as_o be_v cumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o large_a family_n give_v they_o this_o strict_a ascetic_a rule_n to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n 1_o tim._n 6.8_o than_o which_o nothing_o more_o be_v ever_o require_v of_o any_o hermit_n saint_n peter_n also_o exhort_v all_o believer_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a 1_o ep._n 1.15_o so_o do_v saint_n james_n 1.4_o to_o be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n before_o they_o all_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o thereby_o recommend_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v repute_v child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n may_v live_v according_o endeavour_v after_o the_o example_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o have_v our_o bless_a lord_n lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n infinite_a obligation_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n to_o be_v strict_a and_o virtuous_a to_o the_o high_a measure_n and_o possibility_n which_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v without_o forfeit_v his_o favour_n and_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o book_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o follow_v after_o perfection_n 1._o now_o then_o let_v we_o despise_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o worlding_n place_v their_o felicity_n and_o make_v it_o our_o only_a study_n to_o pursue_v after_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_n the_o height_n of_o christian_a perfection_n in_o follow_v the_o bless_a step_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o this_o little_a volume_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v design_v all_o the_o instruction_n here_o lay_v down_o that_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o sense_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o return_v in_o some_o manner_n to_o our_o primitive_a station_n that_o paradise_n wherein_o we_o be_v create_v to_o triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o at_o last_o reign_n to_o eternity_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o that_o perfection_n or_o sincerity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o come_v by_o and_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n live_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o make_v christian_n faint_v and_o remiss_a loath_a to_o venture_v upon_o a_o attempt_n which_o they_o will_v have_v they_o think_v be_v whole_o impossible_a whereas_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o he_o that_o be_v true_o resolve_v and_o willing_a and_o whatever_o be_v hard_a in_o itself_o be_v make_v easy_a by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o 2._o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o delicious_a beauty_n in_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n so_o ravish_v a_o joy_n in_o a_o glimpse_n of_o heavenly_a light_n so_o glorious_a a_o brightness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n eternal_a truth_n that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o for_o one_o day_n may_v just_o be_v prefer_v to_o many_o age_n of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 84.10_o 3._o now_o here_o will_v i_o caution_n my_o reader_n not_o to_o wonder_v if_o perchance_o he_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o little_a book_n for_o that_o can_v be_v avoid_v there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o connexion_n and_o affinity_n betwixt_o the_o precept_n of_o several_a virtue_n and_o withal_o it_o may_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o near_o we_o view_v it_o the_o often_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o review_v it_o likewise_o if_o something_o herein_o seem_v too_o angelical_a and_o high_a or_o more_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a than_o the_o frail_a nature_n of_o man_n can_v well_o bear_v let_v he_o remember_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v
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
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
forth_o to_o some_o outward_a employment_n by_o necessity_n or_o by_o god_n glory_n yet_o his_o thought_n will_v always_o tend_v homeward_o to_o dwell_v in_o peace_n with_o the_o inner_a man_n in_o a_o humble_a and_o quiet_a heart_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o busy_a about_o the_o circumference_n of_o unsettled_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o his_o proper_a rest_n and_o centre_n which_o be_v god_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorant_a foolish_a world_n it_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v alone_o and_o converse_v with_o themselves_o but_o for_o a_o few_o hour_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o they_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v engage_v abroad_o and_o to_o avoid_v their_o own_o company_n they_o spend_v much_o of_o their_o time_n upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o yet_o what_o remain_v of_o it_o lie_v upon_o they_o like_o a_o heavy_a burden_n and_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v out_o occasion_n to_o throw_v it_o away_o they_o dread_v to_o look_v within_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o fearful_a apprehension_n vexation_n and_o tediousness_n of_o spirit_n they_o range_v abroad_o and_o go_v for_o comfort_n to_o other_o creature_n serious_n thought_n be_v a_o terror_n to_o they_o and_o consideration_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o death_n because_o their_o soul_n lie_v naked_a and_o deform_a load_v with_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o avoid_v the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n love_v to_o be_v private_a and_o to_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n when_o so_o many_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o a_o perpetual_a hurry_n and_o esteem_v themselves_o unhappy_a when_o they_o must_v be_v alone_o as_o indeed_o unhappy_a they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v until_o they_o rectify_v many_o thing_n and_o learn_v to_o confer_v and_o live_v with_o themselves_o and_o by_o inward_a purity_n invite_v god_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o they_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o but_o a_o few_o choose_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o forsake_v the_o many_o and_o live_v with_o the_o few_o and_o with_o fear_n and_o diligent_a care_n make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o riches_n and_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 1._o how_o apt_a riches_n be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o good_a life_n how_o pernicious_a be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o affirm_v with_o a_o asseveration_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o much_o to_o be_v note_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 19.23_o and_o that_o this_o terrible_a sentence_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n he_o exemplify_v rich_a man_n danger_n by_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camet_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v narrow_a and_o can_v give_v no_o entrance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v load_v and_o cumber_v with_o fardel_n of_o wealth_n we_o shall_v therefore_o love_v and_o desire_v riches_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n do_v a_o bitter_a potion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o recover_v health_n but_o it_o be_v unpleasant_a and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v well_o without_o it_o he_o will_v let_v it_o alone_o and_o however_o he_o take_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v so_o shall_v every_o christian_a be_v affect_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o our_o necessity_n require_v the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v vexatious_a and_o dangerous_a too_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v wish_v we_o can_v live_v without_o they_o and_o we_o must_v take_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o be_v requisite_a to_o supply_v our_o want_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 6.6_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n and_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o good_a man_n fear_v not_o my_o son_n though_o we_o be_v make_v poor_a for_o thou_o have_v much_o wealth_n if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o all_o sin_n tob._n 4.21_o 2._o he_o be_v true_o rich_a that_o be_v rich_a to_o eternity_n and_o have_v a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o store_n but_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v innocent_a that_o will_v be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n man_n care_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o commit_v so_o they_o may_v get_v wealth_n and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o its_o great_a use_n be_v to_o purchase_v therewith_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o that_o play_v with_o pebble_n and_o pin_n be_v very_a intent_n to_o their_o game_n when_o yet_o they_o value_v not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o care_v for_o our_o necessity_n and_o yet_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o supply_v they_o we_o may_v use_v money_n to_o that_o end_n but_o we_o may_v not_o enslave_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o except_o we_o will_v become_v most_o base_a and_o miserable_a we_o see_v when_o nut_n be_v throw_v among_o child_n they_o will_v greedy_o scrape_v and_o fight_v for_o they_o and_o man_n will_v stand_v unconcern_v and_o despise_v such_o trash_n so_o shall_v we_o as_o many_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o be_v true_a christian_n when_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v get_v and_o man_n that_o know_v and_o expect_v no_o better_o will_v crowd_n and_o strive_v and_o sweat_v for_o they_o let_v we_o laugh_v and_o pity_v their_o folly_n those_o thing_n be_v but_o nut_n not_o worth_a our_o stoop_n if_o any_o fall_n into_o our_o bosom_n we_o may_v break_v it_o and_o eat_v it_o but_o it_o be_v below_o we_o to_o scramble_v for_o they_o all_o worldly_a thing_n be_v mere_a deceit_n and_o vanity_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n he_o will_v have_v no_o riches_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v despise_v they_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n like_v not_o of_o this_o they_o rather_o despise_v christ_n and_o his_o divine_a doctrine_n because_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_n mammon_n but_o the_o child_n of_o light_n gather_v their_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n corrupt_v and_o where_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o nor_o steal_v he_o be_v rich_a enough_o in_o this_o world_n that_o want_v not_o daily_a bread_n chap._n xv._o of_o the_o use_n of_o riches_n and_o how_o to_o know_v we_o love_v they_o not_o 1._o few_o understand_v or_o consider_v how_o to_o use_v their_o estate_n aright_o that_o they_o be_v the_o provision_n for_o this_o present_a short_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n obtain_v without_o any_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o own_o without_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n and_o preserve_v without_o anxious_a fear_n and_o distribute_v without_o regret_n or_o nigardliness_n where_o charity_n and_o necessity_n call_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o by_o birth_n or_o by_o place_n be_v noble_a and_o dignify_a person_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o rank_n which_o shall_v be_v honourable_o maintain_v have_v great_a want_n than_o their_o inferior_n who_o may_v have_v sufficient_a with_o a_o lesser_a portion_n yet_o however_o we_o be_v all_o but_o steward_n of_o what_o we_o possess_v and_o we_o shall_v all_o study_v alm_n and_o moderation_n that_o god_n our_o great_a landlord_n may_v find_v we_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v the_o true_a owner_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v we_o be_v but_o servant_n under_o he_o who_o shall_v use_v all_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o plenty_n be_v voluntary_o poor_a as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o riches_n increase_v shall_v not_o be_v proud_a nor_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o 2._o nature_n have_v hide_v gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o covetous_a that_o seek_v for_o those_o belove_a metal_n be_v bow_v down_o and_o stoop_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o can_v hardly_o raise_v up_o himself_o to_o look_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o wise_a christian_a look_v
here_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v not_o only_o regard_v what_o he_o suffer_v but_o what_o he_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o offence_n against_o god_n also_o let_v no_o man_n judge_v and_o condemn_v another_o remember_v the_o say_n of_o st._n paul_n ro._n 2.1_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n for_o wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v very_o unfitting_a he_o that_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n shall_v be_v a_o severe_a exacter_n of_o his_o brother_n mite_n and_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o think_v to_o cure_v other_o by_o his_o distemper_n that_o be_v by_o his_o pride_n and_o his_o impatience_n who_o be_v thou_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 14.4_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o how_o can_v thou_o say_v to_o thy_o brother_n let_v i_o pull_v out_o the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o eye_n when_o thou_o thyself_o behold_v not_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n luke_n 6.42_o god_n alone_o that_o can_v amend_v and_o forgive_v or_o else_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n have_v right_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o our_o part_n be_v to_o prevent_v they_o if_o we_o can_v or_o else_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n however_o to_o hide_v and_o bear_v with_o they_o endeavour_v first_o to_o amend_v our_o own_o fault_n before_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o correct_v other_o as_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o patient_a to_o we_o all_o so_o must_v we_o be_v to_o our_o brother_n chap._n xxiv_o remedy_n against_o impatience_n 1._o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o affair_n a_o man_n must_v go_v through_o in_o his_o life_n and_o very_o different_a be_v the_o humour_n and_o company_n he_o must_v converse_v withal_o so_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n and_o all_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n therefore_o he_o must_v resolve_v before_o hand_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o lose_v not_o his_o peace_n and_o his_o patience_n whatever_o happen_v to_o that_o end_n let_v he_o consider_v in_o all_o his_o concern_v and_o undertake_n what_o thing_n may_v come_v cross_a to_o his_o desire_n and_o above_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o they_o let_v he_o prepare_v himself_o to_o bear_v they_o if_o they_o come_v for_o this_o will_v avoid_v the_o surprise_n and_o lessen_v the_o grief_n and_o compose_v the_o mind_n this_o must_v be_v therefore_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a task_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o use_v they_o according_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o thousand_o of_o change_n and_o chance_n which_o we_o can_v hinder_v and_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v not_o to_o command_v we_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o be_v trouble_v if_o we_o can_v dispose_v of_o they_o as_o we_o will_v 2._o these_o consideration_n well_o weigh_v will_v make_v a_o wise_a man_n mind_n steadfast_a and_o even_a able_a to_o entertain_v all_o event_n with_o a_o generous_a indifferency_n be_v he_o deprive_v of_o his_o good_a name_n of_o his_o estate_n or_o liberty_n be_v he_o threaten_v with_o persecution_n or_o with_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v not_o move_v nor_o deject_v he_o have_v consider_v long_o before_o that_o such_o thing_n may_v happen_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o now_o he_o can_v bear_v and_o overcome_v they_o it_o be_v not_o outward_a thing_n that_o wound_v we_o but_o the_o wrong_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o they_o our_o own_o mistake_a conceit_n do_v we_o the_o most_o hurt_v no_o man_n grow_v pale_a with_o fear_n or_o perplex_v with_o anguish_n but_o he_o that_o passionate_o will_v avoid_v or_o obtain_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n mind_n your_o duty_n and_o let_v not_o your_o passion_n go_v out_o of_o your_o own_o sphere_n and_o you_o shall_v avoid_v all_o those_o trouble_n which_o come_v from_o abroad_o where_o man_n jurisdiction_n can_v reach_v the_o christian_a martyr_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o weary_a tormentor_n their_o patience_n can_v not_o be_v conquer_v even_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v undaunted_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n they_o can_v not_o be_v overcome_v though_o they_o may_v be_v kill_v because_o they_o value_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o tyrant_n may_v give_v or_o else_o take_v away_o thing_n without_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o thing_n within_o thing_n that_o be_v their_o own_o as_o their_o virtue_n their_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n these_o they_o keep_v and_o preserve_v and_o in_o so_o do_v be_v happy_a for_o these_o be_v the_o true_a good_n which_o depend_v only_o from_o ourselves_o and_o which_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o from_o we_o chap._n xxv_o of_o humility_n the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o christian_n 1._o learn_v of_o i_o say_v our_o divine_a master_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n learn_v of_o i_o what_o sure_o some_o great_a matter_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v we_o learn_v have_v himself_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n will_v he_o therefore_o teach_v we_o to_o make_v a_o new_a world_n and_o so_o bring_v thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o also_o no_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n he_o bid_v we_o learn_v not_o what_o he_o make_v but_o what_o he_o himself_o be_v make_v for_o we_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n yet_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n phil._n 2._o learn_v of_o i_o therefore_o say_v he_o not_o to_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o cast_v out_o devil_n not_o to_o cleanse_v leper_n or_o give_v light_n to_o the_o blind_a not_o to_o walk_v on_o the_o sea_n or_o to_o work_v such_o wonder_n as_o he_o enable_v some_o to_o do_v but_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n mat._n 11.29_o he_o will_v not_o teach_v what_o himself_o will_v not_o do_v but_o he_o himself_o become_v our_o lesson_n and_o this_o he_o make_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o save_a doctrine_n that_o we_o learn_v to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a after_o his_o example_n so_o great_a so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n be_v lowliness_n that_o we_o can_v not_o learn_v it_o but_o from_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o most_o high_a 2._o indeed_o human_a pride_n can_v be_v cure_v by_o none_o but_o he_o who_o be_v god_n yet_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o chief_a virtue_n of_o christian_n proper_a to_o they_o alone_o unknown_a to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n recommend_v by_o christ_n by_o his_o example_n and_o by_o his_o precept_n above_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o we_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o abasement_n may_v at_o last_o come_v to_o his_o glory_n now_o that_o we_o may_v think_v mean_o of_o ourselves_o we_o must_v serious_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o call_v we_o the_o wretched_a state_n whence_o he_o call_v we_o the_o bliss_n he_o call_v we_o to_o our_o perverse_a dulness_n to_o follow_v and_o the_o assistance_n he_o give_v to_o forward_o we_o for_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_n except_o humility_n go_v along_o and_o follow_v our_o best_a work_n which_o be_v the_o step_n we_o make_v towards_o it_o because_o our_o virtue_n shall_v avail_v nothing_o if_o we_o be_v proud_a of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o praise_n and_o glory_n here_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o hereafter_o 3._o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o thought_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o we_o fancy_v ourselves_o to_o be_v something_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v always_o present_a will_v tell_v we_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o whence_o we_o have_v our_o origin_n for_o dust_n we_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n we_o must_v needs_o return_v and_o upon_o this_o humble_a and_o low_a foundation_n we_o must_v build_v the_o high_a virtue_n for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o can_v remove_v mountain_n if_o he_o can_v speak_v all_o language_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v if_o he_o have_v convert_v all_o the_o infidel_n and_o give_v all_o his_o substance_n to_o the_o poor_a yet_o he_o will_v be_v in_o great_a and_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o fall_v and_o lose_v his_o reward_n