engage_v in_o such_o unhappy_a circumstance_n as_o do_v almost_o necessitate_v they_o to_o be_v vicious_a while_o other_o again_o be_v so_o advantageous_o place_v as_o if_o god_n have_v lay_v a_o plot_n for_o their_o salvation_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o unequal_a dispensation_n it_o be_v neither_o easy_a nor_o at_o present_a necessary_a to_o account_v for_o and_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v put_v it_o among_o those_o difficulty_n who_o solution_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o come_v of_o elias_n as_o the_o jew_n love_v to_o speak_v of_o all_o desperate_a problem_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n however_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o multitude_n by_o such_o advantageous_a circumstance_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o make_v the_o work_n of_o their_o salvation_n so_o easy_a and_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o so_o secure_a for_o thus_o dispose_v they_o and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n for_o eternal_a life_n for_o however_o the_o glory_n of_o do_v well_o be_v enhance_v by_o circumstance_n of_o disadvantage_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n that_o she_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v yet_o of_o 2.13_o such_o vast_a moment_n be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o a_o wise_a consider_v man_n will_v prefer_v such_o circumstance_n as_o add_v rather_o to_o the_o security_n than_o to_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o crown_n it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o stake_n to_o be_v hazard_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o great_a excellence_n whether_o of_o virtue_n or_o of_o reward_n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o life_n of_o temptation_n may_v possible_o serve_v to_o that_o yet_o our_o saviour_n in_o consideration_n of_o our_o state_n and_o danger_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o deprecate_v such_o circumstance_n of_o life_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v we_o be_v concern_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o further_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o our_o saviour_n can_v intend_v no_o less_o by_o his_o lead_n we_o not_o into_o temptation_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o such_o circumstance_n of_o live_v as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v no_o hindrance_n but_o a_o advantage_n and_o furtherance_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o then_o also_o to_o give_v thanks_o for_o they_o we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o contribute_v never_o so_o little_a to_o so_o great_a a_o end_n much_o more_o for_o dispose_v we_o in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o way_n of_o life_n where_o we_o have_v few_o temptation_n but_o to_o do_v well_o and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v under_o a_o course_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o my_o brethren_n i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o much_o your_o case_n and_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o your_o life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v for_o not_o to_o mention_v your_o grand_a though_o common_a privilege_n of_o christianity_n which_o divide_v you_o from_o above_o half_a the_o world_n and_o your_o more_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o be_v member_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o that_o too_o the_o best_a of_o those_o which_o be_v reform_v where_o there_o be_v such_o excellent_a provision_n make_v for_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n where_o you_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o christian_a religion_n but_o those_o also_o most_o excellent_o order_v and_o dispose_v according_a to_o the_o best_a measure_n of_o human_a wisdom_n particular_o where_o you_o have_v such_o a_o excellent_a liturgy_n so_o wise_o and_o so_o divine_o compose_v as_o may_v be_v use_v even_o by_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o pray_v there_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o what_o be_v more_o personal_a and_o peculiar_a and_o brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o advantagiousness_n of_o your_o present_a circumstance_n upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o you_o here_o enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o serve_a god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n second_o that_o you_o here_o enjoy_v also_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o fit_v and_o qualify_a yourselves_o to_o serve_v both_o he_o and_o the_o public_a in_o a_o active_a life_n whenever_o you_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o first_o as_o to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n this_o be_v immediate_o and_o proper_o a_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n and_o absolute_o consider_v be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o any_o this_o the_o schoolman_n and_o mystical_a divine_v common_o represent_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o martha_n and_o mary_n the_o former_a of_o which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o active_a life_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o a_o contemplative_a and_o whereas_o mary_n be_v say_v to_o have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n this_o they_o think_v a_o warrant_n to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o a_o contemplative_a life_n whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o i_o think_v the_o preference_n itself_o be_v just_a and_o that_o a_o contemplative_a life_n absolute_o consider_v have_v the_o great_a perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v great_a excellency_n in_o a_o active_a life_n yet_o it_o be_v mere_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o present_a exigence_n and_o though_o the_o habit_n of_o charity_n shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n remain_v 13.8_o for_o ever_o yet_o these_o present_a instance_n and_o express_v of_o it_o be_v calculate_v pure_o for_o this_o life_n and_o shall_v utter_o cease_v in_o the_o next_o but_o now_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v to_o last_v for_o ever_o and_o to_o be_v the_o entertainment_n of_o that_o state_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a excellence_n where_o all_o that_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o this_o be_v that_o life_n which_o your_o present_a circumstance_n both_o invite_v you_o to_o and_o further_o you_o in_o here_o your_o thought_n be_v your_o own_o and_o so_o be_v your_o time_n too_o wherein_o to_o employ_v they_o here_o you_o live_v a_o life_n free_a and_o disengaged_n from_o all_o worldly_a encumbrance_n and_o secular_a avocation_n and_o blessed_v with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n for_o a_o contemplative_a and_o affectionate_a religion_n here_o you_o have_v solitude_n retirement_n and_o leisure_n and_o so_o may_v serve_v god_n without_o distraction_n and_o without_o disturbance_n and_o you_o can_v hardly_o well_o imagine_v till_o you_o have_v try_v it_o of_o how_o great_a advantage_n this_o last_o thing_n be_v to_o a_o devotional_a life_n he_o that_o have_v little_a business_n shall_v be_v wise_a say_v he_o that_o be_v so_o i_o may_v add_v and_o shall_v be_v good_a too_o leisure_n be_v a_o great_a friend_n to_o meditation_n and_o that_o to_o religion_n but_o business_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o both_o for_o believe_v i_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n in_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o extra-ordinary_a religion_n it_o be_v well_o if_o such_o a_o one_o can_v mind_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o common_a life_n but_o this_o be_v not_o your_o case_n you_o have_v time_n and_o you_o have_v leisure_n in_o abundance_n you_o have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o trim_v your_o lamp_n to_o adorn_v your_o interior_a and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o short_a your_o very_a profession_n be_v to_o be_v religious_a you_o live_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o order_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v due_o observe_v where_o you_o have_v state_v hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o public_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o time_n be_v one_o continue_a opportunity_n of_o serve_v he_o in_o private_a so_o that_o you_o may_v be_v say_v consider_v the_o advantagiousness_n of_o your_o circumstance_n to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a emphasis_n of_o the_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o stand_v in_o order_n 13.48_o and_o right_o dispose_v for_o heaven_n and_o your_o whole_a life_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o you_o here_o enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o serve_a god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n so_o second_o you_o have_v here_o also_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o fit_v yourselves_o to_o serve_v both_o he_o and_o the_o public_a in_o a_o active_a life_n whenever_o you_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o what_o make_v
bustle_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o the_o world_n itself_o who_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o great_a figure_n in_o it_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n all_o set_v and_o intent_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o lie_v themselves_o out_o whole_o upon_o it_o and_o that_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o grow_v into_o the_o soil_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o to_o have_v their_o head_n and_o heart_n fasten_v to_o the_o ground_n with_o as_o many_o cord_n and_o fibre_n as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v stake_v down_o and_o nail_v fast_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o can_v no_o more_o be_v move_v from_o it_o than_o the_o earth_n itself_o can_v from_o its_o centre_n in_o one_o word_n man_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v without_o censure_n that_o the_o world_n be_v their_o god_n and_o its_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n their_o trinity_n nor_o be_v this_o matter_n of_o practice_n only_o but_o of_o opinion_n too_o for_o we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o among_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o have_v express_o teach_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n the_o totum_fw-la hominis_fw-la lie_v in_o the_o good_a of_o the_o animal_n life_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o grosser_n sense_n thus_o we_o know_v do_v aristippus_n cyrenaeus_n and_o a_o whole_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n after_o he_o call_v cyrenaici_n which_o opinion_n be_v also_o charge_v upon_o epicurus_n by_o cicero_n and_o by_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o charge_n be_v still_o believe_v and_o entertain_v among_o many_o person_n of_o sufficient_a learning_n and_o worth_n notwithstanding_o the_o favourable_a and_o plausible_a plea_n mounseur_fw-fr gassendi_n have_v offer_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o master_n but_o the_o best_a plea_n be_v that_o these_o be_v pardonable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o in_o its_o last_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n too_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o high_a aim_n than_o at_o the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n and_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o our_o saviour_n aphorism_n think_v that_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n and_o happiness_n 15._o of_o man_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v to_o our_o experience_n we_o may_v add_v the_o attestation_n of_o scripture_n which_o give_v several_a intimation_n of_o this_o low-sunk_a wretched_a and_o deplorable_a degeneracy_n of_o soul_n to_o instance_n in_o a_o few_o do_v not_o job_n say_v in_o vindication_n of_o his_o integrity_n if_o i_o have_v make_v gold_n my_o hope_n 24._o or_o have_v say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n imply_v that_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v so_o and_o do_v not_o the_o psalmist_n say_v lo_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o 52.8_o take_v not_o god_n for_o his_o strength_n but_o trust_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o strengthen_v himself_o in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o of_o 3.19_o other_o who_o godliness_n be_v their_o gain_n 6.5_o and_o what_o else_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v of_o covetousness_n that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n do_v he_o not_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o the_o covetous_a wretch_n not_o only_a delight_n in_o his_o possession_n and_o love_v to_o count_v over_o his_o heap_n for_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v without_o be_v a_o idolater_n but_o that_o he_o place_v his_o end_n and_o chief_a happiness_n in_o his_o treasure_n that_o he_o fall_v down_o and_o adore_v his_o golden_a calf_n and_o in_o the_o forementioned_a phrase_n of_o fob_n make_v gold_n his_o hope_n and_o say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n be_v not_o all_o under_o this_o eclipse_n nor_o be_v this_o darkness_n spread_v over_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o deep_a light_n and_o darkness_n divide_v the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o with_o the_o difference_n of_o unequal_a proportion_n the_o dark_a be_v here_o the_o big_a side_n there_o be_v however_o though_o not_o so_o many_o yet_o there_o be_v second_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n who_o mind_n be_v more_o illuminate_v and_o their_o eye_n more_o clear_a and_o single_a who_o look_v beyond_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o material_a world_n the_o beauty_n of_o which_o can_v neither_o charm_v nor_o its_o thickness_n detain_v their_o pierce_a sight_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 this_o many_o do_v in_o profession_n and_o some_o in_o reality_n in_o profession_n all_o christian_n do_v it_o to_o who_o therefore_o the_o title_n of_o child_n of_o light_n be_v promiscuous_o give_v by_o the_o apostle_n you_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n 5.5_o and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o day_n we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o night_n nor_o of_o darkness_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v profession_n and_o solemn_a undertake_n but_o that_o which_o all_o christian_n profess_v some_o do_v real_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o habitual_o at_o least_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o their_o last_o end_n be_v by_o repeat_v experience_n as_o well_o as_o rational_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o and_o these_o indeed_o aim_v at_o the_o right_a mark_n though_o all_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n steady_a enough_o to_o hit_v it_o but_o to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o these_o do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o true_a wisdom_n for_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 which_o imply_v that_o absolute_o speak_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a they_o be_v not_o wise._n indeed_o they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o their_o opinion_n they_o be_v general_o esteem_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n man_n of_o reach_n and_o design_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o play_v his_o game_n so_o as_o to_o thrive_v in_o the_o world_n be_v general_o pity_v more_o for_o his_o folly_n than_o for_o his_o poverty_n nay_o hence_o and_o hence_o only_o be_v take_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o policy_n and_o discretion_n a_o man_n be_v count_v so_o far_o wise_a and_o no_o far_o than_o he_o know_v how_o to_o get_v a_o estate_n to_o raise_v a_o family_n to_o give_v birth_n to_o a_o name_n and_o make_v himself_o great_a and_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o shrewd_a man_n and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v either_o pity_v or_o laugh_v at_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n the_o world_n be_v in_o by_o those_o that_o can_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o alloy_n or_o abatement_n of_o their_o character_n to_o say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o sinister_a and_o indirect_a mean_n by_o fraud_n and_o cozenage_n by_o deceit_n and_o corrupt_a proceed_n this_o rather_o commend_v the_o part_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o man_n show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o art_n and_o contrivance_n and_o that_o he_o owe_v his_o success_n more_o to_o good_a management_n than_o good_a fortune_n nay_o he_o that_o can_v do_v thus_o be_v the_o topping_n wise_a man_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o so_o far_o to_o engross_v the_o name_n that_o a_o shrewd_a cunning_a man_n even_o in_o their_o own_o language_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o a_o knave_n this_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whatever_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n may_v be_v we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v converse_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o 19_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n and_o if_o so_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v foolishness_n in_o itself_o since_o the_o intellect_n of_o god_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o worldly-minded_n man_n that_o think_v their_o house_n shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o call_v their_o land_n after_o their_o own_o name_n say_v express_o this_o be_v their_o foolishness_n and_o this_o censure_n 49.13_o he_o bold_o charge_v upon_o they_o how_o singular_a soever_o it_o may_v
be_v only_o to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o compliance_n prove_v not_o a_o snare_n to_o we_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v god_n out_o of_o civility_n towards_o men._n in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v and_o follow_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o 9.22_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o again_o 1_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n 33._o neither_o again_o second_o be_v this_o caution_n to_o be_v so_o rigorous_o understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o several_a indifferent_a modes_n of_o age_n or_o of_o country_n either_o as_o to_o custom_n or_o ceremony_n whether_o religious_a or_o civil_a or_o habit_n or_o manner_n of_o address_n or_o way_n of_o diet_n or_o the_o like_a for_o however_o these_o may_v not_o possible_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o best_a convenience_n or_o measure_n of_o discretion_n yet_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o nation_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v see_v as_o much_o in_o their_o custom_n as_o in_o their_o proverb_n and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v indifferent_a it_o be_v not_o civil_a or_o modest_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o beside_o the_o pride_n and_o rudeness_n of_o such_o a_o opposition_n all_o the_o advantage_n or_o convenience_n a_o man_n can_v get_v by_o it_o will_v not_o compensate_a for_o the_o odium_n and_o censure_n of_o affectation_n and_o singularity_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o prudence_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a though_o otherwise_o not_o so_o convenient_a custom_n of_o the_o age_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n that_o when_o he_o condescend_v to_o put_v on_o flesh_n and_o live_v among_o man_n he_o condescend_v yet_o further_o and_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o receive_v custom_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o indeed_o he_o become_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o his_o brethren_n sin_n only_o except_v innocence_n be_v his_o only_a singularity_n and_o this_o in_o one_o word_n be_v our_o measure_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v conformable_a as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n of_o innocence_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la aras_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o civil_a conversation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o friendship_n and_o dear_a intimacy_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o show_v so_o much_o disrespect_n to_o our_o company_n as_o to_o quit_v the_o road_n they_o have_v take_v if_o we_o may_v safe_o travail_v in_o it_o the_o conformity_n therefore_o which_o we_o be_v here_o caution_v against_o be_v that_o of_o imitate_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o action_n not_o of_o a_o civil_a but_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n we_o must_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o general_a moral_n of_o this_o world_n the_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o which_o caution_n i_o come_v now_o to_o justify_v and_o the_o first_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n be_v because_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o may_v safe_o imitate_v it_o be_v not_o a_o world_n for_o we_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o it_o never_o be_v so_o even_o in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n much_o less_o be_v it_o now_o in_o these_o last_o and_o worst_a day_n it_o be_v not_o safe_a follow_v the_o multitude_n at_o any_o time_n much_o less_o now_o nor_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o least_o of_o all_o in_o the_o order_n our_o life_n and_o conversation_n it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n but_o much_o worse_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n for_o the_o world_n be_v a_o mere_a theatre_n of_o folly_n a_o stage_n of_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n one_o great_a aceldama_n of_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n and_o to_o use_v the_o description_n of_o st._n john_n the_o 5.19_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n the_o word_n be_v emphatical_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o have_v not_o only_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o sin_n but_o it_o lie_v there_o content_o and_o quiet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o slight_o dip_v or_o stain_v with_o the_o water_n of_o impurity_n but_o it_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v moat_a round_n or_o rather_o all_o over_o drench_v and_o soak_v in_o they_o like_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o universal_a deluge_n but_o this_o i_o need_v pursue_v no_o further_o have_v already_o make_v it_o a_o distinct_a member_n of_o my_o discourse_n again_o second_o another_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n be_v because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o cause_n of_o wickedness_n and_o give_v it_o settlement_n succession_n and_o perpetuity_n for_o we_o shall_v countenance_v and_o embolden_v those_o who_o we_o imitate_v and_o cause_v other_o to_o imitate_v we_o and_o they_o again_o will_v be_v a_o precedent_n to_o other_o and_o so_o on_o till_o vice_n pretend_v to_o the_o right_n of_o custom_n and_o prescription_n and_o iniquity_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o world_n be_v so_o bad_a now_o and_o it_o be_v the_o best_a expedient_a the_o devil_n have_v to_o make_v it_o yet_o worse_o for_o by_o this_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o former_a age_n descend_v upon_o the_o future_a sin_n become_v hereditary_a child_n transcribe_v their_o vicious_a parent_n and_o actual_a like_o original_a sin_n be_v entail_v upon_o posterity_n fill_v you_o up_o 32._o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n say_v our_o saviour_n by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o jew_n imply_v that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o for_o our_o lord_n very_o well_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o say_v it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o most_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v owe_v to_o this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o general_o possess_v with_o this_o superstitious_a humour_n of_o conformity_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v before_o they_o again_o three_o another_o reason_n why_o we_o christian_n must_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n be_v because_o both_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o religion_n require_v a_o very_a different_a method_n of_o life_n from_o what_o be_v ordinary_o practise_v the_o precept_n be_v strict_a and_o severe_a and_o the_o reward_n high_a and_o noble_a such_o indeed_o as_o can_v be_v conceive_v for_o their_o greatness_n and_o they_o both_o call_v for_o a_o very_a excellent_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conversation_n for_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o live_v we_o shall_v neither_o obtain_v the_o one_o nor_o fulfil_v the_o other_o indeed_o our_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o great_a strictness_n and_o singularity_n and_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v like_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v like_o other_o men._n to_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o be_v to_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n to_o be_v new_a in_o nature_n and_o new_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n he_o must_v not_o be_v like_o his_o former_a self_n much_o less_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o argument_n be_v the_o apostle_n you_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v christian_n professor_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n who_o precept_n be_v excellent_o good_a and_o who_o promise_n be_v excellent_o great_a and_o what_o then_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o 6._o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o let_v we_o watch_n and_o be_v sober_a again_o four_o and_o last_o we_o christian_n have_v one_o more_o peculiar_a reason_n not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n we_o have_v renounce_v it_o in_o our_o baptism_n with_o all_o its_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o the_o heathen_a game_n and_o spectacle_n their_o vain_a show_n and_o loose_a festivity_n their_o lewd_a bacchanal_n and_o saturnal_n which_o we_o renounce_v absolute_o and_o the_o wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o grandeur_n even_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o often_o as_o they_o prove_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o our_o holy_a institution_n but_o also_o the_o promiscuous_a company_n the_o general_a practice_n and_o the_o popular_a example_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v general_o so_o very_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a that_o we_o renounce_v they_o not_o upon_o supposition_n as_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n but_o at_o a_o venture_n the_o very_a first_o step_n to_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v to_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o its_o general_a usage_n and_o custom_n
and_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v christ_n we_o must_v forsake_v the_o multitude_n and_o ascend_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o solitude_n and_o holy_a separation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o encourage_v to_o undertake_v this_o religious_a singularity_n let_v we_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n add_v two_o very_a remarkable_a scripture_n example_n the_o first_o that_o invite_v our_o consideration_n be_v that_o of_o lot_n who_o happen_v to_o live_v in_o a_o city_n so_o prodigious_o wicked_a and_o beyond_o all_o measure_n or_o example_n debauch_v that_o though_o a_o very_a populous_a place_n it_o can_v not_o afford_v so_o much_o as_o ten_o good_a man_n they_o be_v so_o universal_o seize_v with_o the_o pest_n and_o contagion_n of_o vice_n and_o yet_o this_o good_a man_n though_o he_o breathe_v in_o so_o corrupt_a a_o air_n be_v not_o at_o all_o infect_a with_o it_o the_o health_n and_o cleanness_n of_o his_o soul_n like_o that_o of_o socrates_n body_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o the_o contagion_n and_o preserve_v he_o from_o the_o malignity_n of_o a_o plague_n that_o be_v more_o infectious_a and_o more_o mortal_a too_o than_o that_o of_o athens_n indeed_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o that_o wicked_a place_n disturb_v his_o quiet_n but_o it_o can_v not_o sully_v his_o innocence_n it_o vex_v his_o righteous_a soul_n as_o the_o text_n say_v but_o it_o can_v not_o 8._o debauch_v it_o he_o dwell_v like_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n where_o satan_n seat_n be_v 13._o in_o the_o very_a metropolis_n the_o imperial_a city_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n but_o he_o converse_v there_o like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n among_o fiend_n and_o evil_a spirit_n he_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n but_o he_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o his_o company_n be_v devilish_a but_o his_o conversation_n be_v angelical_a though_o he_o can_v not_o make_v they_o better_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o make_v he_o worse_o he_o live_v with_o they_o but_o he_o live_v against_o they_o this_o indeed_o be_v great_a and_o extraordinary_a but_o there_o be_v a_o example_n of_o religious_a singularity_n beyond_o this_o and_o that_o be_v in_o noah_n who_o live_v in_o a_o world_n that_o be_v as_o corrupt_v and_o more_o than_o the_o other_o city_n the_o whole_a world_n than_o be_v but_o one_o greater_n sodom_n nay_o it_o be_v much_o worse_o than_o that_o seat_n of_o wickedness_n sodom_n indeed_o be_v so_o give_v up_o to_o debauchery_n that_o it_o can_v not_o yield_v ten_o righteous_a person_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o noah_n time_n can_v not_o afford_v so_o much_o as_o two_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a good_a man_n then_o in_o the_o world_n as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v from_o that_o reason_n express_v by_o god_n why_o he_o except_v he_o from_o the_o general_a deluge_n for_o thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o 1._o i_o in_o this_o generation_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o vice_n shall_v ever_o be_v more_o in_o mode_n and_o fashion_n than_o it_o be_v then_o when_o as_o the_o text_n say_v all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n itself_o be_v fill_v with_o violence_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o allover-wicked_n world_n noah_n maintain_v his_o innocence_n and_o his_o integrity_n shine_v forth_o as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o doer_n but_o a_o preacher_n 5._o of_o righteousness_n in_o other_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o corrupt_a religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v have_v some_o party_n and_o the_o singularity_n of_o live_v well_o be_v share_v and_o divide_v among_o several_a and_o one_o be_v a_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o another_o but_o here_o poor_a single_a noah_n be_v say_v to_o live_v as_o athanasius_n be_v to_o dispute_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a singularity_n lodge_v and_o centre_v in_o his_o single_a person_n which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o example_n or_o parallel_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o go_v through_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o my_o undertake_n i_o shall_v now_o make_v one_o or_o two_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a and_o conclude_v in_o relation_n therefore_o to_o the_o first_o supposition_n it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o the_o multitude_n be_v no_o safe_a guide_n and_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o majority_n for_o you_o see_v here_o that_o vice_n have_v by_o much_o the_o majority_n of_o its_o side_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v vice_n still_o from_o the_o second_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o those_o who_o have_v already_o a_o majority_n for_o their_o way_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v their_o cause_n any_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o have_v new_a proselyte_n every_o day_n bring_v over_o to_o they_o and_o because_o man_n flock_v to_o their_o standard_n from_o every_o quarter_n for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v discourse_v this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o imitate_v that_o which_o be_v most_o prevail_a and_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o the_o world_n those_o therefore_o that_o value_n themselves_o or_o their_o cause_n the_o better_a for_o this_o seem_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o world_n but_o to_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o the_o inclination_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o do_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o will_v quick_o perceive_v that_o this_o do_v not_o reflect_v any_o credit_n upon_o their_o cause_n but_o rather_o upbraid_v the_o levity_n and_o weakness_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o themselves_o be_v wise_a but_o only_o that_o other_o man_n be_v fool_n last_o from_o the_o caution_n itself_o we_o may_v just_o infer_v that_o the_o censure_n of_o preciseness_n and_o singularity_n which_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n common_o charge_v upon_o good_a man_n and_o the_o hatred_n and_o spite_n wherewith_o they_o prosecute_v they_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n be_v both_o of_o they_o utter_o senseless_a and_o extreme_o absurd_a this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a grudge_n thus_o the_o sinner_n in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n 2._o for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n and_o he_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o offend_v the_o law_n and_o object_v to_o our_o infamy_n the_o transgressing_n of_o our_o education_n and_o again_o he_o be_v make_v to_o reprove_v our_o thought_n he_o be_v grievous_a to_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n a_o very_a high_a charge_n indeed_o and_o as_o notable_a a_o inference_n he_o live_v otherwise_o and_o better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v hate_v and_o persecute_v he_o but_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o business_n if_o sift_v to_o the_o bottom_n come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o they_o be_v angry_a with_o a_o man_n for_o not_o love_v their_o company_n so_o well_o as_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o sake_n on_o it_o but_o i_o think_v we_o may_v with_o great_a civility_n beg_v their_o excuse_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o do_v as_o they_o do_v then_o let_v they_o take_v care_n to_o do_v as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o beast_n utter_o unfit_a to_o be_v converse_v with_o and_o then_o to_o call_v i_o singular_a and_o unsociable_a because_o i_o will_v keep_v he_o company_n be_v hard_a measure_n and_o as_o these_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o unreasonable_a charge_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o inexcusable_a folly_n and_o weakness_n if_o we_o depart_v from_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o great_a interest_n upon_o such_o a_o trifle_a inconsiderable_a discouragement_n for_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o low_a and_o unconsider_v spirit_n that_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o noise_n and_o popularity_n nor_o be_v fright_v from_o our_o duty_n by_o those_o empty_a anathema_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o censure_n of_o unsociableness_n preciseness_n and_o singularity_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a by_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o satisfy_v our_o own_o conscience_n whatever_o other_o do_v or_o think_v let_v we_o not_o be_v carry_v away_o in_o the_o pollute_v torrent_n of_o the_o age_n nor_o be_v fool_n for_o company_n let_v we_o for_o once_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
the_o 24._o wisdom_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v with_o that_o for_o many_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v make_v much_o better_a provision_n than_o he_o have_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o he_o have_v constitute_v in_o it_o a_o infalliable_a gnide_v and_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n by_o who_o all_o difficulty_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o all_o dispute_v end_v which_o now_o so_o confound_v and_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n i_o say_v many_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o constitution_n be_v yet_o apt_a to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o to_o wish_v it_o have_v be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o so_o than_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o god_n we_o see_v in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o have_v it_o so_o thus_o again_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o human_a life_n we_o common_o imagine_v it_o will_v be_v mighty_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o futurity_n and_o to_o foresee_v what_o shall_v happen_v to_o we_o hereafter_o and_o according_o we_o be_v very_o curious_a to_o taste_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o obscure_a manuscript_n of_o destiny_n and_o some_o be_v so_o impatient_a that_o they_o will_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o such_o discovery_n rather_o than_o fail_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v god_n in_o his_o manifold_a wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o seal_v up_o this_o book_n of_o futurity_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o will_v not_o trust_v we_o with_o so_o dangerous_a a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n thus_o again_o last_o we_o many_o of_o we_o think_v it_o a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o heap_v up_o wealth_n to_o get_v honour_n and_o preferment_n to_o raise_v family_n to_o perpetuate_v a_o name_n and_o we_o be_v huge_o satisfy_v with_o our_o good_a policy_n and_o discretion_n if_o we_o can_v secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o little_a portion_n of_o this_o dirty_a planet_n this_o little_a spot_n this_o point_n though_o we_o pay_v for_o it_o not_o only_o the_o price_n of_o labour_n and_o care_n contempt_n and_o disgrace_n danger_n and_o continual_a fear_n but_o even_o the_o great_a price_n of_o our_o future_a inheritance_n and_o part_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o very_a soul_n in_o the_o exchange_n this_o we_o oftentimes_o think_v wisdom_n to_o do_v for_o a_o little_a of_o the_o world_n whereas_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a upon_o such_o term_n will_v be_v but_o a_o ill_a bargain_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n yes_o but_o there_o be_v some_o and_o never_o so_o many_o as_o in_o this_o age_n that_o think_v this_o no_o such_o unprofitable_a merchandise_n but_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o sell_v heaven_n for_o earth_n happiness_n for_o vanity_n and_o will_v ready_o part_v with_o the_o great_a reversion_n of_o another_o world_n for_o a_o turf_n of_o ground_n in_o present_a possession_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o they_o and_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o they_o may_v say_v of_o themselves_o all_o the_o while_n what_o the_o wise_a king_n do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o sensual_a indulgency_n also_o my_o wisdom_n remain_v with_o i_o but_o 9_o however_o these_o man_n applaud_v themselves_o in_o their_o extraordinary_a reach_n and_o policy_n god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v another_o opinion_n of_o their_o conduct_n and_o will_v say_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o what_o he_o do_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o our_o parable_n thou_o fool._n and_o now_o whereas_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o infallible_a and_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n i_o be_o hence_o lead_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o what_o god_n here_o condemn_v as_o such_o the_o thing_n condemn_v be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n which_o he_o himself_o think_v wise_a but_o god_n think_v very_o foolish_a and_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o charge_n wherewith_o god_n tax_v he_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n because_o a_o sinner_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o folly_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a sin_n and_o folly_n sinner_n and_o fool_n be_v word_n in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o solomon_n of_o a_o parallel_a signification_n and_o be_v indifferent_o use_v one_o for_o the_o other_o and_o the_o school_n of_o morality_n insinuate_v the_o same_o in_o that_o common_a aphorism_n of_o they_o every_o sinner_n be_v ignorant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o socratical_a proverb_n indeed_o sin_n have_v its_o birth_n in_o folly_n and_o every_o step_v of_o its_o progress_n be_v folly_n and_o its_o conclusion_n be_v in_o folly_n there_o be_v its_o rise_n there_o be_v its_o advance_n and_o there_o be_v its_o end_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o distinct_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o absurdity_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o choice_n which_o every_o sinner_n make_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 make_v it_o these_o two_o thing_n wherein_o be_v comprise_v the_o whole_a folly_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v by_o i_o already_o consider_v 250._o elsewhere_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o such_o a_o uncommon_a importance_n i_o shall_v rather_o present_v it_o here_o again_o to_o the_o reader_n with_o a_o little_a alteration_n than_o refer_v he_o to_o it_o as_o for_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o sinner_n choice_n it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o choose_v it_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o must_v and_o certain_o will_v repent_v of_o and_o wish_v he_o have_v never_o do_v either_o in_o this_o world_n for_o its_o illness_n and_o sinfulness_n or_o in_o the_o next_o for_o its_o sad_a effect_n and_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o authority_n power_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o transgress_v his_o command_n which_o be_v good_a and_o equitable_a and_o in_o keep_v of_o which_o there_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o future_a reward_n it_o be_v to_o act_v against_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o rational_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o his_o mind_n it_o be_v to_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o by_o extralineal_a motion_n to_o violate_v the_o sacred_a interest_n of_o society_n it_o be_v last_o to_o incur_v the_o anger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o just_a god_n and_o to_o hazard_v fall_v off_o from_o his_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o be_v ruin_v in_o his_o best_a interest_n to_o all_o eternity_n all_o this_o the_o sinner_n partly_o actual_o incur_v and_o partly_o put_v to_o the_o hazard_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n and_o for_o what_o be_v all_o this_o be_v it_o for_o any_o considerable_a interest_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o bear_v something_o of_o proportion_n and_o may_v pretend_v to_o competition_n and_o a_o rival_n weight_n in_o the_o opposite_a scale_n of_o the_o balance_n no_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o shadow_n for_o a_o trifle_n for_o the_o gratisication_n of_o some_o base_a appetite_n for_o the_o acquirement_n of_o some_o little_a interest_n which_o have_v nothing_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v true_o our_o best_a but_o only_o that_o poor_a advantage_n of_o be_v present_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n its_o vanity_n be_v present_a with_o it_o and_o now_o be_v this_o a_o choice_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o a_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n nay_o be_v it_o a_o choice_n for_o a_o man_n of_o any_o sense_n at_o all_o for_o one_o in_o his_o right_a wit_n to_o make_v be_v there_o a_o better_a demonstration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o fool_n or_o mad_a than_o this_o no_o certain_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o customariness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o too_o many_o be_v concern_v this_o will_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v beg_v for_o a_o fool_n or_o send_v to_o bedlam_n for_o if_o absurdity_n of_o choice_n be_v any_o argument_n of_o folly_n the_o sinner_n be_v certain_o no_o common_a fool_n there_o be_v no_o choice_n so_o absurd_a so_o unaccountable_a as_o he_o but_o