if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o the_o true_a institution_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o natural_a man_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o high_a philosophy_n which_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o the_o certain_a way_n to_o bliss_n to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v to_o hate_v one_o self_n and_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o love_v poverty_n contempt_n sorrow_n and_o tribulation_n but_o to_o understand_v well_o this_o plain_a lesson_n or_o first_o principle_n require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o yet_o to_o relish_v it_o with_o pleasure_n most_o of_o all_o to_o practice_v it_o to_o live_v according_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n chap._n xx._n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n who_o willing_o run_v to_o ruin_n by_o their_o inconsideration_n 1._o eternal_a torment_n be_v prepare_v for_o none_o but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v miserable_a and_o by_o their_o free_a and_o wilful_a wickedness_n choose_v hell_n for_o their_o portion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n eternal_a joy_n above_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v partake_v of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o think_v the_o prison_n of_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v whole_o empty_a and_o heaven_n infinite_o full_a and_o throng_v who_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o desperate_o mad_a as_o to_o choose_v eternal_a misery_n when_o he_o can_v easy_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n insomuch_o that_o the_o first_o compare_v to_o these_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n who_o our_o bless_a saviour_n call_v the_o little_a flock_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o prefer_v eternal_a woe_n to_o bliss_n eternal_a though_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o how_o thirsty_a soever_o that_o will_v sip_v of_o that_o cup_n he_o shall_v suspect_v to_o be_v poison_v yet_o many_o every_o where_o may_v be_v find_v who_o greedy_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o not_o doubt_n or_o opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a faith_n assure_v they_o must_v be_v punish_v with_o ever-burning_a flame_n 2._o this_o unheard_a of_o madness_n many_o attribute_n to_o want_v of_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a of_o some_o among_o we_o yet_o daily_a experience_n and_o observation_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o perish_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o consideration_n for_o though_o they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o therein_o none_o shall_v suffer_v but_o such_o as_o will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n while_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o soon_o forget_v this_o important_a truth_n their_o fancy_n and_o their_o affection_n be_v fix_v to_o this_o earth_n they_o only_o please_v their_o appetite_n and_o live_v so_o sensual_o that_o their_o reason_n can_v hardly_o look_v beyond_o the_o present_a the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v keep_v out_o and_o their_o understanding_n make_v uncapable_a and_o unwilling_a to_o consider_v wise_o that_o their_o short_a joy_n and_o delight_n will_v soon_o end_v into_o bitterness_n and_o endless_a sorrow_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o we_o while_o we_o live_v to_o avoid_v that_o dreadful_a misery_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o will_v to_o god_n man_n will_v serious_o mind_v and_o observe_v this_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o will_v understand_v and_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o live_v according_o it_o be_v man_n property_n and_o his_o privilege_n to_o think_v and_o meditate_v and_o sure_a his_o thought_n and_o meditation_n shall_v of_o themselves_o run_v first_o of_o all_o to_o his_o chief_a end_n to_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o great_a interest_n no_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o neglect_v one_o own_o salvation_n chap._n xxi_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 1._o he_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o that_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o precept_n and_o follow_v his_o bless_a example_n for_o to_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o christian_a profession_n to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o these_o earthly_a thing_n to_o live_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n because_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tit._n 2.11_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o this_o present_a world_n sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n therefore_o as_o he_o can_v just_o be_v call_v doctor_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o scholar_n as_o he_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o captain_n who_o understand_v not_o soldiery_n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o a_o artist_n that_o have_v not_o the_o skill_n of_o it_o no_o more_o can_v he_o with_o truth_n be_v call_v a_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o a_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o therefore_o only_o be_v true_o christian_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o vanity_n and_o sinful_a desire_n of_o this_o world_n love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o their_o neighbour_n altogether_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n prefer_v not_o themselves_o to_o any_o other_o because_o that_o in_o our_o second_o and_o better_a birth_n we_o be_v all_o make_v equal_a they_o that_o strict_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n in_o all_o thing_n behave_v themselves_o so_o innocent_o as_o not_o to_o give_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n they_o that_o use_v the_o creature_n for_o necessity_n as_o sick_a man_n do_v physic_n covet_v nothing_o but_o that_o only_a which_o can_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o they_o that_o seek_v not_o to_o please_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o displease_v any_o but_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o hate_v their_o own_o flesh_n in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o daily_o chastise_v and_o keep_v it_o under_o lest_o it_o grow_v petulant_a and_o masterless_a they_o that_o be_v ever_o constant_a to_o their_o resolution_n and_o be_v above_o the_o world_n can_v be_v terrify_v by_o any_o threat_n or_o persecution_n they_o that_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n be_v always_o the_o same_o peaceable_a and_o even_a able_a clear_o to_o see_v and_o to_o follow_v truth_n they_o that_o long_v after_o thing_n eternal_a despise_v thing_n present_a and_o live_v upon_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n believe_v therefore_o what_o they_o see_v not_o hope_v what_o they_o have_v not_o and_o love_n that_o which_o as_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o possess_v they_o that_o so_o love_n god_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o refuse_v no_o labour_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o any_o danger_n without_o any_o other_o design_n but_o only_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n they_o that_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n cheerful_o expect_v christ_n come_v in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o can_v joyful_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n they_o alone_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o title_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v all_o these_o with_o sincerity_n 3._o such_o man_n as_o these_o rejoice_v when_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o they_o count_v that_o day_n lose_v in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o endure_v something_o upon_o his_o
account_n they_o make_v their_o glory_n their_o felicity_n their_o wisdom_n to_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v shame_n misery_n and_o folly_n they_o detest_v the_o false_a principle_n on_o which_o proceed_v carnal_a prudence_n as_o that_o we_o must_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a honour_v by_o the_o world_n and_o above_o other_o and_o they_o love_v and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a verity_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v riches_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glory_n in_o nothing_o save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o word_n their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o so_o live_v that_o all_o their_o action_n seem_v to_o speak_v aloud_o that_o their_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v high_a and_o difficult_a but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v take_v by_o force_n and_o withal_o it_o well_o deserve_v all_o our_o labour_n and_o noble_a contention_n chap._n xxii_o several_a useful_a caution_n how_o a_o christian_a shall_v undertake_v and_o perfect_v his_o work_n 1._o all_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v do_v in_o peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o end_n of_o that_o he_o be_v about_o but_o withal_o let_v he_o take_v care_n of_o be_v rash_a and_o hasty_a of_o follow_v sudden_a motion_n of_o nature_n rather_o than_o reason_n grace_n and_o religion_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v light_n and_o inconstant_a easy_o wander_v after_o vain_a project_n but_o let_v he_o attend_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o begin_v any_o work_n let_v not_o his_o mind_n be_v too_o busy_a and_o distract_v with_o other_o thought_n for_o than_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o want_v his_o wit_n and_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n which_o afterward_o will_v grieve_v he_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o any_o design_n let_v he_o humble_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v guide_v and_o assist_v he_o and_o let_v he_o serious_o consider_v what_o share_n god_n have_v in_o the_o business_n and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v on_o his_o own_o account_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o work_n let_v not_o self-complacency_a turn_v he_o from_o the_o good_a end_n he_o propose_v and_o in_o the_o finish_n thereof_o let_v he_o be_v cautious_a that_o all_o he_o have_v do_v be_v not_o mar_v and_o spoil_v by_o self-applause_n and_o vainglory_n above_o all_o let_v he_o be_v serious_o intent_n upon_o this_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n keep_v down_o proud_a thought_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o being_n nothing_o 2._o he_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o business_n except_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o cheerful_o and_o diligent_o and_o with_o noble_a design_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n special_o to_o their_o soul_n consider_v that_o the_o bliss_n or_o perfection_n of_o this_o present_a life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o he_o in_o the_o do_n and_o suffer_v his_o pleasure_n except_o necessity_n compel_v he_o let_v he_o not_o undertake_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o his_o strength_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v lose_v nothing_o of_o his_o peace_n nor_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o to_o be_v too_o intent_n and_o too_o much_o take_v up_o with_o thing_n without_o we_o common_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o tranquillity_n rather_o as_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v accompany_v tobit_n though_o it_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o serve_v he_o yet_o nevertheless_o attend_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v always_o present_a to_o he_o so_o shall_v a_o good_a christian_a mind_n the_o necessary_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v outward_o trouble_v and_o employ_v about_o they_o when_o yet_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n in_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o distraction_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n xxiii_o that_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v 1._o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n require_v of_o we_o here_o and_o that_o which_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a hereafter_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n more_o certain_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n than_o he_o that_o honest_o and_o diligent_o work_v in_o his_o proper_a sphere_n therefore_o the_o devil_n common_o lay_v this_o snare_n in_o our_o way_n to_o christian_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v after_o the_o do_v of_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o office_n thereby_o to_o busy_a and_o distract_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o attend_v to_o our_o proper_a duty_n which_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o the_o do_v whereof_o be_v our_o great_a virtue_n 2._o he_o therefore_o great_o deceive_v himself_o that_o will_v fain_o change_v his_o condition_n imagine_v he_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o there_o or_o so_o or_o so_o after_o providence_n or_o a_o prudent_a choice_n have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o it_o do_v but_o make_v he_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a in_o do_v what_o he_o shall_v while_o he_o think_v of_o what_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o it_o make_v he_o to_o sit_v idle_a and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v while_o he_o project_n to_o do_v great_a feat_n where_o he_o be_v not_o whereas_o the_o unblameable_a integrity_n or_o perfection_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a shall_v aim_v depend_v upon_o particular_a action_n they_o that_o be_v negligent_a and_o incurious_a to_o do_v they_o well_o set_v themselves_o backward_o and_o make_v no_o progress_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v absent_a and_o their_o thought_n employ_v somewhere_o else_o they_o do_v but_o little_a where_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v do_v after_o a_o dream_v careless_a way_n such_o man_n be_v always_o beginning_n or_o about_o to_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o they_o contrive_v many_o thing_n but_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n they_o be_v all_o leaf_n and_o no_o fruit_n like_a tree_n that_o be_v often_o remove_v they_o no_o where_n take_v firm_a root_n and_o so_o remain_v every_o where_o useless_a chap._n xxiv_o how_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v sincere_a 1._o christians_n shall_v not_o indulge_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o low_a belly_n or_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o nice_a or_o gluttonous_a palate_n they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o vanity_n and_o undecency_n in_o their_o apparel_n and_o from_o all_o idle_a sport_n that_o be_v too_o expensive_a of_o time_n and_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n from_o ambition_n and_o pride_n and_o from_o covetousness_n and_o desire_n of_o riches_n anger_n ought_v not_o to_o lodge_v in_o their_o breast_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o careless_o nor_o yet_o rash_o least_o of_o all_o deceitful_o and_o hypocritical_o christian_n duty_n and_o act_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o do_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o attention_n and_o a_o good_a intention_n be_v mere_a dissemble_a and_o pageantry_n in_o some_o place_n where_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o theatrical_a representation_n you_o shall_v often_o find_v man_n of_o wicked_a life_n act_v the_o high_a virtue_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n one_o the_o constancy_n of_o martyr_n another_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o perhaps_o the_o heroic_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o end_n of_o the_o play_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o fine_a dissemble_n they_o no_o long_o appear_v those_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v but_o present_o return_v to_o their_o nature_n to_o their_o profaneness_n and_o impurity_n just_o so_o be_v they_o that_o have_v a_o fair_a specious_a outside_n appear_v precise_a and_o godly_a to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v or_o drive_v a_o interest_n they_o be_v mere_a juggler_n and_o stage-player_n they_o put_v a_o fair_a vizard_n over_o a_o ugly_a face_n holiness_n outward_o inward_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o perverse_a passion_n their_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o comedy_n that_o will_v have_v a_o tragical_a end_n 2._o for_o indeed_o this_o be_v
redemption_n the_o infinite_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o promise_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v true_a christian_n while_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o neglect_v these_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o mean_n be_v despise_v where_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v disregard_v until_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o first_o and_o chief_a business_n to_o secure_v a_o bless_a eternity_n by_o live_v holy_a life_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v wise_a and_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o disputable_a and_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o mix_n secular_a interest_n with_o thing_n of_o religion_n first_o make_v and_o still_o maintain_v the_o error_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n many_o controversy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o decide_v as_o to_o bury_v they_o at_o least_o to_o make_v they_o give_v place_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_a and_o much_o more_o requisite_a and_o beneficial_a and_o here_o again_o i_o may_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v this_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o best_a guide_n of_o soul_n for_o either_o she_o meddle_v not_o with_o many_o dispute_n or_o else_o she_o always_o stand_v on_o the_o much_o sure_a side_n of_o the_o question_n hold_v that_o which_o even_o her_o adversary_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n and_o never_o amuse_v her_o child_n with_o unnecessary_a speculation_n or_o unprofitable_a contest_v but_o as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a design_n to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o all_o holy_a virtue_n so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o preface_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o thou_o will_v serious_o and_o often_o consider_v that_o thy_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o that_o thou_o resolve_v thereupon_o not_o to_o lose_v not_o to_o venture_v thy_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n above_o for_o any_o earthly_a enjoyment_n that_o thou_o will_v bear_v eternity_n in_o mind_n and_o weigh_v the_o importance_n of_o these_o two_o word_n which_o conclude_v our_o creed_n life_n everlasting_a and_o that_o afterward_o thou_o resolve_v careful_o to_o follow_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o follow_v he_o live_v therefore_o as_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o king_n of_o eternity_n to_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o despise_v the_o world_n use_v diligent_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v make_v thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o encourage_v and_o assist_v thou_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o among_o they_o good_a book_n which_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o make_v their_o goodness_n our_o own_o be_v very_o useful_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v somewhat_o conduce_v to_o their_o advancement_n nay_o i_o be_o sure_a thou_o shall_v be_v much_o better_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o will_v transcribe_v it_o with_o thy_o life_n as_o i_o have_v with_o my_o pen_n and_o make_v it_o thy_o hearty_a endeavour_n as_o i_o do_v my_o prayer_n l._n b._n the_o author_n dedication_n to_o all_o true_a christian_n with_o due_a reverence_n i_o offer_v this_o small_a volume_n to_o you_o bless_a soul_n vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o mercy_n elect_v and_o holy_a child_n of_o god_n predestinate_v to_o glory_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v redeem_v from_o death_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o despise_a cross_n of_o your_o redeemer_n for_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n you_o be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n to_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o sight_n in_o love_n and_o in_o christ_n you_o be_v choose_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o for_o your_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n for_o you_o the_o bless_a jesus_n pray_v when_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n he_o say_v i_o have_v manifest_v thy_o name_n unto_o the_o man_n who_o thou_o give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n thy_o they_n be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o i_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n hear_v not_o or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o regard_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n see_v he_o not_o nor_o know_v he_o neither_o can_v it_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o this_o will_v be_v ground_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n that_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v a_o light_n in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o do_v shine_v on_o the_o cross_n most_o glorious_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o tree_n of_o death_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tie_v become_v his_o pulpit_n whence_o he_o preach_v his_o divine_a sermon_n teach_v we_o that_o great_a lesson_n die_v which_o he_o set_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a he_o that_o do_v not_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n therefore_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n be_v our_o great_a safety_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n our_o sure_a title_n to_o glory_n the_o cross_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o christian_a learning_n to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n may_v have_v sanctify_v affection_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n that_o by_o the_o divine_a grace_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n and_o my_o prayer_n for_o they_o be_v that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v they_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o love_n may_v abound_v in_o they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o unblameable_a replenish_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n please_v to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o offence_n i_o also_o beg_v for_o myself_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n may_v enlighten_v and_o guide_v my_o mind_n and_o that_o his_o strength_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o my_o weakness_n lest_o after_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o my_o own_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o also_o beseech_v you_o good_a friend_n of_o god_n bless_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n remember_v i_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o what_o i_o teach_v i_o may_v fulfil_v that_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v be_v my_o practice_n by_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n live_v and_o reign_v one_o ever_o glorious_a and_o adore_a god_n amen_n imprimatur_fw-la geo._n hooper_n r._n p._n d._n gil_n ep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n may_v 29._o 1677._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part_n part_n i._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o of_o its_o end_n and_o office_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o all_o christian_n into_o three_o rank_n good_a middle-sort_n and_o bad_a ibid._n chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o
the_o wicked_a and_o their_o wickedness_n 4_o chap._n iii_o that_o original_a sin_n be_v the_o spring_n whence_o all_o evil_a proceed_v 8_o chap._n iu_o of_o the_o occasion_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o book_n 10_o chap._n v._n 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 12_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 14_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o this_o book_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o follow_v after_o perfection_n 17_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o they_o that_o neglect_v their_o last_o end_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o serious_o 19_o chap._n ix_o the_o reason_n why_o all_o man_n be_v not_o happy_a be_v they_o all_o desire_v it_o 22_o chap._n x._o that_o with_o a_o upright_a intention_n we_o must_v use_v all_o thing_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o god_n 24_o chap._n xi_o that_o man_n trifle_v about_o thing_n eternal_a and_o be_v so_o 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 26_o chap._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 29_o chap._n xiii_o how_o man_n spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n and_o abuse_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n 31_o chap._n fourteen_o that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v every_o one_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o station_n providence_n have_v appoint_v he_o and_o therein_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o he_o meet_v withal_o 33_o chap._n xv._o how_o man_n be_v last_o end_n or_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v qualify_v and_o how_o so_o many_o mistake_n and_o miss_v it_o 35_o chap._n xvi_o another_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o miss_n of_o their_o end_n their_o live_n too_o much_o by_o sense_n 38_o chap._n xvii_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n 41_o 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 43_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 46_o chap._n xx._n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n who_o willing_o run_v to_o ruin_n by_o their_o inconsideration_n 48_o chap._n xxi_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 50_o chap._n xxii_o several_a useful_a caution_n how_o a_o christian_a shall_v undertake_v and_o perfect_v his_o work_n 53_o chap._n xxiii_o that_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v 56_o chap._n xxiv_o how_o christian_n be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v sincere_a 57_o chap._n xxv_o that_o a_o hearty_a affection_n be_v the_o life_n of_o good_a action_n 60_o chap._n xxvi_o whence_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o work_n proceed_v 62_o 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 63_o chap._n xxviii_o why_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n saint_n appear_v difficult_a 66_o chap._n xxix_o how_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n 68_o chap._n xxx_o self-love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n 70_o 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 72_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 74_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 77_o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n 79_o 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 81_o chap._n xxxvi_o three_o thing_n very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o every_o christian_a 84_o chap._n xxxvii_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n 86_o chap._n xxxviii_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o true_a repentance_n 88_o chap._n thirty-nine_o remedy_n against_o ordinary_a fail_n and_o great_a sin_n 90_o chap._n xl._n clergyman_n have_v some_o special_a obligation_n though_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v after_o perfection_n 93_o chap._n xli_o that_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o and_o what_o disposition_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a 96_o chap._n xlii_o why_o many_o be_v not_o profit_v by_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o pray_v well_o and_o frequent_o 100_o chap._n xliii_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o avoid_v distraction_n and_o fix_v the_o intention_n 103_o chap._n xliv_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n 106_o the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o study_n and_o endeavour_v after_o true_a virtue_n chap._n i._n that_o voluptiousness_n and_o vanity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o truth_n seek_v for_o in_o thing_n eternal_a after_o christ_n example_n pag._n 1_o chap._n ii_o that_o to_o attain_v perfection_n nothing_o must_v be_v neglect_v 4_o chap._n iii_o that_o self-denial_n and_o the_o cross_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n 7_o chap._n iu_o that_o self-denial_n be_v the_o character_n and_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_n 10_o chap._n v._n how_o we_o must_v fight_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o deprave_a affection_n 13_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n 16_o chap._n vii_o of_o deny_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n especial_o intemperance_n 19_o chap._n viii_o of_o talkativeness_n and_o silence_n 22_o chap._n ix_o of_o true_a and_o false_a delight_n and_o of_o self-complacency_a in_o virtue_n 25_o chap._n x._o that_o we_o be_v lead_v too_o much_o by_o opinion_n 27_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 who_o pretend_v to_o it_o 30_o chap._n xii_o that_o selfwill_a be_v a_o great_a evil_a and_o must_v be_v renounce_v 32_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o solitariness_n and_o retirement_n 34_o 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 36_o 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 39_o chap._n xvi_o of_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 41_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o almsgiving_n 44_o chap_n xviii_o of_o patience_n in_o bear_v and_o forbear_v 48_o chap._n xix_o adversity_n be_v occasion_n of_o virtue_n and_o must_v be_v patient_o endure_v 51_o chap._n xx._n that_o we_o must_v bear_v patient_o the_o little_a vexation_n that_o happen_v daily_o 53_o chap._n xxi_o that_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o triublation_n 56_o chap._n xxii_o that_o detraction_n and_o derision_n must_v be_v endure_v and_o deride_v 59_o chap._n xxiii_o remedy_n against_o discontent_n and_o anger_n for_o what_o abuse_v we_o receive_v 61_o chap._n xxiv_o remedy_n against_o impatience_n 64_o chap._n xxv_o of_o humility_n the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o christian_n 66_o chap._n xxvi_o from_o god_n we_o turn_v away_o by_o pride_n to_o he_o we_o must_v return_v by_o humility_n 69_o chap._n xxvii_o the_o character_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n 72_o chap._n xxviii_o motive_n and_o reason_n for_o humility_n 75_o chap._n xxix_o that_o the_o humble_a man_n judge_v himself_o and_o not_o other_o with_o a_o character_n of_o he_o 79_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o go_n 83_o chap._n xxxi_o of_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 87_o chap._n xxxii_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v rest_v upon_o god_n 91_o chap._n xxxiii_o that_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 93_o chap._n xxxiv_o of_o the_o right_n place_v and_o order_v of_o love_n 96_o chap._n xxxv_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o measure_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n 98_o chap._n xxxvi_o true_a friendship_n and_o the_o true_a office_n of_o it_o 101_o chap._n xxxvii_o of_o the_o several_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n 105_o chap._n xxxviii_o charity_n be_v also_o due_a to_o our_o enemy_n 107_o 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 109_o chap._n xl._n wherein_o consist_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 112_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 115_o chap._n xlii_o that_o by_o love_n holiness_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v 117_o 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 120_o precept_n and_o practical_a rule_n for_o a_o true_o
christian_a life_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 chap._n i._o 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 1._o when_o in_o my_o meditation_n as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n i_o consider_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n with_o their_o manner_n and_o principle_n they_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o divide_v into_o three_o distinct_a band_n or_o order_n the_o first_o contain_v they_o who_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a example_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a affection_n and_o daily_o reach_v forward_o towards_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n thereby_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o constant_o serve_v god_n and_o meditate_v in_o his_o law_n they_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o by_o adversity_n nor_o puff_v up_o by_o a_o prosperous_a fortune_n now_o among_o these_o some_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o virtue_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v even_o more_o than_o man_n abstain_v from_o all_o delicious_a fare_n and_o be_v temperate_a even_o to_o a_o perpetual_a fast_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a even_o to_o the_o refuse_v of_o lawful_a pleasure_n exercise_v themselves_o in_o patience_n so_o as_o to_o go_v manful_o through_o fire_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o pain_n mortify_v and_o deny_v themselves_o as_o be_v their_o own_o enemy_n despise_v wealth_n and_o riches_n so_o as_o free_o to_o bestow_v in_o charity_n all_o that_o they_o possess_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o life_n and_o possess_v all_o virtue_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o admiration_n rather_o than_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o with_o shame_n acknowledge_v their_o own_o weakness_n when_o they_o consider_v how_o far_o short_a they_o fall_v of_o these_o heroic_a christian_n but_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o great_a and_o they_o be_v common_o unknown_a be_v dead_a and_o crucify_a to_o themselves_o and_o the_o world_n their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o their_o life_n hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o rank_n be_v they_o who_o rest_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o think_v that_o all_o christian_a duty_n consist_v in_o outward_a act_n they_o fear_v god_n and_o yet_o retain_v and_o worship_v their_o secret_a idol_n they_o often_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o with_o so_o much_o unpreparedness_n and_o indevotion_n that_o their_o frequent_a receive_n profit_v they_o not_o they_o abstain_v from_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n and_o neglect_v lesser_a outward_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o omit_v not_o but_o their_o affection_n be_v immerse_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v act_v by_o self-love_n and_o self-interest_n and_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o inward_a peace_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o christian_a perfection_n they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v stranger_n to_o that_o heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o renounce_n of_o all_o thing_n without_o which_o christ_n declare_v none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o so_o sad_o delude_v they_o be_v so_o unhappy_o besot_v with_o inconsideration_n that_o if_o you_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a and_o more_o holy_a life_n they_o will_v bid_v you_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o monk_n and_o hermit_n and_o remain_v unconcern_v and_o the_o same_o as_o before_o 3._o in_o the_o last_o order_n come_v all_o such_o as_o be_v call_v christian_n only_o because_o bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o baptise_a their_o life_n and_o action_n be_v scandalous_a and_o they_o themselves_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a worse_o than_o infidel_n of_o these_o the_o number_n be_v great_a and_o innumerable_a chap._n ii_o a_o further_a description_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o wickedness_n 1._o these_o be_v they_o that_o confess_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o constant_o deny_v he_o with_o their_o deed_n who_o so_o study_n to_o gratify_v their_o appetite_n and_o so_o resolve_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sinful_a custom_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o revelation_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n on_o they_o they_o be_v rather_o ashamed_a and_o almost_o sorry_a that_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o daily_o indulge_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o their_o villainy_n grow_v customary_a deprive_v they_o of_o all_o sense_n of_o human_a modesty_n they_o relish_v nothing_o but_o the_o earth_n they_o take_v their_o account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o they_o so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n that_o like_a brute_n they_o follow_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n riches_n they_o value_v at_o a_o mighty_a rate_n and_o right_a or_o wrong_n seek_v to_o obtain_v they_o they_o esteem_v nothing_o base_a and_o unworthy_a that_o advance_v their_o profit_n or_o their_o preferment_n and_o as_o one_o say_v of_o some_o greek_n they_o build_v as_o though_o they_o be_v never_o to_o die_v and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o life_n 2._o this_o they_o do_v because_o they_o believe_v not_o what_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v reveal_v and_o because_o be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o condition_n they_o promise_v themselves_o many_o year_n to_o live_v they_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o transitory_a thing_n which_o soon_o shall_v be_v possess_v by_o other_o and_o thing_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o they_o slight_a and_o neglect_v because_o they_o think_v not_o of_o eternity_n they_o be_v torment_v by_o ambition_n and_o weaken_v by_o lust_n swell_v with_o pride_n and_o rack_v by_o envy_n passion_n and_o unsatiable_a desire_n toss_v they_o to_o and_o fro_o and_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o all_o righteousness_n that_o they_o not_o only_o neglect_v but_o even_o hate_v the_o just_a law_n of_o god_n christ_n pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o mourn_v and_o suffer_v persecution_n they_o contrariwise_o esteem_v they_o bless_v that_o be_v rich_a great_a and_o prosperous_a and_o general_o honour_v by_o man_n christ_n declare_v that_o none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o forsake_v all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o but_o these_o man_n place_v their_o affection_n on_o their_o wealth_n keep_v it_o niggardly_a part_n with_o it_o sorrowful_o and_o be_v ever_o greedy_a of_o more_o ever_o ready_a to_o invade_v other_o right_n and_o to_o get_v what_o they_o can_v from_o they_o 3._o even_o some_o professor_n that_o have_v choose_v christ_n for_o their_o portion_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v devote_v to_o he_o even_o some_o of_o these_o there_o be_v who_o unmindful_a of_o their_o sacred_a promise_n endeavour_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o increase_v their_o wealth_n and_o oftentimes_o enjoy_v great_a riches_n under_o christ_n the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o poverty_n than_o they_o can_v have_v do_v in_o a_o civil_a call_v under_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o this_o world_n neither_o be_v some_o of_o these_o more_o careful_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o imitate_v for_o instead_o of_o love_v their_o enemy_n and_o render_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v command_v we_o they_o return_v hatred_n for_o ill_a will_n and_o be_v ever_o ready_a and_o desire_v to_o revenge_v the_o least_o injury_n who_o be_v there_o that_o obey_v christ_n counsel_n or_o injunction_n of_o turn_v the_o cheek_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o and_o suffer_v he_o that_o strive_v for_o our_o coat_n to_o take_v our_o cloak_n also_o or_o rather_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o slight_a and_o deride_v it_o let_v who_o will_v take_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o evangelical_n precept_n and_o of_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o live_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n few_o that_o regard_n and_o esteem_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v nay_o few_o there_o be_v that_o care_n to_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o fable_n romance_n and_o idle_a discourse_n be_v general_o prefer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o vain_a world_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o who_o voice_n they_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v that_o they_o hear_v not_o god_n word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n faithful_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o sincere_o obey_v his_o command_n whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n who_o neglect_v or_o scorn_v this_o duty_n for_o faith_n
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
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
the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o appetite_n too_o many_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v live_v irregular_o in_o their_o call_n christian_n and_o ecclesiastical_a unmindful_a of_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bless_a order_n they_o be_v enter_v in_o their_o indevotion_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o piety_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v for_o pleasure_n abroad_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o find_v it_o not_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o do_v of_o their_o duty_n many_o they_o be_v that_o go_v a_o stray_n and_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v best_a which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o most_o and_o follow_v the_o broad_a way_n in_o a_o crowd_n but_o few_o they_o be_v that_o with_o sincerity_n follow_v christ_n in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o be_v careless_a and_o secure_a in_o that_o way_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a wariness_n have_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o go_v right_a chap._n xli_o that_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o and_o what_o disposition_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a 1._o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o approve_a saying_n that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o can_v obey_v the_o divine_a call_n leave_v all_o and_o follow_v i_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o who_o can_v obtain_v it_o without_o beg_v for_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o holy_a scripture_n luke_n 18.1_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a because_o that_o always_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o want_v the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n now_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o who_o every_o day_n have_v his_o set_a hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o as_o they_o return_v be_v observe_v due_o he_o pray_v always_o who_o in_o all_o thing_n walk_v upright_o and_o with_o a_o holy_a intention_n design_n god_n glory_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n he_o pray_v always_o who_o in_o his_o heart_n preserve_v a_o habitual_a devotion_n and_o always_o desire_v to_o pray_v that_o very_a desire_n be_v a_o good_a prayer_n last_o he_o pray_v always_o who_o always_o live_v well_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a prayer_n 2._o no_o man_n ever_o become_v wicked_a profane_a or_o heretic_n who_o do_v not_o first_o neglect_n and_o cast_v off_o this_o holy_a duty_n prayer_n be_v the_o pipe_n or_o conduit_n which_o bring_v divine_a grace_n into_o our_o soul_n take_v it_o away_o and_o grace_n have_v no_o passage_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v parch_v and_o wither_v and_o at_o last_o by_o degree_n must_v die_v neither_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o mumble_v over_o a_o few_o orison_n and_o recite_v they_o only_o with_o the_o voice_n as_o too_o many_o do_v without_o attention_n without_o reverence_n and_o without_o devout_a affection_n of_o they_o god_n complain_v by_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o son_n isa_n 29.13_o mat._n 15.8_o this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o on_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 109.6_o let_v his_o prayer_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n their_o word_n be_v lie_v that_o work_n wickedness_n and_o yet_o sing_v with_o holy_a david_n that_o they_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o yet_o profess_v with_o he_o psal_n 102.4_o my_o heart_n be_v smite_v and_o wither_v like_o grass_n so_o that_o i_o forget_v to_o eat_v my_o bread_n and_o they_o that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n and_o yet_o say_v with_o that_o penitent_a prophet_n psal_n 42.3_o my_o tear_n have_v be_v my_o meat_n day_n and_o night_n and_o they_o that_o neither_o regard_v nor_o obey_v divine_a precept_n and_o yet_o pronounce_v with_o david_n curse_a be_v they_o that_o depart_v from_o thy_o commandment_n and_o be_v far_o from_o thy_o law_n such_o prayer_n be_v mere_a mockery_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n and_o they_o provoke_v his_o wrath_n rather_o than_o appease_v he_o 3._o no_o man_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a except_o at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n morning_n and_o evening_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o devout_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n spend_v as_o much_o time_n therein_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n as_o he_o common_o do_v for_o the_o feed_n of_o his_o mortal_a body_n and_o let_v none_o intermit_v or_o lessen_v the_o duty_n because_o he_o find_v himself_o dry_a and_o dull_a and_o want_v that_o holy_a relish_n and_o liveliness_n of_o holy_a affection_n which_o sometime_o he_o have_v feel_v for_o true_a devotion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o tear_n and_o tender_a passion_n and_o overflowing_n of_o sensible_a joy_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v by_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o image_n and_o false_a deity_n but_o true_a devotion_n consist_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o well_o dispose_v will_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n god_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n 4._o i_o do_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o pray_v which_o be_v give_v by_o pious_a man_n they_o may_v be_v useful_a but_o alone_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v as_o a_o trade_n by_o imitation_n of_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o we_o no_o the_o art_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o careful_a watch_n over_o it_o and_o over_o our_o sense_n for_o how_o can_v he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o spirit_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o vanity_n how_o can_v he_o approach_v god_n due_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o soul_n be_v all_o day_n take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n with_o idle_a talk_n and_o idle_a business_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o think_v that_o of_o a_o sudden_a a_o man_n of_o clay_n can_v raise_v himself_o up_o to_o heaven_n can_v do_v that_o work_n which_o be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o difficult_a without_o serious_a attention_n and_o preparation_n nay_o with_o the_o obstacle_n and_o distraction_n of_o a_o whole_a day_n employment_n about_o earthly_a thing_n no_o prayer_n do_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o well_o compose_v heart_n free_a from_o the_o image_n of_o worldly_a concern_v fit_v and_o desirous_a to_o entertain_v itself_o with_o god_n and_o the_o best_a preparation_n to_o this_o bless_a duty_n be_v a_o good_a and_o upright_a life_n with_o a_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n he_o that_o will_v daily_o pray_v better_a shall_v so_o value_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o therein_o may_v be_v his_o comfort_n and_o he_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o prayer_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o humility_n be_v ever_o accept_v chap._n xlii_o why_o many_o be_v not_o profit_v by_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o pray_v well_o and_o frequent_o 1._o many_o receive_v little_a or_o no_o advantage_n from_o their_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n because_o they_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v affection_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o they_o make_v reservation_n and_o do_v not_o whole_o devote_v and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o his_o good_a pleasure_n they_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n to_o neglect_v and_o to_o oppose_v it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o double_a heart_n one_o they_o offer_v to_o god_n when_o they_o pray_v the_o other_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o and_o can_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n i_o have_v seek_v thou_o other_o act_v by_o curiosity_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o pride_n seek_v after_o high_a speculation_n and_o abstruse_a learning_n which_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o know_v themselves_o and_o the_o master_v of_o their_o sinful_a passion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n their_o spirit_n be_v soften_v and_o they_o find_v some_o delight_n in_o sigh_n and_o tear_n yet_o soon_o after_o that_o delight_n be_v go_v they_o remain_v impatient_a of_o their_o humiliation_n they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a way_n and_o still_o remain_v tangle_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o their_o vicious_a habit_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o sudden_a change_n or_o conversion_n be_v not_o durable_a which_o proceed_v from_o sudden_a and_o strong_a commotion_n for_o the_o violence_n of_o
most_o gracious_a providence_n and_o interpret_v the_o most_o afflictive_a event_n as_o sign_n of_o his_o care_n and_o good_a will_n for_o we_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o himself_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o please_v 4._o slander_n treachery_n oppression_n loss_n rape_n theft_n sickness_n plague_n famine_n and_o all_o other_o calamity_n public_a or_o private_a they_o be_v all_o send_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o to_o punish_v or_o reclaim_v wicked_a man_n or_o else_o to_o exercise_v and_o perfect_v the_o righteous_a therefore_o under_o the_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o any_o of_o these_o let_v a_o christian_a humble_a himself_o and_o worship_n and_o say_v with_o patient_a job_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n master_n commit_v their_o work_n and_o their_o affair_n to_o trusty_a servant_n and_o yet_o acquaint_v they_o not_o with_o their_o secret_a intent_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o their_o design_n so_o shall_v we_o like_v faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n yield_v to_o god_n cheerful_o a_o active_a or_o passive_a obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n unconcern_v for_o the_o final_a event_n how_o in_o any_o particular_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o we_o or_o of_o other_o taking_z that_z to_z ourselves_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v st._n peter_n once_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o follow_v i_o whatever_o happen_v and_o mind_n nothing_o else_o if_o thou_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o good_a design_n some_o profitable_a undertake_n and_o can_v not_o go_v on_o with_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o hindrance_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o help_v grieve_v not_o and_o be_v not_o deject_v for_o god_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o thou_o follow_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o call_v thus_o if_o we_o will_v meek_o entertain_v god_n will_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n will_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o perturbation_n can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o the_o place_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v and_o reign_v chap._n xxxi_o of_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v good_a to_o wish_v that_o god_n will_v afflict_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o he_o and_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o better_a to_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v without_o anxiousness_n or_o reluctancy_n whithersoever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lead_v natural_a life_n show_v itself_o by_o the_o act_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n when_o we_o no_o long_o live_v ourselves_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o for_o he_o that_o true_o forsake_v himself_o and_o transfer_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n to_o god_n live_v here_o as_o a_o new_a bear_v infant_n without_o choice_n or_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o have_v whole_o permit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a guidance_n he_o be_v free_a from_o himself_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o cross_a accident_n he_o look_v and_o rest_v upon_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o the_o world_n call_v nothing_o his_o own_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n he_o be_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o be_v do_v with_o and_o put_v to_o such_o use_n as_o the_o master_n shall_v please_v he_o be_v not_o curious_a and_o inquistive_a after_o divine_a secret_a counsel_n but_o he_o adore_v they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v always_o just_a and_o equitable_a and_o therefore_o in_o what_o matter_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o determine_v any_o thing_n he_o assent_v and_o yield_v and_o think_v it_o best_o 2._o he_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o liberty_n he_o choose_v god_n will_n and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o and_o whereas_o by_o natural_a corruption_n man_n have_v too_o much_o complacency_n in_o himself_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o best_a act_n of_o his_o will_n rather_o as_o his_o own_o than_o as_o good_a whence_o proceed_v many_o trouble_n he_o that_o have_v part_v with_o his_o own_o will_n to_o make_v it_o one_o with_o god_n suffer_v no_o grief_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o creature_n but_o always_o rejoice_v in_o his_o acquiescence_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n at_o best_a if_o natural_a affection_n can_v be_v quite_o subdue_v yet_o this_o prevail_v and_o the_o man_n easy_o overcome_v his_o sorrow_n and_o find_v in_o god_n peace_n and_o satisfaction_n none_o can_v resist_v the_o almighty_a he_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o and_o his_o will_n must_v absolute_o take_v place_n in_o all_o thing_n therefore_o better_a it_o be_v willing_o to_o follow_v than_o be_v drag_v better_a it_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o than_o to_o be_v force_v by_o it_o 3._o our_o content_n and_o tranquillity_n consist_v in_o our_o meek_a subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o even_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a and_o mischievous_a sin_n though_o we_o be_v serious_o to_o repent_v to_o chastise_v and_o afflict_v ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o give_v way_n to_o distract_n perturbation_n and_o a_o tedious_a and_o confuse_a spirit_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o frailty_n in_o our_o fall_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a grace_n when_o we_o rise_v up_o again_o and_o stand_v we_o must_v patient_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o beg_v for_o pardon_n and_o the_o return_n of_o his_o favour_n with_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o without_o impatience_n or_o amazement_n make_v it_o our_o diligent_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o life_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n under_o god_n seek_v and_o desire_v nothing_o but_o that_o his_o lord_n command_n may_v be_v fulfil_v he_o will_v always_o be_v dispose_v to_o say_v from_o his_o heart_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o do_v and_o suffer_v thy_o pleasure_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n mat._n 11.26_o will_v thou_o grant_v i_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n or_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o be_v poor_a and_o sickly_a and_o to_o live_v in_o mournful_a sadness_n and_o spiritual_a dryness_n thy_o will_n be_v do_v do_v with_o i_o what_o thou_o please_v for_o i_o be_o whole_o thou_o 4._o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n and_o indifferency_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o send_v will_v free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o anxious_a trouble_n and_o fear_n and_o from_o be_v cast_v down_o nay_o will_v make_v he_o undaunted_a always_o peaceable_a or_o always_o victorious_a in_o all_o adversity_n we_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o food_n and_o raiment_n how_o much_o more_o about_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o minister_v only_o to_o vanity_n we_o must_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o god_n and_o rest_v ourselves_o upon_o his_o gracious_a and_o almighty_a will_n for_o even_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v seek_v too_o anxious_o too_o much_o care_n and_o inquisitiveness_n after_o thing_n to_o come_v betray_v a_o timorous_a and_o unsettled_a mind_n not_o yet_o resign_v to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o self-love_n afraid_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n god_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o above_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o every_o man_n and_o he_o sweet_o and_o powerful_o dispose_v all_o thing_n take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o that_o man_n that_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o chap._n xxxii_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v rest_v upon_o god_n 1._o a_o man_n guide_v by_o the_o christian_a wisdom_n will_v not_o only_o as_o the_o gospel_n command_v leave_v all_o temporal_a thing_n to_o god_n disposal_n take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o also_o commit_v his_o soul_n and_o salvation_n to_o he_o who_o never_o fail_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o in_o conform_v his_o will_n to_o god_n will_v he_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n admire_v and_o reconcile_n together_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o yet_o not_o seek_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o deep_a abyss_n of_o god_n secret_a judgement_n and_o decree_n a_o bold_a presumption_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o wicked_a impenitent_n who_o desperate_a live_v make_v their_o soul_n desperate_a because_o they_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o return_n to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o
that_o no_o man_n without_o a_o special_a revelation_n can_v have_v a_o special_a assurance_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v as_o good_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o despair_n and_o to_o ground_v a_o holy_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n upon_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o devote_v to_o he_o in_o holy_a baptism_n and_o that_o god_n be_v our_o confidence_n and_o refuge_n always_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o forgive_v they_o that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n with_o tear_n and_o contrition_n and_o a_o serious_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o many_o more_o great_a and_o precious_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o all_o his_o providence_n be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o frustrate_v all_o his_o save_a method_n and_o purpose_n only_o he_o will_v have_v our_o election_n to_o be_v hide_v and_o secret_a that_o security_n may_v not_o breed_v in_o we_o pride_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 2._o now_o therefore_o because_o the_o choose_a be_v few_o let_v every_o true_a christian_a live_v a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o few_o that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o be_v count_v worthy_a at_o last_o to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n with_o the_o few_o straight_o be_v the_o way_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 7.13_o therefore_o we_o must_v walk_v in_o that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o always_o with_o care_n and_o fear_n even_o when_o we_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o most_o speed_n because_o no_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o perseverance_n yet_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v we_o faint_a but_o only_o to_o make_v we_o wary_a and_o make_v we_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o with_o a_o cheerful_a submission_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o both_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n if_o any_o one_o object_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o god_n will_v be_v affect_v towards_o he_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n promise_n be_v sincere_a and_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o they_o be_v general_o set_v forth_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o all_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n reveal_v will_n and_o moreover_o that_o his_o own_o will_n be_v much_o more_o uncertain_a so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a to_o trust_v god_n for_o god_n we_o be_v certain_a be_v infinite_o good_a he_o be_v extreme_o proud_a and_o unhappy_a withal_o that_o rely_v on_o himself_o more_o than_o upon_o god_n but_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o confide_v in_o that_o gracious_a lord_n who_o mercy_n and_o promise_n be_v sure_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o who_o whosoever_o trust_v be_v never_o confound_v chap._n xxxiii_o that_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o be_v and_o be_v call_v christian_n yet_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v godly_a as_o become_v christian_n for_o as_o god_n by_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o send_v his_o dear_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o so_o be_v we_o to_o love_n god_n most_o affectionate_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o strength_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n in_o this_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n love_v therefore_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n love_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n love_n be_v that_o fire_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n come_v to_o send_v in_o the_o earth_n luke_n 12.49_o which_o cost_v he_o much_o to_o kindle_v and_o which_o burn_v up_o man_n dross_n and_o impurity_n and_o can_v be_v put_v out_o but_o where_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v even_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o it_o be_v unite_v and_o life_n 2._o christ_n leave_v and_o appoint_v love_n as_o the_o mark_n whereby_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v know_v joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n now_o perfection_n be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v beg_v of_o god_n daily_o and_o devout_o that_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n he_o will_v kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o fire_n of_o a_o holy_a charity_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guide_v quicken_v and_o at_o last_o perfect_v neither_o yet_o must_v we_o lose_v heart_n if_o we_o sometime_o fall_v as_o if_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o rise_v quick_o and_o pray_v more_o fervent_o and_o afterward_o fight_v more_o courageous_o still_o pursue_v after_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o word_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o in_o hearty_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n manifest_v our_o love_n by_o daily_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o attain_v to_o new_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v most_o perfect_a and_o happy_a when_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v empty_a of_o himself_o and_o free_a from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n but_o purify_v and_o burn_a with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n chap._n xxxiv_o of_o the_o right_n place_v and_o order_v of_o love_n 1._o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o right_o value_v thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n and_o also_o love_v they_o proportionable_o for_o sin_n be_v due_o by_o wise_a man_n define_v to_o be_v a_o disorderly_a love_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o well_o place_v love_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o natural_a affection_n yet_o they_o all_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o place_v and_o govern_v as_o it_o shall_v the_o rest_n can_v be_v unruly_a it_o be_v virtue_n to_o love_v what_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v and_o wisdom_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o and_o constancy_n to_o pursue_v it_o through_o all_o danger_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o no_o enticement_n be_v temperance_n and_o to_o prefer_v nothing_o to_o it_o be_v justice_n and_o the_o order_n of_o love_n must_v follow_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v infinite_o more_o than_o any_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_o better_a more_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a we_o become_v good_a and_o pure_a by_o love_v he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o purity_n for_o our_o manner_n follow_v our_o affection_n we_o become_v either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o most_o love_n 2._o the_o true_a object_n of_o love_n be_v god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o who_o all_o love_n be_v due_a and_o from_o who_o it_o must_v pass_v to_o other_o creature_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o like_o he_o by_o this_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n because_o he_o be_v or_o that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o we_o must_v love_v ourselves_o in_o that_o we_o be_v or_o else_o that_o we_o may_v be_v holy_a take_v from_o god_n the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o our_o love_n may_v be_v regular_a and_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a let_v no_o man_n therefore_o love_v sin_n for_o thereby_o he_o hate_v and_o destroy_v his_o soul_n and_o let_v no_o man_n love_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o upon_o god_n account_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v be_v entire_o happy_a for_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v
and_o well-being_n have_v set_v these_o bound_n to_o our_o affection_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o love_n our_o understanding_n our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o that_o if_o we_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o that_o deserve_v all_o our_o love_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o master_n and_o disposer_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v therefore_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o what_o else_o we_o shall_v love_v it_o must_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o then_o we_o can_v love_v nor_o do_v amiss_o chap._n xxxv_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o measure_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n 1._o we_o can_v love_v god_n as_o we_o shall_v without_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n neither_o can_v we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n except_o we_o love_v god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v and_o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o the_o commandment_n make_v no_o exception_n though_o the_o man_n be_v poor_a though_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n nay_o though_o he_o be_v vicious_a and_o thy_o enemy_n yet_o he_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o thy_o brother_n and_o he_o must_v be_v love_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o love_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o his_o need_n and_o thy_o opportunity_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v hearty_a real_a and_o effective_a for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o we_o must_v not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o joh._n 3.18_o 2._o as_o christ_n love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o not_o that_o we_o deserve_v any_o love_n but_o because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o we_o in_o god_n to_o who_o he_o purchase_v we_o so_o must_v we_o love_v all_o man_n not_o for_o we_o or_o their_o sake_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n have_v no_o further_a regard_n to_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o than_o only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n true_a christian_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v together_o by_o love_n that_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o with_o joy_n find_v it_o in_o other_o and_o what_o one_o have_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n he_o willing_o impart_v it_o to_o all_o as_o by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o be_v unite_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o so_o by_o the_o mutual_a love_n of_o man_n of_o christian_n especial_o they_o become_v one_o among_o themselves_o so_o that_o what_o one_o have_v to_o himself_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o what_o one_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o have_v and_o enjoy_v in_o other_o thus_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o righteousness_n according_a as_o be_v the_o man_n charity_n in_o the_o beginning_n progress_n or_o perfection_n so_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o most_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n when_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v part_v with_o for_o love_n 3._o the_o modus_fw-la or_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v twofold_a positive_a and_o negative_a first_o to_o do_v to_o he_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o second_o and_o not_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o will_v he_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o every_o one_o therefore_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v must_v consider_v serious_o what_o he_o will_v other_o shall_v do_v or_o not_o do_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o desire_v other_o shall_v he_o patient_a towards_o he_o and_o bear_v with_o his_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o etc._n etc._n then_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v so_o to_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a indication_n of_o a_o perverse_a heart_n for_o a_o man_n in_o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o do_v that_o to_o another_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v sorry_a to_o suffer_v himself_o a_o good_a christian_n do_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o his_o view_n and_o correction_n to_o who_o all_o judgement_n be_v give_v he_o examine_v judge_v and_o punish_v himself_o and_o make_v self-reformation_n his_o serious_a and_o constant_a business_n whatever_o he_o see_v or_o hear_v his_o mind_n be_v undisturbed_a and_o abide_v in_o peace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a he_o praise_v god_n if_o evil_a he_o turn_v it_o to_o good_a by_o turn_v his_o mind_n from_o it_o towards_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o resignation_n 4._o if_o his_o office_n and_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o reprove_v and_o to_o correct_v other_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o zeal_n sweet_a and_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a to_o his_o brother_n infirmity_n for_o roughness_n and_o ungoverned_a passion_n can_v consist_v with_o charity_n if_o the_o ill_a action_n of_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o excuse_n he_o excuse_v they_o however_o he_o censure_v not_o know_v that_o nothing_o human_a be_v so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a but_o may_v be_v ill_o interpret_v and_o at_o the_o best_a may_v be_v some_o way_n defectuous_a enough_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o reprehension_n if_o carp_a man_n let_v loose_v their_o censorious_a humour_n whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v have_v some_o imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a against_o they_o be_v under_o pretence_n of_o preciseness_n to_o give_v way_n to_o peevish_a impatience_n or_o proud_a censoriousness_n he_o that_o be_v too_o busy_a to_o tax_v and_o judge_v other_o will_v never_o grow_v better_a himself_o chap._n xxxvi_o true_a friendship_n and_o the_o true_a office_n of_o it_o 1._o friendship_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o friend_n have_v common_a now_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_o good_a but_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o eternal_a true_a friendship_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o carnal_a friendship_n be_v soon_o dissolve_v because_o thing_n of_o sense_n can_v last_v nor_o always_o confine_v the_o spirit_n whereas_o spiritual_a friendship_n be_v never_o break_v for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v interrupt_v by_o little_a anger_n and_o contention_n yet_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n sweeten_v the_o harshness_n of_o they_o and_o keep_v the_o knot_n indissoluble_a as_o for_o that_o friendship_n which_o too_o much_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o any_o person_n and_o may_v be_v call_v dote_v it_o shall_v be_v stifle_v and_o avoid_v as_o be_v mischievous_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o token_n when_o the_o party_n belove_v be_v always_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o we_o can_v never_o be_v well_o without_o he_o when_o we_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n above_o all_o thing_n when_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v as_o in_o our_o centre_n and_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o all_o our_o action_n and_o most_o important_a concern_v and_o let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v pure_a innocent_a friendship_n without_o any_o self-interest_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o sensual_a it_o deprave_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o wisdom_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o friendship_n be_v never_o betwixt_o person_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a 2._o man_n of_o real_a worth_n be_v always_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o sweet_a deportment_n they_o be_v courteous_a to_o all_o but_o they_o be_v familiar_a to_o few_o and_o they_o flatter_v none_o in_o their_o conversation_n modesty_n discretion_n a_o exact_a justice_n and_o a_o unaffected_a severity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v they_o seek_v not_o to_o make_v a_o show_n outward_o their_o life_n be_v inward_a and_o secret_a they_o live_v to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o fair_o converse_v with_o man_n outward_o when_o it_o be_v fit_v but_o their_o heart_n cleave_v to_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v themselves_o with_o the_o silly_a impertinency_n or_o petty_a concern_v of_o the_o world_n their_o design_n and_o affection_n differ_v much_o from_o the_o vulgar_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v guide_v with_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