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renounce_v the_o much_o more_o valuable_a and_o delightful_a part_n of_o it_o to_o banish_v ourselves_o the_o much_o better_a world_n and_o to_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o a_o thousand_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a capacity_n and_o endowment_n of_o our_o nature_n tho'_o this_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o evince_v that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o sensuality_n yet_o this_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o (null)_o happiness_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o argument_n against_o it_o that_o be_v second_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o being_n conspicuous_a in_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n who_o that_o ever_o consider_v what_o sensuality_n be_v how_o narrow_a the_o extent_n of_o sense_n how_o mean_a and_o brutish_a the_o pleasure_n that_o terminate_v in_o it_o what_o a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o end_v in_o who_o i_o say_v that_o have_v ever_o consider_v these_o and_o a_o thousand_o thing_n more_o can_v believe_v that_o sensuality_n be_v a_o employment_n worthy_a of_o man_n be_v this_o the_o business_n of_o a_o vast_a and_o comprehensive_a mind_n be_v this_o consistent_a with_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o immortality_n with_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o truth_n with_o a_o capacity_n of_o discover_v spiritual_a excellency_n and_o moral_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n be_v it_o for_o this_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o propension_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v a_o deity_n what_o can_v be_v as_o much_o as_o fancy_v the_o use_n of_o wisdom_n magnanimity_n conscience_n sagacity_n caution_n fear_v foresight_n and_o anxious_a inquiry_n into_o future_a thing_n and_o time_n if_o sensuality_n have_v be_v the_o only_a employment_n design_v man_n how_o much_o more_o fit_a have_v we_o be_v form_v for_o this_o end_n if_o there_o have_v be_v in_o we_o no_o reason_n to_o check_v and_o control_v we_o no_o conscience_n that_o can_v fill_v we_o with_o regret_n for_o the_o past_a or_o fear_v for_o the_o future_a no_o wisdom_n that_o can_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n above_o we_o nor_o greatness_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v reproach_v we_o for_o stoop_v to_o any_o thing_n below_o we_o three_o it_o be_v almost_o superfluous_a here_o to_o add_v that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o care_n and_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o employ_v our_o time_n or_o faculty_n in_o this_o alone_a be_v not_o to_o live_v but_o at_o best_a to_o provide_v for_o life_n necessity_n may_v sometime_o subject_v we_o to_o the_o drudgery_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o voluntary_a choice_n never_o shall_v i_o know_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o a_o mean_a fortune_n and_o a_o great_a one_o than_o this_o that_o the_o great_a one_o set_v a_o man_n above_o those_o care_n and_o toil_v which_o the_o mean_a one_o force_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o the_o one_o put_v the_o fortunate_a man_n into_o the_o immediate_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o life_n improvement_n and_o fruition_n and_o of_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o the_o latter_a oblige_v the_o less_o fortunate_a man_n to_o purchase_v these_o advantage_n with_o toil_n and_o sweat_n solicitude_n and_o care_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o unpardonable_a wilfulness_n or_o blindness_n whenever_o that_o vassalage_n which_o be_v the_o infelicity_n of_o the_o mean_a man_n be_v the_o choice_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o fortunate_a one_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o more_o pardonable_a error_n in_o any_o who_o continue_v the_o drudgey_a and_o care_n when_o the_o necessity_n be_v over_o and_o voluntary_o suffer_v all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o narrow_a fortune_n even_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o plentiful_a one_o who_o never_o think_v it_o time_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o success_n of_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n this_o be_v a_o absurdity_n as_o gross_a as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v plough_v and_o sow_v shall_v refuse_v to_o reap_v or_o he_o who_o have_v with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n furnish_v out_o a_o plentiful_a table_n shall_v not_o at_o length_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o fall_v too_o and_o eat_v life_n then_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n possess_v much_o less_o in_o the_o vexation_n or_o toil_n of_o acquire_v secure_v or_o increase_v they_o which_o be_v that_o i_o intend_v by_o worldliness_n but_o least_o of_o all_o can_v life_n consist_v in_o devilishness_n that_o be_v wrath_n strife_n revenge_n pride_n and_o such_o like_a this_o can_v be_v
a_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o it_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o isaiah_n 47._o jeremiah_n 10._o and_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o no_o very_a favourable_a or_o benign_a aspect_n as_o to_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o fatal_a period_n of_o (null)_o life_n clash_v with_o this_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a he_o seem_v to_o i_o injurious_o to_o limit_v and_o retrain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o think_v he_o foreknow_v nothing_o but_o because_o he_o peremptory_o predetermine_v it_o this_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v sense_n be_v to_o magnify_v his_o power_n but_o to_o reduce_v and_o confine_v his_o knowledge_n or_o at_o leastwise_o to_o depress_v and_o debase_v it_o for_o thus_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o primary_n and_o essential_a perfection_n but_o will_v result_v from_o or_o depend_v upon_o a_o arbitrary_a will_n a_o unguided_a power_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a if_o i_o can_v not_o reconcile_v god_n foreknowledge_n with_o contingency_n in_o event_n therefore_o with_o the_o socinian_n to_o deny_v the_o one_o or_o with_o the_o fatalist_n the_o other_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o that_o i_o learn_v from_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o god_n who_o can_v err_v that_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o creator_n and_o contingency_n to_o the_o creature_n the_o measure_n and_o bound_n of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v any_o let_v who_o will_v seek_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o but_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o if_o any_o man_n will_v contend_v for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o fate_n as_o be_v not_o rigid_a and_o inflexible_a but_o submit_v to_o the_o interposal_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o the_o labour_n virtue_n and_o prayer_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v it_o not_o nature_n have_v its_o law_n but_o such_o as_o god_n whenever_o he_o please_v overrule_v the_o government_n of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o order_n and_o method_n much_o less_o the_o government_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n with_o different_a constitution_n but_o yet_o the_o unhealthy_a one_o may_v be_v rectify_v and_o mend_v by_o virtue_n the_o healthy_a corrupt_v by_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n such_o a_o sort_n of_o fate_n or_o destiny_n as_o this_o that_o be_v flexible_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o evil_a may_v be_v correct_v or_o the_o good_a pervert_v such_o a_o fate_n as_o this_o tho'_o the_o word_n be_v improper_a i_o ready_o admit_v but_o no_o other_o no_o other_o i_o say_v in_o the_o general_a for_o as_o to_o those_o particular_a exception_n and_o reservation_n which_o at_o any_o time_n god_n may_v and_o often_o do_v make_v from_o any_o general_a rule_n or_o law_n for_o cause_n always_o weighty_a and_o importent_fw-la and_o general_o hide_v and_o inscrutable_a these_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o have_v thus_o evince_v that_o the_o period_n of_o (null)_o life_n be_v not_o fatal_o fix_v that_o no_o peremptory_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n no_o insuperable_a connection_n or_o concatination_n of_o cause_n do_v supersede_n our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o blessing_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v and_o consider_v which_o way_n the_o date_n of_o life_n may_v be_v lengthen_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o way_n of_o prolong_v life_n it_o be_v obvious_a and_o manifest_a to_o every_o one_o that_o life_n depend_v upon_o these_o three_o thing_n the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o favourable_a providence_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o none_o will_v deny_v who_o admit_v of_o providence_n we_o may_v at_o least_o be_v protect_v from_o violence_n and_o unlucky_a accident_n such_o as_o (null)_o prudence_n can_v foresee_v and_o to_o these_o three_o may_z for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v add_v the_o good_a will_n of_o man_n who_o ministry_n and_o service_n be_v very_o often_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n first_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v brief_o what_o cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o then_o more_o full_o how_o we_o may_v possess_v ourselves_o of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o morose_n and_o sour_a the_o froward_a the_o passionate_a and_o the_o sullen_a those_o stain_n and_o blot_n of_o (null)_o nature_n do_v often_o prolong_v their_o life_n to_o a_o great_a age_n as_o if_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o repair_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o fermentation_n or_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n keep_v sweet_a like_o water_n by_o a_o perpetual_a agitation_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o loose_a and_o debauch_a the_o intemporate_a and_o incontinent_a do_v sometime_o tho'_o rare_o live_v long_o and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a rather_o oppress_v by_o their_o year_n than_o their_o excess_n and_o if_o from_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o form_v rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o contradict_v know_v and_o receive_v truth_n we_o shall_v ever_o live_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o fancy_n and_o never_o find_v any_o sure_a and_o firm_a foot_n to_o rest_n upon_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o these_o rare_a instance_n but_o that_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o very_a propitious_a its_o discontent_n a_o very_a malign_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o contentment_n of_o the_o mind_n preserve_v the_o balsam_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n raise_v the_o spirit_n actuate_v and_o invigorate_v all_o our_o power_n so_o that_o when_o the_o mind_n shine_v serene_a and_o bright_a it_o seem_v to_o impart_v a_o new_a warmth_n and_o new_a life_n to_o the_o body_n a_o new_a spring_n and_o new_a verdure_n to_o this_o earth_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disease_a mind_n do_v as_o it_o be_v scatter_v its_o contagion_n through_o the_o body_n discontent_n and_o melancholy_n sour_v the_o blood_n and_o clog_v the_o spirit_n envy_n pine_v away_o and_o passion_n fret_v and_o wear_v out_o our_o strength_n and_o life_n in_o few_o word_n there_o be_v a_o intimate_a conjunction_n between_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o so_o close_o be_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o latter_a upon_o the_o former_a that_o the_o face_n of_o inferior_a nature_n do_v evident_o vary_v wither_v or_o flourish_v according_a to_o that_o variety_n of_o wether_n it_o make_v in_o the_o sky_n about_o it_o as_o the_o mind_n smile_n or_o lowr_n upon_o it_o and_z according_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o observation_n i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o pronounce_v that_o general_o such_o live_v long_a who_o either_o think_v very_o little_a or_o who_o thought_n be_v always_o calm_a and_o cheerful_a such_o who_o be_v stupid_a and_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o have_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v regular_a and_o delightful_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o part_n be_v that_o of_o solomon_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v all_o this_o i_o think_v be_v not_o contest_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n man_n seek_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v diometrical_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o do_v each_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o it_o atheism_n and_o religion_n philosophy_n and_o ignorance_n worldly_a prudence_n or_o policy_n and_o a_o affect_a contempt_n of_o it_o which_o i_o know_v no_o name_n for_o do_v all_o promise_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o art_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n when_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o each_o to_o resolve_v which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v ignorance_n lust_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o blind_a rash_a and_o violent_a for_o we_o to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o their_o conduct_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o giddy_a and_o inconstant_a in_o themselves_o than_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o odd_a accident_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o shall_v they_o lead_v we_o on_o to_o pleasure_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v pain_n the_o next_o moment_n and_o at_o best_a they_o leave_v we_o not_o in_o a_o condition_n either_o rational_o to_o approve_v our_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o worldly_n policy_n be_v build_v whole_o upon_o mistake_v it_o propose_v to_o we_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o great_a and_o good_a which_o when_o we_o have_v examine_v we_o find_v not_o worth_a our_o
life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o he_o who_o lose_v his_o soul_n or_o to_o be_v intent_n in_o preserve_v or_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a for_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o disorder_n and_o gild_n i_o do_v therefore_o suppose_v all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n so_o conduct_v as_o to_o become_v instance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n i_o suppose_v justice_n and_o integrity_n courage_n and_o bounty_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n mingle_v themselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o civil_a business_n and_o then_o the_o religion_n for_o which_o i_o demand_v some_o vacant_a moment_n be_v that_o of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a man_n either_o to_o preserve_v reputation_n without_o or_o peace_n within_o public_a devotion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n but_o in_o a_o gentleman_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o community_n he_o be_v of_o and_o a_o expression_n of_o charity_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n nor_o be_v private_a devotion_n less_o necessary_a than_o public_a not_o only_o least_o public_a without_o private_a degenerate_a into_o formality_n into_o a_o mere_a show_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n nor_o yet_o because_o every_o man_n reputation_n flow_v first_o from_o his_o domestic_n who_o can_v have_v no_o great_a veneration_n for_o he_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v none_o for_o his_o god_n tho'_o even_o these_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v but_o especial_o because_o every_o man_n have_v particular_a want_n and_o particular_a obligation_n and_o none_o more_o than_o the_o great_a one_o and_o therefore_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n his_o particular_a petition_n and_o prayer_n i_o can_v therefore_o tell_v how_o to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o begin_v and_o close_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n to_o god_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o he_o that_o do_v not_o invoke_v providence_n seem_v to_o defy_v it_o and_o he_o who_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o god_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o sacrifice_v only_o to_o his_o own_o net_n as_o to_o meditation_n it_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o indispensible_a a_o preparative_n for_o devotion_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v place_v it_o here_o by_o itself_o do_v i_o not_o extend_v its_o design_n something_o further_o meditation_n be_v that_o act_n which_o of_o all_o other_o do_v most_o delight_n and_o nourish_v the_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o raise_v and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o in_o other_o action_n we_o seem_v to_o move_v mechanical_o in_o this_o alone_a rational_o in_o all_o other_o our_o reason_n seem_v confine_v and_o fetter_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o prescription_n custom_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o alone_a it_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v its_o native_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n ramble_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a impetus_fw-la and_o with_o delight_n stretch_v and_o delate_v itself_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o mind_n seem_v to_o be_v impress_v and_o mould_v by_o the_o matter_n and_o business_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a but_o in_o this_o it_o give_v what_o form_n and_o circumstance_n it_o please_v to_o both_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o creative_a or_o productive_a power_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sort_n of_o despotic_a sovereignty_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n of_o (null)_o life_n to_o the_o most_o useful_a take_n and_o natural_a act_n of_o the_o (null)_o soul_n but_o i_o forget_v what_o i_o main_o intend_v which_o be_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o use_n of_o meditation_n consist_v either_o in_o reflection_n or_o preparation_n as_o regard_v alike_o yesterday_o and_o to_o morrow_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o he_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o day_n past_a who_o lie_v under_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o waste_v it_o that_o he_o who_o action_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a importance_n than_o those_o of_o private_a man_n and_o fall_v avoidable_a under_o a_o more_o general_a and_o severe_a censure_n do_v the_o more_o careful_o scan_v they_o over_o nor_o be_v preparation_n less_o necessary_a than_o reflection_n for_o this_o give_v order_n to_o your_o affair_n and_o form_n the_o mind_n into_o a_o fit_a and_o just_a disposition_n it_o prevent_v surprise_v remove_v difficulty_n and_o give_v beauty_n and_o steadiness_n to_o your_o whole_a conduct_n as_o to_o friendship_n and_o diversion_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o full_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v but_o a_o word_n of_o they_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v for_o great_a man_n to_o have_v sincere_a friend_n but_o this_o be_v a_o purchase_n of_o so_o great_a a_o value_n deserve_v they_o shall_v lay_v out_o all_o their_o art_n and_o interest_n upon_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n in_o every_o condition_n that_o it_o clear_v our_o notion_n correct_v our_o error_n confirm_v our_o virtue_n enlarge_v our_o joy_n and_o lessen_v our_o trouble_n it_o be_v to_o man_n in_o a_o eminent_a station_n more_o peculiarly_a necessary_a both_o as_o the_o ornament_n and_o support_v of_o their_o fortune_n as_o to_o diversion_n it_o ever_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o urgency_n of_o his_o employment_n such_o as_o may_v not_o lessen_v his_o character_n or_o waste_v his_o time_n such_o as_o may_v refresh_v and_o recruit_v nature_n and_o from_o which_o he_o may_v return_v to_o his_o business_n with_o new_a vigour_n and_o new_a appetite_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o diversion_n be_v so_o wise_o contrive_v that_o they_o may_v at_o once_o delight_n and_o improve_v the_o mind_n i_o shall_v therefore_o think_v that_o physic_n or_o husbandry_n the_o principle_n of_o any_o curious_a mechanic_n performance_n music_n architecture_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v proper_a entertainment_n of_o vacant_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v aim_v at_o in_o diversion_n it_o be_v well_o to_o have_v always_o ready_a some_o wise_a friend_n by_o who_o help_n and_o conversation_n the_o time_n you_o bestow_v upon_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n may_v not_o be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o mind_n i_o be_o sensible_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o all_o who_o write_v moral_n with_o any_o spirit_n do_v general_o fall_v into_o that_o be_v propose_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o be_v common_o attainable_a and_o of_o form_v my_o model_n and_o idea_n rather_o by_o speculation_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o mankind_n but_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o pardon_v by_o such_o as_o remember_v that_o the_o copy_n will_v ever_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o original_a and_o that_o man_n will_v easy_o of_o themselves_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v the_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o (null)_o life_n nor_o do_v i_o again_o forget_v when_o i_o press_v gentleman_n to_o the_o noble_a height_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o violent_a solicitation_n to_o vice_n than_o other_o man_n i_o know_v it_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o always_o pretend_v to_o a_o high_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o refine_a education_n that_o their_o virtue_n always_o shine_v with_o a_o double_a lustre_n it_o be_v own_o and_o that_o of_o their_o fortune_n so_o that_o moderate_a attainment_n in_o they_o make_v a_o great_a show_n than_o the_o more_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v in_o man_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n and_o final_o that_o those_o advantage_n and_o prerogative_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o their_o birth_n and_o station_n do_v put_v they_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o other_o man_n to_o defend_v their_o true_a liberty_n and_o to_o pursue_v those_o method_n which_o reason_n and_o virtue_n dictate_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v life_n sect._n 1_o rule_n relate_v to_o success_n in_o trade_n first_o that_o the_o trader_n be_v industrious_a second_o that_o he_o be_v not_o above_o his_o profession_n sect._n 2._o rule_n relate_v to_o his_o religion_n first_o the_o trade_n must_v be_v a_o lawful_a one_o second_o it_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o justice_n truth_n and_o charity_n three_o it_o must_v not_o interfere_v with_o religion_n four_o the_o trader_n ought_v to_o propose_v to_o himself_o wise_a and_o rational_a end_n such_o be_v a_o competency_n for_o himself_o and_o family_n the_o charitable_a assistance_n of_o other_o a_o timely_a retirement_n or_o
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that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o shame_n and_o burden_n to_o themselves_o and_o family_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o christian_a profession_n propose_v not_o then_o i_o address_v myself_o here_o to_o apprentice_n and_o beginner_n propose_v not_o to_o exempt_v yourselves_o from_o that_o universal_a law_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o which_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v subject_v you_o especial_o who_o lie_n under_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a obligation_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a folly_n for_o one_o who_o be_v to_o make_v his_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o trade_n rather_o as_o a_o diversion_n than_o business_n and_o to_o design_n it_o only_o as_o a_o support_n and_o fund_z for_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n it_o be_v madness_n and_o frenzy_n to_o propose_v to_o be_v master_n of_o his_o time_n ere_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o trade_n and_o to_o indulge_v his_o pleasure_n before_o he_o have_v make_v provision_n to_o defray_v the_o expense_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o i_o doubt_v be_v too_o too_o general_a a_o practice_n whereas_o will_v young_a man_n consider_v the_o matter_n aright_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o do_v but_o prevent_v their_o pleasure_n by_o gather_v of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v ripe_a and_o do_v but_o make_v their_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n endless_a by_o indulge_v their_o ease_n and_o laziness_n too_o soon_o contradictious_a project_n to_o propose_v at_o once_o to_o live_v idle_o and_o yet_o to_o thrive_v to_o live_v pleasurable_o and_o grow_v rich_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o trader_n who_o live_v in_o much_o ease_n and_o plenty_n and_o make_v a_o very_a handsome_a figure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o trade_n be_v the_o support_n and_o ornament_n of_o kingdom_n and_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v any_o more_o envy_v the_o man_n of_o trade_n his_o wealth_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o sword_n his_o honour_n or_o the_o man_n of_o letter_n and_o ability_n his_o place_n and_o preferment_n but_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v have_v man_n grow_v up_o to_o all_o these_o by_o labour_n and_o industry_n by_o a_o apprenticeship_n of_o sobriety_n and_o virtue_n i_o will_v have_v enjoyment_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o merit_n i_o will_v not_o have_v ease_n and_o pleasure_n be_v ravish_v by_o the_o loose_a and_o unworthy_a but_o regular_o possess_v by_o such_o as_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o purchase_v both_o and_o have_v sense_n experience_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o enjoy_v they_o second_o the_o trader_n must_v not_o be_v above_o his_o call_v pride_n and_o vanity_n be_v general_o swear_v enemy_n both_o to_o the_o content_a and_o prosperity_n of_o trader_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v some_o be_v but_o light_o tinge_v other_o more_z thorough_o and_o deep_o die_v with_o these_o vice_n in_o some_o they_o produce_v only_o little_a comical_a affectation_n and_o almost_o innocent_a excursion_n but_o in_o other_o very_o fatal_a disorder_n and_o irregularity_n there_o be_v no_o gracefulness_n in_o any_o motion_n that_o be_v not_o natural_a a_o man_n of_o low_a stature_n may_v add_v something_o to_o his_o height_n but_o nothing_o to_o his_o comeliness_n by_o strut_a upon_o stilt_n nor_o be_v there_o only_o a_o ungracefulness_n but_o a_o uneasiness_n in_o all_o affect_a motion_n we_o be_v all_o a_o little_a purblind_a and_o dim-sighted_a in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o walk_v more_o secure_o in_o the_o way_n we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o for_o my_o part_n when_o a_o error_n be_v only_o comical_a and_o expose_v man_n no_o further_o than_o to_o a_o little_a rallary_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o prescribe_v to_o it_o and_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v worth_a every_o man_n while_n to_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o correct_v a_o humour_n which_o if_o it_o do_v a_o little_a expose_v he_o do_v yet_o please_v he_o too_o the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n which_o i_o will_v extirpate_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v fatal_a to_o the_o trades-man_n fortune_n and_o repose_n such_o as_o tempt_v he_o to_o despise_v and_o neglect_v his_o trade_n or_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n which_o it_o can_v maintain_v or_o engage_v he_o in_o bold_a or_o hazardous_a project_n this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o i_o will_v fain_o reform_v and_o methinks_v a_o few_o sober_a reflection_n shall_v here_o prevail_v what_o can_v it_o be_v sense_n to_o make_v a_o show_n abroad_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o your_o content_a and_o peace_n at_o home_n what_o be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a to_o be_v modest_a and_o safe_a to_o be_v humble_a and_o at_o ease_n than_o to_o suffer_v daily_a anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n and_o to_o have_v your_o mind_n always_o upon_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o answer_v and_o satisfy_v the_o
excellent_a account_n in_o this_o for_o when_o the_o retire_a man_n do_v cultivate_v the_o neighbourhood_n and_o sow_v it_o with_o his_o charity_n he_o seem_v but_o to_o plant_v and_o water_v his_o own_o garden_n or_o plough_n and_o sow_v his_o own_o field_n and_o while_o he_o render_v they_o more_o rich_a gay_a and_o fertile_a himself_o reap_v the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o profit_n enjoy_v the_o prospect_n and_o feast_n on_o the_o fruit_n just_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o piece_n of_o spiritual_a husbandry_n he_o who_o impart_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n to_o another_o purify_v and_o exalt_v his_o own_o mind_n he_o that_o scatter_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o charity_n feel_v his_o soul_n warm_a and_o delight_v and_o find_v his_o virtue_n and_o his_o joy_n enlarge_v for_o it_o be_v with_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v with_o nature_n the_o exercise_n of_o each_o breed_v both_o strength_n and_o pleasure_n to_o all_o which_o you_o may_v add_v that_o no_o man_n consult_v more_o effectual_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o retirement_n than_o he_o who_o most_o zealous_o study_v the_o support_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o neighbourhood_n here_o be_v business_n enough_o and_o i_o can_v point_v out_o to_o you_o more_o but_o why_o shall_v i_o take_v pain_n to_o contrive_v and_o cut_v out_o work_v for_o the_o contemplative_a man_n peradventure_o i_o shall_v do_v he_o more_o service_n can_v i_o teach_v he_o a_o art_n to_o decline_v it_o alas_o business_n will_v hunt_v and_o follow_v we_o it_o will_v intrude_v and_o press_v upon_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o and_o such_o be_v the_o natural_a vanity_n such_o the_o curiosity_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v too_o often_o apt_a to_o make_v ourselves_o work_v and_o to_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o trifle_n and_o impertinence_n i_o doubt_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v here_o very_o needful_a to_o put_v those_o i_o be_o discourse_v to_o in_o mind_n to_o take_v care_n 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for_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o contradict_v universal_a experience_n sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o constant_a labour_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o preserve_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o destroy_v the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n god_n in_o another_o world_n design_n we_o spiritual_a body_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a instrument_n of_o these_o active_a mind_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o make_v they_o here_o crazy_a and_o sickly_a i_o will_v never_o have_v my_o religion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o break_a body_n but_o a_o enlighten_v mind_n i_o will_v never_o have_v it_o proceed_v from_o discontent_n conceive_v against_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o firm_a belief_n love_n and_o admiration_n of_o a_o better_a whatever_o therefore_o diversion_n recreate_v my_o mind_n without_o ensnare_a it_o whatever_o repair_v my_o body_n without_o impair_n my_o virtue_n i_o embrace_v with_o open_a arm_n i_o will_v not_o only_o taste_v but_o drink_v my_o fill_n of_o pleasure_n if_o it_o exalt_v not_o debase_v my_o nature_n i_o shall_v never_o complain_v that_o my_o mind_n be_v too_o cheerful_a or_o my_o body_n too_o vigorous_a let_v the_o priest_n of_o baal_n cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancet_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o blood_n and_o spirit_n if_o i_o can_v to_o support_v my_o zeal_n and_o enrich_v my_o fancy_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o life_n no_o body_n can_v here_o mistake_v i_o unless_o they_o do_v it_o wilful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o anticipate_v any_o wild_a objection_n i_o patronize_v not_o the_o lust_n but_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o body_n i_o invite_v not_o to_o the_o sensuality_n of_o a_o pollute_a fancy_n but_o to_o the_o virtuous_a recreation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o while_o i_o think_v not_o a_o deject_a and_o discontent_a mind_n and_o a_o decay_a body_n the_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n deny_v a_o penitent_a contrite_a spirit_n a_o purify_a and_o obsequious_a body_n to_o be_v so_o three_o as_o to_o friendship_n the_o distinction_n between_o acquaintance_n and_o friend_n be_v ever_o good_a but_o never_o more_o proper_a or_o necessary_a than_o here_o for_o retirement_n as_o it_o signify_v sequester_v ourselves_o from_o company_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o discretion_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n here_o as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n be_v to_o avoid_v extreme_n as_o a_o crowd_n so_o solitariness_n seem_v not_o to_o minister_v either_o to_o the_o virtue_n or_o improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o calm_a of_o life_n the_o one_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o time_n the_o other_o leave_v we_o so_o much_o that_o to_o very_a many_o it_o become_v burdensome_a the_o one_o make_v we_o vain_a trifle_a or_o it_o may_v be_v worse_a sensual_a the_o other_o dull_a and_o slow_a or_o it_o may_v be_v morose_n and_o savage_a the_o skill_n of_o a_o contemplative_a man_n be_v not_o to_o decline_v all_o company_n but_o provide_v himself_o of_o good_a the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v their_o college_n and_o they_o in_o the_o first_o time_n who_o leave_v the_o city_n for_o the_o desert_n do_v yet_o associate_v themselves_o with_o one_o another_o indeed_o as_o i_o take_v it_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n we_o have_v the_o full_a enjoyment_n and_o the_o best_a service_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o pure_a delight_n and_o the_o true_a edification_n be_v best_o promote_v in_o the_o contemplative_a life_n by_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o friendship_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o garden_n and_o retirement_n of_o the_o contemplative_a than_o from_o the_o table_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o active_a four_o devotion_n participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o meditation_n be_v the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o ascetic_a life_n and_o indeed_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o great_a employment_n a_o life_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v a_o life_n of_o business_n but_o a_o retire_a one_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n eucharist_n and_o meditation_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o be_v otherwise_o unless_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o some_o false_a end_n of_o retirement_n for_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o ascetic_a life_n in_o these_o the_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v enlarge_v raise_v ravish_v in_o these_o it_o sore_n up_o to_o heaven_n and_o look_v down_o upon_o earth_n in_o these_o it_o possess_v stability_n and_o security_n peace_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o frail_a instable_n nature_n and_o a_o restless_a and_o tumultuous_a world_n in_o these_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v exercise_v with_o a_o most_o tender_a sensible_a delight_n sorrow_n fear_n or_o reverence_n hate_n and_o indignation_n do_v here_o express_v themselves_o to_o the_o height_n not_o only_o without_o any_o disorder_n or_o torture_n but_o also_o with_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o nature_n love_n hope_v joy_v reign_v here_o without_o either_o check_n or_o satiety_n but_o i_o forget_v that_o these_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a and_o inexhaustible_a they_o will_v engage_v i_o endless_o i_o forget_v that_o they_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o so_o often_o and_o so_o excellent_o i_o will_v therefore_o contract_v my_o sail_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a aspect_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o i_o can_v pass_v over_o meditation_n without_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n upon_o it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o wear_a subject_n and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o find_v pardon_n i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o this_o superfluous_a impertinence_n if_o it_o be_v one_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a short_a one_o i_o will_v
his_o power_n be_v ever_o at_o hand_n to_o supply_v their_o defect_n and_o accommodate_v and_o attemper_v they_o to_o particular_a emergency_n and_o his_o prerogative_n be_v under_o no_o tie_n no_o limitation_n but_o those_o of_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n say_v i_o lay_v i_o down_o and_o sleep_v for_o it_o be_v thou_o lord_n make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n every_o good_a man_n may_v say_v the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a warrant_n not_o in_o peace_n and_o health_n only_o but_o in_o sickness_n in_o a_o tempest_n whether_o by_o sea_n or_o land_n in_o a_o plague_n in_o a_o battle_n in_o a_o siege_n in_o a_o storm_n to_o believe_v ourselves_o under_o the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o i_o nothing_o less_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v make_v those_o thing_n we_o be_v concern_v in_o flow_v with_o a_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a stream_n that_o he_o will_v place_v we_o in_o a_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n safe_a and_o agreeable_a or_o if_o not_o that_o in_o distress_n and_o danger_n he_o will_v contrive_v the_o method_n of_o our_o rescue_n and_o where_o the_o ordinary_a be_v insufficient_a find_v out_o extraordinary_a that_o he_o will_v concur_v and_o cooperate_v with_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a that_o he_o will_v exert_v a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o vouchsafe_v a_o extraordinary_a succour_n plain_o thus_o tho'_o i_o know_v not_o the_o unsearchable_a method_n of_o divine_a providence_n yet_o from_o god_n concern_v himself_o for_o my_o good_a i_o may_v bold_o infer_v that_o in_o my_o sickness_n i_o may_v hope_v for_o that_o from_o god_n which_o i_o can_v from_o the_o skill_n of_o my_o physician_n that_o in_o troublesome_a time_n i_o may_v expect_v that_o from_o providence_n which_o i_o can_v from_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n or_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o in_o necessitous_a involve_a and_o intricate_a circumstance_n i_o may_v promise_v myself_o that_o issue_n from_o his_o favour_n which_o i_o can_v from_o the_o prudence_n integrity_n or_o bounty_n of_o my_o friend_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o in_o all_o case_n i_o can_v hope_v for_o that_o from_o my_o prayer_n which_o i_o otherwise_o can_v not_o from_o (null)_o power_n or_o policy_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v all_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o our_o security_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o shall_v be_v deficient_a nothing_o can_v restrain_v he_o from_o exert_v a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o preservation_n his_o fix_a and_o universal_a law_n be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o affair_n shall_v require_v his_o immediate_a interposal_n i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v fancy_v his_o prerogative_n so_o bound_v that_o he_o can_v or_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o tho'_o his_o pavilion_n be_v thick_a cloud_n and_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n though_o his_o providence_n be_v a_o great_a abyss_n and_o the_o swiftness_n and_o secrecy_n of_o his_o act_n elude_v our_o search_n and_o baffle_v our_o inquiry_n so_o that_o we_o can_v discern_v when_o he_o act_v by_o prerogative_n when_o by_o law_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o he_o do_v frequent_o exert_v a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o great_a business_n be_v to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o unerring_a guide_n of_o this_o dubious_a and_o float_a life_n a_o firm_a support_n of_o this_o mortal_a corruptible_a nature_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o effectual_a way_n to_o oblige_v god_n if_o this_o be_v the_o great_a message_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v light_a then_o st._n john_n inference_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a that_o he_o only_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n can_v maintain_v a_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o be_v be_v dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o a_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n must_v be_v the_o only_a method_n to_o endear_v ourselves_o to_o a_o god_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a spirit_n nay_o though_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v necessary_o found_v in_o their_o consonancy_n and_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o still_o since_o they_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n we_o need_v search_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o height_n of_o purity_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n invite_v we_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o be_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o perfection_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o all_o indispensible_a to_o the_o happy_a conduct_n of_o our_o temporal_a affair_n but_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o eternal_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o religious_a we_o be_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v please_v god_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o so_o uncontested_a a_o point_n nature_n itself_o dictate_v that_o a_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v the_o strong_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o the_o wise_a or_o good_a and_o obedience_n the_o most_o effectual_a recommendation_n of_o we_o to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n whether_o therefore_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o best_a or_o the_o great_a the_o character_n under_o which_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v ever_o represent_v he_o religion_n that_o be_v imitation_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v ever_o come_v to_o pretend_v to_o his_o favour_n nor_o be_v virtue_n less_o apt_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n and_o amity_n of_o man_n than_o that_o of_o god_n it_o fence_n we_o about_o with_o the_o arm_n and_o succour_n of_o mankind_n if_o guard_v we_o with_o all_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o all_o their_o prayer_n for_o their_o love_n and_o reverence_n make_v they_o both_o active_a and_o wakeful_a in_o our_o service_n how_o direct_o repugnant_a to_o all_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o irreligion_n it_o leave_v we_o no_o other_o safeguard_v than_o that_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o vigilance_n which_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o folly_n and_o fear_n our_o weakness_n and_o cowardice_n for_o alas_o what_o be_v my_o single_a reason_n or_o force_n when_o i_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n to_o second_v i_o how_o much_o less_o when_o the_o indignation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o secret_a aversion_n or_o open_a enmity_n of_o the_o other_o scare_v and_o intimidate_v i_o how_o can_v a_o man_n hold_v out_o against_o danger_n if_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o gild_n within_o and_o his_o reason_n overthrow_v by_o ominous_a fear_n do_v not_o lessen_v but_o multiply_v his_o terror_n hence_o be_v that_o of_o solomon_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v but_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n abandon_v by_o god_n and_o man_n he_o seem_v at_o last_o abandon_v by_o himself_o too_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v under_o this_o article_n amount_v to_o this_o first_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o date_n of_o (null)_o life_n be_v not_o fatal_a and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v prolong_v or_o protract_v therefore_o i_o proceed_v second_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v prolong_v and_o here_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o conducive_a to_o this_o than_o a_o cheerful_a mind_n a_o healthful_a body_n and_o a_o propitious_a providence_n i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o what_o inspire_a author_n have_v frequent_o teach_v length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n thou_o shall_v come_v to_o thy_o grave_n in_o a_o full_a age_n like_v as_o a_o shock_n of_o corn_n come_v in_o its_o season_n a_o bless_a and_o perfect_a religion_n at_o once_o the_o guard_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n at_o once_o the_o support_v and_o delight_n of_o (null)_o nature_n sect._n 3_o two_o objection_n against_o the_o design_n of_o the_o former_a paragraph_n answer_v but_o against_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o will_v be_v object_v first_o how_o be_v this_o that_o you_o contend_v for_o how_o be_v those_o text_n which_o make_v length_n of_o day_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n reconcilable_a with_o those_o other_o which_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v
their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
exchange_v false_a for_o true_a and_o irrational_a for_o rational_a pleasure_n if_o i_o be_o in_o the_o right_a if_o my_o condition_n be_v true_o good_a and_o safe_a it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v nothing_o further_a to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o maintain_v my_o ground_n but_o if_o i_o be_o in_o the_o wrong_n if_o the_o foundation_n be_v unsound_a and_o rot_a and_o whilst_o i_o dream_v not_o of_o it_o my_o health_n and_o fortune_n i_o mean_v my_o imaginary_a happiness_n consume_v inward_o waste_n and_o decay_v insensible_o why_o be_o i_o fond_a of_o the_o cheat_n why_o be_o i_o unwilling_a to_o be_v undeceive_v and_o disabused_a and_o why_o not_o present_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a they_o acknowledge_v the_o representation_n i_o have_v make_v to_o they_o of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o rational_a life_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o take_a but_o to_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o new_a state_n to_o come_v forth_o into_o this_o moral_a light_n be_v as_o troublesome_a as_o the_o infant_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o natural_a they_o love_v the_o ease_n and_o wealth_n of_o a_o prosperous_a trader_n but_o not_o the_o hardship_n of_o his_o apprenticeship_n the_o thrift_n and_o confinement_n of_o his_o beginning_n they_o love_v laurel_n and_o triumphal_a arch_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o victory_n but_o can_v endure_v the_o toil_n and_o hazard_n of_o war._n or_o plain_o thus_o they_o admire_v liberty_n of_o mind_n serenity_n and_o rational_a joy_n but_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o purchase_v it_o thus_o the_o wretched_a man_n fear_v the_o regiment_n of_o physic_n wear_v out_o a_o miserable_a life_n in_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o disease_n and_o one_o that_o have_v a_o cancer_n or_o gangrene_n choose_v to_o waste_v and_o rot_v in_o pain_n by_o piecemeal_n rather_o than_o undergo_v the_o short_a pain_n of_o amputation_n or_o absition_n nay_o what_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o this_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o their_o disease_n love_v the_o thing_n that_o increase_v and_o nourish_v they_o as_o the_o gross_a and_o corpulent_a do_v rest_n the_o lethargic_a sleep_n and_o the_o hydropic_a drink_n this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o state_n of_o disease_n and_o death_n a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n a_o state_n of_o infatuation_n and_o enchantment_n and_o i_o very_o much_o fear_n that_o whatever_o motive_n can_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o now_o upon_o will_v be_v too_o weak_a and_o feeble_a for_o what_o can_v all_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o world_n about_o rational_a pleasure_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o regular_a and_o virtuous_a life_n amount_v to_o with_o man_n whole_o give_v up_o to_o sensuality_n and_o incapable_a of_o relish_v any_o pure_a and_o sacred_a delight_n if_o i_o have_v succeed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o opinion_n that_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n or_o religion_n be_v a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n tho'_o they_o have_v not_o any_o true_a gust_n or_o clear_v and_o lively_a notion_n of_o this_o pleasure_n it_o be_v the_o utmost_a i_o can_v hope_v for_o but_o to_o persuade_v these_o man_n to_o embrace_v this_o life_n there_o be_v need_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o either_o reason_n or_o religion_n can_v administer_v and_o these_o too_o point_v with_o all_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n with_o all_o the_o edge_n and_o flame_n that_o wit_n or_o judgement_n can_v give_v they_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o i_o o_o god_n thou_o lover_n of_o mankind_n that_o thou_o will_v aid_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n while_o i_o strive_v to_o prevail_v with_o young_a and_o old_a to_o seek_v thy_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n to_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o true_a pleasure_n i_o will_v first_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o young_a and_o then_o to_o those_o more_o advance_v in_o year_n 1._o to_o the_o young_a you_o be_v now_o in_o your_o bloom_n what_o glorious_a fruit_n may_v you_o bring_v forth_o what_o honour_n may_v you_o do_v god_n what_o service_n may_v you_o render_v your_o relation_n and_o your_o country_n and_o what_o joy_n and_o blessing_n may_v you_o not_o heap_v upon_o yourselves_o time_n and_o tide_n seem_v to_o wait_v upon_o you_o even_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n be_v it_o say_v seem_v to_o attend_v and_o court_v you_o but_o ah_o remember_v they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o ever_o these_o smile_n and_o invitation_n of_o heaven_n and_o nature_n will_v not_o last_v continual_o your_o infidelity_n or_o ingratitude_n your_o folly_n and_o sensuality_n will_v soon_o blast_v and_o wither_v all_o these_o fair_a hope_n turn_v all_o your_o pleasure_n into_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o all_o your_o bless_a advantage_n into_o the_o instrument_n of_o your_o ruin_n and_o aggravation_n of_o it_o too_o grace_n will_v soon_o retire_v nature_n degenerate_a time_n grow_v old_a the_o world_n despise_v you_o the_o god_n of_o it_o frown_v upon_o you_o and_o conscience_n guilty_a conscience_n will_v be_v either_o stupefy_v and_o benume_v or_o fester_v and_o rage_n within_o you_o and_o death_n will_v come_v and_o then_o judgement_n and_o how_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v ah_o who_o know_v sudden_a and_o early_a death_n ought_v to_o convince_v you_o on_o what_o uncertain_a ground_n you_o stand_v the_o scythe_n of_o death_n stay_v not_o always_o till_o the_o harvest_n be_v ripe_a but_o promiscuous_o mow_v down_o the_o young_a and_o old_a ah_o begin_v begin_v then_o to_o live_v seize_v upon_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n while_o they_o stand_v court_v and_o invite_v you_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o glory_n immediate_o while_o the_o difficulty_n be_v few_o your_o strength_n and_o aid_n great_a your_o judgement_n be_v not_o yet_o corrupt_v by_o the_o maxim_n or_o rather_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o your_o will_n yet_o disable_v and_o enslave_v by_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_n ah_o venture_v not_o to_o devote_v your_o youth_n to_o vanity_n and_o folly_n on_o presumption_n of_o devote_v your_o age_n to_o repentance_n and_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o just_a design_n in_o itself_o yet_o be_v it_o to_o you_o a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o doubtful_a one_o for_o which_o way_n can_v you_o ensure_v life_n or_o on_o what_o ground_n can_v you_o confide_v on_o the_o morrow_n boast_v not_o of_o to_o morrow_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o i_o know_v what_o opposition_n will_v be_v raise_v against_o this_o kind_n of_o exhortation_n and_o with_o what_o rude_a reflection_n they_o will_v be_v treat_v come_v say_v they_o this_o be_v our_o spring_n let_v we_o enjoy_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o have_v time_n and_o vigour_n religion_n look_v too_o grave_a and_o formal_a for_o these_o year_n we_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o he_o dull_a and_o melancholy_a come_v on_o then_o let_v we_o enjoy_v ourselves_o as_o become_v our_o youth_n this_o be_v our_o portion_n and_o our_o lot_n be_v this_o and_o whatever_o they_o who_o have_v now_o outlive_v themselves_o who_o blood_n be_v four_o and_o spirit_n low_a may_v grave_o talk_v against_o these_o thing_n they_o too_o when_o time_n be_v admire_v what_o they_o now_o will_v have_v we_o despise_v as_o vanity_n and_o commit_v themselves_o what_o they_o now_o condemn_v in_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v we_o pass_v over_o the_o briskness_n and_o the_o flourish_n and_o examine_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o talk_n the_o substance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n one_a youth_n be_v the_o season_n of_o pleasure_n i._n e._n sin_n and_o folly_n inclination_n and_o opportunity_n conspire_v to_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o therefore_o you_o indulge_v it_o what_o a_o strange_a argument_n be_v this_o be_v there_o any_o period_n of_o our_o life_n from_o our_o cradle_n almost_o to_o burr_n coffin_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o moment_n we_o arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o our_o grave_n wherein_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o be_v not_o in_o season_n may_v not_o manhood_n defend_v ambition_n and_o old_a age_n covetousness_n by_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o which_o you_o do_v your_o sinful_a pleasure_n if_o inclination_n to_o a_o folly_n will_v justify_v our_o commission_n of_o it_o in_o what_o part_n of_o life_n shall_v we_o begin_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v the_o time_n wherein_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o inclination_n to_o any_o sin_n or_o folly_n or_o rather_o if_o this_o be_v so_o who_o can_v be_v guilty_a the_o adulterer_n will_v impute_v his_o uncleanness_n to_o the_o impetus_fw-la of_o his_o lust_n the_o murderer_n his_o bloodshed_n to_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o rage_n i._n e._n each_o of_o they_o their_o sin_n