Selected quad for the lemma: love_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n good_a great_a will_n 4,822 5 5.8442 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52426 Practical discourses upon several divine subjects written by John Norris. Norris, John, 1657-1711. 1691 (1691) Wing N1257; ESTC R26881 131,759 372

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

to_o be_v always_o for_o to_o be_v always_o in_o duration_n be_v such_o a_o intrinsical_a denomination_n as_o spring_n from_o the_o great_a of_o all_o god_n natural_a perfection_n for_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o existence_n whereby_o he_o can_v but_o be_v which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o be_v as_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o not_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n but_o now_o to_o be_v every_o where_o seem_v rather_o a_o extrinsical_a denomination_n relate_v to_o somewhat_o without_o and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o direct_o contrary_a to_o not_o be_v but_o only_o to_o limit_v be_v and_o if_o we_o ascribe_v the_o great_a to_o god_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o the_o less_o take_v therefore_o the_o supposition_n for_o grant_v we_o may_v well_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o be_v every_o where_o essential_o present_a and_o consequent_o as_o a_o all-seeing_a and_o all-knowing_a be_v to_o who_o all_o heart_n be_v open_a and_o all_o desire_v know_v and_o from_o who_o no_o secret_n be_v hide_v and_o not_o only_o as_o a_o idle_a observer_n but_o as_o one_o that_o take_v such_o strict_a notice_n and_o cognizance_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o know_v as_o to_o treasure_n and_o seal_v it_o up_o against_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n and_o to_o punish_v or_o reward_v we_o according_o these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o several_a way_n of_o set_v god_n before_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reap_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n from_o it_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o represent_v the_o many_o and_o great_a advantage_n arise_v from_o each_o and_o what_o a_o excellent_a art_n and_o spiritual_a expedient_a it_o be_v for_o holy_a live_n thus_o to_o set_v god_n always_o before_o we_o and_o true_o the_o advantage_n be_v very_o great_a for_o as_o the_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n be_v the_o first_o and_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n 116._o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o so_o the_o actual_a consideration_n of_o he_o under_o these_o capacity_n be_v high_o conducive_a to_o the_o promotior_fw-la and_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o advantage_n that_o natural_o spring_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a good_a what_o can_v be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o high_a elevation_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o withal_o the_o most_o pregnant_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o virtuous_a disposition_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v like_o the_o flower_n or_o blossom_n of_o a_o plant_n which_o contain_v all_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o 22.38_o the_o great_a commandment_n but_o now_o what_o more_o effectual_a mean_n can_v there_o be_v next_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o he_o who_o be_v essential_a love_n and_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o shed_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 5._o abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n i_o say_v what_o more_o effectual_a mean_n can_v there_o be_v to_o kindle_v increase_n and_o keep_v alive_a in_o we_o this_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a fire_n than_o to_o set_v god_n always_o before_o we_o as_o the_o supreme_a good_a can_v a_o man_n consider_v any_o thing_n bare_o as_o good_a and_o not_o love_v it_o when_o love_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o good_a he_o may_v indeed_o not_o proceed_v to_o choose_v it_o because_o it_o may_v come_v into_o competition_n with_o a_o great_a which_o when_o it_o do_v not_o the_o good_a but_o the_o absence_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v as_o be_v the_o lesser_a evil_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o must_v still_o love_v it_o with_o a_o natural_a love_n as_o long_o as_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o in_o any_o degree_n good_a much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o man_n refuse_v to_o love_n god_n when_o he_o consider_v he_o not_o only_o as_o good_a but_o as_o the_o supreme_a good_n for_o here_o beside_o that_o natural_a inclination_n which_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o good_a as_o good_a there_o be_v this_o peculiar_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o competition_n with_o a_o great_a good_a and_o according_o that_o natural_a love_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o good_a must_v needs_o pass_v into_o act_n and_o effectual_a choice_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o love_n or_o inclination_n must_v needs_o be_v actual_a and_o effectual_a when_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o outweigh_v it_o as_o the_o least_o weight_n weigh_v down_o the_o scale_n where_o there_o be_v no_o contrary_a weight_n to_o counterbalance_n and_o over-rule_v it_o he_o therefore_o that_o set_v god_n always_o before_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o never_o think_v of_o he_o but_o under_o that_o notion_n must_v necessary_o and_o effectual_o love_v he_o as_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o sin_n as_o the_o great_a of_o all_o evil_n must_v necessary_o and_o effectual_o hate_v it_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_o charm_v and_o attractive_a in_o themselves_o and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o our_o serious_a and_o due_a attention_n to_o make_v they_o become_v so_o to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o apply_v our_o attention_n to_o they_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o love_n with_o they_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o seraphin_n burn_v and_o flame_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o angelical_a order_n but_o because_o they_o see_v more_o of_o the_o first_o and_o supreme_a beauty_n now_o as_o love_n depend_v upon_o vision_n in_o the_o other_o life_n so_o do_v it_o upon_o contemplation_n in_o this_o and_o consequent_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n most_o must_v necessary_o love_v he_o most_o contemplation_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a incentive_a of_o love_n wherever_o the_o object_n be_v true_o deserve_v of_o it_o as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v i_o say_v where_o the_o object_n be_v true_o deserve_v of_o our_o love_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o discover_v its_o vanity_n and_o so_o lessen_v its_o amiableness_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o cure_v our_o love_n to_o the_o world_n be_v thorough_o to_o consider_v it_o but_o in_o case_n the_o object_n be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a good_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o test_n of_o meditation_n and_o endure_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o handle_v on_o both_o side_n the_o proper_a way_n to_o beget_v and_o increase_v our_o love_n towards_o such_o a_o object_n as_o this_o be_v studious_o to_o contemplate_v it_o and_o then_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o our_o understanding_n will_v beget_v a_o warmth_n in_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n experience_v as_o well_o as_o reason_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o way_n to_o love_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o good_a and_o will_v bear_v a_o near_a inspection_n be_v to_o look_v much_o upon_o it_o and_o consider_v it_o thorough_o since_o even_o the_o most_o indifferent_a object_n by_o long_a stay_n and_o dwell_n upon_o they_o do_v by_o degree_n so_o gain_v upon_o our_o affliction_n that_o we_o come_v at_o last_o to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o fancy_n and_o a_o kindness_n for_o they_o and_o many_o have_v gaze_v and_o stare_v upon_o a_o ordinary_a face_n so_o long_o till_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a passion_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a beauty_n of_o the_o creature_n by_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a interview_n become_v at_o length_n so_o lovely_a and_o charm_a how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o continual_a meditation_n upon_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o creator_n kindle_v in_o we_o a_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o a_o delight_n in_o he_o the_o long_a certain_o we_o sit_v thus_o under_o his_o shadow_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v delight_v to_o do_v so_o and_o his_o fruit_n will_v be_v the_o 3._o more_o sweet_a to_o our_o taste_n and_o if_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o god_n have_v such_o influence_n upon_o our_o love_n of_o he_o how_o much_o strong_a will_n that_o influence_n be_v when_o we_o set_v he_o before_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n in_o a_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n have_v proceed_v so_o sar_n as_o to_o conclude_v he_o fair_a than_o the_o child_n of_o man_n as_o if_o wound_a to_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o ray_n
enlarge_n upon_o this_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o as_o ridiculous_a to_o go_v about_o to_o give_v light_n to_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o it_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v to_o make_v the_o least_o question_n of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n be_v much_o too_o absurd_a to_o be_v serious_o argue_v with_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o a_o good_a life_n which_o the_o psalmist_n here_o express_v by_o keep_v innocency_n and_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_o will_v certain_o bring_v a_o man_n this_o peace_n at_o the_o last_o and_o first_o it_o will_v bring_v he_o everlasting_a peace_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o establish_v a_o stand_n and_o never_o fail_a connexion_n between_o repentance_n and_o pardon_n it_o be_v the_o very_a purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n that_o now_o repentance_n may_v be_v unto_o life_n and_o according_o it_o be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o hope_n and_o probable_a expectation_n but_o it_o be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n indeed_o repentance_n be_v now_o no_o where_o in_o vain_a but_o among_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o with_o we_o too_o have_v not_o christ_n die_v and_o satisfy_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o upon_o that_o satisfaction_n erect_v a_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o law_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o repentance_n but_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v must_v die_v penitent_n or_o impenitent_a but_o it_o be_v the_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n that_o now_o if_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v with_o it_o and_o not_o without_o it_o for_o christ_n do_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n so_o far_o undertake_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o repent_v and_o live_v well_o but_o that_o we_o may_v repent_v to_o purpose_v he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o make_v our_o repentance_n unnecessary_a but_o only_o to_o render_v it_o useful_a and_o efficacious_a to_o the_o end_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n so_o that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o only_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o only_a possible_a mean_n to_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v second_o to_o bring_v we_o peace_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n nothing_o else_o can_v do_v it_o but_o this_o and_o this_o can_v and_o most_o certain_o will_v as_o a_o good_a life_n give_v we_o a_o firm_a title_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n so_o will_v it_o give_v we_o a_o good_a comfortable_a assurance_n of_o that_o title_n which_o be_v always_o a_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o reward_n of_o a_o life_n well_o spend_v a_o good_a man_n do_v his_o duty_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o he_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o great_a his_o present_a joy_n be_v very_o savoury_a and_o refresh_a but_o his_o after-comfort_n be_v much_o more_o so_o but_o of_o all_o the_o review_n of_o his_o life_n none_o yield_v he_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o that_o last_o general_n review_n which_o he_o take_v of_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v then_o he_o have_v most_o need_n of_o comfort_n than_o he_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o relish_v it_o and_o then_o he_o have_v most_o of_o it_o with_o what_o strange_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v he_o then_o reflect_v upon_o his_o past_a life_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o it_o those_o joy_n and_o consolation_n which_o before_o maintain_v a_o gentle_a course_n within_o their_o own_o channel_n now_o begin_v to_o swell_v above_o their_o bank_n and_o overflow_v the_o man._n a_o kind_n of_o heavenly_a light_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o shine_v forth_o into_o his_o face_n and_o his_o hope_n and_o his_o desire_n his_o thought_n and_o his_o affection_n his_o presage_n and_o his_o expectation_n his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n yea_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v full_a of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v wilful_o and_o deliberate_o want_v in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o have_v rather_o make_v this_o his_o exercise_n and_o constant_a concern_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n and_o as_o he_o recollect_n this_o with_o pleasure_n so_o he_o build_v upon_o it_o with_o confidence_n and_o according_o resign_v up_o his_o soul_n into_o his_o maker_n hand_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o that_o good_a god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v in_o his_o life_n will_v take_v care_n of_o he_o and_o reward_v he_o after_o death_n and_o for_o such_o a_o assurance_n as_o this_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o 119._o love_n thy_o law_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o 32._o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n 17._o and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o say_v the_o great_a apostle_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o 12._o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v 3.14_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n say_v saint_n john_n and_o again_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o 21._o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o controversy_n between_o the_o reform_a and_o the_o romish_a doctor_n concern_v this_o matter_n the_o latter_a general_o deny_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v or_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n now_o though_o it_o may_v and_o perhaps_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a faith_n nothing_o be_v the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n but_o for_o which_o we_o have_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v say_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n in_o particular_a but_o only_o of_o the_o general_a and_o conditional_a proposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o scripture_n with_o many_o other_o too_o numerous_a and_o obvious_a to_o allege_v that_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o past_a life_n may_v be_v so_o moral_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o irresolution_n about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o will_v deny_v this_o must_v oblige_v himself_o to_o maintain_v one_o of_o these_o two_o proposition_n either_o that_o a_o man_n can_v understand_v what_o condition_n be_v require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o a_o salvable_a state_n or_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o certainty_n judge_v of_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v qualify_v according_a to_o those_o condition_n the_o former_a of_o which_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a in_o necessary_a thing_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v redound_v too_o much_o to_o the_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o understanding_n since_o according_a to_o this_o proposition_n a_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n contrary_a to_o which_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v in_o that_o question_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n 11._o of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o strict_a certainty_n neither_o of_o science_n nor_o of_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o a_o moral_a and_o human_a assurance_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o the_o premise_n and_o therefore_o since_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n that_o which_o contain_v my_o own_o qualification_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o human_a and_o therefore_o fallible_a testimony_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assurance_n that_o rise_v from_o the_o whole_a can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o human_a or_o moral_a assurance_n but_o that_o be_v enough_o
conduct_n and_o course_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n and_o then_o as_o in_o music_n what_o be_v discord_n in_o particular_a and_o separately_z consider_v will_v be_v harmony_n upon_o the_o whole_a a_o far_o more_o excellent_a harmony_n to_o the_o intellect_n than_o the_o most_o curious_a and_o artful_a disposition_n of_o sound_n can_v be_v to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a we_o want_v light_n in_o this_o valley_n of_o darkness_n and_o night_n of_o ignorance_n to_o discern_v this_o harmony_n and_o beautiful_a conspiracy_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o discontent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o hereafter_o when_o our_o eyesight_n shall_v be_v clear_v and_o fortify_v to_o see_v our_o glorious_a maker_n as_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v then_o with_o the_o beauty_n of_o his_o face_n behold_v that_o of_o his_o providence_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o deep_a plot_n of_o this_o great_a and_o wonderful_a drama_n lay_v open_a and_o unravel_v and_o how_o even_o the_o most_o cloudy_a and_o doubtful_a state_n of_o thing_n wind_v up_o into_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n we_o shall_v see_v and_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o geometry_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o creation_n and_o that_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v so_o be_v they_o govern_v too_o in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o only_o patient_o and_o meek_o submit_v to_o but_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n and_o complacency_n of_o spirit_n rejoice_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n though_o be_v be_v in_o the_o damnation_n of_o our_o near_a friend_n and_o relative_n then_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o our_o wall_n into_o the_o divine_a god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o 10._o and_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o manifold_a and_o various_a wisdom_n though_o not_o full_o comprehend_v yet_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o understand_v as_o to_o be_v full_o justify_v by_o all_o his_o child_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o repose_v a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o divine_a dramatist_n and_o believe_v implicit_o that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o incomparable_a beauty_n in_o the_o whole_a scheme_n and_o system_n of_o this_o his_o great_a masterpiece_n though_o to_o we_o who_o sit_v in_o a_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o theatre_n some_o of_o its_o part_n seem_v obscure_a and_o perplex_v that_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n express_v it_o wisdom_n 1._o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o have_v pour_v she_o out_o upon_o all_o his_o 1.9_o work_n and_o be_v there_o now_o any_o room_n for_o such_o a_o passion_n as_o grief_n or_o discontent_n after_o such_o a_o consideration_n as_o this_o can_v a_o man_n act_v upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o be_v disturb_v at_o any_o accident_n to_o repine_v under_o any_o condition_n to_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o loss_n of_o any_o friend_n though_o another_o and_o a_o better_a self_n though_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v compendious_o sum_v up_o in_o he_o so_o as_o to_o lose_v all_o at_o a_o blow_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o serious_o consider_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v certain_o he_o that_o be_v trouble_v at_o any_o affliction_n may_v well_o be_v suspect_v of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o of_o forget_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o of_o charge_v he_o with_o maladministration_n he_o insinuate_v by_o his_o grief_n and_o discontent_n this_o much_o at_o least_o that_o he_o dislike_v the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o that_o if_o he_o be_v place_v at_o the_o helm_n he_o will_v steer_v its_o course_n after_o another_o method_n and_o do_v therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v remember_v of_o that_o which_o luther_n tell_v melancthon_n when_o trouble_v that_o the_o reformation_n do_v not_o move_v on_o so_o smooth_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o monendus_fw-la est_fw-la philippus_n desinat_fw-la esse_fw-la rector_n mundi_fw-la philip_n be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o he_o leave_v off_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o certain_o be_v we_o thorough_o satisfy_v of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o event_n be_v this_o persuasion_n deep_o fix_v in_o we_o and_o intimate_o present_a with_o we_o that_o all_o be_v for_o the_o best_a we_o shall_v see_v argument_n enough_o not_o only_o for_o patience_n and_o contentment_n but_o also_o for_o rejoice_v and_o give_v thanks_o in_o all_o dispensation_n we_o shall_v as_o seneca_n 96._o well_o express_v the_o temper_n of_o his_o wise_a man_n non_fw-la solum_fw-la deo_fw-la parere_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o assentiri_fw-la not_o only_o submit_v with_o resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n but_o approve_v and_o embrace_v it_o with_o full_a choice_n as_o our_o best_a lot_n and_o portion_n and_o say_v with_o another_o excellent_a stoic_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epictetus_n i_o will_v not_o only_o endure_v but_o plead_v for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o justify_v they_o to_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v not_o then_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n i_o become_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o it_o be_v thy_o do_v but_o proceed_v further_o and_o 39_o kiss_v the_o cross_n even_o while_o it_o oppress_v and_o gall_v our_o shoulder_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v our_o suffering_n after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o divine_a master_n who_o withdraw_v voluntary_o to_o the_o garden_n where_o he_o foreknow_v he_o shall_v be_v apprehend_v and_o there_o as_o free_o surrender_v himself_o when_o he_o may_v have_v escape_v we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o wish_v to_o have_v avoid_v any_o calamity_n and_o though_o we_o take_v never_o so_o much_o delight_n in_o our_o paradise_n yet_o after_o we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n walk_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o receive_v his_o sentence_n to_o depart_v we_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v a_o re-entrance_n though_o we_o can_v remove_v the_o fiery_a sentinel_n and_o prevail_v with_o the_o angry_a cherub_n to_o sheathe_v his_o sword_n but_o shall_v rather_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o severe_a mercy_n and_o say_v with_o the_o great_a example_n of_o patience_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n 21._o have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o remain_v yet_o one_o consideration_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o paternal_a relation_n of_o god_n he_o that_o give_v we_o the_o bitter_a cup_n beside_o the_o essential_a benignity_n of_o his_o nature_n have_v also_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v very_o tender_o affect_v towards_o we_o he_o love_v we_o when_o we_o be_v but_o a_o idea_n in_o his_o own_o understanding_n much_o more_o do_v he_o now_o when_o we_o have_v actual_o participate_v of_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o of_o his_o peculiar_a likeness_n too_o add_v to_o this_o that_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o father_n by_o infinite_a favour_n and_o kindness_n some_o of_o which_o border_n almost_o upon_o fondness_n and_o partiality_n in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o have_v raise_v envy_n in_o some_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o wonder_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o there_o be_v thing_n do_v for_o man_n which_o the_o angel_n have_v long_o contemplate_v and_o yet_o still_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o 12._o shall_v i_o not_o then_o drink_v the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n this_o my_o father_n have_v give_v i_o my_o father_n who_o be_v too_o full_a and_o perfect_a to_o need_v my_o misery_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o supreme_a dominion_n he_o may_v to_o great_a degree_n arbitrary_o afflict_v i_o who_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o mistake_v my_o true_a interest_n and_o too_o good_a for_o 8._o he_o be_v essential_a goodness_n and_o his_o very_a definition_n be_v love_n to_o prescribe_v i_o a_o draught_n which_o he_o know_v not_o to_o be_v wholesome_a for_o i_o who_o have_v give_v i_o all_o the_o good_a i_o enjoy_v and_o who_o have_v part_v with_o more_o for_o my_o sake_n than_o he_o can_v possible_o take_v from_o i_o in_o this_o world_n for_o he_o have_v give_v i_o his_o belove_a son_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n shall_v i_o then_o receive_v good_a so_o great_a a_o 10._o good_a at_o his_o hand_n and_o not_o receive_v evil_a shall_v i_o refuse_v the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n this_o my_o father_n have_v give_v i_o no_o may_v the_o consider_v sufferer_n say_v i_o will_v welcome_v the_o sharp_a arrow_n that_o come_v from_o his_o
his_o folly_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v that_o must_v necessary_o precede_v in_o his_o judgement_n before_o he_o do_v or_o can_v make_v such_o a_o choice_n all_o sin_n be_v found_v upon_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o choose_v evil_a as_o evil_a in_o general_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o imposfible_a to_o choose_v any_o particular_a kind_n of_o evil_a as_o evil_a and_o consequent_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o choose_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o such_o the_o devil_n himself_o as_o abstract_a a_o sinner_n as_o he_o be_v can_v love_v sin_n as_o sin_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v choose_v it_o must_v be_v choose_v under_o the_o appearance_n of_o good_a and_o it_o can_v have_v this_o appearrance_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o consider_v as_o a_o lesser_a evil_n for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o a_o evil_a may_v appear_v good_a or_o eligible_a and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v before_o it_o be_v choose_v he_o therefore_o that_o choose_v sin_n consider_v it_o at_o the_o instant_n of_o commission_n as_o a_o lesser_a evil_n and_o therein_o consist_v his_o error_n and_o mistake_n he_o be_v either_o habitual_o or_o actual_o ignorant_a he_o either_o have_v not_o the_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v preserve_v he_o in_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v not_o the_o actual_a consideration_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o must_v bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n beyond_o this_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v sin_n with_o the_o very_a same_o thought_n conviction_n and_o consideration_n about_o he_o as_o he_o have_v when_o he_o repent_v this_o i_o say_v be_v no_o more_o possible_a than_o for_o a_o balance_n to_o move_v two_o contrary_a way_n with_o the_o same_o weight_n and_o in_o the_o same_o posture_n he_o therefore_o that_o sin_n want_v that_o consideration_n at_o least_o to_o keep_v he_o in_o his_o duty_n which_o when_o he_o repent_v bring_v he_o to_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o ignorant_a and_o mistake_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o matter_n lie_v in_o this_o form_n of_o argument_n whoever_o think_v sin_n a_o lesser_a evil_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n but_o whoever_o commit_v sin_n do_v then_o think_v it_o a_o lesser_a evil_a therefore_o whoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n so_o great_a be_v the_o folly_n of_o sin_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o choice_n and_o to_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o the_o chooser_n and_o so_o great_a reason_n have_v every_o sinner_n to_o take_v up_o that_o confession_n of_o the_o psalmist_n so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o 73._o ignorant_a and_o even_o as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o charge_n where_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o place_v our_o happiness_n and_o content_a in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o that_o particular_a sort_n of_o earthly-mindedness_a which_o we_o call_v covetousness_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a folly_n to_o place_v our_o happiness_n in_o any_o create_v good_a even_o in_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o even_o in_o heaven_n that_o be_v create_v which_o can_v be_v our_o happiness_n not_o the_o discourse_n of_o angel_n not_o the_o love_n of_o seraphin_n not_o the_o music_n of_o alleluiahs_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n exclude_v all_o the_o creature_n even_o in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o in_o earth_n from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o happiness_n whont_n 73._o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o say_v he_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n therefore_o to_o make_v any_o create_v good_a our_o happiness_n even_o in_o the_o very_a region_n of_o blessedness_n but_o then_o to_o place_v it_o in_o any_o good_a that_o this_o world_n this_o sediment_n and_o sink_v of_o the_o creation_n can_v afford_v be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n as_o do_v not_o experience_n convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fool_n one_o will_v hardly_o think_v incident_a to_o a_o rational_a creature_n for_o it_o plain_o argue_v that_o we_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o strength_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o appetite_n which_o be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a or_o if_o we_o do_v know_v and_o consider_v all_o this_o of_o our_o self_n than_o we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o world_n about_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o circle_n of_o vanity_n to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o such_o hungry_a and_o capacious_a appetite_n so_o far_o indeed_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v we_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v give_v we_o entertainment_n and_o sweeten_v the_o otherwise_o insipid_a and_o to_o some_o very_a bitter_a draught_n of_o life_n the_o wise_a enquirer_n into_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n will_v hardly_o allow_v it_o so_o much_o as_o that_o but_o say_v of_o all_o here_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_a vanity_n but_o also_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a fortune_n meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n that_o can_v a_o little_a cool_a and_o allay_v the_o heat_n of_o our_o great_a thirst_n and_o refresh_v the_o drought_n of_o our_o spirit_n yet_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o our_o saviour_n who_o well_o understand_v the_o world_n though_o he_o enjoy_v but_o little_a of_o it_o that_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o this_o 13._o water_n shall_v thirst_v again_o and_o we_o all_o find_v by_o repeat_v experience_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v so_o consider_v the_o vast_a the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o the_o best_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o the_o largeness_n the_o immensity_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o capacity_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v neither_o make_v for_o they_o nor_o they_o for_o we_o and_o that_o here_o be_v neither_o our_o good_a nor_o our_o evil._n and_o what_o a_o folly_n then_o be_v it_o to_o place_v our_o happiness_n and_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o against_o the_o confession_n and_o experimental_a verdict_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n against_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o asseveration_n of_o god_n who_o make_v both_o the_o world_n and_o we_o and_o know_v the_o exact_a proportion_n that_o all_o his_o work_n have_v to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o a_o barn_n full_a of_o corn_n can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o hunger_n of_o a_o soul_n against_o the_o unite_a experience_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o since_o adam_n nay_o and_o against_o our_o own_o experience_n too_o which_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o if_o we_o but_o ask_v she_o that_o we_o never_o enjoy_v but_o be_v disappoint_v and_o find_v our_o soul_n empty_a when_o our_o arm_n be_v full_a nay_o and_o against_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o reason_n too_o which_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o what_o our_o experience_n confess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o so_o it_o ever_o will_n and_o must_v be_v so_o i_o say_v what_o a_o desperate_a incorrigible_a fool_n must_v he_o be_v who_o after_o all_o this_o will_v yet_o dream_v of_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n the_o short_a be_v there_o be_v no_o folly_n or_o disappointment_n like_o that_o of_o be_v mistake_v in_o one_o end_n and_o of_o all_o end_v none_o be_v so_o foolish_o mistake_v as_o our_o last_o end_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v more_o foolish_o mistake_v than_o when_o it_o be_v place_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o very_a great_a instance_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n and_o to_o he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o whatever_o he_o be_v for_o wit_n and_o part_n in_o other_o matter_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n god_n just_o may_v and_o will_v say_v thou_o fool._n and_o now_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o folly_n in_o centre_v in_o this_o world_n which_o consist_v of_o great_a variety_n of_o good_a and_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n
according_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o conviction_n have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o circle_n of_o this_o world_n for_o their_o happiness_n and_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o the_o supreme_a good_a for_o their_o end_n and_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o their_o choice_n be_v style_v child_n of_o light_n even_o these_o man_n be_v chargeable_a with_o this_o strange_a folly_n and_o it_o be_v here_o actual_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o substantial_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o weighty_a remark_n upon_o the_o politic_a stratagem_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v something_o imply_v and_o something_o direct_o assert_v it_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o make_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n their_o end_n and_o seek_v no_o further_o for_o their_o rest_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v imply_v again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n who_o look_v beyond_o this_o sphere_n of_o vanity_n and_o black_a vale_n of_o misery_n and_o propose_v to_o themselves_o the_o beatitude_n of_o another_o life_n as_o their_o true_a and_o last_o end_n and_o these_o our_o lord_n call_v child_n of_o light_n both_o from_o the_o object_n of_o their_o choice_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v frequent_o represent_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o symbol_n of_o light_n and_o from_o their_o wisdom_n in_o choose_v it_o it_o be_v imply_v again_o 3._o that_o the_o former_a of_o these_o notwithstanding_o the_o preference_n here_o give_v they_o do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n 4._o the_o thing_n direct_o assert_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v this_o that_o notwitstand_v their_o want_n of_o true_a wisdom_n that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o they_o be_v however_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o be_v that_o however_o they_o be_v befool_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o end_n yet_o they_o make_v more_o prudent_a provision_n for_o its_o attainment_n and_o security_n and_o prosecute_v it_o by_o more_o apt_a and_o agreeable_a mean_n and_o with_o great_a cunning_a and_o diligence_n than_o they_o who_o have_v choose_v a_o better_a do_v they_o and_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n though_o great_a fool_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o generation_n in_o their_o way_n and_o manner_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n these_o i_o shall_v make_v distinct_a subject_n of_o discourse_n to_o each_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o present_a order_n and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o this_o world_n who_o make_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n their_o end_n and_o seek_v no_o further_o for_o their_o rest_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v i_o confess_v strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o consider_v that_o the_o world_n be_v no_o proper_a boundary_a for_o the_o soul_n even_o in_o its_o natural_a capacity_n much_o less_o in_o its_o spiritual_a it_o be_v too_o cheap_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o good_a for_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n much_o more_o for_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o the_o commonness_n of_o the_o thing_n take_v off_o from_o the_o wonder_n it_o will_v seem_v no_o doubt_n as_o great_a a_o prodigy_n to_o see_v a_o man_n make_v the_o world_n his_o end_n as_o to_o see_v a_o stone_n hang_v in_o the_o air._n for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o for_o a_o man_n the_o weight_n of_o who_o nature_n press_v hard_a towards_o a_o stable_n and_o never_o fail_a centre_n to_o stop_v short_a in_o a_o fluid_fw-la and_o yield_a medium_fw-la and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o slender_a stay_v of_o vanity_n and_o lean_a upon_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o shadow_n i_o say_v why_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o equal_o strange_a and_o preternatural_a as_o a_o stone_n be_v hang_v in_o the_o air_n be_v not_o the_o air_n as_o proper_a a_o boundary_a for_o a_o stone_n as_o the_o world_n be_v for_o a_o soul_n and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o one_o as_o strange_a as_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n one_o will_v think_v it_o next_o to_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o think_v at_o all_o shall_v not_o consider_v frequent_o and_o thorough_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o all_o worldly_a good_a the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n the_o certainty_n of_o die_v and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o doubtful_a and_o momentous_a issue_n of_o eternity_n the_o terror_n of_o damnation_n and_o the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v and_o which_o can_v be_v utter_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n these_o be_v meditation_n so_o very_o obvious_a so_o almost_o unavoidable_a and_o that_o so_o block_n up_o a_o man_n way_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v so_o very_o important_a and_o concern_v that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o wonder_v how_o a_o man_n can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v consider_v and_o revolve_v these_o thing_n one_o will_v think_v it_o yet_o more_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v so_o vain_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o world_n his_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v think_v of_o building_n tabernacle_n of_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v a_o man_n put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o rational_a and_o think_v creature_n as_o man_n be_v shall_v be_v so_o far_o a_o child_n of_o this_o world_n as_o to_o make_v the_o good_a of_o it_o his_o end_n and_o seek_v no_o further_o for_o rest_n and_o happiness_n be_v a_o man_n i_o say_v to_o consider_v this_o only_a in_o notion_n and_o theory_n without_o have_v any_o recourse_n to_o observation_n and_o experience_n he_o will_v go_v nigh_o to_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o the_o negative_a and_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o choose_v at_o all_o shall_v choose_v so_o ill_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o hearty_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o and_o serious_o consider_v it_o but_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v dormant_a and_o unactive_a within_o they_o and_o so_o be_v as_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o or_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o through_o that_o end_n of_o the_o perspective_n which_o respresent_v it_o as_o a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o so_o be_v more_o vigorous_o draw_v by_o the_o near_o though_o lesser_a loadstone_n or_o whatever_o other_o cause_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o it_o we_o be_v too_o well_o assure_v from_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n man_n who_o go_v through_o the_o vale_n of_o misery_n use_v it_o not_o only_o as_o a_o well_o to_o refresh_v 6._o and_o allay_v but_o full_o to_o quench_v and_o satisfy_v their_o thirst_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n it_o it_o who_o mind_n 19_o and_o relish_v earthly_a thing_n who_o make_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n their_o last_o aim_n the_o sum_n total_a of_o their_o wisbes_n the_o upshot_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o expectation_n their_o end_n who_o love_v it_o as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n soul_n mind_n and_o strength_n who_o rest_n and_o lean_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a stress_n and_o full_a weight_n of_o their_o be_v who_o outdo_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o who_o very_a soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o dust._n for_o i_o demand_v be_v not_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n the_o great_a govern_v principle_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o statesman_n and_o the_o little_a under-crasts_a of_o the_o plebeian_n all_o put_v into_o motion_n by_o this_o spring_n and_o all_o guide_v and_o determine_v by_o this_o measure_n be_v not_o every_o thing_n almost_o reckon_v profitable_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o some_o temporal_a interest_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o very_a name_n interest_n be_v almost_o appropriate_v to_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o great_a bias_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o most_o of_o the_o noise_n and_o
rather_o suppose_v that_o if_o we_o can_v act_v by_o such_o a_o measure_n it_o will_v be_v a_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n take_v therefore_o the_o argument_n for_o grant_v i_o shall_v think_v myself_o further_o concern_v only_o to_o justify_v the_o vnder-proposition_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v real_o the_o most_o disinterest_v part_n of_o religion_n now_o that_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o that_o it_o respect_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n mere_o as_o they_o be_v pass_v it_o have_v indeed_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o whereas_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n respect_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o come_v this_o respect_v they_o as_o pass_v and_o consequent_o can_v have_v no_o eye_n upon_o future_a advantage_n he_o indeed_o that_o give_v thanks_o may_v but_o not_o as_o and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o give_v thanks_o it_o may_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o agent_n but_o not_o of_o the_o action_n for_o observe_v though_o to_o give_v thanks_o for_o blessing_n receive_v be_v real_o a_o mean_n to_o procure_v more_o as_o well_o as_o other_o religious_a act_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o other_o act_n be_v not_o only_a mean_n to_o blessing_n but_o may_v be_v use_v as_o such_o to_o that_o end_n without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n themselves_o but_o now_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n though_o it_o be_v real_o in_o itself_o as_o much_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o future_a blessing_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v use_v and_o intend_v to_o that_o purpose_n without_o so_o far_o undo_v the_o very_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o excellency_n of_o the_o action_n for_o if_o i_o give_v thanks_o mere_o to_o get_v more_o if_o that_o be_v my_o design_n this_o be_v not_o gratitude_n but_o only_o another_o way_n of_o beg_v and_o so_o my_o praise_v will_v indeed_o fall_v in_o and_o be_v confound_v with_o pray_v which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v distinct_a so_o that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o thanksgiving_n exclude_v all_o regard_n to_o self-interest_n and_o what_o some_o highflown_a theorist_n have_v assert_v of_o virtue_n in_o general_n that_o it_o lose_v its_o very_a be_v and_o perfection_n by_o be_v mercenary_a or_o do_v upon_o motive_n of_o interest_n be_v strict_o true_a of_o this_o particular_a virtue_n who_o very_a idea_n shut_v out_o all_o respect_n to_o self-advantage_n the_o short_a be_v this_o virtue_n of_o thankfulness_n though_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o goodness_n and_o beneficialness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v also_o suppose_a to_o be_v actual_o exercise_v upon_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o respect_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o interest_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o be_v rather_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o something_o excellent_a in_o god_n who_o perfection_n we_o adore_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o than_o a_o address_n to_o he_o for_o something_o of_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o its_o very_a idea_n exclude_v and_o can_v at_o all_o comport_v with_o but_o now_o this_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o the_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o pray_v it_o be_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o want_n our_o faith_n jean_n upon_o some_o future_a good_a and_o our_o hope_n be_v a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o it_o and_o even_o charity_n itself_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n have_v a_o mixture_n of_o self-regard_n in_o it_o i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n for_o it_o must_v be_v yield_v whatever_o some_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o love_n which_o may_v be_v disinteressed_n and_o pure_a from_o any_o selfish_a principle_n namely_o love_v of_o benevolence_n whereby_o we_o may_v wish_v well_o and_o do_v well_o to_o our_o neighbour_n pure_o for_o his_o good_a without_o project_v any_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o that_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v god_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o our_o benevolence_n but_o only_o of_o our_o desire_n for_o when_o we_o love_v god_n we_o do_v pretend_v to_o wish_v any_o good_a to_o he_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o all_o but_o only_o wish_v he_o as_o a_o good_a to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o desire_v he_o charity_n therefore_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n be_v the_o same_o with_o desire_n of_o he_o and_o all_o love_n of_o desire_n be_v found_v upon_o indigence_n and_o proceed_v from_o self-interest_n so_o inconsistent_a and_o unprincipled_a be_v the_o discourse_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o love_v god_n pure_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o absolute_a perfection_n without_o regard_v our_o own_o advantage_n therein_o we_o may_v indeed_o love_v our_o neighbour_n so_o but_o so_o we_o can_v love_v god_n for_o to_o love_n god_n be_v to_o desire_v he_o to_o desire_v he_o as_o our_o good_a and_o happiness_n and_o all_o love_n of_o desire_n proceed_v from_o want_n and_o end_n in_o fullness_n and_o if_o love_v itself_o must_v give_v the_o precedency_n to_o thanksgiving_n i_o suppose_v none_o of_o the_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n will_v offer_v at_o a_o competition_n with_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o our_o saviour_n 22.38_o call_v love_n the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o by_o love_n there_o be_v mean_v either_o love_n of_o benevolence_n or_o love_n of_o desire_n if_o love_n of_o benevolence_n that_o be_v no_o immediate_a act_n of_o religion_n god_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o love_v as_o be_v urge_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v allow_v this_o to_o be_v the_o principal_a commandment_n without_o any_o contradiction_n to_o the_o present_a discourse_n which_o proceed_v whole_o concern_v act_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o love_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v love_n of_o desire_n than_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n not_o because_o it_o excel_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a value_n but_o because_o it_o virtual_o contain_v and_o be_v productive_a of_o they_o all_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a or_o natural_o displease_v which_o he_o that_o true_o love_v that_o be_v desire_v god_n will_v refuse_v to_o do_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o another_o place_n love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v virtual_o and_o 10._o potential_o as_o it_o be_v a_o general_a mother_n virtue_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o special_a obedience_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n indeed_o love_n be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o action_n he_o that_o praise_v god_n honour_v he_o more_o and_o express_v himself_o more_o generous_o than_o he_o that_o love_v he_o for_o he_o that_o love_v god_n love_v he_o for_o his_o own_o good_a in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n but_o he_o that_o praise_n he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v so_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o self-end_n but_o mere_o because_o he_o think_v it_o just_a and_o equitable_a that_o a_o creature_n shall_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o creator_n which_o certain_o be_v the_o noble_a as_o well_o as_o the_o just_a thing_n a_o creature_n can_v do_v indeed_o love_n be_v the_o only_a divine_a or_o religious_a virtue_n that_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n vie_v with_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o according_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o of_o all_o the_o virtuous_a act_n and_o habit_n that_o be_v now_o requisite_a to_o quality_n a_o man_n for_o heaven_n none_o shall_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o it_o but_o only_o these_o two_o praise_n and_o love_n all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v super-annuated_n and_o cease_v as_o have_v no_o further_a occasion_n for_o their_o exercise_n these_o two_o only_o shall_v remain_v to_o be_v the_o entertainment_n of_o angel_n and_o angelical_a spirit_n to_o all_o eternity_n but_o though_o divine_a love_n be_v equal_a with_o praise_n as_o to_o this_o respect_n in_o point_n of_o permanence_n and_o duration_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o generosity_n it_o come_v far_o short_a of_o it_o for_o indeed_o to_o speak_v proper_o love_n be_v no_o further_o excellent_a than_o as_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o praise_n no_o further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v one_o way_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a perfection_n for_o what_o commendation_n be_v it_o for_o i_o to_o love_v what_o be_v my_o good_a and_o make_v for_o my_o
that_o special_a and_o excellent_a portion_n of_o it_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o according_a to_o the_o former_a sense_n then_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v to_o be_v perpetual_o mindful_a of_o our_o mortality_n and_o that_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o another_o world_n and_o must_v short_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o this_o to_o have_v a_o constant_a prospect_n into_o that_o other_o world_n which_o must_v be_v our_o last_o home_o and_o to_o be_v always_o look_v beyond_o the_o horizon_n of_o time_n to_o the_o long_a day_n of_o eternity_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n heaven_n hell_n death_n and_o judgement_n how_o great_a they_o be_v in_o their_o consequence_n how_o certain_a in_o the_o event_n and_o how_o near_o in_o their_o approach_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o all_o this_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v for_o our_o great_a and_o final_a change_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o according_a to_o the_o latter_a and_o strict_a sense_n then_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v frequent_o to_o contemplate_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n the_o first_o of_o being_n and_o the_o last_o of_o end_n and_o the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o communication_n of_o his_o blessedness_n to_o contemplate_v and_o have_v always_o in_o view_n that_o weight_n of_o glory_n that_o incorruptible_a crown_n with_o which_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 no_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v to_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n upon_o that_o happy_a time_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o moses_n wish_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o intimate_a and_o naked_a vision_n of_o that_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a excellence_n which_o be_v too_o great_a for_o our_o mortal_a faculty_n and_o which_o none_o can_v see_v and_o live_v when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o not_o in_o symbol_n and_o figure_n not_o in_o glory_n and_o sensible_a manifestation_n but_o open_o and_o clear_o real_o and_o as_o he_o be_v and_o from_o see_v 3.2_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o likeness_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n upon_o the_o delicious_a repast_n of_o anthem_n and_o alleluiah_n and_o that_o more_o ravish_a harmony_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o intellectual_a sympathy_n upon_o the_o elevate_a and_o raise_v perfection_n of_o a_o glorify_a soul_n the_o inlargement_n of_o its_o understanding_n and_o the_o sublimation_n of_o its_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o upon_o the_o angelical_a clarity_n and_o divine_a temper_n of_o our_o resurrection_n body_n in_o sum_n upon_o all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v and_o which_o even_o he_o that_o see_v they_o can_v not_o utter_v of_o the_o city_n 4._o of_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o infinite_a consolation_n of_o that_o joyful_a sentence_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n last_o to_o contemplate_v all_o this_o not_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o or_o as_o a_o uncertain_a reversion_n or_o imaginary_a utopia_n but_o as_o a_o state_n that_o will_v short_o and_o certain_o be_v and_o with_o that_o faith_n and_o assurance_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v to_o dwell_v converse_v and_o have_v our_o civil_a life_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v as_o if_o we_o be_v already_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n and_o actual_a member_n of_o that_o sacred_a policy_n and_o community_n this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o heavenly-mindedness_a which_o the_o great_a apostle_n who_o have_v personal_o converse_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o see_v there_o more_o than_o he_o can_v utter_v propose_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o for_o which_o he_o esteem_v himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o example_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o show_v second_o what_o a_o reasonable_a and_o become_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_a thus_o to_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v so_o let_v he_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o other_o life_n be_v the_o state_n we_o be_v chief_o intend_v for_o without_o respect_n to_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o considerable_a enough_o to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n that_o here_o we_o have_v no_o abide_v city_n no_o durable_a concern_n and_o consequent_o what_o a_o folly_n it_o be_v to_o let_v our_o thought_n dwell_v where_o we_o but_o sojourn_v ourselves_o that_o this_o present_a state_n both_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o shortness_n and_o other_o vanity_n be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n considerable_a than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o and_o a_o passage_n to_o the_o next_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a while_n for_o god_n to_o make_v it_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n and_o relation_n to_o something_o further_o that_o it_o be_v a_o short_a voyage_n and_o where_o the_o haven_n lie_v always_o in_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a short-sightedness_n imaginable_a not_o to_o see_v beyond_o so_o little_a a_o prospect_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o dotage_n to_o confine_v our_o care_n and_o affection_n on_o this_o side_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o state_n but_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v our_o great_a prudence_n to_o make_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v though_o it_o be_v more_o vain_a and_o contemptible_a than_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v our_o all_o it_o will_v then_o be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o have_v our_o conversation_n on_o earth_n as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o epicure_n proverb_n will_v then_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o any_o of_o solomon_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o dye_v but_o since_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o he_o who_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n and_o that_o our_o death_n be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o new_a and_o never_o to_o be_v end_v life_n this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v deserve_v and_o engross_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n our_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o concern_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n than_o a_o ghost_n be_v that_o only_o come_v to_o do_v a_o message_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o his_o errand_n be_v over_o vanishes_z and_o disappear_v or_o if_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n condescend_v to_o interest_n ourselves_o in_o the_o affair_n or_o lawful_a entertainment_n of_o this_o life_n methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v only_o transient_o and_o by_o the_o by_o as_o the_o hungry_a disciple_n pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n just_a to_o serve_v a_o present_a necessity_n or_o as_o the_o israelite_n eat_v the_o passover_n in_o haste_n with_o our_o loin_n gird_v our_o 12._o shoe_n on_o our_o foot_n and_o our_o staff_n in_o our_o hand_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o other_o state_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o proper_a state_n of_o man_n so_o heaven_n be_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a centre_n of_o our_o rest_n our_o home_n and_o native_a region_n that_o the_o joy_n there_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n can_v taste_v such_o as_o his_o understanding_n can_v at_o present_v conceive_v and_o such_o as_o it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v joy_n that_o be_v without_o example_n above_o experience_n and_o beyond_o imagination_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a creation_n want_v a_o comparison_n we_o a_o apprehension_n and_o even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o revelation_n that_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n which_o open_v to_o we_o a_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n yet_o he_o attempt_v not_o to_o give_v we_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n but_o think_v fit_v rather_o to_o cast_v that_o unexpressible_a scene_n of_o glory_n into_o a_o shade_n for_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o son_n of_o god_n go_v about_o to_o reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o we_o since_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o describe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v it_o as_o
the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o mean_v we_o from_o the_o other_o nay_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o so_o much_o support_v we_o under_o these_o evil_n as_o take_v they_o away_o and_o render_v they_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a for_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v death_n and_o a_o painful_a death_n he_o that_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n view_v the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v there_o and_o at_o once_o see_v that_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o point_n of_o a_o circle_n be_v with_o its_o circumference_n he_o contemplate_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o and_o so_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o pain_n too_o for_o a_o view_n of_o heaven_n will_v mitigate_v any_o cross_n upon_o earth_n and_o help_v we_o to_o encounter_v any_o affliction_n as_o st._n stephen_n do_v his_o martyrdom_n he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o steady_a man_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o 112.7_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a at_o any_o evil_a tiding_n but_o his_o heart_n stand_v fix_v in_o the_o lord_n much_o less_o will_v he_o for_o the_o dread_n of_o any_o persecution_n or_o worldly_a loss_n deny_v his_o religion_n or_o by_o a_o trim_n and_o hypocritical_a mode_n of_o behaviour_n court_v the_o favour_n of_o those_o in_o power_n or_o by_o any_o sinful_a compliance_n part_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n he_o see_v nothing_o so_o great_a or_o so_o terrible_a in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o fright_v he_o into_o any_o such_o unworthiness_n no_o they_o that_o do_v so_o have_v not_o their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a and_o for_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o self-denial_n deny_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o their_o understanding_n he_o that_o true_o converse_v in_o heaven_n see_v infinite_o more_o there_o than_o he_o can_v either_o get_v or_o lose_v here_o and_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o foolish_a exchange_n as_o to_o gain_v not_o the_o whole_a but_o a_o little_a of_o the_o world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n three_o this_o dispensation_n of_o life_n be_v the_o best_a preparatory_a for_o heaven_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v for_o beside_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o happiness_n make_v he_o that_o contemplate_v it_o despise_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o may_v here_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o he_o further_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o that_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o her_o best_a and_o last_o end_n that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a vision_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n who_o can_v be_v see_v by_o he_o that_o live_v much_o less_o by_o he_o that_o live_v ill_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o put_v he_o upon_o think_v that_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a not_o only_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n but_o also_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o be_v happy_a even_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o from_o this_o consideration_n he_o natural_o pass_v to_o fit_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o maker_n to_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o purge_v refine_v and_o spiritualise_v his_o nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o the_o refine_a joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o short_a be_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o must_v and_o will_v be_v consider_v by_o he_o that_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o happiness_n there_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o each_o of_o these_o have_v a_o particular_a influence_n for_o the_o prepare_v he_o for_o it_o the_o former_a will_v make_v he_o temptation-proof_n against_o any_o present_a good_a or_o evil_n that_o shall_v stand_v in_o his_o way_n to_o his_o great_a prize_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v contribute_v to_o form_n and_o fashion_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o mind_n into_o a_o likeness_n and_o affinity_n with_o the_o end_n which_o he_o propose_v but_o both_o together_o will_v so_o strong_o influence_n the_o man_n that_o he_o will_v become_v perfect_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dead_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o the_o luscious_a relish_v of_o the_o corporeal_a life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o god_n will_v be_v triumphant_o seat_v in_o he_o so_o that_o now_o he_o have_v but_o one_o only_a will_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o of_o his_o own_o but_o to_o annihilate_v himself_o that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o while_n like_o moses_n he_o converse_v with_o god_n on_o this_o holy_a mount_n his_o face_n shine_v with_o a_o divine_a glory_n and_o he_o be_v transfigure_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o he_o who_o his_o soul_n love_v four_o and_o last_o this_o be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o life_n that_o afford_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n to_o ascend_v the_o top_n of_o the_o mystical_a pisgah_n and_o thence_o to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o happy_a land_n to_o contemplate_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o bless_a spirit_n that_o enjoy_v he_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o that_o noble_a and_o bless_a communion_n of_o saint_n to_o contemplate_v the_o last_o and_o rich_a scene_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o go_v before_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v appearance_n shall_v be_v make_v plain_a and_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n to_o have_v our_o mind_n employ_v about_o the_o great_a and_o best_a thing_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o keep_v a_o constant_a communication_n with_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o sweet_a as_o well_o as_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o worthy_a entertainment_n on_o this_o side_n of_o it_o intellectual_a pleasure_n be_v certain_o great_a than_o sensual_a even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o great_a sensualist_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o this_o single_a instance_n in_o that_o man_n will_v abstain_v from_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n that_o they_o may_v not_o lose_v a_o good_a reputation_n which_o be_v a_o intellectual_a good_a and_o as_o intellectual_a pleasure_n be_v great_a than_o sensual_a so_o this_o be_v the_o great_a of_o those_o that_o be_v intellectual_a concern_v this_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v that_o be_v of_o wisdom_n that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o 17._o that_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n that_o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o that_o they_o who_o eat_v of_o she_o shall_v yet_o be_v hungry_a and_o they_o that_o drink_v of_o she_o shall_v yet_o be_v thirsty_a for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a inexhaustible_a well_o of_o pleasure_n a_o fathomless_a abyss_n of_o delight_n in_o this_o heavenly_a conversation_n which_o they_o only_a who_o have_v experiment_a it_o can_v conceive_v and_o which_o even_o they_o want_v power_n to_o describe_v this_o i_o know_v will_v be_v far_o from_o satisfy_v some_o voluptuary_n who_o be_v sink_v so_o low_a into_o the_o contrary_a life_n that_o of_o sense_n and_o carnality_n that_o they_o will_v think_v a_o man_n mad_a that_o shall_v either_o talk_v or_o live_v at_o this_o abstract_a rate_n but_o to_o these_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v first_o that_o their_o have_a no_o notion_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o dispensation_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v or_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o they_o be_v not_o during_o the_o quick_a sensibility_n and_o invigoration_n of_o the_o low_a life_n proper_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n any_o more_o than_o the_o sense_n itself_o be_v of_o a_o intellectual_a object_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v spiritual_o discern_v by_o a_o certain_a divine_a taste_n and_o sensation_n which_o be_v a_o faculty_n which_o these_o man_n want_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o shall_v commend_v to_o the_o sensualist_n be_v this_o that_o since_o he_o be_v too_o scrupulous_a and_o sceptical_a to_o take_v our_o word_n for_o it_o he_o will_v endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o degree_n at_o least_o of_o spiritual_a purification_n as_o to_o try_v the_o experiment_n that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o will_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a this_o heavenly_a conversation_n be_v and_o then_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_a if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v that_o all_o the_o madness_n lie_v on_o his_o side_n if_o
strong_a argument_n for_o it_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o and_o these_o do_v necessary_o infer_v it_o thus_o his_o omnipotence_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n render_v he_o abundant_o able_a to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o this_o great_a vessel_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n engage_v he_o to_o undertake_v the_o charge_n he_o that_o contemplate_v the_o former_a can_v no_o long_o question_n how_o do_v god_n know_v can_v be_v judge_n through_o 22.13_o the_o dark_a cloud_n nor_o he_o that_o contemplate_v the_o latter_a suspect_v that_o he_o purposely_o decline_v the_o office_n and_o walk_v idle_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n beside_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n will_v not_o appear_v so_o conspicuous_o if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n it_o be_v great_a to_o create_v but_o it_o be_v more_o to_o govern_v a_o world_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o artist_n be_v more_o see_v in_o well_o order_v and_o artful_o touch_v the_o string_n of_o a_o musical_a instrument_n than_o in_o the_o first_o make_v and_o frame_v of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n to_o consine_n it_o as_o some_o do_v to_o the_o supralunary_a region_n for_o the_o same_o argument_n that_o infer_v the_o be_v of_o providence_n in_o general_n conclude_v also_o for_o the_o universality_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o think_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o his_o creation_n for_o sure_o that_o which_o be_v not_o too_o mean_a to_o be_v create_v can_v be_v too_o mean_a to_o be_v govern_v and_o that_o the_o same_o love_a and_o harmonious_a spirit_n that_o first_o move_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o 1.2_o the_o water_n and_o range_v the_o most_o minute_n particle_n of_o matter_n into_o beauty_n and_o order_n do_v still_o run_v through_o the_o now_o organise_v mass_n and_o preside_v over_o and_o sweet_o direct_v not_o only_o the_o great_a but_o also_o the_o lesser_a motion_n of_o this_o his_o most_o exquisite_a machine_n for_o without_o this_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o universe_n will_v be_v very_o defective_a and_o its_o part_n disproportionate_a and_o ill-forted_n it_o be_v true_a beauty_n and_o order_n will_v dwell_v above_o but_o all_o will_v be_v chaos_n and_o confusion_n below_o and_o the_o earth_n will_v still_o be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a and_o thus_o the_o irregularity_n of_o the_o low_a world_n will_v cast_v a_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o untunableness_n of_o one_o or_o two_o instrument_n dis-recommends_a the_o whole_a musical_a consort_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o both_o world_n as_o the_o sun_n beautify_v and_o enlighten_v each_o hemisphere_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o divine_a comparison_n will_v hold_v god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o but_o though_o nothing_o be_v too_o small_a or_o inconsiderable_a for_o the_o comprehensive_a reach_n of_o the_o divine_a cognizance_n yet_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o he_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o proportion_n his_o providential_a care_n according_a to_o their_o different_a excellency_n now_o throughout_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n man_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o accomplish_a be_v and_o consequent_o the_o chief_a object_n the_o most_o peculiar_a charge_n of_o providence_n so_o peculiar_a that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o other_o sublunary_a thing_n carry_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o man_n so_o be_v their_o government_n too_o chief_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o interest_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o proportion_n we_o be_v warrant_v to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a interest_n in_o the_o care_n and_o superintendency_n of_o his_o creator_n who_o be_v make_v by_o a_o immediate_a pattern_n from_o himself_o and_o with_o his_o solemn_a counsel_n and_o deliberation_n nor_o be_v this_o ever_o wake_v and_o broad_a eye_n of_o divine_a providence_n open_v only_o on_o society_n and_o community_n of_o man_n and_o intent_n only_o upon_o the_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o also_o watch_v over_o the_o affair_n and_o concern_v of_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n be_v too_o little_a and_o despicable_a for_o the_o notice_n of_o providence_n however_o he_o may_v be_v overlook_v by_o his_o fellow-creature_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o of_o the_o guardian_n angel_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o persia_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o offend_v or_o despise_v even_o the_o mean_a of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v among_o the_o angel_n of_o special_a presence_n 18.10_o the_o courtier_n of_o heaven_n nay_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o same_o infallible_a oracle_n that_o even_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v all_o number_v so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mean_a of_o man_n but_o even_o the_o mean_a thing_n relate_v to_o they_o their_o most_o indifferent_a and_o insignificant_a concern_v be_v under_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o providence_n and_o if_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n be_v so_o very_o punctual_a and_o exact_a even_o to_o grain_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o most_o trifle_a and_o indifferent_a concern_v of_o man_n we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o our_o more_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a interest_n and_o since_o not_o only_o our_o present_n but_o future_a happiness_n depend_v much_o upon_o various_a juncture_n of_o circumstance_n and_o state_n of_o life_n we_o have_v consequent_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o these_o be_v more_o particular_o conduct_v by_o god_n providential_a hand_n and_o according_o that_o affliction_n come_v not_o 6._o forth_o of_o the_o dust_n neither_o do_v trouble_v spring_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n but_o be_v dispose_v and_o order_v by_o god_n and_o arrest_v we_o with_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o according_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o our_o church_n in_o her_o office_n for_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a pious_o order_v the_o minister_n to_o exhort_v the_o sick_a person_n after_o this_o form_n dear_o belove_v know_v this_o that_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o they_o pertain_v as_o youth_n strength_n health_n age_n weakness_n and_o sickness_n wherefore_o whatso_n ever_o your_o sickness_n be_v know_v you_o certain_o that_o it_o be_v god_n visitation_n etc._n etc._n as_o indeed_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o every_o other_o affliction_n be_v as_o well_o as_o sickness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o chastise_v as_o well_o as_o destroy_a angel_n and_o that_o all_o plague_n be_v from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o egypt_n that_o no_o calamity_n can_v either_o privy_o steal_v or_o violent_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o without_o the_o divine_a notice_n and_o particular_a permission_n but_o that_o every_o bitter_a draught_n which_o we_o take_v be_v weigh_v mingle_v and_o reach_v out_o to_o we_o by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cup_n which_o our_o father_n have_v give_v we_o our_o infinite_o wise_a good_a and_o compassionate_a father_n one_o who_o know_v to_o choose_v for_o we_o infinite_o better_o than_o we_o can_v for_o ourselves_o and_o who_o infinite_a goodness_n love_n and_o faithfulness_n give_v we_o all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o he_o will_v use_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o best_a interest_n and_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o his_o child_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o second_o general_a proposition_n that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o every_o dispensation_n with_o all_o patience_n meekness_n contentedness_n and_o resignation_n of_o spirit_n patience_n and_o resignation_n under_o all_o providential_a dispensation_n however_o difficult_a in_o the_o practic_n have_v yet_o perhaps_o more_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o in_o the_o theory_n than_o any_o one_o instance_n in_o all_o morality_n but_o i_o be_o oblige_v by_o the_o limit_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o confine_v my_o thought_n at_o present_a to_o such_o argument_n and_o consideration_n only_o as_o may_v be_v afford_v by_o the_o excellent_a nature_n attribute_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n alone_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n cheerful_o submit_v to_o the_o drink_n of_o his_o bitter_a potion_n because_o it_o be_v give_v he_o by_o his_o father_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n bas_fw-fr give_fw-mi i_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o pillar_n strong_a enough_o for_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n a_o sufficient_a argument_n
of_o his_o divine_a beauty_n he_o present_o add_v thy_o arrow_n be_v very_o 45._o sharp_a they_o be_v indeed_o lord_n jesus_n they_o be_v very_o sharp_a and_o keen_n like_o the_o sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n and_o how_o be_v it_o that_o we_o can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o sovereign_a beauty_n thou_o wound_v the_o seraphin_n and_o cherubin_n and_o all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n with_o the_o arrow_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o they_o burn_v at_o the_o ray_n of_o thy_o divine_a light_n and_o glory_n who_o have_v they_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v there_o on_o earth_n that_o they_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o but_o we_o who_o be_v every_o day_n vanquish_v and_o lead_v in_o triumph_n by_o mean_a beauty_n stand_v yet_o proof_n against_o thy_o divine_a charm_n and_o feel_v none_o of_o the_o impression_n of_o thy_o love_n but_o it_o be_v our_o blindness_n that_o be_v our_o defence_n and_o our_o unattention_n be_v the_o shield_n that_o repel_v thy_o dart_n we_o do_v not_o contemplate_v thou_o as_o thy_o angel_n do_v nor_o as_o we_o ourselves_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o this_o sensible_a world_n oh_o do_v thou_o then_o open_a and_o six_o our_o eye_n upon_o thou_o and_o they_o will_v soon_o receive_v in_o thy_o divine_a ray_n engage_v but_o our_o mind_n to_o contemplate_v thou_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v but_o love_v thou_o nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a advantage_n of_o set_v god_n before_o we_o as_o the_o supreme_a good_a for_o as_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o excellent_a use_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n so_o do_v it_o also_o second_o contribute_v both_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o world_n vanity_n and_o to_o support_v we_o under_o that_o conviction_n he_o that_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o vanity_n of_o create_v good_a have_v need_v present_a god_n to_o his_o thought_n as_o the_o supreme_a good_a that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o be_v have_v need_n meditate_v upon_o god_n under_o the_o same_o notion_n that_o he_o may_v have_v wherewithal_o to_o support_v his_o mind_n under_o such_o a_o conviction_n and_o this_o way_n of_o set_v god_n before_o we_o be_v a_o very_a effectual_a mean_n to_o do_v both_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n never_o appear_v with_o that_o advantage_n of_o clearness_n and_o conviction_n as_o when_o we_o contemplate_v the_o fullness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o creator_n which_o present_o weaken_v and_o put_v out_o all_o the_o luster_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v that_o of_o a_o candle_n mere_o by_o outshine_v it_o and_o when_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o contemplation_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o conviction_n the_o same_o will_v also_o serve_v to_o support_v he_o under_o it_o it_o be_v suppose_v here_o that_o the_o man_n will_v then_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o some_o support_n or_o other_o and_o that_o very_o just_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o her_o own_o end_n and_o good_a must_v needs_o rely_v on_o something_o without_o for_o her_o happiness_n and_o as_o long_o as_o she_o think_v that_o this_o may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o creature_n she_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v and_o at_o ease_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v she_o awaken_v out_o of_o this_o please_a dream_n into_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n vanity_n but_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o hold_v have_v nothing_o to_o enjoy_v nothing_o to_o rest_n upon_o and_o what_o a_o barren_a disconsolate_a condition_n must_v she_o be_v then_o in_o unless_o she_o have_v some_o other_o refuge_n to_o retreat_n to_o for_o her_o support_n and_o what_o other_o support_n can_v there_o or_o need_v there_o be_v but_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a fullness_n and_o greatness_n which_o will_v make_v abundant_a supply_n for_o all_o the_o deficiency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n be_v it_o infinite_o more_o vain_a than_o it_o be_v and_o so_o relieve_v that_o conviction_n which_o it_o have_v occasion_v but_o three_o this_o be_v also_o a_o general_a remedy_n against_o all_o other_o trouble_v and_o sadness_n as_o well_o as_o against_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n vanity_n the_o best_a consolation_n of_o a_o afflict_a mind_n be_v to_o think_v upon_o god_n this_o will_v cheer_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n when_o rational_a discourse_n and_o wise_a sentence_n be_v apply_v in_o vain_a for_o if_o your_o sorrow_n proceed_v from_o fear_n what_o more_o proper_a relief_n than_o to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n if_o from_o love_n or_o desire_n what_o better_a allay_n can_v be_v find_v than_o to_o contemplate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v our_o most_o crave_v appetite_n if_o from_o distrust_n or_o despair_n what_o can_v we_o do_v better_a than_o meditate_v upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o love_v whatever_o he_o have_v make_v know_v our_o frame_n and_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n if_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ill_a state_n of_o mankind_n either_o as_o to_o sin_n or_o misery_n how_o can_v we_o satisfy_v ourselves_o better_a than_o by_o meditare_v upon_o the_o excellent_a order_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o govern_v the_o world_n in_o a_o way_n become_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n sweet_o and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o all_o other_o instance_n whatever_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o trouble_n and_o sadness_n no_o consolation_n like_o meditate_v upon_o god_n and_o set_v he_o before_o we_o it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o think_v upon_o he_o at_o large_a but_o more_o especial_o if_o we_o contemplate_v he_o as_o the_o supreme_a good_n this_o be_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o direct_a remedy_n against_o all_o sorrow_n for_o good_a be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o evil_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a will_v counterpoise_v the_o sense_n of_o evil_a if_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a good_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a it_o will_v overcome_v and_o swalit_fw-la up_o nay_o and_o leave_v some_o dgree_n of_o pure_a happiness_n behind_o so_o that_o the_o man_n shall_v rather_o enjoy_v than_o suffer_v but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o represent_v god_n to_o his_o thought_n as_o the_o supreme_a good_a as_o his_o proper_a end_n and_o happiness_n without_o a_o strong_a sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n he_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n taste_v and_o seel_v that_o good_a which_o he_o contemplate_v and_o even_o this_o obscure_a vision_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n beatisick_n and_o what_o grief_n or_o sadness_n of_o mind_n than_o be_v there_o which_o this_o strong_a sense_n and_o taste_v of_o god_n will_v not_o overcome_v and_o which_o will_v not_o be_v quite_o dissolve_v swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a upon_o which_o consideration_n well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n say_v when_o i_o be_o in_o heaviness_n i_o will_v 77.3_o think_v upon_o god_n he_o may_v have_v think_v upon_o his_o royal_a greatness_n and_o the_o pomp_n and_o magnificence_n of_o his_o court_n or_o upon_o his_o riches_n or_o upon_o his_o friend_n or_o upon_o his_o victory_n and_o triumph_n or_o if_o none_o of_o these_o will_v do_v he_o may_v have_v take_v his_o harp_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v drive_v away_o the_o evil_a spirit_n of_o melancholy_n by_o music_n from_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v before_o from_o saul_n but_o he_o have_v a_o better_a expedient_a than_o all_o this_o when_o i_o be_o in_o heaviness_n i_o will_v think_v upon_o god_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o for_o shall_v we_o not_o also_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n despise_v and_o disrelish_v all_o those_o vain_a pleasure_n which_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v above_o the_o temptation_n of_o either_o honour_n pleasure_n or_o profit_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v secure_a from_o that_o foolish_a exchange_n which_o those_o that_o pass_v for_o the_o wise_a among_o we_o frequent_o make_v i_o mean_v that_o of_o gain_v the_o world_n and_o lose_v on_o his_o own_a soul_n last_o shall_v we_o not_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o supreme_a good_a and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a yes_o we_o shall_v the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v easy_o constrain_v we_o to_o all_o this_o and_o the_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o
interest_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o by_o love_v i_o acknowledge_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o excellency_n and_o amiableness_n of_o the_o object_n belove_v that_o therefore_o which_o be_v excellent_a in_o love_n be_v not_o my_o covet_v the_o divine_a good_a which_o i_o do_v pure_o for_o my_o own_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n but_o my_o bear_a witness_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o even_o here_o praise_n will_v have_v the_o preeminence_n because_o this_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a perfection_n direct_o and_o express_o which_o the_o other_o do_v only_o implicit_o and_o by_o consequence_n so_o that_o in_o every_o respect_n praise_v and_o thanksgiving_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o glorification_n of_o god_n which_o sufficient_o establish_v the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o that_o the_o most_o principal_a and_o most_o acceptable_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o here_o before_o i_o go_v any_o further_a give_v i_o leave_v by_o the_o way_n first_o to_o deplore_v the_o general_a defect_n of_o our_o common_a ●o●●t-devotions_n second_o to_o commend_v the_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o our_o public_a liturgy_n as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o consider_v that_o so_o divine_a and_o so_o angelical_a a_o service_n as_o that_o of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v so_o high_o prefer_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o which_o the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n be_v so_o very_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a for_o the_o burden_n of_o who_o devotion_n lie_v in_o anthem_n and_o alleluiah_n shall_v be_v so_o neglect_v and_o so_o little_o regard_v as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o employment_n and_o business_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o value_v upon_o earth_n and_o what_o the_o angel_n esteem_v so_o divine_a a_o service_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a share_n in_o the_o devotion_n of_o men._n there_o be_v but_o few_o even_n of_o the_o devout_a sort_n that_o be_v due_o sensible_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o praise_n and_o those_o that_o have_v a_o considerable_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v general_o very_o backward_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o very_o cold_a in_o the_o performance_n our_o necessity_n often_o call_v we_o to_o our_o prayer_n and_o supply_v we_o with_o devotion_n in_o they_o but_o as_o for_o praise_n it_o seem_v a_o dead_a and_o heartless_a service_n and_o we_o care_v not_o how_o seldom_o or_o how_o indifferent_o it_o be_v perform_v which_o common_a backwardness_n of_o we_o the_o scripture_n also_o suppose_v by_o its_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o this_o duty_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o her_o great_a commendation_n be_v it_o speak_v proceed_v by_o another_o measure_n in_o her_o devotion_n enjoin_v praise_n as_o large_o and_o as_o frequent_o as_o prayer_n she_o have_v take_v her_o copy_n from_o the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o as_o hosannah_n and_o alleluiah_n prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n divide_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n so_o do_v they_o her_o liturgy_n which_o be_v a_o service_n of_o praise_n as_o well_o as_o of_o prayer_n this_o the_o church_n admonish_v we_o of_o in_o the_o very_a preface_n and_o entrance_n of_o her_o excellent_a service_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o to_o render_v thanks_o for_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o most_o worthy_a praise_n then_o the_o priest_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n to_o which_o the_o people_n the_o lord_n name_n be_v praise_v and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o all_o our_o hymn_n as_o the_o venite_fw-la o_o come_v let_v we_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o that_o noble_a hymn_n call_v the_o te_fw-la deum_fw-la we_o praise_v thou_o o_o god_n we_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n thus_o again_o in_o the_o benedictus_fw-la bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o bless_v god_n for_o the._n redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n which_o also_o we_o do_v in_o the_o jubilate_n and_o in_o the_o bless_a virgin_n magnificat_fw-la my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n so_o again_o in_o the_o cantate_fw-la domino_fw-la and_o the_o nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la and_o deus_fw-la misereatur_fw-la let_v the_o people_n praise_v thou_o o_o god_n let_v all_o the_o people_n praise_v thou_o beside_o the_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la and_o many_o particular_a office_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o whole_a psalter_n of_o david_n which_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n service_n so_o true_o sensible_a be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o excellent_a mother_n both_o of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o praise_n and_o of_o the_o general_a back_o wardness_n and_o coldness_n of_o man_n in_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o but_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v chief_o concern_v to_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o these_o in_o general_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o our_o grand_a interest_n in_o another_o world_n for_o the_o same_o general_a order_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v both_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o our_o praise_n and_o as_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o pray_v for_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o it_o be_v for_o they_o that_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o return_v thanks_o more_o particular_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o thank_v god_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o excellent_a church_n direct_v we_o for_o his_o inestimable_a love_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o among_o these_o mean_n of_o grace_n i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o last_o place_n concern_v to_o thank_v he_o for_o dispose_v we_o in_o such_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o life_n as_o be_v advantageous_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a how_o much_o the_o diversity_n of_o these_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n well_o or_o ill_o how_o many_o person_n of_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o great_a attainment_n and_o of_o great_a hope_n have_v we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o spoil_v and_o ruin_v mere_o by_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n as_o we_o have_v it_o record_v of_o the_o young_a disciple_n of_o st._n john_n in_o ecclesiastic_a story_n and_o so_o again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o many_o person_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o more_o vicious_a life_n have_v be_v divert_v out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o destruction_n mere_o by_o some_o accidental_a occurrence_n some_o little_a providential_a hit_v that_o happen_v to_o cross_v their_o way_n there_o be_v a_o ingenious_a gentleman_n of_o considerable_a character_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o learned_a world_n who_o make_v that_o grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o conduct_n man_n to_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o a_o happy_a train_n or_o disposition_n of_o external_a circumstance_n and_o occurrence_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n fall_v into_o some_o very_a sharp_a affliction_n which_o work_v he_o into_o a_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o mind_n while_o he_o be_v under_o this_o sensible_a and_o pliant_a disposition_n he_o happen_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o good_a book_n which_o strike_v upon_o the_o same_o string_n of_o his_o soul_n after_o this_o he_o light_v into_o good_a company_n where_o the_o former_a disposition_n receive_v a_o new_a and_o further_a improvement_n and_o so_o on_o in_o a_o train_n of_o accident_n the_o latter_a still_o renew_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o former_a till_o at_o length_n the_o man_n be_v perfect_o bring_v over_o to_o a_o new_a order_n and_o habit_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o life_n now_o though_o for_o several_a weighty_a reason_n too_o many_o to_o be_v here_o allege_v i_o can_v be_v of_o this_o gentleman_n mind_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v the_o divine_a grace_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v within_o we_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o course_n of_o well-laid_a circumstance_n yet_o i_o may_v and_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o i_o think_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o life_n have_v a_o very_a great_a stroke_n upon_o the_o moral_a conduct_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o success_n of_o inward_a grace_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o outward_a occurrence_n for_o not_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o education_n upon_o which_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o future_a life_n do_v general_o as_o much_o depend_v as_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o boul_a do_v upon_o its_o delivery_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n it_o be_v common_a and_o easy_a to_o observe_v that_o some_o man_n be_v